Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Asus ROG Phone 8. These two smartphones might seem like they're playing in different leagues – one a stylish flagship, the other a gaming beast – but they have more in common than you might think. Let's break down the specs and see what each phone brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-08 | 2024-01-18 | ROG Phone 8 is significantly newer, meaning it generally has better components and software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 73.5 x 8.4 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 is a bit taller, wider, and thicker, indicating a larger overall size. |
| Weight | 198.5g | 225g | Edge 30 Ultra is noticeably lighter, which is better for comfortable prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphone designs, not foldable. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly larger screen which may be better for media consumption or gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same FHD+ resolution. |
| PPI | 395 | 388 | Similar pixel density, both offering sharp text and images. |
| Technology | P-OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with slight variations in panel tech that will affect viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8’s higher refresh rate makes for smoother animations. |
| Brightness | 1250 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 is substantially brighter, offering better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | ROG Phone 8 has a newer generation processor, which translates to noticeably better performance across the board. |
| Antutu Score | 1,231,300 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 delivers drastically better performance, particularly beneficial for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8’s GPU enables more intensive graphical tasks and higher performance in games. |
| BATTERY | |||
| Capacity | 4610mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 has a larger battery, providing significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 125W | 65W | Edge 30 Ultra charges much faster, which can be important for users on the go. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | Non-removable | Edge 30 Ultra has Wireless and reverse wireless charging options. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 200MP (f/1.95, 1/1.22") | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56") | Edge 30 Ultra has a much higher resolution, but ROG Phone 8 has larger pixels which can mean better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 60MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 32MP | Edge 30 Ultra has a higher resolution front camera. |
| Telephoto lens | 12MP(f/1.6) | N/A | Edge 30 Ultra has a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle lens | 50MP(f/2.2, 1/2.76") | N/A | Edge 30 Ultra has a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a shot. |
| Macro lens | N/A | 5MP (f/2.4) | ROG Phone 8 has a dedicated Macro lens for very close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP (f/2.2) | ROG Phone 8 has a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video | 8K@30fps | 8K@24fps | Both offer high-quality video recording, with slightly different frame rates. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, RAW | Gimbal, LAF | Edge 30 Ultra offers PDAF and RAW, while ROG Phone 8 features Gimbal and laser autofocus. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (max 13) | Android 14 (max 16) | ROG Phone 8 has a newer and longer software support and also runs a newer Android Version. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | ROG Phone 8 supports the latest WiFi 7 for faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 with Apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC, Apt-x Adaptive | ROG Phone 8 offers a newer version with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | Multiple | Multiple + NavIC | ROG Phone 8 supports more GPS systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | ROG Phone 8 comes in 256GB minimum, and Motorola Edge 30 Ultra has a base of 128 GB. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | ROG Phone 8 has higher RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | DTS / DTS X, 3 mics | ROG Phone 8 offers superior audio recording and playback, with extra noise cancelation features, with surround sound. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 offers superior screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both have similar sensor suites for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: The Edge 30 Ultra's lighter build makes it more comfortable for daily use, especially one-handed.
- Fast Charging: 125W wired charging is a significant advantage, allowing for super-quick power-ups. 50W Wireless charging is also a plus.
- Higher Resolution Camera: The 200MP main camera and 60MP selfie camera have higher megapixel counts, potentially appealing to users wanting highly detailed images. Also comes with telephoto and wide angle lenses for different types of photos.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Faster charging speeds, and wireless charging capabilities.
- More versatile camera setup with telephoto and wide angle lenses.
- Strengths:
Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Adreno 750 GPU offer a significantly better performance than the Edge 30 Ultra, ideal for heavy gaming and multitasking.
- Superior Display: The brighter screen (2500 nits) and higher refresh rate (165Hz) make the ROG Phone 8 excellent for outdoor visibility and smooth visuals.
- Extended Battery Life: The 5500mAh battery provides longer usage time, crucial for gamers and power users.
- Advanced Audio: DTS/DTS X, 3 microphones provides superior audio quality.
- Longer Software Support: Comes with newer version of Android and has a longer lifespan of OS upgrades.
- Better Build Quality Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers a far more durable screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Higher gaming and performance output.
- Significantly better display quality and brightness, offering smoother visuals.
- Longer battery life.
- Newer Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS standards.
- More advanced audio recording quality and playback, offering noise cancellation.
- Strengths:
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Motorola Edge 30 Ultra: Lacks the latest processor, its performance in graphically intensive tasks and long duration multi-tasking is weaker than the ROG Phone 8. It is limited by older bluetooth, GPS and WiFi technology. It also lacks the longer lifespan of OS upgrades.
- Asus ROG Phone 8: Heavier, and its bulkiness might not appeal to all users. Its 65W fast charging speed is slower compared to the Motorola and does not have wireless charging. It also lacks a telephoto and wide-angle lens, unlike the Motorola.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is best for:
- Users who prioritize a comfortable lightweight design.
- Users who need super-fast charging.
- Users who prefer a versatile camera system with telephoto and wide angle lenses.
- Users who value a balance of style, comfort and fast charging speeds.
- Asus ROG Phone 8 is best for:
- Mobile gamers and performance enthusiasts who demand top-tier processing power.
- Users who need longer battery life and a brighter, smoother display experience.
- Users who require better audio features.
- Users who want to be on the latest OS version.
- Users who want the best build quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance and gaming to you? If gaming and high-performance tasks are a priority, the ROG Phone 8’s superior processor, GPU, and display make it the clear winner.
- Do you prefer a lightweight and comfortable design? If so, the Edge 30 Ultra is noticeably more convenient to hold and use daily.
- Which camera system do you prefer? If you want the flexibility of a telephoto and wide angle lens, the Edge 30 Ultra is the better choice. If you want more detailed low-light photos, the ROG Phone 8 has larger pixels and better low-light performance. If you value high resolution front facing camera the Edge 30 Ultra has the advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you prioritize daily comfort and value a good camera, the Edge 30 Ultra is a solid, more balanced choice.
- The Power User: If you need top-tier performance, longer battery life and a better display, the ROG Phone 8 is the way to go.
- The Mobile Gamer: If you are looking for a dedicated gaming experience, the ROG Phone 8's processing power, display, and audio features are purpose-built to excel in this arena.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Asus ROG Phone 8. While I appreciate the lighter build and fast charging of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra, the ROG Phone 8's sheer power and superior display is too compelling. I'm also someone who appreciates the advanced audio features for my music and podcasts, as well as the longer battery life and better software support. Although I would miss the telephoto lens on the Motorola, I am confident that the ROG Phone 8 would provide a much smoother experience in my everyday use and is a more future-proof choice. The ROG Phone 8 comes with the superior build quality as well, which is a definite plus.
