Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Asus ROG Phone 6. We'll go beyond just spec sheets and talk about how these phones actually feel and function in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, focusing on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm | The Edge 30 is much thinner and lighter, making it more pocketable. The ROG Phone 6 is bulkier, a trade-off for its gaming focus. |
| Weight | 155g | 239g | The Edge 30 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for all-day use. The ROG Phone 6 has a substantial feel, indicating its robust build. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | The ROG Phone 6 offers a slightly larger screen, good for immersive gaming and media consumption. The Edge 30 is still plenty spacious. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2448 | Both provide a sharp, detailed viewing experience. The differences are negligible in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density, providing very clear and sharp images on their screens. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices; excellent for media consumption and overall viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 165Hz | The ROG Phone 6 provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling, which is very appealing for gamers. The Edge 30 is not far behind and also very smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The ROG Phone 6 offers significantly better outdoor visibility and is much more suitable for use in bright sunlight than the Motorola Edge 30. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | The ROG Phone 6 has a much faster processor, resulting in snappier app launches, better multitasking, and a much better gaming experience. The Edge 30 is good for normal use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 1,203,000 | The ROG Phone 6 demonstrates much faster performance for demanding tasks such as 3D gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the ROG Phone 6 provides much better graphics performance, making the gaming experience much smoother and more visually appealing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020 mAh | 6000 mAh | The ROG Phone 6 has a significantly larger battery, providing longer battery life and extended use. The Edge 30 will likely need daily charging. |
| Charging Speed | 33W | 65W | The ROG Phone 6 charges much faster and will quickly get you back on the go. The Edge 30 is still fast but noticeably slower. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 10W Reverse charge | The ROG Phone 6 has additional features that allow for charging while gaming without overcharging, and can act as a power bank. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Both have capable main cameras, the Edge 30 with a slightly wider aperture and slightly larger sensor size. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14" | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93" | Edge 30 has a higher-resolution selfie camera. The ROG has a wider aperture and slightly bigger sensor for better light. Both take good selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 13MP, f/2.2 | The ROG Phone 6 includes a dedicated wide-angle camera, making it more flexible for capturing diverse shots. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Motorola has a dedicated portrait camera. |
| Macro Lens | No | 5MP, f/2.4 | The ROG Phone 6 has a dedicated macro lens, great for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | No | Motorola Edge 30 combines ultrawide and macro in a single lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | The ROG Phone 6 can capture higher resolution video and frame rates, making it more versatile for videographers. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Both offer the same android version and upgradability. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, 802.11ad | Both have similar WiFi. ROG offers slightly advanced WiFi compatibility. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer Bluetooth 5.2 with slight variations on additional features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The ROG Phone 6 has more satellite systems for superior location accuracy, a plus for avid travelers or map users. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | The ROG Phone 6 offers a higher storage capacity variant, but neither device allows for external storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12/16GB | ROG Phone 6 provides more RAM options, which improves multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows for external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, 2 mics | DTS/DTS X, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 4 mics | The ROG Phone 6 provides better audio, ideal for gamers or audiophiles, the Edge 30 is still good for day to day usage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both have basic fingerprint sensors, safe and consistent for daily use. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | The ROG Phone 6 provides better screen protection, offering superior scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | The ROG Phone 6 has more sensors than the Edge 30, allowing for more advanced features and gaming-specific functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Strengths:
- Sleek & Lightweight: Its slim profile and low weight make it incredibly comfortable to hold and carry.
- Solid All-Rounder: Offers a balanced set of features, suitable for everyday tasks, media consumption, and casual gaming.
- Good Value: Generally more affordable, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
- Good cameras: It has a 50MP wide angle with macro combined into a single lens, as well as a dedicated portrait mode camera.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Strengths:
- Ultimate Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, coupled with ample RAM, delivers a top-tier gaming experience.
- Superior Battery: The 6000mAh battery and 65W fast charging keep you powered for much longer with quick top-ups.
- Gaming Focus: The 165Hz display, enhanced audio, and specialized features cater specifically to gamers.
- Advanced display: Its display can go up to 1200 nits, making it much more suitable for outdoor use.
- Dedicated macro lens: The ROG Phone has a dedicated macro lens that allows for enhanced macro photography.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Edge 30: The display's maximum brightness and graphics are not ideal for demanding tasks. Its battery life is good, but not exceptional, and charging speed is much slower.
- Asus ROG Phone 6: The large size and weight make it less convenient for daily carry. It's more expensive, a cost directly tied to its premium features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30:
- Everyday Users: Perfect for those who need a reliable, stylish, and versatile phone for daily tasks, browsing, and media consumption.
- Budget-Conscious: An excellent choice for users who want a good balance of features and price.
- Design-Focused: A great fit for users who prioritize a sleek, lightweight design over cutting-edge gaming features.
Asus ROG Phone 6:
- Mobile Gamers: Ideal for users who want the best possible gaming performance and features.
- Power Users: Great for those who require top-end performance, large storage options, and a long-lasting battery.
- Tech Enthusiasts: A perfect choice for those who want the latest and greatest features and performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- What is your primary use case for the phone?
- If you're primarily browsing, using social media, and doing light gaming, the Motorola Edge 30 is a good fit.
- If you are primarily gaming, doing video editing, or other demanding tasks, the Asus ROG Phone 6 is the superior choice.
- How important is size and portability?
- If a sleek and lightweight design is a priority, the Motorola Edge 30 will be more comfortable.
- If you're okay with a larger and heavier phone for better performance and battery life, the Asus ROG Phone 6 is the way to go.
- What is your budget?
- If you are looking for something more affordable, the Motorola Edge 30 offers good value for the cost.
- If you're willing to pay a premium for the best possible performance and gaming features, the Asus ROG Phone 6 is worth the investment.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler: If your life is about being on the move, the Edge 30 with its light design is ideal. If you have a chance to plug in your phone every now and then, its average battery life will be sufficient for you.
- Student: The Edge 30 might be the best option due to its more affordable price, while still offering good functionality.
- Gamer: The ROG Phone 6 is built for the best possible gaming experience, making it the optimal choice for the best graphics and performance.
- Photographer: If you are looking for a phone that has flexibility in the kinds of photos you take, the ROG Phone 6 is the best option, as it has a dedicated macro and wide angle lens that make it more versatile.
My Choice
If it were my money on the line, I'd choose the Asus ROG Phone 6. Yes, it's bulkier and more expensive, but the sheer performance leap is significant. As someone who enjoys mobile gaming and heavy usage of their device, I value that speed and extended battery life. The brighter display also adds to its usefulness in outdoor settings. While the Edge 30 is a very good all-rounder, the ROG Phone 6 offers a more premium experience.
