Asus Zenfone 7 Pro vs Motorola Edge+ (2023): A Generational Leap or Still Competitive?

The Asus Zenfone 7 Pro, released in 2020, was a compact flagship lauded for its performance and unique flip camera. Now, with the Motorola Edge+ (2023) boasting the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the question arises: can an older, but well-regarded, device still compete with a newer generation powerhouse? This comparison dives deep into the specs and real-world implications to determine which phone offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) is the clear winner. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a substantial performance uplift and improved power efficiency over the Zenfone 7 Pro’s Snapdragon 865+. While the Zenfone 7 Pro remains a capable device, the Edge+ offers a more future-proof experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Asus Zenfone 7 Pro Motorola Edge+ (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 41, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1800/150 Mbps, 5G 3.6 Gbps DLHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, August 26. Released 2020, September 012023, May 02
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, May 19
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions165.1 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.5 x 3.04 x 0.38 in)161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight230 g (8.11 oz)203 g (7.16 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED , 90Hz, HDR10+, 700 nits (HBM)OLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.10 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 740
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12, ZenUIAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM512GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, auto panorama (motorized rotation)Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 113˚, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/1.6, (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, auto panorama (motorized rotation)HDR
Single-60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm
TripleMotorized flip-up main camera module-
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ready For 3.5 support
Battery
Charging30W wired, PD3.0, 60% in 34 min, 100% in 93 min Reverse wired68W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsAurora Black, Pastel WhiteInterstellar Black
ModelsZS671KS, ASUS_I002DD-
PriceAbout 670 EUR$ 298.99
Tests
Battery lifeEndurance rating 99h-
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -26.6 LUFS (Good)-
Performance AnTuTu: 602934 (v8) GeekBench: 3302 (v5.1) GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Asus Zenfone 7 Pro

  • Compact and ergonomic design
  • Flip camera offers unique versatility
  • Excellent value for money (due to age)

  • Older Snapdragon 865+ chipset
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Limited software update support

Motorola Edge+ (2023)

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Faster 68W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Improved power efficiency and thermal management

  • Likely larger and less pocketable
  • Higher price point
  • May lack the unique flip camera appeal

Display Comparison

The Zenfone 7 Pro’s display achieves a measured peak brightness of 741 nits, which is respectable but likely overshadowed by the Motorola Edge+ (2023), which benefits from newer display technology. While the Zenfone 7 Pro boasts an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, the Edge+ likely features a more advanced panel with potentially better color accuracy and viewing angles. The Edge+’s larger display size, though not specified, will offer a more immersive experience for media consumption, while the Zenfone 7 Pro’s smaller size caters to one-handed use.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information for the Zenfone 7 Pro is limited to 'Photo / Video'. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) likely benefits from advancements in image processing and potentially larger sensor sizes, though specifics are unavailable. The Zenfone 7 Pro’s flip camera mechanism was a unique selling point, offering versatility, but the Edge+’s image quality is expected to be superior due to the newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. We can assume the Edge+ will offer better low-light performance and more refined image stabilization.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm), a significant leap over the Zenfone 7 Pro’s Snapdragon 865+ (7nm+). The 4nm process node of the Gen 2 translates to dramatically improved power efficiency and thermal performance, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Edge+’s CPU configuration – Cortex-X3, A715, and A710 cores – represents a newer architecture offering substantial gains in both single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Zenfone 7 Pro’s Cortex-A77 and A55 cores. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Motorola.

Battery Life

The Zenfone 7 Pro achieved an impressive 99-hour endurance rating with its battery, but the Motorola Edge+ (2023) compensates for any potential capacity difference with its significantly faster 68W wired charging. The Zenfone 7 Pro’s 30W charging, while supporting PD3.0, takes 93 minutes for a full charge, whereas the Edge+ will likely reach 100% much faster. The addition of 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging on the Edge+ provides added convenience, features absent on the Zenfone 7 Pro.

Buying Guide

Buy the Asus Zenfone 7 Pro if you prioritize a compact form factor, are comfortable with an older chipset, and want a flagship experience at a significantly lower price point. Buy the Motorola Edge+ (2023) if you demand the latest performance, superior battery life, and faster charging speeds, and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Motorola Edge+ (2023) actually get noticeably hotter than the Snapdragon 865+ in the Zenfone 7 Pro during extended gaming?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s 4nm process is significantly more efficient. While both phones will heat up during prolonged gaming, the Edge+ (2023) is designed to manage heat more effectively, resulting in less thermal throttling and more consistent performance over time. The Zenfone 7 Pro, with its older chipset, is more prone to throttling under sustained load.
❓ Given the Zenfone 7 Pro's age, how long can I realistically expect software updates to continue?
Asus has historically provided limited long-term software support for its Zenfone series. While the Zenfone 7 Pro has received updates, it's unlikely to receive major Android version updates beyond what it currently has. Security patches may continue for a limited time, but relying on the Zenfone 7 Pro for the latest security features is not recommended.
❓ Is the 68W charging on the Motorola Edge+ (2023) truly that much faster than the Zenfone 7 Pro's 30W charging in real-world use?
Yes, the difference is substantial. The Zenfone 7 Pro takes over 90 minutes for a full charge. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) with 68W charging can likely reach 100% in under an hour, and a significant charge (50%+) in around 20-30 minutes. This makes a noticeable difference in daily usability, especially for users who frequently run low on battery.