Asus Zenfone 7 vs Motorola Edge+ (2023): A Generational Leap in Performance?

The Asus Zenfone 7, released in 2020, remains a compelling option for those seeking a compact flagship. However, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) represents a significant generational leap in mobile technology. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, battery life, and charging capabilities to determine which phone delivers the best experience in 2024.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides substantially faster performance and improved efficiency compared to the Zenfone 7’s Snapdragon 865. While the Zenfone 7 offers a more compact form factor, the Edge+’s superior processing power, faster charging, and wireless charging capabilities justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Asus Zenfone 7 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 (1x2.84 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
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM512GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, auto panorama (motorized rotation)Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single5 MP, f/2.6, AF-
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, 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
SingleVGA60 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
Stand-byUp to 450 h (2G) / Up to 430 h (3G)-
Talk timeUp to 14 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 7 h 10 min (3G)-
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsAurora Black, Pastel WhiteInterstellar Black
ModelsZS670KS, ASUS_I002D, I002D-
PriceAbout 910 EUR$ 298.99
SAR1.03 W/kg (head)     1.28 W/kg (body)     -
SAR EU0.52 W/kg (head)     -
Tests
Audio quality Noise -82.1dB / Crosstalk -80.7dB-
Battery lifeEndurance rating 42h-
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.422:1 (sunlight)-
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 63dB / Ring 76dB-

Asus Zenfone 7

  • Compact and ergonomic design
  • Still offers flagship-level performance for everyday tasks
  • Lower price point (likely due to age)

  • Older Snapdragon 865 chipset
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Lacks wireless charging

Motorola Edge+ (2023)

  • Significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
  • 68W fast charging and wireless charging
  • More modern feature set and software support

  • Likely larger and heavier than the Zenfone 7
  • Higher price point
  • May not appeal to users prioritizing extreme compactness

Display Comparison

The Zenfone 7’s display specifications are limited in the provided data, lacking details like refresh rate or resolution. However, the stated infinite (nominal) / 2.422:1 (sunlight) contrast ratio suggests a quality panel. The Edge+ (2023) is missing display details as well. Without knowing the panel technology (LTPO, AMOLED) or peak brightness of either device, a direct comparison is difficult. However, newer flagships generally offer higher peak brightness and more advanced display features like adaptive refresh rates, giving the Edge+ a likely advantage.

Camera Comparison

Both devices lack detailed camera specifications in the provided data. However, the age difference suggests the Edge+ (2023) likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes. The Zenfone 7’s camera system, while likely competent for its time, will struggle to match the dynamic range and low-light performance of a modern flagship like the Edge+. Without knowing sensor resolutions or aperture values, a definitive comparison is impossible, but the Edge+’s newer technology gives it a clear edge.

Performance

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) boasts the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU with a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz. This represents a significant upgrade over the Zenfone 7’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s architecture – incorporating Cortex-A715 and A710 cores alongside A510 efficiency cores – delivers substantially improved performance and power efficiency. The Zenfone 7’s Cortex-A77 cores, while capable, are less efficient and offer lower peak performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming on the Edge+.

Battery Life

The Zenfone 7 offers 30W wired charging, taking 93 minutes to reach 100%. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) significantly improves on this with 68W wired charging, alongside 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging. While the Zenfone 7 has an endurance rating of 42 hours, the Edge+’s more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and faster charging capabilities likely result in a comparable or better real-world battery experience. The addition of wireless charging on the Edge+ provides added convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Asus Zenfone 7 if you prioritize a truly compact flagship experience and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset. It’s ideal for users who value one-handed usability and don’t require the absolute latest in mobile gaming performance. Buy the Motorola Edge+ (2023) if you demand top-tier performance, fast charging, and a more modern feature set, including wireless charging. This is the better choice for power users, gamers, and those who want a phone that will remain relevant for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 865 in the Zenfone 7 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 865 is still a capable chipset, it will likely exhibit more thermal throttling and lower frame rates in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Edge+ (2023). Expect to potentially lower graphics settings for a smoother experience on the Zenfone 7.
❓ How much faster is the 68W charging on the Motorola Edge+ (2023) compared to the Zenfone 7's 30W charging in real-world use?
The 68W charging on the Edge+ (2023) will significantly reduce charging times. While the Zenfone 7 takes over 90 minutes for a full charge, the Edge+ can likely reach 100% in under an hour, and a substantial charge (50%+) in around 20-30 minutes. This is a major convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Is the lack of wireless charging on the Zenfone 7 a dealbreaker in 2024?
For many users, wireless charging is a convenient feature, and its absence on the Zenfone 7 is a notable drawback compared to the Edge+ (2023). If you rely on wireless charging pads at home or in the office, this could be a significant consideration.