Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Asus Zenfone 9 and the Motorola Moto G04s. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and translate what it all means for you in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 9 | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-15 | 2024-04-29 | The G04s is newer, meaning potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Zenfone 9 is significantly smaller and thicker, easier for one-handed use but bulkier in pocket, G04s is taller and thinner and lighter. |
| Weight | 169g | 178.8g | The Zenfone 9 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.56" | The Moto G04s offers a much larger display, better for media consumption, while the Zenfone 9 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1612 | Zenfone 9’s higher resolution provides a much sharper and clearer image; better for detail work, reading, and content consumption. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 445 | 269 | Zenfone 9’s higher pixel density translates to sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED on Zenfone 9 offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Zenfone 9 has a smoother scrolling experience due to higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Zenfone 9 is much better for outdoor visibility; essential for sunny days and content creation in bright environments. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Zenfone 9's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,232,500 | 220,000 | Zenfone 9 is magnitudes more performant, handling demanding apps and games with ease. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 (Qualcomm Adreno 730) | Mali-G57 MP1 (ARM Mali-G57) | Zenfone 9 is much faster for graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1) | Zenfone 9 has a larger sensor, capturing more light and detail, and performs better in low light. |
| Front Camera | 12MP (f/2.45, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Zenfone 9 has a higher resolution front camera for better selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363 Exmor RS) | Not available | Zenfone 9 has additional camera for wide-angle and macro shots. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@24fps HDR, 4K@120fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Zenfone 9 can record much higher resolution and smoother video, crucial for content creators and videographers. |
| Video Features | EIS, Gimbal, OIS, 4K/8K Recording, various HDR Modes | EIS, OIS | The Zenfone 9's Gimbal stabilization provides smoother videos than the G04s. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G04s has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Zenfone 9 recharges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | G04s has a newer OS out of the box while Zenfone 9 will be upgraded to Android 14. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Zenfone 9’s Wi-Fi 6 offers faster and more reliable connection on compatible networks, including Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with many codecs | 5.0, A2DP | Zenfone 9 offers newer Bluetooth and codec support. |
| GPS | L1+L5 dual-band precision, multiple systems | Standard GPS support | Zenfone 9 can provide more accurate location and navigation. |
| Storage and RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Both phones come in similar storage options. The Motorola Moto G04s comes in an additional 64 GB option |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB | 4GB | Zenfone 9 provides much more RAM for seamless multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | Zenfone 9 offers higher quality audio playback with more features, better for audiophiles. |
| Other | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Zenfone 9 has much better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Compass, Gravity, Hall | Standard suite | Zenfone 9 contains additional sensors, which can be utilized in more advanced features or third-party software. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Asus Zenfone 9 Strengths:
- Compact Powerhouse: Its small size combined with flagship-level performance is a rare and desirable combination.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with its high resolution, high refresh rate, and brightness offers a superior visual experience.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset ensures smooth, responsive performance across all apps and games.
- Advanced Camera System: Larger sensor, gimbal stabilization, 8K recording and a versatile secondary wide-angle lens makes for a more versatile and capable setup.
- Premium Audio Features: Including Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation and stereo speakers.
- Robust Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus and a solid chassis add to the device's longevity.
Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
- Larger Screen: A 6.56-inch display is excellent for media consumption and those who prefer a larger screen experience.
- Bigger Battery: The 5000mAh battery will likely result in longer battery life, especially for basic tasks.
- Newer Software: It ships with Android 14 out of the box.
- Budget-Friendly: Its lower price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Asus Zenfone 9's compact size might be a drawback for those who prefer larger screens. Its battery is smaller than the G04s, although it will still comfortably last the day.
- The Motorola Moto G04s significantly lags in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience compared to the Zenfone 9.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 9:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize performance, smooth multitasking, and demanding mobile games.
- Content Creators: Individuals who need excellent cameras and video recording quality on the go.
- Compact Phone Enthusiasts: Users who prefer one-handed usability and a small, easy to carry phone.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate high fidelity audio for music and video playback, along with high quality recording.
- Users Who Don't Mind the Premium Price: Users who don't need to pinch pennies.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a functional smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Media Consumers: People who mainly use their phone for watching videos and browsing the internet on a larger screen.
- Users who priortize longevity over performance People who value a long battery life for their everyday tasks.
- Users Who Don't Push the Phone Too Much: Users who stick to the basics, such as calls and messaging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- What is my priority: performance or budget? If your phone must handle demanding apps or games, the Zenfone 9 is the clear choice. If you are after the best value device, the G04s might be more sensible.
- Do I value a compact, pocketable phone or a large screen? If you prefer a small, pocketable phone, the Zenfone 9 is better. If you prefer a large screen for media consumption, the G04s may suit your needs.
- How important is camera quality? If you want the best photos and video, especially in low light, the Zenfone 9 outperforms the G04s significantly.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming on the Go: Choose the Asus Zenfone 9 for the best performance and graphics.
- Daily Media Consumption: If your priority is long battery life and a large screen, the Motorola Moto G04s is acceptable, but the screen isn't great.
- Casual Social Media and Messaging: The Motorola Moto G04s is okay for light use and messaging but could be slow and frustrating for power users.
- Content Creation: The Asus Zenfone 9 is clearly the better option with its 8K recording, gimbal stabilization, and versatile camera system.
What I Would Choose
If it were my money, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 9, without a second thought. The Zenfone 9 is a phenomenal device that punches well above its weight class, delivering truly flagship-level performance in a pocketable size. While it's undeniable that the Motorola Moto G04s is a newer phone and offers a larger battery, the Zenfone 9's overall performance and features just make it the clear winner. It is a much more capable device with better performance and a more versatile camera and ultimately would suit my needs much better.
The Zenfone 9 has a stunning display, fantastic processor and offers a camera that is significantly better than the G04s. I also value a compact phone that is easy to use in one hand, which the Zenfone 9 is great at, and I appreciate the additional sensors and features on the Zenfone 9. The additional audio enhancements and video capabilities are icing on the cake. The fact that it only costs a little more than the G04s makes the difference even more stark, making the Zenfone 9 an obvious choice.
