Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. These two phones represent very different ends of the smartphone spectrum, and I'm excited to break down what makes each one tick.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the core specs, along with what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | The Zenfone is slightly shorter and thinner, while the Moto G is a bit narrower. Both are large, but Zenfone's size contributes to a slightly larger display |
| Weight | 204g | 224g | Moto G is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for one-handed use over extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Zenfone offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Zenfone has a far sharper and more detailed screen; noticeably crisper text, images, videos. |
| PPI | 270 | 388 | Zenfone will have less visible pixelation on close inspection. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone's AMOLED display has deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone has smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in games and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone's screen is significantly more readable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Zenfone's chip provides vastly superior overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking, excellent for heavy gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone's performance in benchmark is nearly 4 times that of the Moto G, showcasing the vast difference in processing power. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming and GPU intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5500 mAh | Zenfone has a larger battery, meaning longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Zenfone charges much faster, spending less time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging, 10W Reverse Wired | Zenfone offers convenience of wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 (1/2.76") | 50MP f/1.9 (1/1.56") | Zenfone's larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 32MP f/2.5 | Zenfone's selfie camera produces higher detail and sharper images. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP f/2.4 | Zenfone has dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP f/2.2 | Zenfone captures a wider field of view for more inclusive group and landscape shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Moto G can create depth effect, but the implementation is typically not as polished as Zenfone. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Moto G has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Zenfone can record much higher quality videos. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes, EIS+OIS | Zenfone offers far superior image stabilization, giving you smoother video. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 480fps | Zenfone is equipped to capture slow motion at a high frame rate, whereas the Moto G has no slow motion capability. |
| DxoMark Camera Score | None | 125 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra performs much better in terms of camera quality. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Zenfone has a newer Android version with latest features and security updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Zenfone has a more up-to-date Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Zenfone supports more satellite systems for better positioning and accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Zenfone offers the ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB | 256GB/512GB | Zenfone has significantly more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB/16GB | Zenfone has more RAM that can improve performance, especially with heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD support. |
| Audio Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Zenfone offers a superior audio experience for calls, music, and videos. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Moto G has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that is likely more convenient than the standard one on the Zenfone. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone offers significantly better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Moto G has an additional barometer sensor. Zenfone has gravity and hall sensors |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G (2022):
- Strengths:
- Affordability: This is a budget-friendly device designed to get the job done without breaking the bank.
- Lightweight: The Moto G is notably lighter than the Zenfone, making it comfortable for extended use.
- Battery life: It has good battery life with a 5000 mAh battery, although charging speeds are slow.
- Weaknesses:
- Display: The 720p LCD is not sharp or bright and is less pleasant for media consumption than the AMOLED screen on the Zenfone.
- Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Camera: The camera is decent for everyday use but lacks the low-light capability and video quality of the Zenfone.
- Charging Speed: Slow charging at 10W.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Display: The 144Hz AMOLED display is vibrant, sharp, and incredibly smooth.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a powerhouse, making this phone exceptionally fast.
- Camera: The camera system is versatile, offering great image quality, and high-resolution video with advanced stabilization.
- Battery: The 5500 mAh battery and 65W fast charging allow you to spend less time plugged into the wall.
- Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wired charging, and cutting-edge connectivity.
- Weaknesses:
- Price: The Zenfone is a premium device and therefore will cost significantly more than the budget-friendly Moto G.
- Weight: It is a bit heavier than the Moto G, which may be noticeable during prolonged use.
- Basic Fingerprint sensor: It uses a standard fingerprint sensor instead of side-mounted, which may not be as convenient.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G (2022) is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a reliable phone for basic tasks (calls, texts, browsing) without spending much money.
- Casual users: Those who don't play graphically demanding games and don't prioritize advanced camera features.
- Users who prioritize weight and battery life: Those who need a lighter phone with a long-lasting battery.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is best for:
- Power users: Those who want the best possible performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system that performs well in any lighting situation.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Those who value a high-quality display for media consumption and content creation.
- Users who value cutting-edge technology: Those who want the latest features and best-in-class specs.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Moto G is a good option. If budget is less of an issue, the Zenfone offers a far superior experience.
- What will you primarily use your phone for? If it’s mostly for basic communication and browsing, the Moto G will suffice. For demanding tasks, gaming, and photography, the Zenfone is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize performance or affordability? If you want peak performance and are willing to pay a premium, the Zenfone is your choice. If you just need something that works well enough, the Moto G is a more budget-friendly option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Frugal Student: You need a basic phone for calls, texts, and the occasional web search. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G (2022) will do the trick without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer: You need a phone for heavy gaming with smooth graphics and responsiveness. Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Its powerful processor and high refresh display will provide an excellent gaming experience.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Lover: You want a phone that captures great photos and videos in all conditions. Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Its versatile camera system will offer a better experience.
- Scenario 4: The On-the-Go Professional: You need a phone that keeps up with your busy schedule, offering fast performance, long battery life, and the latest connectivity. Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the better choice for productivity and speed.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, no questions asked. The leap in performance is so significant that I would be able to do everything I need to faster and better. While the Moto G is a great budget option, it's just not in the same league. The Zenfone’s display alone is enough to make the experience feel several levels above that of the Moto G. The faster charging, advanced camera features, and cutting-edge connectivity features also make the Zenfone a better device for my needs. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip makes it a powerhouse, which makes the phone feel very responsive and performant. The fact that the Zenfone comes with 256GB or 512 GB of storage is also a huge benefit over the measly 64GB of the Moto G. I can live with the slightly heavier weight for the massive upgrade in performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities.
