1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2021-05-13 | Asus is newer, potentially longer software support |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | Motorola is larger and bulkier; Asus is more compact and pocketable |
| Weight | 212g | 169g | Asus is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 5.9" | Motorola offers a larger screen, better for media consumption; Asus is more comfortable for single-handed use |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have same sharpness |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 446 PPI | Asus has a sharper display with higher pixel density |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Asus has deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and improved power efficiency for dark modes |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Asus screen is significantly smoother, better for scrolling and gaming |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Asus screen is much brighter and has vastly better outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Asus has a much more powerful flagship chipset for demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 891,700 | Asus offers a drastically faster performance, suitable for gaming and heavy multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 660 | Asus has a significantly more powerful GPU, important for gaming and graphics-intensive apps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Motorola has a larger battery, potentially longer battery life, but depends on optimization |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 30W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Asus charges faster despite a smaller battery |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor | Asus captures more detail with better sensor; Motorola has a slightly wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22 µm pixel size | Motorola offers a higher resolution; Asus has larger pixels, better in low light |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Motorola offers dedicated wide-angle shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Motorola offers dedicated macro shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2 | Asus has a versatile wide-angle macro camera |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS, 4K up to 120fps | Asus offers far superior video recording capabilities, with more options |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 116 (Mobile) | Asus has a tested good camera system |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Asus has a newer OS with more potential for updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Asus has a faster and more modern WiFi standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Asus has a slightly newer Bluetooth version and more audio codec support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, dual-band GPS, NavIC | Asus supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Asus offers higher storage options |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 6/8/12/16 GB | Asus offers much more RAM for multitasking and demanding apps |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Asus provides a much better audio experience with high-quality audio, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Similar basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Asus has far superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Asus has more sensors, potentially for gaming use |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7-inch screen is better for media consumption, browsing, and multitasking for some users.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery potentially provides longer battery life, good for users who prioritize endurance.
- Dedicated Wide and Macro Lenses: Offers more camera versatility for specific shots.
Practical Implications:
- The larger display is great for those who watch a lot of videos or prefer larger text.
- The bigger battery is designed for users who need their phone to last all day on a single charge.
- Dedicated lenses add to versatility when capturing a variety of image styles
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact Size and Lighter Weight: Easier to handle with one hand and more pocketable.
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and high brightness offers a much better viewing experience.
- Flagship Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a significant performance boost for gaming and heavy applications.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 30W charging replenishes battery faster
- Superior Cameras: Main camera has a better sensor; Versatile wide-angle and macro, better video capabilities
- More RAM and Storage Options: 16GB of RAM available and up to 256GB of storage
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers, and a noise-canceling microphone improve the audio experience
- Better Connectivity: Includes newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards
- Better Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
- More Sensors: Includes Gravity and Hall sensor.
- Newer OS and Support: Comes with Android 11, which can be upgraded to 13
Practical Implications:
- More comfortable to hold and use, especially for users with smaller hands.
- More vivid and smoother visual experience, excellent for content consumption and gaming.
- Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Superior camera and video quality, great for capturing memories or professional content creation.
- Better overall user experience, due to increased responsiveness.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Loses in display quality, performance, camera quality, and software compared to the Asus Zenfone 8. Its large size may be a disadvantage for some. It does provide dedicated wide-angle and macro lens.
- Asus: Smaller battery capacity might not last as long as the Motorola under heavy usage. Lacks dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, though it provides combined wide-angle macro functionality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Users who prioritize battery life above all else.
- Users who prefer a larger display for media consumption.
- Users on a budget seeking a 5G phone with a big screen.
- Users who value having dedicated wide and macro lenses.
Specific Use Cases:
- Streaming videos and browsing the web for extended periods.
- Reading ebooks and documents on a large screen.
- General daily use for calling, texting, and social media.
- Casual photography where a wide angle or macro shot is wanted.
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Users who want a compact and powerful phone.
- Users who prioritize display quality and performance.
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming and require a smooth experience.
- Users who prioritize a high-quality camera for photography and video.
- Users who want latest software, audio capabilities, and connectivity standards.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Professional use cases requiring a robust processor and high-quality display.
- Users who value a great multi-media experience and want the latest and fastest phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Motorola: Offers good value for users seeking a large display and long battery life on a budget.
- Asus: Commands a higher price but offers a far superior experience in display quality, performance, cameras, audio, and build quality, making it better value overall.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (e.g., gaming, media consumption, general use)
- Do I prioritize battery life or display/performance?
- What is my budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Consumer & Budget Conscious - If you watch a lot of videos and prioritize screen size and battery life and are on a budget, the Motorola Moto G 5G is the better option for you.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Quality Focused User: If you demand the best display, high-end performance, the best cameras, and compact size, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the clear choice, despite the higher price.
- Scenario 3: Gamer: If you are a gamer who needs the best graphics, the highest frame rates, and are not worried about cost, you need the Asus Zenfone 8.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While the Motorola Moto G 5G offers a larger battery, and is likely more affordable, the overall user experience of the Zenfone 8 is just much higher. The significantly superior display, vastly more powerful processor, much better camera, and higher-quality audio experience, make it a better value despite the higher price tag. As a power user, I value performance, image quality, and a superior visual experience, all of which the Asus provides in a more compact size. Additionally, having a device with more modern Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a newer operating system is very valuable to me. The difference in quality is significant.
