Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Asus ROG Phone 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Moto G Power is slightly taller and thicker, making the ROG Phone 8 slightly more pocketable and sleek, but the difference is not substantial. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 225g | Moto G Power is significantly lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended one-handed use. ROG Phone 8 is heavier, which might feel more robust but less comfortable for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly larger screen, offering more screen real estate for content consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | ROG Phone 8 has a much sharper and clearer display due to its significantly higher resolution. Text and images appear noticeably crisper. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 388 PPI | ROG Phone 8 provides a significantly sharper image, noticeable when viewing text, photos, and videos. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | ROG Phone 8 has superior display with deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors and is more power-efficient when using dark themes, leading to better visuals and potential battery savings. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 offers dramatically smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience due to its significantly higher refresh rate, leading to a more fluid visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 is far more usable outdoors under bright sunlight due to its superior brightness. Moto G Power will struggle to be visible in such conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | ROG Phone 8 offers vastly superior performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and the ability to run demanding games without slowdowns. It's also more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 has significantly higher benchmark scores, which translates to vastly faster real-world performance in all areas. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 offers significantly better graphics performance suitable for high-end gaming, video editing, and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life, but the difference isn't dramatic. |
| Charging | 15W | 65W | ROG Phone 8 offers significantly faster charging speeds, allowing for quick power top-ups. The Moto G Power takes much longer to charge completely. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1.0µm, Sony IMX890, 1/1.56" | ROG Phone 8 has a higher resolution sensor and larger pixels with a superior sensor model, generally capturing more detail and light. The wider aperture of the Moto G Power is less impactful than the sensor differences. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 32MP | ROG Phone 8 has a significantly higher resolution front camera, producing clearer selfies and higher quality video calls. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G Power has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while the ROG Phone 8 relies on software for depth effects. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 5MP, f/2.4 | ROG Phone 8 macro camera has a higher resolution and is capable of capturing more detailed macro shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | ROG Phone 8 includes a wide angle lens, increasing the versatility of the camera with the ability to capture more expansive scenes, while the Moto G Power is limited to a standard field of view. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps HDR, EIS, 1080p@30/60/120/240, 720p@480fps | ROG Phone 8 supports higher video resolutions, frame rates, and slow-motion modes, resulting in much better video quality and recording versatility for content creators. |
| Features | PDAF, LAF | 4K/8K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, Gimbal, Continuous AF, Manual Focus, LAF, Night Mode | ROG Phone 8 offers far more advanced camera features, such as higher-quality video recording, image stabilization, advanced focusing modes, and night mode, enabling advanced photography options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | ROG Phone 8 runs a newer version of Android, with newer features, improved performance, and security enhancements, along with long-term updates. Moto G Power runs on a very old Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 7 | ROG Phone 8 supports much newer Wi-Fi standards for faster download/upload speeds, improved network performance and reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE, Apt-x, LDAC | ROG Phone 8 offers a newer Bluetooth version and advanced audio codec support, improving wireless audio quality and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 8 has more advanced GPS functionality, offering greater accuracy and quicker satellite lock. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | ROG Phone 8 offers the convenience of using two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 256 GB | ROG Phone 8 has significantly more storage space for apps, photos, videos, and other files. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 12/16 GB | ROG Phone 8 has significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and supporting demanding applications, especially with the 16 GB option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, meaning you will be limited by the internal storage of the phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ROG Phone 8 offers enhanced audio quality, with support for advanced audio technologies, better sound projection, and improved voice capture via the microphone array. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Moto G Power uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, often considered more convenient; ROG Phone 8 does not specify the exact location of the sensor but it is labeled as "basic". |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 features superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and accidental damage. Moto G Power's protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | ROG Phone 8 has an additional gravity sensor, which may be useful for enhanced gaming and sensor data collection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: The Moto G Power is significantly lighter (206.5g vs 225g) making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: While not necessarily technically superior, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is often found more convenient for unlocking.
- Lower Price: The Moto G Power is likely much more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. (Note: price not provided but it is a budget phone).
Practical Implications:
- The lighter weight and convenient fingerprint sensor position make the Moto G Power more comfortable and user-friendly for basic tasks and everyday use.
- Its primary advantage is being a budget phone, as it lags severely in performance, display, and features.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz, higher resolution, brightness, and vibrant colors offer a significantly enhanced visual experience, making it great for multimedia consumption, gaming, and general use.
- Much More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides dramatically superior performance, making it smoother and faster for all tasks, particularly gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: The ROG Phone 8 features a more versatile and higher-quality camera system, with multiple lenses, higher resolutions, optical image stabilization, 4k/8k video capabilities, and advanced features.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging allows for much quicker charging times, a convenient feature for on-the-go users.
- Modern Software: Android 14 provides access to the newest features, security updates, and performance optimizations.
- Advanced Connectivity: It has the most advanced WiFi and Bluetooth standards for faster, more reliable wireless connections.
- Superior Build Quality: The use of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides much better screen protection.
- Enhanced Audio: High-quality speakers and sound technologies provide a better audio experience.
- Larger Battery: The larger 5500 mAh battery might provide slightly longer battery life, but the performance difference could negate that in demanding scenarios.
Practical Implications:
- The ROG Phone 8 excels in gaming, content creation, and any other intensive tasks due to its superior performance, display, and camera.
- Its premium features make it a better option for users who demand the best in performance and multimedia capabilities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Weight: The ROG Phone 8 is heavier, potentially making it less comfortable for extended single hand use.
- Price: The ROG Phone 8 is a premium device and is expected to be significantly more expensive than the Moto G Power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks without spending too much money.
- Light users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for communication, web browsing, and light social media.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Users who need a phone that will last a full day without heavy use, though the capacity difference to the ROG Phone 8 is not significant.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, texts, emails).
- Light web browsing and social media.
- Casual photo capturing.
- Basic app usage.
Asus ROG Phone 8 - Ideal User:
- Gamers: Those who want a high-performance phone for demanding mobile games with high refresh rate and smooth graphics.
- Content Creators: Users who need a phone with advanced camera features for photo and video capture and who value a high-quality screen for viewing their content.
- Power Users: Individuals who demand the best performance and multimedia experience for multitasking, demanding apps, and content consumption.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features, connectivity, and the best possible specifications.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Photo and video editing.
- High-quality content consumption (movies, streaming).
- Multitasking between heavy applications.
- Professional photography and videography.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power will be much cheaper than the ROG Phone 8.
- What are your primary uses? The Moto G Power is suitable for basic usage; ROG Phone 8 for gaming and intensive tasks.
- How important is performance and display quality? The ROG Phone 8 excels in both while the Moto G Power lags.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight budget, basic needs: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). It covers basic functions without costing too much, provided that you don't mind significant compromises in performance, display quality, camera quality and software.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and content creation: Choose the Asus ROG Phone 8. It offers the best performance, a superior display, and advanced camera features for gaming and content creation.
- Scenario 3: Balanced performance and price isn't a big concern: Choose the Asus ROG Phone 8, for the best performance, display, camera, software and connectivity.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would select the Asus ROG Phone 8. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) serves its purpose as a budget-friendly device, the ROG Phone 8 is superior in almost every way. As someone who values performance, a high-quality display, and a versatile camera, the ROG Phone 8 meets all of these needs. The 120Hz AMOLED screen, the advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 8K video recording, and superior build quality make it the clear winner. Though it would be heavier, the advantages far outweigh this single disadvantage. Its price point is also not a major issue for me as the overall value it provides would be well worth it.
