Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Asus Zenfone 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.1 mm | Moto G Power is significantly larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. Zenfone 9 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 169g | Zenfone 9 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 5.9" | Moto G Power has a larger screen, better for media consumption. Zenfone 9 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Zenfone 9 offers a much sharper and clearer display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 266 ppi | 445 ppi | Zenfone 9 has noticeably sharper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 9 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Zenfone 9 provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 9 is much more visible in bright outdoor environments. Moto G Power brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Zenfone 9 provides much faster performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,232,500 | Zenfone 9 is significantly faster for all tasks, and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | Zenfone 9 provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00µm pixels | Zenfone 9 has slightly higher resolution with a larger sensor and pixels, generally better image quality and low light performance, Moto G Power has wider aperture for light gathering. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" Sony IMX663, 1.22µm pixels | Zenfone 9 has higher resolution, larger sensor size, better image quality. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power offers depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power has dedicated macro camera. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX363, 1.40µm pixels | Zenfone 9 has a wide-angle lens for more versatile shooting. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps (EIS) | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60/120fps (HDR,EIS), 1080p@30/60/240fps (HDR,EIS) | Zenfone 9 offers far superior video recording quality and stability features. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, EIS, PDAF, LAF | Digital zoom, Dual camera, OIS, Gimbal, PDAF, RAW | Zenfone 9 has OIS and a gimbal for better stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Moto G Power has a larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 30W | Zenfone 9 charges faster. |
| Charger | 10W in-box | No charger in-box | Moto G Power has a charger included. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Zenfone 9 has a more up-to-date Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Zenfone 9 has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Zenfone 9 has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 9 has more precise location services with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Zenfone 9 can support 2 SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB or 64GB | 128GB or 256GB | Zenfone 9 offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 8GB or 16GB | Zenfone 9 has significantly more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Zenfone 9 has much better audio playback and call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 9 has a much more durable display. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone 9 has more sensors for advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, especially for users who prioritize endurance.
- Lower Price Point: Generally more affordable, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger in the box, saving an additional purchase.
- Macro and Depth Cameras: Offers dedicated macro and depth sensors, adding extra creative options, though the quality is lower.
Asus Zenfone 9 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers significantly faster processing, multitasking, and gaming performance.
- Significantly Better Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate provides a superior visual experience.
- Higher Quality Camera System: Better main and front cameras, plus ultra-wide lens, as well as much higher video quality with optical stabilization and gimbal.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging refills the battery much quicker.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers significantly more RAM for multitasking and more internal storage space.
- Modern Software: Ships with Android 12 (upgradable to 14), with more features and a longer support window than Android 10.
- Premium Audio: Hi-Res audio support, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation provide superior audio experience.
- Durable Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection provides increased scratch and shatter resistance.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Offers the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, along with better GPS functionality.
- Compact Design: Easier to hold and pocket.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G Power: You sacrifice screen quality, performance, camera capabilities, and features for a larger battery and lower cost.
- Zenfone 9: You give up a little bit of battery capacity and you have to buy a charger separately to get the fast charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious individuals who prioritize battery life.
- Users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks (calling, texting, browsing).
- Those who want a larger screen for media consumption on a budget and are not concerned with image sharpness.
Specific Use Cases:
- Long commutes or trips where charging opportunities are limited.
- Elderly users who need a large screen and straightforward interface.
- Backup phone or secondary device.
Asus Zenfone 9 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and overall experience.
- Gamers and heavy app users.
- Individuals who want a compact, high-quality smartphone.
- Those who want a phone with the latest features and longer-term software support.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming, video editing, and other performance-heavy applications.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts who need high-quality results.
- Users who want a small phone, but don't want to compromise on performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Moto G Power offers good value for basic needs with an emphasis on affordability and long battery life.
- The Zenfone 9 is a higher-priced device but offers a significantly better experience and features which justify its cost for power users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary need? (Battery life vs. Performance/Display)
- What is your budget? (Is a low cost crucial, or is premium performance worth the extra money?)
- What size phone do you prefer? (Do you prefer a larger or smaller phone?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you need a phone primarily for calls, texts, and light browsing and want a low cost and long battery life, the Moto G Power is the more sensible choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance Enthusiast: If you frequently play games, take photos, watch videos, and need a fast and responsive phone, the Asus Zenfone 9 is the far superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Compact User: If you value a phone that can be used with one hand and is easy to carry around, the Asus Zenfone 9 is the way to go.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia Consumer: If you watch a lot of videos, the larger screen on the Moto G Power may be appealing, but the significantly better display of the Zenfone 9 will provide a better viewing experience.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Asus Zenfone 9. While the Motorola Moto G Power offers a larger battery, the Zenfone 9 significantly outclasses it in every other important aspect. The difference in performance is dramatic, thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and the display is vastly superior. The camera system on the Zenfone 9 is also much more capable and versatile, and the device is more compact and has more modern connectivity features.
While the slightly smaller battery on the Zenfone 9 might be a concern for some, the faster charging largely mitigates this. I value the overall performance and experience that the Zenfone 9 delivers, and for my use case - which involves heavy multitasking, photography, and gaming - these features outweigh the larger battery on the Motorola. It's also worth noting that for day-to-day usage, the difference in battery life is usually marginal, so the benefits of the Zenfone 9 become much more obvious.
