Motorola Moto G30 vs Asus ROG Phone 5 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 17, 2021 April 26, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 113.8 cm³ 137.58 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.25 "/g 2.85 "/g
Weight 200 g 238 g
Height 165.2 mm 172.8 mm
Width 75.7 mm 77.3 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 10.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Phantom Black (Dark Pearl)
  • Pastel Sky
  • Phantom Black
  • Storm White

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.78 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2448
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 82 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 144 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 800 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 130.52 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.94 mAh/cm³ 43.61 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 6000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 660

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Accessory Connector

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 12 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G30Asus ROG Phone 5Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm172.8 x 77.3 x 10.3 mmAsus ROG Phone 5 is larger and bulkier, less pocketable.
Weight200g238gMoto G30 is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.5"6.78"Asus ROG Phone 5 has a slightly larger screen, slightly more immersive.
Resolution720 x 16001080 x 2448Asus ROG Phone 5 is much sharper, with clearer text and images.
Pixel Density (PPI)269395Asus ROG Phone 5 display looks significantly crisper.
TechnologyIPS LCDAMOLEDAsus ROG Phone 5 has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
Refresh Rate90Hz144HzAsus ROG Phone 5 offers smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones have identical peak brightness, values are not provided, so brightness comparison is not possible.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 662 (11 nm)Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Asus ROG Phone 5 is vastly faster, offering better app performance and gaming.
AnTuTu Score170,968883,000Asus ROG Phone 5 is far more powerful, resulting in a smoother overall experience and better performance in demanding applications.
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 660Asus ROG Phone 5 has much better graphics capabilities for gaming and graphically intense tasks.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh6000mAhAsus ROG Phone 5 may last longer, especially under heavy use.
Charging15W Fast Charging65W Fast ChargingAsus ROG Phone 5 charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime.
FeaturesNon-removableBypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removableAsus ROG Phone 5 has additional battery features including bypass charging and reverse charging capabilities.
Camera
Main Camera64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm64MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm, Sony IMX686Moto G30 has slightly wider aperture which could be better in low light. Asus ROG phone 5 has a larger sensor with bigger pixels.
Selfie Camera13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm24MP, f/2.45, 0.9µm, Samsung S5K2X7Asus ROG Phone 5 has higher resolution for more detailed selfies. Moto G30 has wider aperture.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm13MP, f/2.5Asus ROG Phone 5 has a higher resolution for detailed wide angle shots. Moto G30 has a wider aperture.
Portrait Lens2MP, f/2.4N/AMoto G30 has a dedicated depth camera.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.45MP, f/2.0Asus ROG Phone 5 has a higher resolution and wider aperture for macro shots.
Video1080p@60fps8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, Various 1080p optionsAsus ROG Phone 5 can record higher-resolution video with a variety of frame rates including 4k 120 fps.
Camera FeaturesQuadruple Camera, Laser Autofocus, RAWTriple Camera, Optical Zoom, Digital Stabilization, Night ModeAsus ROG Phone 5 has more advanced video features and optical zoom.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (Upgrade to 12)Android 11 (Upgrade to 12)Both can be upgraded to Android 12.
Connectivity
WiFi802.11a/b/g/n/ac802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/ax (WiFi 6)Asus ROG Phone 5 supports newer WiFi 6 standard, offering faster speeds.
Bluetooth5.0 LE5.2Asus ROG Phone 5 has a newer version, providing better connectivity.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5)Asus ROG Phone 5 supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning.
Storage
Internal64GB/128GB128GB/256GB/512GBAsus ROG Phone 5 has more storage options available.
RAM4GB/6GB8GB/12GB/16GB/18GBAsus ROG Phone 5 offers much more RAM, for superior multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows expandable storage.
Audio
Audio QualityBasicDTS/DTS X, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation, Stereo SpeakersAsus ROG Phone 5 offers superior audio quality.
Security
Fingerprint SensorRear-MountedBasicBoth offer basic biometric security through fingerprint sensors.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 6Asus ROG Phone 5 offers better protection from scratches and drops
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, GyroscopeFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, HallAsus ROG Phone 5 has a broader set of sensors.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:

  • Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more pocketable due to its lower weight and smaller dimensions.
  • Wider Aperture Main Camera: Potentially better low-light performance for the main camera.
  • Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated sensor for better depth sensing in portrait mode.
  • Slightly Wider Aperture for the Selfie Camera Wider aperture for better selfies in low light conditions.
  • Laser Autofocus: Potentially faster focus in some situations.

Asus ROG Phone 5 Advantages:

  • Significantly More Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 888 provides drastically better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
  • Superior Display Quality: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and better color accuracy.
  • Larger Battery with Fast Charging: Longer battery life and much faster charging.
  • Advanced Camera Features: Higher video resolution, optical zoom, better macro performance and other camera features.
  • Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and better audio processing.
  • Superior connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards.
  • More RAM and Storage: Offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and higher storage options.
  • Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for better screen protection.
  • Broader Sensor Suite: Includes a compass for navigation and Hall sensor.

Practical Implications:

  • The Moto G30 is a more affordable option that covers the basic needs of a smartphone. Its lighter design and slightly better low-light performance might be appealing for users who value portability and camera performance in specific conditions.
  • The Asus ROG Phone 5 is a premium smartphone focused on performance and multimedia consumption. It's much faster, offers a superior display and audio experience, and provides better gaming capabilities. However, it's larger, heavier, and more expensive.

Trade-offs:

  • Users choosing the Moto G30 are sacrificing significant performance and display quality for better portability and low-light camera performance.
  • Users choosing the Asus ROG Phone 5 are sacrificing some portability for superior performance and multimedia experience, plus paying a much higher price.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for Motorola Moto G30:

  • Budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks.
  • Users who prioritize portability and a comfortable grip.
  • Users who primarily take photos in well-lit conditions.
  • Users who may not need the fastest speeds, or the most demanding features.

Use Cases for Motorola Moto G30:

  • Everyday communication, web browsing, social media, and basic app usage.
  • Casual photography and video recording in daylight conditions.
  • Users who prefer a lightweight and easy-to-handle phone.

Ideal User for Asus ROG Phone 5:

  • Mobile gamers who require top-tier performance and a smooth display.
  • Multimedia enthusiasts who consume a lot of video and audio.
  • Users who need a phone with a long-lasting battery and fast charging.
  • Users that need fast data speeds, and great processing power.
  • Users who want a comprehensive feature set for productivity.

Use Cases for Asus ROG Phone 5:

  • High-end mobile gaming with graphically demanding titles.
  • Watching movies and videos with vibrant colors and high refresh rates.
  • Multitasking between several resource-intensive applications.
  • Users who need a high-performance phone for professional-grade content creation.

Price-to-Value:

  • The Moto G30 offers decent value for its price, suitable for users on a budget who are not focused on high-end specs.
  • The Asus ROG Phone 5 is a premium device with a high price tag, but its superior performance and features justify the cost for users who prioritize them.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your primary use case? (Gaming, general use, content creation, etc.)
  2. What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay a premium for high-end features?)
  3. How important is portability and comfort? (Do you need a lightweight and pocketable device?)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If you're looking for a basic phone for everyday use and don't need the best performance, the Motorola Moto G30 is the more cost-effective option.

  • Scenario 2: Gaming Enthusiast/Multimedia Power User: If you're a gamer or multimedia enthusiast looking for top-tier performance, the Asus ROG Phone 5 is the superior choice, as the gaming and multimedia experience outweighs the difference in price if it fits your budget.

  • Scenario 3: User Seeking Balanced Value: If you're looking for a good balance of features and performance without breaking the bank, the Motorola Moto G30 is a reasonable choice if you are willing to compromise on display quality and processing power for cost. However, if the budget is not a huge constraint, then the Asus ROG Phone 5 is a better option overall.

What I Would Choose and Why

Personally, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 5. My primary usage involves a combination of demanding tasks such as mobile gaming, heavy multitasking, and media consumption. The ROG Phone 5's superior display quality, significantly more powerful processor, larger battery with fast charging, and enhanced audio experience make it a much better fit for my needs, even though it comes with a higher price. While I acknowledge the Moto G30's advantages in portability and some specific camera features, the overall performance and multimedia experience of the ROG Phone 5 are much more compelling for my personal requirements. The ROG Phone 5 is also more future-proof with its better specs, ensuring longer-term usability.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.