Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Asus Zenfone 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | The Moto G30 is significantly larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for single-handed use. The Zenfone 8 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 169g | The Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, which makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 5.9" | The Moto G30 provides a larger screen for media consumption, while the Zenfone 8 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Zenfone 8's higher resolution means sharper text and images and a more detailed visual experience. |
| Pixel Density | 269 ppi | 446 ppi | The Zenfone 8’s display will appear considerably sharper and more detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Zenfone 8's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Moto G30's LCD, along with better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Zenfone 8’s higher refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The Zenfone 8 is significantly brighter and is easier to see under direct sunlight. The Moto G30 brightness information is unavailable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | The Zenfone 8 has a significantly more powerful processor, providing much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 891,700 | The Zenfone 8's benchmark score is drastically higher, indicating a huge performance gap; the Zenfone is suitable for demanding applications while the Moto G30 is better for light usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 660 | The Zenfone 8’s GPU provides significantly better graphics processing performance, improving the gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | 64MP, f/1.8 | The Moto G30 has slightly wider aperture. The Zenfone 8 uses a Sony IMX686 sensor which is generally considered higher quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.45 | The Moto G30 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture. The Zenfone 8 has larger pixel size and a Sony sensor, which could translate to better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | The Moto G30 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, offering more versatility for landscape photography. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | The Moto G30 has a depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | The Moto G30 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 12MP, f/2.2 | The Zenfone 8 has a combined wide-angle and macro lens, providing flexibility for various types of shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps | The Zenfone 8 has a far superior video recording capabilities with higher resolutions and frame rates, while the Moto G30 lacks advanced features like stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF, LAF, etc. | Dual camera, OIS, EIS, etc. | The Moto G30 has a quad-camera system with laser autofocus, while the Zenfone 8 emphasizes image stabilization and higher quality video capture. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | Main Score: 116, Photo: 120, Video: 118 | The Zenfone 8's camera has been tested and scored well in DXOMark tests, the Moto G30 score is unavailable for comparison. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | The Moto G30 has a larger battery, potentially resulting in longer battery life. Actual battery life depends on usage and optimization. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Zenfone 8 has faster charging, which allows for quicker top-ups. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | The Zenfone 8 uses newer technology that often provides better charging cycles. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Android 12 | Android 11, Max Android 13 | The Zenfone 8 is expected to receive newer Android version update than the Motorola G30 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | The Zenfone 8 supports Wi-Fi 6, which means faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | The Zenfone 8's Bluetooth 5.2 offers more efficient connections and higher data throughput. |
| 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) | The Zenfone 8 has a more comprehensive GPS system, enhancing location accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Zenfone 8 has an option for double the storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB | The Zenfone 8 offers significantly more RAM options for better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither phone has expandable storage, which could be limiting for media hoarders. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | The Zenfone 8 offers far better audio quality with high-resolution playback and superior sound capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Zenfone 8 has much superior screen protection, which makes it more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Zenfone 8 has an additional compass for better navigation capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lenses: The G30 provides extra versatility for creative photography with macro and depth sensors, in addition to the wide-angle lens.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
Practical Implications: The G30 is a workhorse for everyday users who want a reliable phone that will last throughout the day and take some creative pictures, although the quality might be lower than dedicated cameras.
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Higher Quality Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, brightness, and refresh rate provides a noticeably better viewing experience.
- Better Camera: While it has a dual camera system, the Zenfone 8 features a higher-quality main sensor and advanced video capabilities, along with superior image stabilization.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging allows for much quicker charging times, which can be useful for people on the go.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio output offer superior media consumption experiences.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer better speeds and more reliable connections.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides much better screen protection.
Practical Implications: The Zenfone 8 is the better choice for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and a premium mobile experience. It's a mini-flagship, offering top-tier specs in a compact form factor.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 8 has a smaller battery than the Moto G30 and could result in shorter battery life for heavy users.
- The Moto G30 has additional dedicated camera sensors, but the overall quality doesn't compare to the Zenfone 8.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for daily tasks and basic photography.
- Users who prioritize a long battery life and do not demand high performance for gaming or intensive applications.
- Users who want a larger screen for media consumption but do not require the best visual quality.
Use Cases:
- General browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Basic photography with good versatility thanks to the multiple rear camera sensors.
- Users who need a phone that will reliably last throughout the day without constant recharging.
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Tech enthusiasts and power users who prioritize performance and visual experience.
- Users who want a flagship experience but prefer a smaller and more compact smartphone.
- Users who need a quality camera with advanced video recording capabilities for content creation.
- Users who value premium features like high-quality audio and excellent connectivity.
- Users who want the best possible screen quality in a mobile device.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and content creation.
- High-resolution video recording and editing.
- Professional photography and photo editing.
- Media consumption (movies, music, etc.) with high-quality audio.
- Users who need fast performance and excellent multitasking capabilities.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Motorola Moto G30: Offers good value for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and basic functionality.
- Asus Zenfone 8: Justifies its higher price with top-tier performance, display, and camera technologies.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's Your Budget? The Moto G30 is significantly cheaper, so if budget is the primary concern, it's the clear choice. The Zenfone 8 is more expensive but offers better overall quality.
- What's More Important: Battery Life or Performance? The Moto G30 has a bigger battery for longer life while the Zenfone 8 has better performance.
- How Will You Use Your Camera? The Moto G30 offers more lenses but the Zenfone 8 has better image quality and video recording capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: If you primarily need a phone for basic tasks, want good battery life, and a budget-friendly option, the Motorola Moto G30 is the more practical choice.
Scenario 2: If you prioritize performance, camera quality, display and better audio and don't mind paying a premium price and possibly shorter battery life, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the better choice.
Scenario 3: If you're a gamer or a content creator on a budget, you may find that neither phone meets all your needs, and might want to consider a compromise phone (not discussed in this comparison).
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8.
My Reasoning:
While I appreciate the larger battery of the Moto G30, my preference leans towards the better overall performance, superior display, and significantly higher quality camera and audio of the Zenfone 8.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 888 is a substantial step up from the Snapdragon 662, and would provide a much smoother and more responsive experience, which is something I value in my day-to-day usage.
- Display: The AMOLED display is far superior to the LCD on the Moto G30. The higher refresh rate and pixel density provide a much sharper and more vibrant visual experience.
- Camera: While the G30 has multiple lenses, the quality of the photos and videos produced by the Zenfone 8 would be vastly better thanks to the better sensor and image processing capabilities, which I would greatly prefer as I value quality over versatility.
- Audio: The Zenfone's stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio provide a much better media experience, and the additional microphones would benefit voice calls and recordings.
- Build Quality: The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection is a great feature that is missing from the G30, especially since I tend to be clumsy with my phone.
While the battery of the Moto G30 is larger, the efficiency of the Zenfone 8’s processor would mitigate the battery difference in my day-to-day use. Also, the Zenfone 8’s much faster charging helps to offset any issues with smaller battery capacity. My primary focus is on overall quality and performance over battery life, and for me, the Asus Zenfone 8 provides the superior experience in my preferred use cases.
