Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Asus ROG Phone 6. These two phones occupy very different niches in the smartphone world, and understanding their strengths and trade-offs is crucial for making an informed decision. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-06 | 2022-07-13 | The ROG Phone 6 is a significantly newer phone with more up-to-date technology. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no folding or unique form factors here. |
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm | The ROG Phone 6 is noticeably larger and bulkier; the Moto G31 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 181g | 239g | The Moto G31 is much lighter, which will be more comfortable for prolonged use. The ROG Phone 6's weight can be fatiguing for some users. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | The ROG Phone 6 has a larger display, which is better for media consumption and gaming, the Moto G31 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2448 | Both have similar resolutions, meaning image sharpness will be nearly identical. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 395 PPI | Both phones offer great image clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED technology for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | The ROG Phone 6's 165Hz refresh rate results in much smoother animations and gameplay, a major advantage for gamers. The Moto G31 will appear less fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The ROG Phone 6's significantly higher peak brightness makes it far better for outdoor visibility under sunlight. The Moto G31 will struggle in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The ROG Phone 6's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 1,203,000 | The ROG Phone 6's benchmark score is drastically higher, highlighting its performance advantage in all aspects. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | The ROG Phone 6's GPU is far superior, allowing for significantly better graphics rendering in games and other demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.00µm) | The ROG Phone 6 has a larger sensor with bigger pixels, capturing more light and generally better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 12MP (f/2.0, 1/2.93", 1.22µm) | The ROG Phone 6 has a wider aperture and larger pixels on its selfie cam for brighter, higher quality selfies. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.12µm) | 13MP (f/2.2) | The ROG Phone 6 has a higher resolution wide angle camera, capturing more detail. |
| Macro Resolution | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | 5MP (f/2.4) | The ROG Phone 6 has a higher resolution macro camera, improving close up picture quality |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | The ROG Phone 6 has a far superior video recording capability, supporting higher resolutions and frame rates, also offers EIS on all modes for enhanced stabilisation. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | The ROG Phone 6 has a larger battery, offering longer battery life, especially important for its demanding features and gaming focus. |
| Charging Speed | 10W | 65W | The ROG Phone 6's 65W fast charging allows for dramatically quicker battery top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | The ROG Phone 6 has additional features like bypass charging and reverse charging, which the Moto G31 doesn't. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | The ROG Phone 6 offers significantly more storage, useful for storing lots of games, media, and data. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB, 12GB or 16GB | The ROG Phone 6 has significantly more RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | The ROG Phone 6 has a newer OS and will receive future updates, offering better features and performance. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) + Wi-Fi MIMO | The ROG Phone 6 has a more advanced WiFi standard for faster speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 | The ROG Phone 6 has a newer Bluetooth version with more codecs and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The ROG Phone 6 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy and reliability. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | The ROG Phone 6 offers superior audio with clearer sound, better immersion and improved call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted fingerpint sensor | basic fingerpint sensor | The Moto G31's side mounted fingerprint scanner is slightly more convenient, the ROG Phone 6 provides basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The ROG Phone 6 has much better screen protection against scratches and damage. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G31:
- Strengths: Affordable, lightweight, compact design, and an AMOLED display. Decent battery life for casual usage.
- Competitive Advantages: Budget-friendly option, easy to handle for those with smaller hands or who prefer a lighter phone.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Low-end performance chipset, significantly slower charging, a basic camera system, and no advanced features like high refresh rate. Struggles in bright sunlight.
- Asus ROG Phone 6:
- Strengths: Top-tier performance, stunning display with a 165Hz refresh rate, excellent camera system, very fast charging, and a large battery. It's a mobile powerhouse.
- Competitive Advantages: Designed for gaming and performance, with advanced features like bypass charging and superior audio. Ideal for demanding users.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Large and bulky design, heavy, more expensive than the Moto G31, not for those who prefer compact or low-profile devices.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G31:
- Best Suited For: Casual users who prioritize affordability, lightweight design, and a good quality screen for daily use.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, basic photography, and media consumption. Suitable for budget-conscious individuals who don't need heavy processing power.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for its price, especially for those on a strict budget.
- Asus ROG Phone 6:
- Best Suited For: Mobile gamers, power users, and photography enthusiasts.
- Use Cases: Heavy gaming, video editing, professional photography, multitasking, and anything demanding top-tier performance.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its high price with class-leading performance, advanced features, and a top-notch user experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide between these phones:
- What is your budget? If affordability is the main concern, the Moto G31 is the better choice. The ROG Phone 6 is for those who can invest more for maximum performance and features.
- How important is performance for you? If you’re a casual user, the Moto G31 will suffice. If you’re a gamer or need a very powerful device, the ROG Phone 6 is the clear winner.
- What form factor do you prefer? If a lightweight, compact phone is a priority, choose the Moto G31. The ROG Phone 6’s larger size and heavier build are ideal for immersive gaming and media.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Student: The Motorola Moto G31 is the better choice due to its affordability and decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 2: Hardcore Gamer: The Asus ROG Phone 6 is the obvious winner, offering unrivaled gaming performance, a high refresh rate display, and a large battery.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: The Asus ROG Phone 6 offers a far superior camera system and video recording capabilities for creative content.
- Scenario 4: Casual User Needing a Basic Phone: The Motorola Moto G31 is more than adequate for basic tasks and media consumption, without breaking the bank.
What Would I Choose?
If it were my money, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 6. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I'm constantly pushing the limits of my devices and demand a phone that can keep up with my heavy multitasking, testing, and multimedia usage. The ROG Phone 6’s top-tier performance, superior display with a 165Hz refresh rate, fast charging, and exceptional camera system make it a no-brainer for me. While the Moto G31 is a perfectly capable budget phone, the ROG Phone 6 offers a premium experience that’s simply in a different class. The extra investment is worth it for its cutting-edge performance, superior features, and future-proof design. The ROG Phone 6, despite its bulk, offers a level of performance and a quality of experience that is a cut above.
