Okay, let's break down these two very different phones – the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Asus ROG Phone 6. It's a classic case of budget-friendly versus high-performance, so the choice really depends on what you prioritize.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications, with a focus on their real-world impact:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm, 208g | 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm, 239g | Moto G51 is lighter and slightly thinner, more comfortable for extended use. ROG Phone 6 is bulkier, feels more substantial, may be less comfortable in pockets. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard form factor phones, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Minimal difference in size, both offer large screens, but ROG Phone 6 display quality is superior |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2448 | Effectively identical; both provide crisp images for everyday use. |
| PPI | 387 | 395 | Very similar pixel density; both provide crisp images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | ROG Phone 6 has a drastically superior display with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. Moto G51's display may look washed out comparatively. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 6 offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations. Moto G51 still offers a smooth 120Hz experience for a budget phone. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | ROG Phone 6 is much better for outdoor use in bright conditions. Moto G51's display may be hard to see in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | ROG Phone 6’s processor is much faster, offering smoother performance for everything from everyday apps to demanding games. Moto G51's processor is for basic use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 1,203,000 | ROG Phone 6 is significantly faster, offering a much snappier and more responsive experience. Moto G51 is noticeably slower in heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | ROG Phone 6's GPU is significantly more powerful, ideal for high-end mobile gaming. Moto G51's GPU is weaker and is not ideal for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56") | ROG Phone 6 has a larger sensor and slightly smaller aperture, capturing more light and detail. |
| Front (Selfie) | 13MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.0) | ROG Phone 6’s front-facing camera has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 13MP (f/2.2) | ROG Phone 6’s wide angle lens has higher resolution, capturing more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 5MP (f/2.4) | ROG Phone 6’s macro lens has higher resolution, capturing more detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | ROG Phone 6 can record much higher resolution and quality video and is better for content creation. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, Basic modes, RAW | PDAF, OIS, EIS, Manual Modes, Night Mode, RAW | ROG Phone 6 has more advanced features for photography and videography including OIS, EIS and dedicated Night Mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 6 has a larger battery and should last longer, though real usage varies. |
| Charging | 10W | 65W | ROG Phone 6 charges much faster, allowing you to get back to full faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, Reverse charging 10W | ROG Phone 6 features are more convenient than the Moto G51. |
| Other Features | |||
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | ROG Phone 6 has a newer version of Android and will receive more updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | ROG Phone 6 has a newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 | ROG Phone 6 has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering better stability and performance. |
| 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) | ROG Phone 6 supports more systems for precise location tracking. |
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | ROG Phone 6 has much more storage, ideal for media, games and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB | 8GB, 12GB or 16GB | ROG Phone 6 has more RAM, offering smoother multitasking and performance. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | ROG Phone 6 has a much better audio experience for listening to media and taking calls. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Moto G51 has a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | ROG Phone 6 is significantly more protected against scratches and falls. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | ROG Phone 6 is more versatile in terms of sensors for gaming and additional features. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths: This phone is all about affordability and provides good basics for everyday use. It offers a large display, smooth refresh rate, and 5G connectivity at a budget-friendly price. Its lightweight build is also a plus for many.
- Weaknesses: The performance is modest, making it unsuitable for demanding tasks, gaming, and photography. The display is a major drawback in comparison to the AMOLED of the Asus and it's brightness is low. The camera system is decent, but can't compete with higher-end devices.
- User Experience: You’ll get a smooth experience for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light apps. It's good for those who want a big screen without spending a lot.
- Competitive Advantages: It's one of the cheapest 5G phones available and perfect for those who want that and nothing more.
Asus ROG Phone 6:
- Strengths: This is a gaming powerhouse with a top-tier processor, a super-smooth display, and amazing audio system. It’s designed for the best mobile gaming experience, offering fantastic performance, a responsive display, and outstanding build quality.
- Weaknesses: It's bulky and heavy, making it less comfortable for casual daily use. It also comes at a premium price point.
- User Experience: Expect incredibly fast performance, smooth graphics, immersive sound, and the ability to play any mobile game at its highest settings.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s at the pinnacle of gaming performance and premium features for mobile.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users who want a big display for media consumption
- Those who need a reliable smartphone for daily tasks and calling
- People who prioritize 5G connectivity without breaking the bank
- Users who do not need high end performance for gaming or camera.
Asus ROG Phone 6 is best for:
- Hardcore gamers seeking the highest performance on mobile
- Users who want a no-compromise experience for both gaming and multimedia.
- Content creators who want a high-quality camera and video recording.
- Anyone who demands the latest tech and a premium experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is gaming to you? If gaming is a main priority, the ROG Phone 6 is the clear winner. For casual gaming, the Moto G51 is adequate.
What's your budget? The ROG Phone 6 is a flagship phone with a premium price tag, the Moto G51 is much more affordable.
- How important is camera performance? The ROG Phone 6 has a much better camera for photos, and its ability to record 4K and even 8K video makes it a much better choice if you are a content creator.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you're primarily looking for an affordable, large-screen phone for daily tasks, the Motorola Moto G51 5G is a great choice.
- Casual User: If you want an all-rounder with better performance, camera and display, the Moto G51 would not satisfy you.
- Gaming Enthusiast: The Asus ROG Phone 6 is the obvious choice for peak gaming performance and a premium mobile experience.
- Camera Focused: The ROG Phone 6 is better for its camera capabilities and would provide much better shots and video, if that's what you are looking for, you need to go for the ROG Phone 6.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 6. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I value performance, display quality, and advanced features. While the price is higher, the ROG Phone 6 offers a noticeably superior experience in almost every aspect that matters to me. The difference in performance is too significant to ignore, and I appreciate the much better camera, display and audio. I'm willing to carry the extra bulk for the superior gaming experience and content creation capabilities, plus it's future proof. The Moto G51 is a very capable budget phone, but it is not a contender in the same league as the Asus ROG Phone 6, and that's why it's my choice.
