Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Asus Zenfone 10. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and break down these specs into a user-friendly narrative.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key technical specifications, highlighting the real-world implications for each phone:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | The Moto G51 is significantly larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. The Zenfone 10 is more compact. |
| Weight | 208g | 172g | The Zenfone 10 feels noticeably lighter, making it better for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 5.92" | Moto G51 provides a larger screen for media consumption and browsing. Zenfone 10 is more pocket-friendly. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both screens offer the same level of sharpness, though pixel density differs. |
| PPI | 387 | 445 | The Zenfone 10 has a sharper display with higher pixel density, making text and images crisper. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 10’s AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the Moto G51's IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 has a slightly smoother experience, particularly when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 10 has significantly better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Zenfone 10 offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and more advanced gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 1,532,000 | The Zenfone 10 is dramatically more powerful, ideal for demanding tasks and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | The Zenfone 10 handles graphics-intensive tasks much better, delivering a better gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | The Moto G51 might offer better battery life due to its larger capacity, but this is balanced by its less efficient screen. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Zenfone 10 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wired charging | Zenfone 10 offers the flexibility of wireless and reverse wired charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" sensor | Zenfone 10 has a larger sensor which should result in better low light photos, although it has a slightly narrower aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.5, 0.7µm pixel size | Zenfone 10 offers higher resolution, while the Moto G51 has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Moto G51 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more flexible shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Moto G51 includes a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | Zenfone 10 has a Wide Angle + Macro lens which provides more versatility. |
| Video | 1080p @ 30/60/240fps | 8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 30/60fps | The Zenfone 10 offers much higher video recording capabilities, including 8K and 4K with HDR and EIS. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes, OIS + EIS | The Zenfone 10 has excellent video stabilization that will enable better video in many situations. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 comes with a newer OS and a longer upgrade path for future versions of Android, offering enhanced features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 10 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds, lower latency and better performance in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Zenfone 10 has a newer Bluetooth version, improving efficiency and supporting more codecs. |
| GPS | Standard GPS systems | Advanced GPS systems | Zenfone 10 offers more precise location tracking with support for more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Zenfone 10 has higher storage options, suitable for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB | 8GB or 16GB | Zenfone 10 offers significantly more RAM, improving multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic, 2 microphones | Zenfone 10 provides better audio experience with higher quality sound and noise cancellation, as well as stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer quick and reliable biometric security through a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Zenfone 10 has superior screen protection from scratches and breakage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone 10 has more sensors for advanced gaming and motion sensing. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G: Strengths
- Larger Display: The 6.8-inch screen is great for those who prioritize a big viewing experience, such as for watching videos and browsing content.
- Battery Capacity: A 5000mAh battery could offer longer use between charges for basic tasks.
- Price Point: Typically offered at a more budget-friendly price, which makes it accessible for many users.
- Camera Versatility: It features a triple camera setup including wide angle and macro lenses that some may find useful.
Asus Zenfone 10: Strengths
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset offers blazing-fast performance, perfect for power users and gamers.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, high brightness, and excellent pixel density delivers a visually stunning experience.
- Advanced Camera Capabilities: Features like 8K video recording, OIS, and a larger sensor result in top-notch photo and video quality.
- Compact Design: The smaller size makes it ideal for users who prefer a phone that fits comfortably in their hand and pocket.
- Modern Features: Wireless charging, more RAM, more storage, faster wifi and a newer OS are a few additional perks it offers.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Moto G51 5G: Its processing power is limited, and it lacks advanced features, so it might not be the best option for power users or those expecting a premium experience. The larger size may not be desirable to all.
- Asus Zenfone 10: Its smaller screen might be a downside for users who prefer larger displays, and the higher price point may not be accessible to all users. The battery life might be a bit less compared to the G51 due to its higher processing power, but it still offers a full day of use for most people.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, a larger screen, and affordability.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, watching videos, and basic daily tasks.
- Best For: Budget-conscious individuals who want a big screen experience.
- Asus Zenfone 10:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators who demand high performance and premium features.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, multitasking, and on-the-go productivity.
- Best For: Users who need power and advanced features in a compact design.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you need a large screen or prefer a compact device? If you need a big screen for media, the Moto G51 5G is the better option. However, if you prefer a phone that's easy to handle with one hand, then the Zenfone 10 is your best bet.
- How much performance do you need? If you just need a phone for daily tasks, the Moto G51 will suffice. However, for demanding gaming, multitasking, or future-proofing, the Zenfone 10 is the clear winner.
- What's your budget and priorities? If you are on a tight budget, then the Moto G51 5G is more affordable. But if you’re willing to pay more for a premium experience, the Asus Zenfone 10 is worth the investment.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Casual User: Choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G if you're primarily browsing, using social media, and need a big screen and a long-lasting battery.
- The Mobile Gamer/Power User: Choose the Asus Zenfone 10 if you need top-tier performance, advanced display capabilities, and a top-notch camera experience in a compact form factor.
- The Content Creator: Choose the Asus Zenfone 10 because of its superior video recording capabilities, advanced stabilization features, and high-quality image sensors.
- The Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G for an affordable option that still provides a large screen, while acknowledging the trade-offs in overall performance.
Final Thoughts
If you prioritize a larger screen and battery life, the Moto G51 5G is a solid budget option. However, the Asus Zenfone 10 is a significantly better phone in almost every other aspect including performance, display quality, camera capabilities, modern software, and design for a compact flagship experience.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 10. While the Moto G51 5G is a decent option for users on a tight budget, the Zenfone 10's blend of power, display quality, compact size, and advanced camera capabilities is too compelling to ignore. As someone who values performance, the ability to capture high quality photos and videos, and the latest features, the Zenfone 10 is the ideal phone for my needs. I don't mind the smaller screen or paying a premium for such a feature-rich package. The fast charging, modern software, and inclusion of things like wireless charging are also significant benefits that make the phone a much better pick than the Moto G51. The significantly better overall performance will also make it a much better long term device.
