Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. I'll be your guide, breaking down the specs and translating them into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what it means for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Moto is taller and slightly thicker, Zenfone is more compact. |
| Weight | 208g | 224g | Moto is noticeably lighter and easier to handle for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, Full HD+ displays. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 388 PPI | Similar sharpness, hard to tell the difference with the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone has vastly superior display with deeper blacks, better colors, and energy efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone offers smoother animations for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone is much brighter and usable under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Zenfone has significantly more processing power, handling demanding tasks with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone is over 300% faster, better for gaming and app performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone's GPU is far more powerful, for better graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Zenfone has a larger sensor, better for low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Zenfone captures higher resolution selfies, although a little less light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | Zenfone offers optical zoom capabilities which the Moto lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 13MP, f/2.2 | Zenfone has a wider field of view. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Moto allows taking macro photos which the Zenfone doesn't. |
| Video | Up to 1080p@240fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Zenfone offers much higher video resolution with superior stabilization. |
| Camera Features | LAF, PDAF, HDR, RAW | OIS, Gimbal, EIS, HDR, RAW | Zenfone has advanced stabilization, continuous autofocus, and more versatile video options. |
| DxOMark Score | - | 125 (Mobile), 131 (Photo), 115 (Video) | Zenfone's camera quality is objectively better based on tests. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5500 mAh | Zenfone has a slightly larger battery, may offer longer endurance. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Zenfone charges significantly faster; plus it has wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 16) | Zenfone has newer OS version with more feature and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi MiMO | Zenfone has the latest WiFi standard for faster speeds and enhanced connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Zenfone uses a newer version offering better performance, broader codec compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, 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) | Zenfone has a better GPS system for location. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both have dual sim capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Zenfone offers significantly more storage for files and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | Zenfone has more RAM, making it better for heavy users and multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Zenfone has more versatile and immersive audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Side fingerprint scanner may be more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone uses stronger display protection against damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone has a comprehensive set of sensors, more ideal for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths:
- Lighter and more comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Decent LCD with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Fairly capable camera with a wide range of features.
- Good battery life
- Competitive Advantage: Price-focused, more budget friendly.
- Limitations:
- Significantly less powerful processor.
- Basic IPS LCD panel with low peak brightness and poor outdoor visibility.
- Much slower charging speeds and lacks wireless charging.
- Limited storage and RAM.
- Older OS and software.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
- Superior AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and exceptional brightness.
- Versatile camera system with telephoto lens, better main sensor, and high resolution video capabilities.
- Faster charging and wireless charging support.
- Larger battery, more storage, and higher RAM options.
- Newer OS version and more software support.
- Competitive Advantage: Premium experience, top-tier performance, superior display and cameras.
- Limitations:
- Heavier and bulkier compared to the Motorola.
- Significantly more expensive than the Motorola.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users, basic smartphone tasks, social media, casual use, and those who don't need top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Everyday browsing, media consumption, casual gaming, basic photography.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for money if performance isn't the top priority.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Best For: Power users, gamers, content creators, photography enthusiasts, and those who want the best possible mobile experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-resolution video recording, professional-grade photography, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Price-to-Value: High value for those who prioritize top-tier performance and capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What is your budget? The Motorola is far more affordable than the Asus.
- How important is performance? If you prioritize speed and smooth multitasking, the Zenfone is the clear winner.
- What are your key needs? If you're a gamer or a photography enthusiast, the Zenfone is a better choice. If it's for basic tasks, the Moto is sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If your budget is tight and you need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, the Moto G51 5G is a reasonable choice.
- Gaming Enthusiast: The Zenfone 11 Ultra is the better choice, it provides a better display, smoother performance and is therefore a more appropriate device for demanding mobile games.
- Camera Buff: The Zenfone's superior camera hardware and features makes it the better device for photographers.
- All-Around User: If you value superior display, powerful performance, and high quality video recording, the Zenfone 11 Ultra would be the better choice, however, if that is too expensive, the Moto G51 5G can also fulfill your needs, but not as perfectly as the former.
Which phone would I choose?
If I were choosing between the two, I would absolutely go for the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who genuinely enjoys pushing the limits of mobile devices, the Zenfone is just far more appealing. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset alone makes a massive difference. I frequently multitask, run demanding apps, and play games, and the Zenfone handles all of these with ease. The AMOLED screen with 144Hz refresh rate is stunning, and the 2500 nits brightness means I could use it comfortably outdoors. I also really appreciate the superior camera system, with telephoto and stabilization, all features I take full advantage of. I see it as a tool that can genuinely enhance what I do, be it content creation or simply having a better mobile experience.
Yes, it's more expensive and heavier, but for me, the capabilities and experience far outweigh those drawbacks. I'm willing to pay a premium for a device that doesn't compromise on performance and quality. The Zenfone isn't just a phone; it's a powerful, versatile piece of tech that fits my needs perfectly.
