Okay, let's break down the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, two phones that, despite both being rectangles with screens, are clearly designed for very different users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications of both devices, along with the real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2024-01-18 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro is almost two years newer, indicating newer technology and design philosophy. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 Pro is slightly larger, taller, and thicker. |
| Weight | 179g | 225g | Moto G71 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a larger viewing area for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays are equally sharp, resolution is the same. |
| PPI | 411 | 388 | Moto G71 5G has a slightly sharper screen due to higher pixel density. (Barely noticeable) |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, common in AMOLED tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers much smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable while gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 Pro has much better outdoor visibility, essential in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 8 Pro uses a vastly more powerful and efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 2,020,000 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro is significantly faster; more future-proof, better for gaming, and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has significantly faster graphics processing capability. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 65W fast charging | ROG Phone 8 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64 µm, Samsung S5KJN1 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.00 µm, Sony IMX890 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a larger sensor and pixels, resulting in better low light performance. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm | 32MP, 1/3.2", 0.70 µm, Omnivision OV32C | ROG Phone 8 Pro has higher-resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto | None | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", 0.70 µm, Omnivision OV32C | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed photos. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | None | Moto G71 5G has a wide angle lens for group or landscape shots. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G71 5G includes a macro lens for extreme close-ups. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3", 1.12 µm, Omnivision OV31B | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, No EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps, EIS | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers much higher video quality and stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers newer features and security, will get updates longer than the Moto G71 5G. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | ROG Phone 8 Pro supports faster, more reliable, and efficient Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3, Apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC, Apt-x Adaptive | ROG Phone 8 Pro has better audio codecs and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 8 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 512 GB / 1024 GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro has substantially more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 16 GB / 24 GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers far more RAM, improving multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers superior audio quality with better capture and sound output. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Basic | Both phones feature a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers superior scratch and drop resistance on the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a slightly more versatile sensor array. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Strengths: This phone is all about value. It offers a decent AMOLED screen, a large battery, and 5G connectivity at a more budget-friendly price. It is also notably lighter, making it comfortable for extended use. The inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens is also a nice to have.
- Competitive Advantages: Its key advantage is its affordability and lighter weight. It's a solid pick for budget-conscious users who need a reliable daily driver.
- Trade-offs: The Moto G71 5G makes significant compromises in performance, camera capabilities, and display quality when compared to the ROG Phone 8 Pro.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- Strengths: This is a performance powerhouse designed for gaming and demanding users. Its strengths include a super-smooth 165Hz display, a top-tier processor, ample RAM, a much larger battery with faster charging and superior camera capabilities. It offers significantly better video capture options too.
- Competitive Advantages: The ROG Phone 8 Pro leads in nearly every category: display, performance, camera quality, build quality, and software features.
- Trade-offs: It's larger, heavier, and significantly more expensive than the Moto G71 5G. Some users might find its design too "gamer-centric" for everyday use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Users who need a reliable smartphone for daily tasks and media consumption, without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: Those who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, communication, and basic photography.
- Users seeking lightweight comfort: The phone's light build makes it suitable for those who prefer a phone that's easy to hold.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is ideal for:
- Mobile gamers: Hardcore gamers who demand the best performance, responsiveness, and screen experience.
- Power users: Those who need a device that can handle demanding applications, video editing, and intense multitasking.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality cameras, video capture capabilities, and lots of storage space for creative projects.
- Tech enthusiasts: Users who always seek the newest technologies and want a phone that's built for peak performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- What's Your Primary Use Case? If you are focused on light daily use, the Moto G71 5G will suit your needs at a much lower cost. If you need top-tier performance and advanced features, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the clear choice.
- How Important is Camera Quality? The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a significantly better photography experience, with a better main camera, a telephoto, and better video capabilities. The Moto G71 is no slouch, but it is certainly behind on this metric.
- Budget vs. Performance: Are you willing to pay a premium for top-of-the-line performance and features? Or are you looking for the most value at a lower price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I just need a reliable phone for basic tasks and some social media." The Moto G71 5G will suffice and save you a good deal of money.
- Scenario 2: "I want to play the latest mobile games at max settings, without any lag." The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: "I take a lot of photos and videos on my phone and want the best possible quality." The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers better image quality, video recording, and video stabilisation.
Final Thoughts
The Moto G71 5G and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro are targeted at different users. The Motorola offers great value for basic use, while the Asus provides a no-compromise approach to mobile performance and features. The choice really depends on your needs, use case and, of course, your budget.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. As a tech journalist, I find myself working with demanding applications and enjoy using the camera for content creation. The phone's top-tier performance, stunning display, significantly improved camera capabilities, and overall cutting-edge feature set make it the better choice, despite the cost difference. I appreciate the performance for work and for gaming, and wouldn't mind having better mobile photography. While the price is certainly steep, it reflects the device's superior capabilities and makes it a worthwhile investment for a power user.
