Motorola Moto G72 vs. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: A Deep Dive
Let's dissect the Motorola Moto G72 and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, two phones vying for your attention in the mid-range market. While both offer compelling features, their strengths cater to distinct user profiles. My analysis will cut through the marketing jargon and empower you to choose the phone that truly fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G72 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 | Zenfone 11 Ultra is slightly larger and heavier. Moto G72 offers better one-handed usability. |
| Weight (g) | 166 | 224 | Zenfone 11 Ultra's weight might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Type | P-OLED | LTPO AMOLED | Zenfone 11 Ultra boasts superior power efficiency and potentially better outdoor visibility. |
| Size (inches) | 6.6 | 6.78 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 144 | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp visuals, but the larger Zenfone 11 Ultra screen results in a slightly lower ppi. |
| Peak Brightness | N/A | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra's exceptional brightness ensures excellent outdoor readability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G99 (6nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers significantly faster processing and graphics performance. |
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core | Zenfone 11 Ultra's newer CPU architecture offers substantial performance gains. |
| RAM (GB) | 6/8 | 12/16 | Zenfone 11 Ultra's larger RAM enables smoother multitasking and demanding app usage. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera (MP) | 108 | 50 | While Moto G72 has higher resolution, Zenfone 11 Ultra uses a larger sensor (Sony IMX890), potentially delivering better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 8K@24fps | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers superior video recording capabilities, including 8K resolution. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5500 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slightly larger battery. |
2. Key Insights
- Performance: The Zenfone 11 Ultra is a clear winner with its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and ample RAM. This translates to blazing-fast speeds, seamless multitasking, and effortless handling of demanding games and applications. The Moto G72, while capable for everyday tasks, falls short in demanding scenarios.
- Display: While both phones have similar resolutions, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's LTPO AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 2500 nits peak brightness delivers a noticeably smoother and more vibrant visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Camera: The megapixel count might favor the Moto G72, but the Zenfone 11 Ultra packs a larger Sony IMX890 sensor in its main camera, potentially capturing superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Add to that the optical image stabilization and 8K video recording, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra takes the lead in imaging capabilities.
- Value: The Moto G72 targets budget-conscious users, providing decent features at an affordable price. The Zenfone 11 Ultra commands a higher price, reflecting its premium features and performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Moto G72: Ideal for users prioritizing affordability and basic smartphone functionality. It's a solid choice for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Zenfone 11 Ultra: Perfect for power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, a stunning display, and advanced camera features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- What's your budget? The Moto G72 offers excellent value for its price, while the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a premium investment.
- What are your primary smartphone needs? For basic tasks, the Moto G72 suffices. For demanding usage, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is essential.
- How important are display quality and camera performance? The Zenfone 11 Ultra significantly outperforms the Moto G72 in these areas.
My Choice: I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. As a tech journalist, I need a device that can handle heavy multitasking, run demanding apps flawlessly, and capture high-quality photos and videos. The Zenfone 11 Ultra's superior performance, stunning display, and advanced camera system align perfectly with my needs. While the price is higher, the significant jump in performance and features justifies the investment for my use case. The future-proofing offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and ample RAM ensures the device will remain relevant for years to come.