Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2024-01-18 | The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is much newer, benefiting from 3 years of technological advancement. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Motorola is taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier than the more streamlined ROG Phone 8 Pro. |
| Weight | 212g | 225g | The Motorola is slightly lighter, which may be preferable for longer holding times, but the difference is likely not significant. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Virtually identical screen size, minimal difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same resolution, both offer a similar level of detail. |
| PPI | 393 | 388 | Similar pixel density, both screens will appear sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially more vibrant colors, also better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | The ROG Phone 8 Pro's 165Hz refresh rate offers much smoother scrolling and animations, significantly improving the visual experience especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | The ROG Phone 8 Pro's dramatically higher brightness ensures much better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The ROG Phone 8 Pro's chip is significantly more powerful, offering a major performance boost for all tasks, especially gaming and demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 2,020,000 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro provides over 500% performance, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro's GPU provides significantly better graphics rendering for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers slightly better battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 65W fast charging | The ROG Phone 8 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | The ROG Phone 8 Pro's Li-Polymer battery is generally lighter and more durable than the Motorola's Li-Ion battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.9, 1/1.56" sensor | ROG Phone 8 Pro main sensor is better in low light. While slightly lower aperture, the larger sensor on the ROG will likely deliver better images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.2 | 32MP, 1/3.2" sensor | The ROG Phone 8 Pro's front camera offers higher resolution, resulting in more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP f/2.4, 1/3.2" sensor | The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers zoom capabilities, which the Motorola lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | None | The Motorola offers a wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene in a single shot, which is absent on ROG Phone 8 Pro. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Motorola has a macro lens for close up shots, while absent on ROG Phone 8 Pro. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3" sensor | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a wide angle + macro, which combines two functionalities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers 8K recording, which is much higher quality compared to 4K from Motorola. ROG also offers many different fps recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, HDR | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers superior stabilization with HDR. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | OIS, Gimbal, Continuous AF | ROG Phone 8 Pro has significantly more advanced camera features, offering better image quality and video recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro has a much newer Android version, offering more features and likely better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | The ROG Phone 8 Pro supports the latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a newer Bluetooth standard, supporting a better audio codec. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, 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, providing more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | The ROG Phone 8 Pro allows users to use two SIM cards simultaneously, a feature absent on the Motorola. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 512GB/1024GB | The ROG Phone 8 Pro has significantly more storage, catering to users who need more space for apps, media, and games. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 16GB/24GB | The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers significantly more RAM, allowing for much better multitasking and smoother performance with demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers superior audio quality with stereo speakers and more advanced audio processing. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Both offer fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering better resistance to scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | The ROG Phone 8 Pro has an extra sensor which can be more beneficial to mobile gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: 13g lighter, may feel less fatiguing during long use.
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera: Slightly wider aperture (f/1.7) than ROG Phone 8 Pro (f/1.9) could potentially be better in low light situations.
- Dedicated Wide Angle & Macro Lens: Provides flexibility to capture ultrawide and close-up shots, which the ROG Phone 8 Pro lacks separately.
- Price: Older phone and is usually available at a much lower price point.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, making it ideal for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Exceptional Display: AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness, offering a superior viewing experience, particularly in bright conditions.
- Better Cameras: More versatile camera system with telephoto lens, higher-resolution sensors, and advanced features like OIS and gimbal stabilization.
- Faster Charging and Battery: Larger battery and significantly faster charging for better longevity and less downtime.
- More Storage and RAM: Significantly larger storage and RAM options for better multitasking and more space for content.
- Modern Software and Connectivity: Newer Android version, advanced WiFi, and Bluetooth for better features and performance.
- Dual SIM: Supports dual SIM cards, providing more flexibility.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with DTS:X, offering a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection for a more durable screen.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola One 5G Ace: Lower performance, older technology, less impressive screen, less advanced camera, but more affordable.
- Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: Higher price, slightly heavier, lacks separate dedicated macro and wide-angle lenses.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality with 5G connectivity. Good for casual use, browsing, social media, and some light gaming.
- Use Cases:
- Daily communication (calls, texts, emails)
- Casual social media browsing
- Web surfing
- Light gaming
- Basic photography
- Price-to-Value: Good value for basic 5G smartphone.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and photography enthusiasts who demand the best performance, display, and camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Resource-intensive applications
- High-quality photo and video capture
- Multitasking between demanding applications
- Media consumption
- Price-to-Value: Excellent performance and features for the price, targeting premium users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The Motorola One 5G Ace is a budget-friendly option, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a high-end device.
- Primary Use Case: What will you primarily use the phone for? Is it gaming, photography, casual browsing, or something else?
- Performance Requirements: How important is performance? Are you a heavy user who needs smooth multitasking and intensive gaming capabilities, or do you need basic functionality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the primary concern and you need a basic phone for everyday tasks, the Motorola One 5G Ace is a suitable option, providing 5G at an affordable price point.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: If you are a gamer and want the best mobile gaming experience, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the clear choice with its powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and advanced gaming features.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If mobile photography is your priority, the ROG Phone 8 Pro's advanced camera system, including the telephoto lens, will provide greater flexibility and image quality.
- Scenario 4: All-around Power User: If you are a power user who wants smooth multitasking, fast charging, and a high-quality display, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better option.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given my usage patterns and priorities, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. While the Motorola One 5G Ace offers better value for the budget-conscious, my priorities are:
- Performance: I value a smooth, lag-free experience, especially for demanding applications and some gaming. The ROG Phone 8 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and abundant RAM is a substantial advantage.
- Display Quality: I prefer a vibrant and smooth display for media consumption, which the ROG Phone 8 Pro's AMOLED screen and high refresh rate offer.
- Camera Versatility: I enjoy taking photos and videos and appreciate the extra features like the telephoto lens, better video recording capabilities, and OIS, making the ROG Phone 8 Pro more versatile.
- Longevity: The ROG Phone 8 Pro's newer technology (both hardware and software), better battery, and superior charging will likely provide a better experience over the long term.
While the ROG Phone 8 Pro has a premium price, its vastly superior performance, display, camera, and software justify the added expense for my needs. I am willing to pay more for a phone that excels in the areas most important to me.
