Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia G60 and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. I'm going to break down the specs, analyze the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the technical specifications, presented in a way that’s easy to digest, along with practical insights:
| Feature | Nokia G60 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | The Nokia is slightly taller, while the ROG Phone is a bit thicker. Both are similarly sized but the ROG Phone is heavier |
| Weight | 190g | 225g | Nokia G60 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable or unique form factors. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a slightly larger screen, which may be more immersive for media. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a very similar visual clarity. |
| PPI | 401 | 388 | Both have a similar pixel density, meaning similar sharpness when viewing from normal distances. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | ROG Phone 8 Pro has superior display tech, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 Pro provides a smoother, more responsive experience, especially in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 Pro display is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor viewing in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers significantly faster processing speed, making it better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has more than 3 times the score, translating to much better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 Pro's GPU offers superior graphics performance, crucial for high-end gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 Pro should last longer on a single charge due to the higher battery capacity. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Lithium | 65W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | ROG Phone 8 Pro charges much faster, and the Li-Polymer battery is more efficient. |
| Battery Type | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have non-removable batteries, a common design choice. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.70µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890, 1.00µm pixels | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a larger sensor and pixel size, meaning better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 0.64µm pixels | 32MP, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C, 0.70µm pixels | ROG Phone 8 Pro will take significantly higher resolution selfie photos than the Nokia |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C, 0.70µm pixels | ROG Phone 8 Pro can zoom optically (3x), unlike Nokia G60 |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | None | Nokia G60 offers a wide angle camera, but the ROG Phone does not, a trade-off for other features |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Nokia G60 offers a depth camera for portrait shots, but the ROG Phone does not, a trade-off for other features |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3" Omnivision OV31B, 1.12µm pixels | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a wide angle/macro lens for close-up shots, a versatile option for creative photography |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers much higher video recording capabilities, better for video content creation |
| Stabilisation | No | Yes | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers excellent stabilization for video capture |
| Slow Motion | Yes 120fps | Yes 480fps | ROG Phone 8 Pro has much better slow-motion capabilities |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Asus Rog Phone offers several upgrades in photography such as 8K Video, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser autofocus (LAF). |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The ROG Phone runs a newer version of android out of the box, it is also expected to receive 2 additional upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | The ROG Phone supports newer, faster WiFi 7 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | ROG Phone has a slightly more updated bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, 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 has more satellite options for accurate location data |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Nokia offers the flexibility of an eSIM, ROG phone does not. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 512 GB or 1024 GB | ROG Phone has significantly more storage for apps, media, etc. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 16 GB or 24 GB | ROG Phone has much more RAM, better for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via SD card |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ROG Phone has a better audio system, with surround sound and multiple mics |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Nokia phone offers side-mounted finger print sensor and ROG Phone offers standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone offers much better screen protection via Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Sensors | |||
| Available Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | ROG Phone has additional sensors (Compass, Gravity) |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G60 Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: At 190g, it’s significantly lighter, which is a big plus for comfortable handling and portability.
- eSIM Support: The inclusion of eSIM support offers greater flexibility for international travelers or those juggling multiple numbers.
- Affordable Option: The Nokia G60 targets the budget-conscious user, offering a good balance of features and value.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Strengths:
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and up to 24GB of RAM deliver unmatched speed and responsiveness, ideal for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 165Hz refresh rate and 2500 nits brightness provides an incredibly immersive and vibrant visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, a macro + wide-angle, and a significantly better front-facing camera adds much more capability to the overall photography experience of the device.
- Robust Build: With Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the ROG Phone offers enhanced screen protection.
- Enhanced Audio: The inclusion of DTS/DTS X, stereo speakers and 3 microphones enhances the overall audio experience.
- Cutting Edge Connectivity: Features like WiFi 7 and a newer Bluetooth 5.3 ensure that this device is using the latest connectivity tech available on the market.
- Significantly More Storage: Starting with 512 GB of onboard storage, compared to the 64 GB / 128 GB on the G60, the ROG Phone caters more towards the power user that downloads a lot of apps or creates a lot of content on their device.
Key Trade-offs:
- Weight and Bulk: The ROG Phone 8 Pro is heavier and bulkier than the Nokia G60, which may not be ideal for everyone.
- Nokia G60's Camera Versatility: The Nokia G60 does offer a more diverse array of lenses compared to the ROG Phone's camera system - it offers a standard, wide angle and depth sensor whereas the ROG Phone offers a standard, telephoto and wide angle + macro.
- Price: The ROG Phone 8 Pro is positioned as a high-end device, and this will be reflected in its pricing.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G60 is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize lightweight design, portability and the flexibility of an eSIM.
- Casual Gamers: Users who enjoy less demanding games and are not too concerned with ultra-high graphics settings.
Use Cases: Daily communication, browsing, social media, casual gaming, media consumption on the go.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is Best For:
- Mobile Gamers: Those who want the absolute best in performance, responsiveness, and visual fidelity.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a device that can handle demanding tasks like video editing, heavy multitasking, and running complex apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users that want access to a great suite of camera features to take great photos and videos.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest technology, regardless of price.
Use Cases: Competitive gaming, content creation, mobile workstation, high-end photography, media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What is your primary use case?
- If gaming and high-end performance are key, go for the ROG Phone.
- If everyday use and cost-effectiveness are priorities, the Nokia G60 is a better fit.
- How much do you prioritize display quality?
- If a vibrant, high-refresh rate screen with excellent brightness is crucial, the ROG Phone is the clear winner.
- If display is less important and a good, functional screen is sufficient, the Nokia G60 is fine.
- What is your budget?
- If cost is a significant factor, the Nokia G60 is significantly more affordable.
- If you’re willing to pay a premium for top-of-the-line performance, the ROG Phone is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a college student on a budget who needs a reliable phone for everyday use - Nokia G60.
- Scenario 2: You're a mobile gamer and content creator who wants the best possible experience - Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.
- Scenario 3: You're looking for a phone with an excellent display for outdoor use and travel - Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.
- Scenario 4: You need a secondary device that supports eSims for travelling without breaking the bank- Nokia G60
- Scenario 5: You want a phone that can last you 4-5 years without needing to upgrade to the newest chipset - Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. While I appreciate the Nokia G60's lightweight design and budget-friendliness, my priorities center on performance, display quality, and the overall technological advancement in mobile. I value having the latest and greatest that mobile technology has to offer in order to maximize my productivity, especially on a daily basis. The ROG Phone’s superior chipset, AMOLED screen, and advanced features like the 165Hz refresh rate and the amazing camera system would fit my personal preferences more. While it is heavier and more expensive, the trade-offs are worth it for the user experience it provides.
