Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G60 and the Asus Zenfone 10. It's a classic showdown between a solid mid-ranger and a compact powerhouse. We'll break down what these specs mean for you, the user, cutting through the jargon to get to the heart of what really matters.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, highlighting what each difference means in practical terms:
| Feature | Nokia G60 | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 166 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm | Nokia G60 is noticeably larger and might be less comfortable for one-handed use. Zenfone 10 is more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 190g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 5.92" | Nokia G60 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption. Zenfone 10 is more compact and easier to manage, excellent for one-handed operation. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both offer crisp visuals, with little difference in sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 401 ppi | 445 ppi | Zenfone 10 has slightly sharper visuals thanks to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 10's AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles, and greater power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 has a smoother display, especially noticeable in fast-paced games and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 10 is significantly brighter, resulting in much better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Zenfone 10's flagship chipset provides vastly superior performance; it will handle demanding tasks with much better performance and more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 offers substantially faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance by a large margin. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10's GPU is much faster and will run graphically intense games at higher frame rates with better visual fidelity. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.7µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.9, 1.0µm pixels, Sony IMX766 | Zenfone 10, with a larger sensor and pixel size, captures more light and will generally perform better, especially in low-light environments, thanks to larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 0.64µm pixels | 32MP, f/2.5, 0.7µm pixels, Omnivision OV32C | Zenfone 10 offers much higher resolution for selfies, resulting in sharper images. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2, Omnivision OV13B10 (Wide Angle + Macro) | Zenfone 10 has a more capable ultrawide camera with macro capabilities, while Nokia G60 has a dedicated but lower resolution wide angle. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Nokia G60 has a dedicated portrait lens, but the depth-of-field effects will likely be of lower quality compared to what Zenfone 10 could produce with its better sensor and image processing. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with EIS | Zenfone 10 offers significantly more advanced video recording capabilities, including 8K and 4K with image stabilization, better quality, detail and flexibility for creating professional-looking videos. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes, OIS + EIS | Zenfone 10 has superior video stability due to the inclusion of OIS and EIS, especially useful for capturing smooth videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | Nokia G60 has a slightly larger battery, but battery life will be influenced more by chipset efficiency and display technology. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging, 15W wireless, 5W reverse | Zenfone 10 charges faster and offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Zenfone 10 ships with a more recent version of Android and is promised to get more future upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7, WiFi 6E | Zenfone 10 supports newer WiFi standards, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Zenfone 10 has a newer Bluetooth version with better power efficiency and more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, 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 10 offers a more robust and precise GPS system with more supported bands. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Nokia G60 offers the flexibility of an eSIM, allowing you to switch carriers digitally. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB | Zenfone 10 has more storage options for storing all of your photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 16 GB | Zenfone 10 offers substantially more RAM, improving multitasking and performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which is a limitation if you need a lot of storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Zenfone 10 offers superior audio with richer sound, clearer calls, and improved audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer a convenient fingerprint sensor on the side. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 10 has a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Zenfone 10 has additional sensors (Compass) which improve the gaming experience and allow for more advanced functionalities. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G60:
- Strengths: Larger display for media consumption, marginally larger battery, and a lower price point. It offers the flexibility of an eSIM.
- Competitive Advantages: Decent mid-range performance for everyday tasks, good enough cameras. Its biggest strength is its affordability and eSIM support.
- Trade-offs: Significantly less powerful chipset, lower screen brightness, less advanced camera features, and slower charging speed.
Asus Zenfone 10:
- Strengths: Flagship performance, compact design, superior AMOLED display with high brightness, significantly better camera system, faster charging (including wireless), robust audio system, and newer software and WiFi.
- Competitive Advantages: This is a pocket powerhouse with incredible performance, excellent cameras, and a premium user experience.
- Trade-offs: Smaller display, slightly smaller battery, and a higher price. No expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G60 is best for:
- Users on a tight budget who need a reliable phone for basic tasks.
- Individuals who value a large screen for reading and watching videos.
- Those who need eSIM functionality for travel or multiple phone numbers.
- People not concerned with the best possible performance.
Asus Zenfone 10 is best for:
- Power users and gamers who need the best performance in a compact package.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile and high-quality camera system.
- Users who value a premium display experience with bright and vibrant visuals.
- Those who prefer a smaller, more portable phone without sacrificing performance.
- Anyone who needs fast charging and the convenience of wireless charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is performance to you? If you frequently game, multitask heavily, or use demanding apps, the Zenfone 10 is the clear winner. If you primarily use your phone for browsing, social media, and light tasks, the Nokia G60 might suffice.
What is your budget? The Nokia G60 is far more budget-friendly. If you are on a tight budget and are willing to compromise on performance and camera quality, the Nokia G60 will work just fine. If you have more to spend and want a top-tier phone that is also very compact, the Zenfone 10 is the right phone for you.
How important are camera quality and screen quality? The Zenfone 10 has the superior camera system and display. If these are important to you, then Zenfone 10 is the right choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for social media, browsing, and occasional media consumption, and you're on a budget, the Nokia G60 is a solid option.
- For the On-the-Go Professional: If you need a reliable phone for work with a good display and enough power to handle daily tasks, the Nokia G60 could be an option if you are on a budget.
- For the Mobile Gamer/Creator: If you want a top-tier smartphone with excellent gaming capabilities and great camera quality, despite its smaller screen size, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the superior choice, and worth the added expense.
What I Would Choose
If it were me choosing between these two, I'd go with the Asus Zenfone 10. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and phone enthusiast, I place a high value on performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. The Zenfone 10's flagship chipset, combined with its vibrant AMOLED display, advanced camera system, and superior audio, makes it a more compelling option for me. The compact size is also a bonus, as I appreciate a phone that's easy to use one-handed, and fits easily in any pocket. The additional 8K video recording and OIS would greatly enhance my workflow and ability to create quality content, not to mention the added convenience of wireless charging.
While the Nokia G60 is a decent phone for its price, the Zenfone 10's superior performance and features align more with my needs and expectations. The Zenfone 10 also seems like a device that will remain performant and relevant for much longer compared to the Nokia G60. The slight bump in battery capacity of the Nokia G60 is nowhere near enough to sway me away from the sheer performance advantage offered by the Zenfone 10. Ultimately, the better performance and camera of the Zenfone 10 justify the higher price tag for me.
