1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip4 offers a unique, compact design when folded; Zenfone 8 has a traditional smartphone form. |
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Z Flip4 is taller and slightly wider when unfolded, but thinner; Zenfone 8 is more compact overall; Zenfone 8 has higher volume. |
| Weight | 169g | 187g | Zenfone 8 is lighter, which might be more comfortable for prolonged use and pocket carry. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.7" | Z Flip4 provides a larger screen for immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip4 offers slightly more detail due to a higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 446 PPI | 426 PPI | Zenfone 8's higher pixel density results in slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not specified | Zenfone 8's AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially more vibrant colors. Samsung's Display Technology is not specified, so we can not make comparisons. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Z Flip4 is slightly better suited for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Flip4 offers faster processing and better power efficiency, leading to better performance and improved battery life in demanding tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 891,700 | 1,050,371 | Z Flip4 has a notably higher benchmark score, which translates to snappier performance in real-world usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4's newer GPU provides better graphical performance, especially for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 12.2MP | Zenfone 8 captures more detailed images with higher resolution photos in good light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.55" | Zenfone 8's larger sensor allows for better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.40µm | Z Flip4 captures more light per pixel, potentially yielding better low-light results (compensating for the smaller sensor). |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 10MP | Zenfone 8 captures more detailed selfie images. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.93" | 1/3.2" | Zenfone 8's larger sensor size helps in low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.22 µm | 1.22 µm | Both have same pixel size in the selfie camera |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 13MP | Z Flip4 provides more versatility with its wide-angle lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12MP | Not Available | Zenfone 8 offers both wide-angle and macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Zenfone 8 offers higher resolution video recording for professional or more creative use |
| DXOMARK Main Score | 116 | 112 | Zenfone 8 has better video quality, while Flip4 has better photo quality, but Zenfone 8 still wins by a small margin |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3700mAh | Zenfone 8 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Zenfone 8 charges slightly faster. |
| Additional Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Fast Wireless Charging | Z Flip4 offers more charging flexibility with wireless options and bypass charging for gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- More compact and lighter: Easier to handle with one hand and more portable.
- Higher pixel density: Slightly sharper display, especially noticeable with text.
- Potentially superior display quality: AMOLED screen provides better contrast and blacks.
- Faster charging: Slightly quicker to recharge with 30W.
- Higher resolution main camera: Captures more detailed images.
- Larger main camera sensor: Better for low-light performance and dynamic range.
- Higher resolution selfie camera: Capture more detailed selfie images.
- 8K video recording Provides professional-grade video recording.
- Hi-Res Audio and Noise Cancellation Microphone Better audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture.
- More RAM options: Offers up to 16 GB of RAM, for multitasking and demanding games.
- More GPS Systems: For better location accuracy
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages:
- Foldable design: Offers a unique and pocketable form factor, also has 'Flex' Mode.
- Larger screen: More immersive for media consumption and gaming.
- Newer, faster chipset: Improved performance, efficiency, and gaming.
- Higher main camera pixel size: Potentially better low-light performance.
- Wider angle lens Gives more versatility with its camera system.
- Faster wireless charging: Can charge wirelessly.
- Bypass Charging For a better gaming experience.
- Reverse Charging Share battery with other devices.
- eSIM Support: Convenient for digital carrier switching.
- More internal storage options: Up to 512GB available.
- Barometer: Additional environmental sensors
Significant Trade-offs:
Asus Zenfone 8:
- Lacks the foldable design and its associated benefits.
- Has a less versatile camera setup with no wide-angle.
- Older Chipset means it has inferior performance and power efficiency.
- Limited to a traditional smartphone form factor.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
- Heavier and less compact when unfolded.
- Smaller battery and slower wired charging.
- Main camera has lower resolution.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Users who prioritize compactness and one-handed use.
- Those looking for a high-quality display with excellent color and blacks.
- Users who want a great camera for detailed photos.
- Users who want high-quality audio playback, clearer calls and better voice capture
- Those who need fast wired charging.
Users who prioritize multitasking and are looking for more RAM.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks on the go.
- Detailed photography.
- Media consumption in a compact package.
- Gaming on a lighter device.
- Voice recording.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4:
- Those who desire a unique and stylish foldable design.
- Users who value a large screen for immersive content consumption.
- Gamers needing a more powerful performance
- Users who need wireless charging and battery sharing.
Those who require additional wide-angle camera lens flexibility.
Use Cases:
- A stylish phone that can fold up to be pocketable.
- Enjoying video content.
- Gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Flexible photography with wide angles.
- Travelers who need eSIM support for switching between carriers.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Asus Zenfone 8 is an older model, and that may mean that it is more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4.
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is a premium device that might offer a high price-to-value ratio for its unique foldable design and advanced features.
- For those who don't need the foldable aspect, they can find a better value in the Asus.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prefer a compact standard phone or a unique foldable design?
- Performance vs. Portability: Is ultimate performance more important than a compact size and a light weight?
- Camera Needs: Do you need higher resolution for better detail, or a wide angle lens for a more versatile set-up?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: On-the-Go Productivity and One-Handed Use
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to handle and use on the go, the high-quality display also makes for a great experience for productivity.
Scenario 2: Immersive Multimedia and Gaming
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. Its larger screen and more powerful chipset offer a much more immersive and higher performing gaming experience, and the wireless charging comes in handy.
Scenario 3: Unique and Stylish Design
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. The foldable design provides a unique look and form factor that will turn heads.
Scenario 4: Camera Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8 if you want the best detailed shots and video recording capabilities, but Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 if you want the added flexibility of a wide-angle lens.
My Choice and Why:
My Choice: Asus Zenfone 8
Considering all aspects, the Asus Zenfone 8 is my preferred choice. Although the Z Flip4 has a better chipset, its form factor is not my preference, and it has tradeoffs in the areas that I prefer such as compactness, superior display technology and camera. I also value the higher resolution display, Hi-Res audio playback, and better recording capabilities. I prefer a lighter weight, and better battery life when I am on the go. While the foldable design of the Z Flip 4 is certainly innovative, for my personal usage, the practical benefits of the Zenfone 8 are more appealing.
