1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold3 offers a unique, large display experience when unfolded, while the Zenfone 8 is a more traditional, pocketable device. |
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm | The Z Fold3 is significantly larger and wider when unfolded, impacting portability and one-handed use. The Zenfone 8 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 169g | 271g | The Zenfone 8 is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 7.6" | The Z Fold3's much larger display provides a vastly more immersive experience for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. The Zenfone 8 is more compact for single-handed operation. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1768x2208 | The Z Fold3 has significantly more pixels, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image on its larger display. |
| Pixel Density | 446 PPI | 374 PPI | The Zenfone 8 has a sharper display due to higher pixel density, which may be noticeable when viewing text and detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | The Zenfone 8’s AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, which are beneficial for media consumption. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling and gaming experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Zenfone 8 has significantly higher brightness, ensuring better visibility in bright sunlight. The lack of brightness specification for the Z Fold 3 is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Both phones offer similar high-end performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 891,700 | 898,700 | Both achieve very close performance levels in benchmark tests. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Identical GPUs mean both will handle graphics-intensive tasks equally. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.80µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | The Zenfone 8 boasts much higher resolution, while the Z Fold3 has larger pixels, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | The Zenfone 8 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera and a larger sensor, while the Z Fold3's selfie camera has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | The Z Fold3 offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots, a feature missing in the Zenfone 8. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | The Z Fold3 includes a wide-angle lens, enabling expansive landscape and group shots, which the Zenfone 8 lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | N/A | The Zenfone 8 has a wide-angle lens that also serves as a macro lens, a feature not found on the Z Fold3. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The Zenfone 8 can record in 8K, offering higher resolution video, while the Z Fold3 has better slow-motion capability. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 116 | 120 | The Z Fold3 scored slightly higher overall, indicating better overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 120 | 129 | The Z Fold3 performed better in photo tests. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 118 | 105 | The Zenfone 8 has better video capabilities based on the score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4400mAh | The Z Fold3 has a slightly larger battery, which may result in slightly longer battery life, though it depends on usage. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The Zenfone 8 has slightly faster charging speeds. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable, Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 9W | The Z Fold3 offers versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse charging, which the Zenfone 8 lacks. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | The Z Fold3 offers greater internal storage options for users who require ample space. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 12 GB | The Zenfone 8 has more RAM options, going all the way to 16GB, potentially improving performance for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Other | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Zenfone 8 has superior audio features with Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation, and extra microphones for enhanced audio quality. The Z Fold 3 has Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side mounted sensor on the Z Fold 3 is faster and more reliable than the standard fingerprint sensor on the ZenFone 8. |
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | The Z Fold3 will receive longer software support. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact and Lightweight: The Zenfone 8 is significantly smaller and lighter, making it more portable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Sharper Display: It has a higher pixel density, resulting in a crisper display.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED offers better image quality with deeper blacks and more vibrant colors.
- Higher Screen Brightness: The Zenfone 8 is much brighter, making it better for use in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: It supports 30W fast charging compared to the Z Fold3's 25W.
- Higher Resolution Video Recording: The Zenfone 8 can record videos at 8K, offering higher quality recordings.
- Better Audio Quality: Features Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones for better quality.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Its large foldable display offers a unique, tablet-like experience, ideal for multitasking, media, and gaming.
- Larger Display: Provides a much larger screen area for immersive content consumption and productivity.
- Versatile Charging: Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Telephoto and Wide Angle Lenses: Offers more versatility in photography with additional telephoto and wide angle lenses.
- Better Camera Performance: The Z Fold3 has a higher DxOMark score for overall camera performance.
- Longer Software Support: The Z Fold3 is promised more Android OS version updates.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and efficient fingerprint sensor.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital SIM card usage in addition to a physical SIM.
Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 8 sacrifices a large display and camera versatility for portability and a sharper screen.
- The Z Fold3 sacrifices portability and one-handed usage for a large, immersive display and versatile charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed usability.
- Individuals who value a compact form factor and ease of carrying.
- Users who desire a sharp and bright display for good outdoor visibility.
- Those who want a high-quality audio experience.
- People who record a lot of video and need the 8K resolution.
- Users who prefer a traditional smartphone experience.
Use Cases:
- Daily commuting and general usage.
- Outdoor activities where portability is key.
- Users who often watch videos on-the-go and need good display.
- Individuals who appreciate high-fidelity audio.
- Consumers who want a high-performing phone without the bulk of a foldable.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Ideal User:
- Users who want a large, immersive display for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming.
- Individuals who value versatility and a tablet-like experience on the go.
- Users who need advanced camera capabilities, including telephoto and wide-angle options.
- Those who want wireless charging and other battery-related features.
- Users who want a cutting-edge technology device.
- Professionals who need to multi-task with a tablet-like phone.
Use Cases:
- Business professionals needing a tablet for documents and presentations.
- Gamers who want a larger, more immersive gaming experience.
- Creatives who need the large display for editing and media creation.
- Users who prefer all the available camera lenses to cover various situations.
- Those who need the versatility of a dual-screen device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Portability vs. Screen Size: Do you prioritize a compact, easy-to-carry phone or a large, immersive display?
- Camera Versatility: Do you need the zoom capabilities and wide-angle options of the Z Fold3, or are the Zenfone 8's camera features sufficient?
- Charging Needs: Do you need wireless charging or are you ok with standard fast charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user: If you value portability, good display quality, and a more affordable price point, choose the Asus Zenfone 8.
- For the power user: If you need a large screen, advanced camera capabilities, and versatile charging, and don't mind the high price tag, choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
- For the content creator: If you prioritize 8K video recordings, choose the Asus Zenfone 8. If you need versatility and good performance on photos, choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
My Choice
Based on my analysis and personal preference, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8.
Here's why:
- Portability and Practicality: As someone who values a phone that fits comfortably in my pocket and is easy to use with one hand, the Zenfone 8's compact size is a major advantage.
- Excellent Display: The AMOLED technology, high brightness and high pixel density make the screen suitable for any lighting condition while providing a good viewing experience.
- Solid Performance: While both phones have the same chipset and GPU, the Zenfone 8 offers RAM up to 16GB, which may slightly enhance multitasking. The differences in the performance scores is so marginal that it is negligible.
- Superior Audio Quality: The high quality audio options offer a better overall experience for music listening and other audio needs.
- Better Value: I personally don't need the foldable capabilities, which make the Samsung Z Fold 3 quite expensive for not a lot of added benefit to my lifestyle, making the Zenfone 8 a more value-focused choice.
While the Z Fold3 offers a groundbreaking design with its foldable display, it is a very niche device that has a very specific usage scenario. The Zenfone 8, while being a more traditional smartphone, caters perfectly to my practical needs, offering a blend of performance, excellent display, great portability and a much more suitable price. The Zenfone 8's more traditional form factor, combined with its impressive specs and significantly lower price, makes it the more compelling choice for me.
