1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 157 x 68 x 8.2 mm | Zenfone 8 is shorter and slightly thicker, while Xperia 5 III is taller and thinner. Consider pocketability and hand fit. |
| Weight | 169g | 168g | Practically identical weight; feel in hand will be very similar. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.1" | Xperia 5 III has a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2520 | Xperia 5 III has slightly more pixels, leading to a marginally sharper image. |
| Pixel Density | 446 PPI | 449 PPI | Both offer very similar pixel density; sharp images on both phones. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and media consumption. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (Note: Brightness spec missing) | Zenfone 8 likely has superior outdoor visibility, making it better for bright sunlight use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Both offer flagship-level performance; will handle demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 880,000 | Practically identical performance scores. Real-world performance will be nearly indistinguishable. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Both offer the same graphics performance, ensuring smooth gameplay and graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor, 0.80µm pixel | 12MP f/1.7, Exmor RS, 1.80µm pixel | Zenfone 8 has higher resolution, while the Xperia 5 III has larger pixels and a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.45, 1/2.93" sensor, 1.22µm pixel | 8MP f/2.0, 1/4" sensor, 1.12µm pixel | Zenfone 8 has a higher resolution and a larger sensor, while the Xperia 5 III has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP f/2.2, Exmor RS | Xperia 5 III offers dedicated zoom capabilities, improving versatility in photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 12MP f/2.3, Exmor RS | Xperia 5 III offers a wider field of view for landscape and group shots. |
| Wide + Macro | 12MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40µm pixel | No | Zenfone 8 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Zenfone 8 offers 8K video recording for professional-grade video content, whereas Xperia 5 III has more versatile 4k options with OIS. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 116 (Photo: 120, Video: 118) | No Data | Only Zenfone 8 has a camera score, highlighting its photo and video capabilities. Xperia 5 III might not have been tested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 4500 mAh | Xperia 5 III has a larger battery, likely offering better battery life for all day usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both offer the same fast charging speed. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Xperia 5 III supports Bypass Charging, which can be helpful during extended gaming or video streaming sessions. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Both have the same Android OS with similar software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi, Zenfone 8 offers additional MIMO for slightly better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, aptX, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.2, aptX, LDAC, Advanced Profiles | Both have similar bluetooth versions with advanced audio support. Xperia 5 III offers more profiles for broader compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1, B2), NavIC, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Asus supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality for work-life balance or travel. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options for apps, media and files. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 8 GB | Zenfone 8 offers higher RAM options, especially the 16GB variant, for heavy multi-tasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting storage flexibility. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics, Noise cancellation | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Both offer Hi-Res Audio and Stereo speakers, Zenfone 8 adds noise cancellation microphone and 3 mics. Sony Xperia 5 III adds Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Sony Xperia 5 III offers a more advanced side-mounted sensor for faster and more reliable unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 6 | Zenfone 8 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Sony Xperia 5 III includes a barometer sensor for additional environmental data, while Zenfone 8 offers Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness (1100 nits vs. 0 nits spec from data), improving outdoor visibility.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 64MP main sensor allowing for more detailed images, although this doesn't necessarily translate to better overall quality.
- 8K Video Recording: Supports 8K video recording, beneficial for professional videography use cases.
- Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
- More RAM options: Up to 16GB of RAM compared to 8GB on the Sony, allowing for better multi-tasking and gaming performance.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and drop resistance.
- More Satellite Systems: Better GPS location accuracy.
Sony Xperia 5 III Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape and group shots.
- Larger Battery: 4500mAh battery for better battery life.
- Bypass Charging: Feature for bypassing charging while gaming for battery health.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Offers a broader compatibility with Bluetooth devices
- Barometer Sensor: Additional environmental sensor.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: For faster and more convenient unlocking.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: For a more immersive audio experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Lacks dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, limiting photographic versatility.
- Xperia 5 III: Main camera has lower resolution, and has missing screen brightness specification.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Outdoor users: Its high brightness display is ideal for use in direct sunlight.
- Content creators: Benefits from 8K video recording and macro lens.
- Gamers/Power users: The option for higher RAM (up to 16GB) provides smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
- Those who prioritize image detail: 64MP main camera offers higher-resolution images.
- Users who want better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Use Cases:
- Filming outdoor events/landscapes using 8K video.
- Capturing detailed close-up photos.
- Running multiple resource-intensive apps simultaneously.
- Playing demanding games smoothly.
Ideal User for Sony Xperia 5 III:
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who prioritize photographic versatility with telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
- Users who need longer battery life: Larger battery enables longer usage without needing to charge.
- Those who value convenience: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor and bypass charging for gaming.
- Audio lovers Users who prioritize a more immersive audio experience through Dolby Atmos.
- Users who use bluetooth devices: More Bluetooth profiles enable broader compatibility with devices.
Use Cases:
- Capturing varied types of photos with telephoto, wide, and standard lenses.
- Extended use without charging.
- Gaming sessions and video streaming.
- Immersive audio experience through Dolby Atmos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor visibility? If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, the Zenfone 8 is likely the better choice due to its significantly higher brightness (1100 nits). The Xperia 5 III's brightness specification is missing and may not be suitable for outdoor use.
- What are my camera priorities? If you prioritize high-resolution images and 8K video with a macro lens, the Zenfone 8 is better. If you need telephoto and wide-angle zoom, the Xperia 5 III is the preferred option.
- How important is battery life vs performance? The Xperia 5 III offers a larger battery for longer use, whereas the Zenfone 8 provides better performance with RAM options up to 16GB.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor photographer: If you need the best screen visibility and macro capabilities, go with the Zenfone 8.
- Scenario 2: Social media user / Content Creator: If you need versatility with telephoto, wide angle and better battery, go with the Xperia 5 III.
- Scenario 3: Power User: If you need the best performance, choose the Zenfone 8 with its 16GB RAM. If you prioritize battery over performance, choose Xperia 5 III
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: If you need longer battery, choose the Xperia 5 III. If you need better screen visibility choose the Zenfone 8.
My Choice
Based on the provided specifications, I would personally choose the Asus Zenfone 8.
While the Sony Xperia 5 III offers a more versatile camera system and a larger battery, the Zenfone 8’s superior display brightness (1100 nits vs. unspecified), higher RAM options and ability to record 8k video make it the more compelling choice for my needs. I frequently use my phone outdoors and appreciate the additional clarity of a brighter screen, I use it for recording videos, and the additional RAM is always helpful for multitasking. Additionally, the slightly smaller size of the Zenfone 8 could make it easier for me to handle, though this is very subjective.
Therefore, while the Xperia 5 III is a well-rounded device, the Zenfone 8's advantages in display, performance, and video recording align more with my typical use cases.
