1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Sony Xperia 5 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 154 × 68 × 8.6 mm | Xperia 5 V is taller by 6mm; Zenfone 8 is slightly thicker by 0.3mm. Minimal difference for everyday use. |
| Weight | 169g | 182g | Asus Zenfone 8 is lighter by 13g, which might be noticeable during extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.1" | Xperia 5 V has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 V has a slightly sharper display due to the higher resolution. |
| PPI | 446 | 449 | Virtually identical pixel density, meaning similar sharpness to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Minimal practical difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Asus Zenfone 8 has much better visibility in bright sunlight (Sony Xperia 5 V brightness value missing from spec). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Xperia 5 V has a much newer and more powerful processor, offering better overall performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 1,370,000 | Xperia 5 V offers substantially faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Xperia 5 V's GPU is significantly more powerful, leading to better graphics performance in games and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 5 V has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life throughout the day. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both offer similar fast charging capabilities |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Xperia 5 V has the added benefit of bypass charging (powering the phone directly without charging the battery) and the capability to reverse charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | Zenfone 8 captures more detail in theory; practical impact depends on sensor size and processing. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | Zenfone 8 captures a bit more light in theory. Minimal difference. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.4" | Xperia 5 V has a larger sensor, typically leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.12 µm | Larger pixels on Xperia 5 V capture more light, generally resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Xperia 5 V selfie camera captures more light, potentially performing better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | Xperia 5 V offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Yes | No | Zenfone 8 includes a combined wide-angle and macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@120fps | Zenfone 8 offers 8k recording; both record up to 4k@120 fps but Sony adds OIS |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 V's optical image stabilization (OIS) produces smoother video footage compared to digital stabilization (EIS). |
| DXOMark Main Score | 116 | 118 | Xperia 5 V scores slightly higher, indicating a slight advantage in overall camera quality. |
| DXOMark Photo Score | 120 | 124 | Xperia 5 V performs slightly better in photo tests. |
| DXOMark Video Score | 118 | 118 | Video performance is similar according to DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, OIS | Optical zoom, OIS | Xperia 5 V has optical zoom, allowing to zoom without major loss of quality, while the Asus has higher resolution video capability. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Xperia 5 V comes with a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Max Version | 13 | 14 | Xperia 5 V is likely to receive software updates for a longer time |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Xperia 5 V has Wi-Fi 6E, enabling faster speeds and less interference on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Xperia 5 V offers slightly improved range and data transfer speeds. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1+L5 | Similar location accuracy, but Zenfone 8 includes slightly more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 5 V offers the flexibility of an eSIM. Zenfone 8 supports two physical sims. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have same storage configurations. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 8 GB | Zenfone 8 offers more RAM, which is beneficial for heavy multitasking or gaming but the base model has less RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Basic audio features | Zenfone 8 has a better overall audio experience with Hi-Res support, better voice capture and immersive audio through stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 5 V's side-mounted sensor is more accessible. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Xperia 5 V offers slightly better scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Xperia 5 V includes a Barometer. Zenfone 8 has a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: With a significantly higher brightness of 1100 nits, the Zenfone 8 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Higher RAM Option: Up to 16 GB RAM (vs. 8GB), offering more headroom for intensive tasks and future-proofing.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers 8K video recording capability, which is useful for professional content creators.
- Better Audio Features: Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones provide a more comprehensive audio experience.
- More Satellite Navigation Systems: Supports more satellite systems, potentially improving location accuracy.
- Lighter Weight: 13 grams lighter, which may feel better in hand for longer use.
Sony Xperia 5 V Advantages:
- More Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers significantly better performance, efficiency, and future-proofing.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor, wider aperture for the front camera, a wide angle lens and OIS produce better low-light performance, image quality, and video stabilization.
- Newer Software: Android 13 with an upgrade to 14 offers newer features and extended support.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3: Provides faster speeds and better connectivity.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of an eSIM for digital carrier switching.
- Bypass & Reverse Charging: Allows powering directly from the charger and charging other devices.
- Improved Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides better scratch resistance.
- More Sensors: Includes a barometer for more environmental awareness.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Sacrifices performance, battery life, and a more advanced camera system for higher display brightness, more RAM options, better audio and 8K recording. It's also an older phone.
- Xperia 5 V: Lacks the 8K recording capabilities of the Zenfone 8, may have lower max brightness outdoors (unconfirmed value), but gains a better processor, camera, battery, and newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 is ideal for:
- Users needing extreme outdoor visibility: The 1100 nits display is essential for bright sunlight use.
- Power users on a budget: Looking for the maximum RAM at a lower price point.
- Content creators needing 8k recording: If 8k is essential and camera quality is secondary.
- Audio enthusiasts: If higher quality audio and noise cancellation are critical.
Use Cases:
- Outdoor workers requiring clear screen visibility under sunlight.
- Users who need a smaller and lighter phone
- Users who needs 8k video capability
Sony Xperia 5 V is ideal for:
- Performance enthusiasts: Those wanting top-tier performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those prioritizing versatile, high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Users needing extended battery life: Those wanting to go through the day without needing to charge.
- Users seeking longevity: Those who prefer devices with newer software and extended update support.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who demand high frame rates and graphical fidelity.
- Photographers and videographers who require reliable and high-quality camera performance.
- Business professionals needing reliable all-day battery life.
- Users seeking the latest Android OS features and long-term support.
Price-to-Value:
- The Zenfone 8, being an older model, may offer a good price to value if bought at a discount.
- The Xperia 5 V is a newer, more expensive phone but offers better overall value for most users seeking a flagship experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is peak display brightness for outdoor use? If critical, Zenfone 8 is better; otherwise, Xperia 5 V's screen is very good for most situations and has a brighter front facing camera.
- Do you prioritize raw performance or is having the best camera, battery life and a modern OS more important? If performance is paramount, go for Xperia 5 V; If needing 8K and more RAM, Zenfone 8 could be sufficient.
- Is longer battery life and newer OS a critical factor? If yes, the Xperia 5V with it's bigger battery and newer OS is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User needs a phone for daily use, gaming, and occasional photography.
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 V due to its better performance, camera and battery.
- Scenario 2: User works outdoors and needs maximum sunlight visibility and is budget conscious.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8, as it has a superior screen brightness and potentially lower price.
- Scenario 3: User is a content creator who wants the best possible audio for videos, and needs 8K recording capability.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8 as it offers these features.
- Scenario 4: User needs the latest android OS and wants the best longevity possible.
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 V due to having the most up to date OS and software.
My Choice
I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 V. Although I appreciate the higher brightness of the Zenfone 8, the Xperia 5 V offers a more compelling overall package. Its superior performance, significantly improved camera system, longer battery life, and modern software make it a better fit for my needs. While the Zenfone 8 has some niche advantages like 8k recording, and a brighter display, the Xperia 5 V offers a more well rounded and future proof experience, offering better value overall. The better camera is a significant plus for me as well.
