Smartphone Comparison: Asus Zenfone 8 vs. TCL 50 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 168.2 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm | Zenfone 8 is more compact and pocketable; TCL 50 SE is larger, may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 195g | Zenfone 8 is significantly lighter, better for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.78" | TCL 50 SE offers a much larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both have similar resolutions, resulting in sharp images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 446 | 396 | Zenfone 8's higher PPI leads to sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Zenfone 8's AMOLED provides better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Zenfone 8 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 900 nits | Zenfone 8 is more readable in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Zenfone 8’s chipset is much faster, providing smoother app performance and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 250,000 | Zenfone 8 has significantly higher performance, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Zenfone 8 has a much more powerful GPU, offering superior gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | Zenfone 8 has a higher resolution main sensor, likely capturing more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | Zenfone 8 has higher resolution and smaller aperture, while TCL 50 SE has a wider aperture, better for low-light. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | TCL 50 SE allows for close-up macro shots. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Not available | Zenfone 8 enables ultra-wide angle photography. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps with EIS, HDR | 1080p@30fps | Zenfone 8 offers much higher video recording capabilities and stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 116 (Mobile) | Not tested | Zenfone 8 has a tested higher-quality camera. |
| Features | 4K/8K, OIS, RAW | PDAF, HDR | Zenfone 8 provides more advanced features, including Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for sharper photos and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5010mAh | TCL 50 SE offers a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 33W | TCL 50 SE charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Zenfone 8 has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Zenfone 8 has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Advanced with Dual-band GPS | Standard GPS | Zenfone 8 provides more accurate GPS tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16GB | 4/6GB | Zenfone 8 has significantly more RAM, allowing smoother multitasking and future-proofing. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Zenfone 8 has superior audio quality, noise cancellation and multiple microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | TCL 50 SE offers a more convenient side-mounted sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Zenfone 8 has a much more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Zenfone 8 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, enabling advanced features and better gaming experiences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly higher processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- High-Quality Display: The AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and higher pixel density provides a more vibrant, sharp, and fluid visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers higher resolution, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), wider video recording capabilities up to 8K, and RAW image capture for superior image quality and flexibility.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation microphone, and multiple microphones for better audio recording and listening.
- Better Build Quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- More RAM Options: Up to 16GB of RAM for seamless multitasking and future-proofing.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more stable connections.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes gyroscope, compass and more for better gaming and advanced features.
Practical Implications for Zenfone 8: It's better for users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera capabilities, build quality and advanced connectivity, ideal for gamers, photography enthusiasts, and power users.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.78" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: A 5010mAh battery may provide longer battery life.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 14 out of the box.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster unlocking experience.
- Macro Lens: Allows users to capture close-up photos.
- Slightly Faster Charging: Offers a marginally faster charging rate at 33W.
Practical Implications for TCL 50 SE: It is better for users who prioritize battery life, a large display, the newest Android OS, and a budget-friendly price point. Suitable for general use, media consumption and users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The Asus Zenfone 8 offers top-tier performance, display, and camera at the cost of battery size, and overall device size.
- The TCL 50 SE sacrifices performance and advanced camera features for a larger screen, longer battery life and a more affordable price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need a high-quality camera with advanced features for taking detailed photos and videos.
- Media Lovers: Those who appreciate excellent display quality, sharp text, vibrant colors and better audio for watching content.
- Tech Savvy Users: Users who want the latest technology and advanced connectivity features.
Use Cases:
- Playing high-end mobile games with demanding graphics.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Enjoying high-quality media content with crisp visuals.
- Using advanced navigation and location services, including dual-band GPS.
- Capturing professional-grade videos and photos.
TCL 50 SE Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a reliable smartphone with essential features without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks, browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Battery Life Focused Users: Those who prioritize longer battery life for extended use.
- Large Screen Preference Users: Those who prefer a larger display for media consumption.
Use Cases:
- Browsing the internet and social media.
- Watching videos and streaming content.
- Casual photography and taking quick snapshots.
- Basic productivity tasks and daily communication.
- Using for extended periods without needing frequent charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Asus Zenfone 8, while older, still packs a punch in terms of performance and premium features. It may offer better value for performance-focused users depending on its current price.
- The TCL 50 SE offers great value for budget-conscious users, providing a large screen and decent battery life at an affordable cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, basic daily use?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay extra for premium features, or are you looking for the most affordable option?)
- What is more important to you: performance or battery life? (Do you need the fastest performance, or do you prioritize a longer battery life for all day usage?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Gamer/Power User: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8. Its superior chipset, GPU, and RAM deliver a smoother, faster gaming experience. The superior display and audio will enhance the experience too.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Everyday Use: Consider the TCL 50 SE. The larger screen, longer battery life, and newer Android version make it suitable for daily use.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focused: If photography is a primary focus, the Asus Zenfone 8's advanced camera features, including OIS, and higher resolution sensor make it a superior choice over the TCL 50 SE.
- Scenario 4: Budget is Priority: The TCL 50 SE is the more budget-friendly choice and will get the job done for basic usage.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 8. Although it's an older model, its performance is far superior due to its Snapdragon 888 chipset, Adreno 660 GPU, and up to 16GB of RAM. This means a much smoother, more responsive user experience, especially for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. I also value the higher quality AMOLED display, its higher refresh rate and the superior camera capabilities including OIS and 8K recording. While the TCL 50 SE offers a larger screen and better battery life, the performance difference is just too significant for my personal use. The advanced connectivity features of the Zenfone 8 like Wi-Fi 6 and the newer Bluetooth version are also very important to me. The superior build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus also gives me a peace of mind knowing that the screen is well-protected. While I would prefer a larger battery capacity, I value the overall performance, display and advanced features that the Zenfone 8 offers.
