1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 163.2 x 75.9 x 8.1 mm | iQOO 12 is taller and wider, less pocketable; Zenfone 8 is thicker but more compact. |
| Weight | 169g | 198.5g | Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard non-folding smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.78" | iQOO 12 offers a significantly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2800 | iQOO 12 has a sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 446 | 453 | Both have very similar pixel density, providing sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | iQOO 12 provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 3000 nits | iQOO 12 has dramatically better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | iQOO 12 has a newer, significantly faster, and more power-efficient processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 2,020,000 | iQOO 12 is much faster in real-world use, with quicker app loading and smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | iQOO 12 has a significantly more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | iQOO 12 offers significantly longer battery life, especially during intensive use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | iQOO 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Minor difference in technology. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" Sony IMX686 | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3" Omnivision OV50H | iQOO 12 has larger sensor and wider aperture for better low light performance, though the Zenfone has a higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" Sony IMX663 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1" Samsung S5K3P9 | iQOO 12 has slightly higher resolution selfie cam but smaller sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | iQOO 12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, offering optical zoom capabilities, while the Zenfone 8 has no telephoto lens. |
| Wide/Macro | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX363 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | iQOO 12 has a higher resolution and wider aperture, but smaller sensor. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps with EIS | Both support high-resolution video recording with image stabilization; iQOO 12 offers higher framerate at 8K. |
| Slow Motion | 480 fps | 960 fps | iQOO 12 offers higher slow-motion capture rate. |
| DXOMARK Score | Main: 116 Photo:120 Video:118 | None | Asus Zenfone 8 has available camera scores. iQOO 12 DXOMARK not available. |
| Camera Features | Dual camera, OIS, PDAF, RAW | Triple camera, OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode, Tracking AF | iQOO 12 has many more features and lenses compared to the Asus Zenfone 8. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | iQOO 12 has a newer Android version and longer update support, providing access to latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | iQOO 12 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, providing faster and more reliable connection. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | iQOO 12 has a newer Bluetooth version offering better efficiency and performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Asus Zenfone 8 supports more satellite systems improving location accuracy in more situations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | iQOO 12 has much larger storage options, making it suitable for users with extensive media libraries or demanding apps. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 12/16 GB | Both offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so internal storage is crucial. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Zenfone 8 includes Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation, and 3 microphones, whereas iQOO 12 has Dolby Atmos. Both offer stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Zenfone 8 offers known superior screen protection while the iQOO 12 protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Asus Zenfone 8 has an additional Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle one-handed and more pocketable.
- Hi-Res Audio and Noise Cancellation: Provides superior audio quality for music and clearer calls.
- Additional Hall Sensor: Could be used for more complex motion sensing, potentially beneficial for some gaming experiences.
- Known Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers top-tier scratch and drop resistance.
- More GPS satellite support: More GPS satellite support can mean improved location accuracy in challenging areas.
- Available Camera Scores: DXOMARK scores available for camera analysis.
vivo iQOO 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers a massive performance leap over the Snapdragon 888.
- Larger and Higher Resolution Display: Provides a more immersive and detailed viewing experience for media and gaming.
- Much Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity enables extended usage without needing frequent charging.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Enables optical zoom for capturing distant subjects without loss of quality.
- Better Camera Features: Features such as Laser AF, Night Mode, Tracking AF, Ultra Stable Video
- Newer Android Version: Offers access to the latest Android features and security updates for longer time.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards: Provides better wireless speeds and efficiency.
- Larger Storage Options: Options up to 1TB for demanding users.
- Higher Slow-motion video: 960 fps vs 480 fps
- 8K video recording at higher framerate: 8K at 30fps compared to 24 fps for the Zenfone 8.
Practical Implications:
- The Zenfone 8 is a good choice for users who prioritize compactness, portability, great audio and good screen protection.
- The iQOO 12 is ideal for users who demand top performance, immersive media, longer battery life, faster charging and advanced camera features.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Sacrifices performance, display size, battery life, and camera features for compactness.
- iQOO 12: Larger size and weight may be less comfortable for some users. Screen protection is not available
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Those who value excellent audio for music and voice calls.
- Users who prefer known robust screen protection.
- Users who like to have more GPS satellite support.
- Those who don't heavily depend on cutting-edge gaming performance or extensive camera features.
Specific Use Cases for Zenfone 8:
- Everyday carry phone for general use and communication.
- Media consumption with high-quality audio (music lovers).
- Users who value a pocketable phone and not having to always carry a large device.
vivo iQOO 12 Ideal User:
- Mobile gamers and power users who demand the highest performance.
- Users who frequently consume media (videos, movies, gaming) on their phones.
- Those who require long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who value a versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and many features.
- Those who want the latest features and software updates.
Specific Use Cases for iQOO 12:
- Mobile gaming and demanding applications.
- Heavy media consumption (video streaming, etc.).
- Professional or hobbyist photography and videography.
- Users who need a long lasting phone that doesn't require frequent charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The vivo iQOO 12 represents a higher price, but the price-to-value ratio is justified by its significantly better performance, bigger display, more versatile camera and better battery life, compared to the Zenfone 8.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: performance and features or compactness? If you value top performance, large immersive screen, great battery, and a versatile camera, then the iQOO 12 is the obvious choice. However, if you prefer a smaller and lighter phone, the Zenfone 8 might suit you better.
- How important is battery life and charging time? The iQOO 12 wins in both battery capacity and charging speed, making it ideal for users who are often away from power outlets. The Zenfone 8 will require more charging.
- Do you need advanced camera features or just a basic experience? If you need a versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, then the iQOO 12 is the best choice. If you just want a basic camera for normal everyday use, both phones will do the job.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you are a gamer, someone who edits video on their phone or you need a phone that will run all the most demanding apps smoothly, then go for the iQOO 12 for its top performance and speed.
- Scenario 2 (Portability First): If you want a smaller phone that fits easily in your pocket and is comfortable to use one handed, go for the Asus Zenfone 8. Be aware of the performance, battery and camera compromises you are making.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Use): If you want a solid all-round smartphone that offers great media consumption, good performance, and good battery life, then the vivo iQOO 12 offers the best of all.
My Choice
Given the detailed comparison, I would choose the vivo iQOO 12. The significant improvements in performance, battery life, display quality, and camera capabilities outweigh the Zenfone 8's advantages in compactness and audio quality. While I appreciate a smaller phone, the practical benefits of the iQOO 12's superior features align better with my needs as a power user who values speed, a great viewing experience, long battery life, and versatile photography capabilities. The iQOO 12 delivers a significantly better experience in most key areas, making it the more compelling choice. Also the lack of telephoto and better camera features in the Asus Zenfone 8 is something that would be missed.
