1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-13 | 2023-11-21 | vivo X100 Pro is significantly newer, benefiting from advancements in technology. |
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 164.1 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm | vivo X100 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. Asus Zenfone 8 is more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 169g | 221g | Asus Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. vivo X100 Pro feels more substantial but might be tiring to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.78" | vivo X100 Pro offers a larger, more immersive viewing experience, better for media consumption and gaming. Asus Zenfone 8 is more compact, suitable for users who prefer smaller phones. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2800 | vivo X100 Pro has a sharper display with more detail, enhancing clarity of images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 446 | 452 | Both have excellent pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing a high-quality visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 3000 nits | vivo X100 Pro offers significantly better outdoor visibility and easier reading in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4nm) | vivo X100 Pro's newer chipset offers superior performance in tasks like gaming and multitasking with faster processing speeds. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 1,881,325 | vivo X100 Pro demonstrates significantly higher performance, providing a smoother and faster experience overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | vivo X100 Pro's newer GPU is better for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX686 | 50MP, f/1.75, 1", Sony IMX989 | vivo X100 Pro features larger sensor, which captures more light and detail. Asus Zenfone 8 has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663 | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", Samsung S5KGD2 | vivo X100 Pro offers significantly higher resolution and a wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | vivo X100 Pro features a dedicated wide-angle lens, offering better versatility. Asus Zenfone 8 Wide Angle lens doubles as a macro camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | vivo X100 Pro includes a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots with optical zoom. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, EIS | Both phones offer 8K video with electronic image stabilization, but the vivo X100 Pro has a slightly faster frame rate at 8K. |
| DXOMARK Score (Mobile) | 116 | 150 | vivo X100 Pro significantly outperforms Asus Zenfone 8 in camera quality based on DXOMARK score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5400mAh | vivo X100 Pro has a significantly larger battery, potentially providing a much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | vivo X100 Pro offers dramatically faster charging speeds, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, 50W Wireless Charging, Non-removable | vivo X100 Pro offers more versatile charging options, including wireless charging and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | vivo X100 Pro has newer Android version, with added features, security updates and a longer update window. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | vivo X100 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | vivo X100 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for improved audio and data transfer. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | vivo X100 Pro offers more flexibility with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | vivo X100 Pro provides significantly more storage options, especially for users who need large storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 12/16 GB | Both phones have sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking, with more RAM options on Asus Zenfone 8, but the vivo X100 Pro starts at a higher level of 12GB. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both have Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers, with additional microphone features on the Asus Zenfone 8, and Dolby Atmos audio enhancements on the vivo X100 Pro. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both feature a basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Asus Zenfone 8 uses better screen protection, more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have standard sensors, with Asus Zenfone 8 having the Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact Size & Lightweight Design: Significantly smaller and lighter, making it ideal for one-handed use and portability.
- Superior Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better protection against scratches and cracks.
- Hall sensor: Additional sensor that may be useful for specific user cases.
- Multiple RAM options: More options, especially at the low end, potentially offering better value for lower budgets.
vivo X100 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Newer chipset with significantly higher benchmark scores, providing faster and smoother performance in everyday tasks, gaming and heavy applications.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Larger main sensor, dedicated wide-angle and telephoto lenses, and a much higher DXOMARK score.
- Larger, Higher-Resolution Display: Larger size and higher resolution for better media consumption and clarity.
- Much Brighter Display: With 3000 nits peak brightness, it offers much better visibility outdoors.
- Significantly Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Larger battery capacity and much faster charging minimize downtime and ensure all day usage for most users.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Added convenience with wireless and reverse charging capabilities.
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 14 with a longer update window.
- eSIM Support: Offers greater flexibility with mobile carrier options.
- More Storage Options: Comes in 512 GB and 1024 GB options, ideal for users who need to store large amounts of data.
- Superior Connectivity: Supports the newest WiFi and Bluetooth standards for more speed and performance.
Practical Implications & Trade-offs:
- The Asus Zenfone 8 prioritizes portability and a more compact design, but it sacrifices significant camera quality, performance, battery and newer features.
- The vivo X100 Pro offers a significant step up in performance, battery life, camera quality, and display, but at the expense of size, weight and potentially price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use: Individuals who dislike larger phones and prefer a compact, pocketable device.
- Budget-conscious consumers: Those seeking flagship-level performance at a slightly lower price point (being older will likely bring the price down).
- Users who value robustness: The Gorilla Glass Victus screen offers superior scratch protection.
- Casual users: Those who are not heavy gamers or demanding photographers.
Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Daily communication, browsing, and light media consumption.
- Users who need a robust device that can withstand minor impacts.
- Users with smaller hands who struggle with larger smartphones.
- A backup device for those who already have a main larger smartphone.
Ideal User for vivo X100 Pro:
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who demand the best possible camera performance and versatility.
- Gamers and power users: Individuals who need the best performance for graphically intensive games and apps.
- Heavy media consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, movies, and TV shows on their phone.
- Users needing very long battery life: Great for travelers and users that are away from their charger.
- Users who prefer a large display: Those who appreciate immersive screen experiences for work and entertainment.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who are seeking out the latest and greatest smartphone technology.
Use Cases for vivo X100 Pro:
- High-quality photography and videography in various conditions.
- Playing demanding mobile games at high settings.
- Watching movies and TV shows on a large, bright and high-resolution screen.
- All day productivity and usage without being limited by battery life or needing to be near a charger.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Asus Zenfone 8 offers better value for users on a budget, who do not need the latest tech, or a large display and a top tier camera, but want a device that performs daily tasks well and is compact and lightweight.
- The vivo X100 Pro justifies its higher price for users who demand top-tier camera performance, battery life, processing power, and overall features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is portability and one-handed use to you?
- Do you need a top-tier camera system for photography and videography?
- What is your budget and does the price differential matter to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Casual User: If you want a reliable daily driver, prioritise compactness and don't need a top-end camera or processor, the Asus Zenfone 8 is a great option.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Photographer/Gamer: If you want a cutting-edge camera system, the best performance, and don't mind a larger phone, the vivo X100 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: "Best of Both Worlds" User: If you are looking for a high performance phone but want to keep the budget relatively low, and are willing to compromise a little on the camera, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the obvious choice. If you are seeking cutting edge specs and are willing to spend, the vivo X100 Pro is the right choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the vivo X100 Pro.
Reasons:
- Significantly Better Camera: The superior camera system with larger sensor, dedicated lenses, and higher DXOMARK score is a big deal for me. I regularly take photos and videos, so having a high-quality, versatile camera is important.
- Superior Performance: The newer chipset and higher benchmark scores guarantee a smoother experience in all tasks.
- Much Better Battery and Charging: The larger battery and faster charging speeds on the vivo X100 Pro give me peace of mind that I won't have to worry about my battery all day, something that is a constant concern with older phones.
- Longer Software Support: With Android 14, the vivo X100 Pro will have longer software support which means more security and features updates.
- Superior Display: The larger size, higher resolution and higher brightness would improve my overall experience using the device.
While I appreciate the compact design and robustness of the Asus Zenfone 8, the vivo X100 Pro's advantages in camera performance, battery life, processing power and overall features are too significant for me to ignore. While the price would likely be higher, I see the extra features as worth the investment for my daily usage.
