1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi 11T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 164.1 x 76.9 x 8.8 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly smaller and more pocketable; 11T is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 203g | Zenfone 8 is considerably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Xiaomi 11T has a significantly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking, while the Zenfone 8 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same Full HD+ resolution, resulting in sharp images. |
| PPI | 446 | 395 | Zenfone 8's higher pixel density means a sharper, more detailed display, especially noticeable for text and fine details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant AMOLED displays with excellent contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Zenfone 8's higher brightness is better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 888 offers superior performance for demanding games and applications compared to the Dimensity 1200. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 712,100 | Zenfone 8 is expected to be noticeably faster in app loading and general performance based on benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 660 in Zenfone 8 generally provides better graphical performance for gaming and demanding apps than Mali-G77 in Xiaomi 11T. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Xiaomi 11T’s higher resolution allows for more detailed images and larger prints, although pixel binning is used to achieve optimal image quality in most scenarios. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.75 | Xiaomi 11T has a slightly wider aperture, which might result in better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.52" | Larger sensor in Xiaomi 11T captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Xiaomi 11T captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.93" | 1/3.06" | Zenfone 8's slightly larger sensor may provide slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Additional Cameras | Wide Angle + Macro | Wide Angle, Macro | Xiaomi 11T has dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses while Zenfone 8 has a combined Wide Angle + Macro camera, thus offering more flexibility in terms of shooting scenarios. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps (with EIS, HDR) | 4K@30fps (with EIS) | Zenfone 8 supports higher resolution video recording (8K) and higher framerate (4K@120fps), thus providing much more flexibility and features for video creators. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi 11T’s larger battery should result in noticeably better battery life and longer usage times. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Xiaomi 11T charges much faster than Zenfone 8, minimizing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Both phones offer similar base Android versions and upgrades. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Zenfone 8 may offer slightly better audio quality through hi-res audio and 3 microphones and clearer calls through a dedicated noise cancelling microphone, while Xiaomi 11T features Dolby Atmos for better sound immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic in-display | Side-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi 11T is typically faster and more reliable than basic in-display sensors. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer similar storage options, though user experience may vary. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16GB | 8GB | Zenfone 8 with up to 16GB of RAM provides excellent performance for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so users must consider their storage needs carefully. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher benchmark scores offer better app loading, smoother UI, and enhanced gaming performance.
- Compact and Lightweight: Its small size and lighter weight make it easier to handle and carry in comparison to the Xiaomi 11T, enhancing comfort for one-handed use.
- Sharper Display: Higher PPI results in a sharper display with noticeably more detail.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones contribute to better audio quality and call clarity.
- Advanced Video Recording: Supports 8K recording and 4K at 120fps which provides more flexibility for professional video creators
- More RAM Options: Offers up to 16GB of RAM, allowing for more demanding multitasking and better performance.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Higher peak brightness on the display is preferable for better readability under sunlight
Xiaomi 11T Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.67-inch screen provides an immersive experience for media consumption, gaming and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity offers longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging ensures minimal downtime, making it very convenient.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor provides more detailed images (although it often uses pixel binning).
- Dedicated Additional Camera Lenses: Dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses offer more versatility for photography.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more reliable than the basic in-display sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Asus Zenfone 8: Trades battery life and display size for portability and performance. Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Xiaomi 11T: Trades performance, portability and audio quality for screen real estate, better battery and additional camera lenses.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance, and smooth operation for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- One-Handed Users: Users who prefer a compact and lightweight device for comfortable one-handed use.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality audio and clearer calls.
- Professional Video Content Creators: Users who need access to higher resolution video recording capabilities.
- Users needing high outdoor visibility: Users who live or work in sunny environments.
Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Mobile gaming enthusiasts needing top-tier performance.
- Users who frequently navigate on their phones and need accurate GPS with the Galileo system.
- Individuals who require a compact phone that fits easily in a pocket or smaller bag.
- Users with smaller hands who may find a larger device difficult to use.
- Professionals needing high-quality audio for conference calls and media creation.
- Users that need high performance and high quality visuals in outdoor conditions.
Xiaomi 11T Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Individuals who prioritize screen size and battery life for watching videos and browsing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Those who need their phone to last through a full day of heavy use.
- Users Needing Quick Charging: Those who need a fast-charging phone for convenience.
Use Cases for Xiaomi 11T:
- Users who frequently watch videos, play games, or browse the internet.
- Amateur photographers who want versatile shooting options without needing a professional camera.
- Travelers who need a phone that can last all day with heavy usage and be charged rapidly.
- Users who frequently capture landscape or close-up images.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and portability, or a larger display and longer battery life? This defines whether you lean toward the Zenfone 8 or the Xiaomi 11T, respectively.
- How important are camera versatility and advanced video capabilities? Xiaomi 11T offers better camera versatility with its dedicated lenses while Zenfone 8 has superior video recording capabilities.
- What is your typical daily usage pattern? This helps determine if you need the long battery life of Xiaomi 11T or if a smaller size and performance are more useful.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For gaming and demanding tasks: Choose Asus Zenfone 8 for its superior chipset and higher RAM.
- For content consumption and photography: Choose Xiaomi 11T for its larger display, long battery life, and versatile camera system.
- For portability and one-handed use: Choose Asus Zenfone 8 for its compact size and light weight.
- For users that need a long battery life: Choose Xiaomi 11T for its large battery and fast charging.
My Choice and Why
Given my usage patterns and preferences, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. I prioritize performance, a sharp display, and a compact size for comfortable one-handed use and portability. Although the Xiaomi 11T has a bigger battery, I do not mind charging more often for the enhanced performance and better audio quality, and the 8K video capabilities are a must for my content creation needs. I also often use the phone outdoors, where the higher peak brightness of the display would be preferred. The compact and lightweight design of the Zenfone 8 is ideal for daily use as a secondary phone. While the Xiaomi 11T is a very capable phone with an excellent camera system and a larger battery, I believe the Zenfone 8's performance and compact form factor would better suit my daily needs.
