Smartphone Comparison: Asus Zenfone 8 vs. Xiaomi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 is slightly taller and wider, Zenfone 8 is thicker. Zenfone 8 might feel more compact, while Xiaomi 12 offers a bit more screen. |
| Weight | 169g | 179g | Zenfone 8 is slightly lighter; noticeable over extended use. Xiaomi 12 is heavier by 10g. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.28" | Xiaomi 12 has a larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and reading. The difference of 0.38" is not too huge but noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same level of detail; sharpness is similar. |
| Pixel Density | 446 PPI | 419 PPI | Zenfone 8 has slightly sharper text and images; noticeable for users with keen eyesight. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both offer good visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12's newer chipset provides slightly faster app loading, smoother UI, and better performance in demanding tasks and games. |
| Antutu Score | 891,700 | 1,150,831 | Xiaomi 12 is significantly faster; this translates into a more fluid user experience, better gaming, and quicker processing. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 has a better GPU, leading to better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Zenfone 8 has a higher resolution. Xiaomi 12 has a larger sensor size for better low-light performance. Pixel size is larger in the Xiaomi. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.7µm | Xiaomi 12 has much higher resolution and captures more details. Zenfone 8 has a larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm (Wide Angle + Macro) | 13MP, f/2.4, (dedicated) | Zenfone 8 combines the wide and macro, while the Xiaomi 12 has dedicated lenses; different use case approaches. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4, (dedicated) | Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated macro lens for better close-up shots while Asus Zenfone 8 uses wide angle for macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@120fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@120fps, HDR, EIS | Both offer top video capabilities, but Xiaomi 12 supports up to 1920fps for slow motion. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 116, Photo: 120, Video: 118 | Mobile: 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | Zenfone 8 is slightly better in still images, while Xiaomi 12 offers slightly superior video quality. |
| Camera Features | Dual Camera, OIS | Triple Camera, OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Night Mode | Xiaomi 12 has more versatile camera features, including a dedicated night mode and stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Xiaomi 12 has a bigger battery, offering longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse, Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 has wireless charging and reverse charging, making it more versatile. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Max Version Unknown) | Xiaomi 12 is newer and has a more recent Android version out of the box. Long-term software support unclear for Xiaomi. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both phones support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with multiple codecs | 5.2 with multiple codecs | Both phones offer good Bluetooth connectivity with a range of audio codecs, though with minor feature differences. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 8 has more satellite systems for possibly improved GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Nano | Dual SIM Nano | Both phones offer the same Dual Sim Support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options; sufficient for most users. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | Zenfone 8 has more potential RAM, beneficial for intensive multitasking and high-end gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, 2 Microphones | Zenfone 8 has better features for clearer calls. Xiaomi 12 has Dolby Atmos for immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer top-tier screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity, RGB | Both feature comprehensive sensor suites for different use cases, including gaming and AR/VR. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- More compact design: Easier to handle with one hand.
- Slightly sharper display: Higher pixel density for crisper visuals.
- Potentially higher RAM: Up to 16GB, which is beneficial for heavy multitasking.
- More microphones: Potentially better audio capture and call quality.
- Slightly better Photo scores in DXOMark: May capture slightly better images.
- Slightly better GPS accuracy: Includes more satellite systems.
Xiaomi 12 Advantages:
- Newer, more powerful chipset: Better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Larger display: Better for media consumption.
- Larger battery: Longer battery life.
- Faster charging: Significantly quicker to recharge.
- Wireless and reverse charging: More versatile charging options.
- Better video score on DXOMark: May capture slightly better videos.
- Dedicated wide angle and macro lens: More versatile photography options.
- Night Mode: Better low-light photography.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Sacrifices larger screen, battery capacity, and modern charging speeds for compactness and potentially more RAM.
- Xiaomi 12: Sacrifices some compactness and slightly less PPI, but gains performance, better battery, and more versatile features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize a compact form factor and one-handed use.
- Gamers needing the potentially higher RAM capacity.
- Users who need good audio and microphone quality for calls and recording.
- Users who prioritize still images over video quality in mobile photography.
Use cases for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Commuting and daily use where one-handed operation is important.
- Gaming on-the-go where high RAM is a priority.
- Conference calls and voice recordings where good audio capture is needed.
- Casual photography.
Xiaomi 12 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize performance and speed.
- Users who consume a lot of media and need a larger screen.
- Users who need longer battery life and faster charging.
- Users who want versatile camera options including night mode and macro capabilities.
Use cases for Xiaomi 12:
- Gaming where performance is key.
- Watching videos and movies.
- Photography and videography using the main, ultra-wide and macro lenses, along with night mode.
- Long days without access to charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi 12, being newer, will likely be at a higher price point on the used market and is also likely more expensive to purchase brand new.
- The Asus Zenfone 8, being older, can offer significant value on the used market, but the availability of parts may be reduced.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is the most important factor: compact design or screen size? (This will guide whether the user values the pocketability of the Zenfone 8 or the larger screen of the Xiaomi 12)
- Is battery life or fast charging more critical? (This helps determine if the Xiaomi 12's larger battery and faster charging are needed)
- Do you prioritize raw power or a good balance of features? (This highlights whether the user needs the performance of the Snapdragon Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12, or if the Snapdragon 888 is good enough)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gamer: Xiaomi 12 is recommended for superior processing power, a better GPU, and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Casual User/Daily Commuter: Asus Zenfone 8 is recommended for compact design and ease of one-handed use.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumer: Xiaomi 12 is recommended for its larger display and superior battery life.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast: Xiaomi 12 is recommended for a wider array of camera lenses.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi 12. While I appreciate the compact form factor of the Asus Zenfone 8, the Xiaomi 12's advantages in performance, battery life, and camera versatility are more important to me. The larger screen is also a plus for my media consumption habits. Although the Zenfone 8 has potentially more RAM, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12 is a more significant upgrade for my use cases. The 67W fast charging and 50W wireless charging is also a huge benefit. While I am fine with a slightly larger device, the performance gains and features on the Xiaomi 12 make it the better pick for me.
