1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact, easier for one-handed use; 12 Pro is larger, better for media consumption |
| Weight | 169g | 204g | Zenfone 8 is much lighter, more comfortable for extended use; 12 Pro is heavier, might feel less comfortable for long periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.73" | 12 Pro provides a larger viewing area, better for movies and gaming; Zenfone 8 is more pocketable |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | 12 Pro has noticeably sharper and more detailed visuals; Zenfone 8 is still sharp but less so |
| PPI | 446 | 521 | 12 Pro has a higher pixel density, resulting in a clearer, crisper display; subtle difference in daily use, more noticeable with very high-resolution content |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1500 nits | 12 Pro offers superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight; Zenfone 8 is good, but might struggle in very bright environments |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; equally fluid user experience |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 12 Pro is faster in CPU & GPU, for better gaming and app performance; Zenfone 8 is still very capable for most use cases, but slightly less powerful |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 1,177,498 | 12 Pro has significantly higher performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | 12 Pro has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics for demanding games |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX686, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", Sony IMX707, 1.22µm | 12 Pro has larger pixels, which gather more light for better low-light performance; Zenfone 8 is more detailed due to higher resolution in good light |
| Rear Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363, 1.4µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | 12 Pro's ultrawide camera has higher resolution; Zenfone 8's ultrawide includes macro capabilities; different strengths depending on user needs |
| Rear Portrait Camera | N/A | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | 12 Pro has a dedicated portrait lens, allowing for enhanced depth effect, Zenfone 8 has no dedicated portrait mode |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663, 1.22µm | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1, 0.7µm | 12 Pro has a higher-resolution selfie camera; Zenfone 8 has larger pixels for better low-light selfies |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Similar 8K capabilities on both; 12 Pro offers slightly faster slow-motion recording |
| DXOMark Score | 116 | 129 | 12 Pro has overall better camera performance, especially in photos and videos |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4600mAh | 12 Pro has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life, especially with heavy usage |
| Charging | 30W wired | 120W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 12 Pro has significantly faster wired and wireless charging, big impact for those who need quick top-ups. Zenfone 8 has basic fast charging only. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | 12 Pro comes with a newer Android version out of the box, potentially longer software support |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo speakers, 3 Mics, Noise cancellation mic | Hi-Res, Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | Zenfone 8 has better audio features for voice capture and noise cancellation. 12 Pro includes dolby atmos for spatial audio. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Similar storage options on both; neither support expandable storage |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | Zenfone 8 offers more RAM options for extreme multi-tasking use cases |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact Size & Lightweight: More comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around.
- Higher RAM Options: Up to 16 GB RAM, may be beneficial for extreme multitasking or running many demanding apps.
- Better Audio Recording: 3 microphones with noise cancellation, ideal for content creators.
- Wider Angle + Macro: Provides greater flexibility for creative photography
- More GPS systems: better for tracking and location
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Larger & Sharper Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and overall visual experience.
- Faster Performance: Newer Snapdragon chip results in snappier app loading and gaming experience.
- Superior Camera System: Better sensors, additional lenses result in better photo and video quality.
- Significantly Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging far surpass the Zenfone 8's charging capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for extended daily use.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with a more recent version, potentially for longer update support.
- Barometer: Useful for outdoor activities
Significant Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Trades off screen size, battery life, and camera performance for a compact form factor and better audio recording.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Larger size and weight might be less convenient for some users who prioritize portability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize one-handed use and portability.
- Users who appreciate high-quality audio recording for calls and content creation.
- Users who need excellent GPS capabilities
- Users who require high RAM for intensive multitasking.
- Users who prioritize a small phone over the best display or camera capabilities.
Use Cases for Zenfone 8:
- Podcast recording and voiceovers.
- Everyday phone usage with an emphasis on convenience.
- Navigation and tracking.
- Running several apps at once
Xiaomi 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who value larger and more immersive displays for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks.
- Users who prioritize advanced camera features and better photo/video quality.
- Users who need fast charging for minimal downtime.
- Users who appreciate premium design and build quality.
Use Cases for Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Gaming with high graphics settings.
- Photography and videography.
- Watching movies or TV shows on-the-go.
- Users who need fast charging for minimal downtime
- Professional and heavy phone users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: portability or screen size? (Compact Zenfone 8 vs. larger 12 Pro).
- How important is camera performance to you? (Better system on 12 Pro vs. Zenfone 8)
- How much do you value fast charging? (120W on 12 Pro vs 30W on Zenfone 8)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you primarily use your phone for social media, communication, and basic tasks, and want a small phone, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the better choice for its portability and comfort.
- Scenario 2: If you are a heavy gamer, a media enthusiast, or a content creator who needs the best possible display, performance, and camera quality, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a clear winner.
- Scenario 3: If you are someone who needs fast charging and cannot bear a long period without your phone being charged, the Xiaomi 12 Pro due to its 120W charging is the best option.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
Despite appreciating the compact form factor of the Zenfone 8, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a more compelling overall package for my needs. The larger, higher-resolution display is better for media consumption, and the superior camera system is a significant advantage for taking high-quality photos and videos. The faster charging speeds are also a must-have for my daily usage, and while it is bulkier, the advantages that the 12 Pro has outweigh the inconveniences of the size. Although the Zenfone 8 has a better microphone and more RAM, the differences are not significant enough to make me overlook the 12 Pro's improvements in other key areas.
