Asus Zenfone 8 vs Xiaomi 12T - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Xiaomi 12T
Xiaomi 12T
Xiaomi

General

Launch Date May 13, 2021 October 6, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 90.23 cm³ 106.46 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.49 "/g 3.3 "/g
Weight 169 g 202 g
Height 148 mm 163.1 mm
Width 68.5 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Obsidian Black
  • Horizon Silver
  • Silver
  • Black
  • Blue

Display

Screen Size 5.9 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1220 x 2712
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.9 % 86.7 %
Pixel Density 446 PPI 446 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 500 nits
HBM Brightness 700 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1100 nits 900 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 114.91 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.33 mAh/cm³ 46.97 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Mali-G610 MC6

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 13 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureAsus Zenfone 8Xiaomi 12TPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mmZenfone 8 is significantly more compact, easier for one-handed use. Xiaomi 12T is larger, better for media consumption.
Weight169g202gZenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for long use. Xiaomi 12T is heavier, feels more substantial.
Display
Size5.9"6.67"Xiaomi 12T offers a larger viewing area, better for movies, games, and multitasking. Zenfone 8 is more pocketable.
Resolution1080x24001220x2712Xiaomi 12T has a sharper display with more detail, although both are sharp.
PPI446446Both have identical pixel density, providing similar levels of clarity.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDBoth use vibrant, high-contrast AMOLED technology.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Brightness1100 nits0 nitsAsus Zenfone 8 offers drastically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Xiaomi 12T's outdoor performance is not indicated.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5GMediatek Dimensity 8100 UltraZenfone 8 slightly outperforms the Xiaomi 12T, though both are powerful for most tasks.
AnTuTu Score891,700835,913Zenfone 8 has a slightly better benchmark score, indicating potentially smoother performance in demanding apps.
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G610 MC6Different GPUs, but both capable of running demanding games and applications.
Camera
Main Camera Resolution64MP108MPXiaomi 12T captures more detailed photos with its higher resolution sensor.
Main Camera Aperturef/1.8f/1.7Xiaomi 12T might perform slightly better in low-light conditions.
Main Camera Sensor Size1/1.7"1/1.67"Xiaomi 12T has a slightly larger sensor for potentially better low-light performance.
Selfie Camera Resolution12MP20MPXiaomi 12T takes higher-resolution selfies.
Selfie Camera Aperturef/2.45f/2.24Xiaomi 12T's selfie camera captures more light in low light.
Selfie Camera Sensor Size1/2.93"1/2"Xiaomi 12T's selfie camera has a larger sensor for better light sensitivity.
Wide Angle LensNo8MPXiaomi 12T provides wide-angle shots, useful for group photos or landscapes.
Macro LensNo2MPXiaomi 12T can capture close-up shots with a macro lens.
Wide Angle + Macro12MPNoZenfone 8 has a wide angle and macro lens, offering versatility.
VideoUp to 8K@24fpsUp to 4K@30fpsZenfone 8 offers higher video resolution, suitable for professional content creation.
DXOMark Mobile Score116115Zenfone 8 shows slightly better overall camera performance according to DXOMark.
DXOMark Photo Score120120Both have identical photo scores.
DXOMark Video Score118127Xiaomi 12T performs better in video according to DXOMark.
Camera Features8K Video, OIS, PDAFUltra stable video, OIS, Night ModeZenfone 8 offers 8K recording. Xiaomi 12T offers Ultra Stable Video and Night Mode.
Battery
Capacity4000mAh5000mAhXiaomi 12T has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life.
Charging30W Fast Charging120W Fast ChargingXiaomi 12T charges much faster, reducing downtime.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 13)Android 12 (up to 14)Xiaomi 12T has a newer OS out of the box with better support for future updates.
Connectivity
WiFiWiFi 6WiFi 6Both have the same WiFi standards.
Bluetooth5.25.3Xiaomi 12T has a newer Bluetooth version, which may improve battery and connection stability.
GPSMultiple systemsMultiple systemsZenfone 8 supports more satellite systems, enabling better GPS accuracy.
SIMDual SIMDual SIMBoth support dual SIM functionality.
Storage
Internal128GB/256GB128GB/256GBBoth offer the same maximum storage options.
RAM6GB/8GB/12GB/16GB8GBZenfone 8 has significantly more RAM options, better for heavy multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
QualityHi-Res, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesDolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo SpeakersZenfone 8 is better for sound recording. Xiaomi 12T is slightly better for audio playback with Dolby Atmos.
Security
FeaturesFingerprint sensorFingerprint sensorBoth have similar fingerprint sensor technology.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusGorilla Glass 5Zenfone 8 has superior screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsBiometric, Proximity, Motion, Gravity, HallBiometric, Proximity, Motion, RGBEach phone has different sensors available for advanced features.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:

  • Compact and Lightweight: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
  • Higher Performance: Slightly better benchmark scores and potentially more smooth in intensive apps.
  • Superior Screen Brightness: Much better outdoor visibility.
  • 8K Video Recording: Higher resolution video recording for professional use.
  • More RAM options: Up to 16GB of RAM for heavy multitasking
  • Better Audio Recording: Has additional noise cancellation microphone.
  • Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus for increased durability.
  • More GPS satellite support: More accurate positioning.

Xiaomi 12T Advantages:

  • Larger Display: Better for media consumption and gaming.
  • Higher Resolution: Sharper, more detailed display.
  • Significantly Larger Battery: Longer battery life for all-day use.
  • Much Faster Charging: 120W charging significantly reduces downtime.
  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: More detailed photos due to higher pixel count.
  • Additional Cameras: Offers wide-angle and macro lenses for versatility.
  • Better Video Performance: Higher video score from DXOMark
  • Newer Bluetooth and Android version: Potentially more future proof.
  • Dolby Atmos support: Enhanced audio playback experience.

Trade-offs:

  • Zenfone 8: sacrifices battery capacity and camera versatility for a smaller size and higher performance.
  • Xiaomi 12T: larger size and weight traded for a bigger battery and camera features.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:

  • Users who value portability: Those who prefer a small, lightweight phone that easily fits in their pocket.
  • Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers or users who need a high-performing phone for demanding tasks.
  • Outdoor Users: People who need to see their screen clearly in bright sunlight.
  • Content Creators: Users who need high quality audio recordings.

Specific Use Cases for Zenfone 8:

  • One-handed operation and comfortable for reading and browsing.
  • Gaming with high frame rates and smooth performance.
  • Taking photos and videos in challenging bright conditions.
  • Recording audio with higher audio quality

Ideal User for Xiaomi 12T:

  • Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize a large display for watching videos and playing games.
  • Battery Life Seekers: Users who need their phone to last all day without needing to be charged.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy versatile photography, including wide-angle and macro shots.
  • Users who want fast charging: Minimizes downtime.

Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi 12T:

  • Watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games with an immersive experience.
  • Long trips without needing to charge.
  • Taking a variety of photos in different scenarios.
  • Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Zenfone 8 was released earlier so may be available at a more competitive price, offering high performance in a compact size.
  • The Xiaomi 12T is a newer model which was released at a higher price point and has a well-rounded feature set, providing good value for battery and camera quality.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Size and Portability: Do you prioritize a compact phone for one-handed use, or do you prefer a larger display for media consumption?
  2. Battery Life vs. Charging Speed: Is all-day battery life or fast charging more critical for you?
  3. Camera Versatility: Do you prefer high resolution video with better audio recording, or do you value more flexible photography options such as wide angle and macro?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Traveler/Outdoor User: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its compact size, superior screen brightness, and better GPS capabilities.
  • Multimedia Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi 12T for its larger display, longer battery life, and wide angle and macro lens.
  • Power User: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its better performance, more RAM options and higher video recording quality, especially if compactness is desired.
  • Budget-Conscious: Compare current pricing for both devices; the Zenfone 8 might be the better choice for those on a tight budget if you can get it for a low price.

My Choice

If I were to choose, I would lean towards the Xiaomi 12T. While the Zenfone 8 offers a more compact form factor, better outdoor visibility, more RAM and higher video quality, the Xiaomi 12T provides a more well-rounded experience for my typical use.

My main priorities are battery life and media consumption. The significantly larger battery and much faster charging of the 12T would be very beneficial for me. The larger screen also makes watching videos and playing games a more enjoyable experience. Additionally, the camera system of the 12T offers greater flexibility with the inclusion of the wide-angle and macro lenses. The trade-off of a slightly less portable phone is acceptable for my usage. Finally, the newer Android version and Bluetooth support of the Xiaomi 12T make it slightly more future-proof.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.