Smartphone Comparison: Asus Zenfone 8 vs. Xiaomi 12T Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-13 | 2022-10-06 | Xiaomi 12T Pro is newer, potentially having longer software support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no differences in basic form. |
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | Xiaomi 12T Pro is larger and less pocketable, Asus Zenfone 8 more compact for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 205g | Asus Zenfone 8 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Xiaomi 12T Pro has a larger screen for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Xiaomi 12T Pro has a sharper display with more detail for viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 446 PPI | 446 PPI | Both have similar sharpness despite the resolution differences. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi 12T Pro is slightly more visible in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Xiaomi 12T Pro has a newer and more powerful chip, leading to better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 1,311,127 | Xiaomi 12T Pro is noticeably faster in day-to-day tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12T Pro offers better graphics performance for smoother gaming experiences. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi 12T Pro has significantly better battery life for all-day use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12T Pro charges much faster, allowing for quick power-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have standard non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 200MP, f/1.69, 1/1.22", 0.64µm | Xiaomi 12T Pro has a higher resolution, wider aperture and larger sensor, theoretically better low light. |
| Selfie Lens | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | 20MP, f/2.24, 1/2", 0.8µm | Xiaomi 12T Pro captures more detailed selfies with a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm (Wide Angle + Macro) | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm (Dedicated) | Xiaomi 12T Pro offers dedicated wide angle, but Asus Zenfone 8 uses main sensor for combined function. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Xiaomi 12T Pro offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar high-resolution video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark | Main 116, Photo 120, Video 118 | Main 129, Photo 130, Video 134 | Xiaomi 12T Pro demonstrates significantly better photo and video quality according to DXOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 12 (up to 14) | Xiaomi 12T Pro has a newer Android version and will receive one more OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (with LDAC, SBC) | 5.2 (without LDAC, SBC) | Asus Zenfone 8 offers additional Bluetooth codecs for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | More Satellite Support (L1+L5) | GPS L1+L5 | Asus Zenfone 8 offers more accurate GPS. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Xiaomi 12T Pro adds eSIM support for convenient digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer identical storage options, no advantage for either. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16GB | 8/12GB | Asus Zenfone 8 offers more RAM for demanding multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo, 3 Mics | Hi-Res, Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Asus Zenfone 8 has noise cancellation and 3 microphones for better voice capture, Xiaomi 12T Pro has Dolby Atmos for richer sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both phones provide standard fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Asus Zenfone 8 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Gravity, Hall | RGB | Asus Zenfone 8 has additional sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact Size: Significantly smaller and lighter, making it easier to handle with one hand and more pocketable.
- Higher RAM Option: Up to 16GB of RAM for extreme multitasking and gaming performance, although the chipset is less powerful.
- Superior Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection.
- Enhanced Audio Recording: 3 microphones with noise cancellation offer better audio capture.
- More GPS Satellite Support: Supports more satellite systems for more accurate location.
- Additional Bluetooth Codecs: Supports LDAC and SBC codecs for higher quality audio.
Xiaomi 12T Pro Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Chipset: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is significantly more powerful, resulting in better overall performance.
- Larger and Higher-Resolution Display: 6.67" display with higher resolution for a more immersive experience.
- Much Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life for all-day use.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W fast charging offers incredibly rapid power-ups.
- Superior Camera System: 200MP primary camera with better image quality and dedicated macro lens.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM for digital carrier switching.
- Higher DXOMark Score: Better camera rating than Asus Zenfone 8.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides richer sound.
Trade-offs:
- The Asus Zenfone 8 trades performance and battery life for a smaller, more manageable size and better screen protection.
- The Xiaomi 12T Pro trades a pocketable size and audio recording capabilities for top-tier performance, a larger display, and superior camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Users who prioritize compact size and one-handed usability.
- Individuals who want a premium feel with better screen protection.
- People who need high-quality audio recording capabilities.
- Those who prefer maximum RAM for multitasking, and do not care about the chipset speed.
- Those who want more accurate GPS for navigation purposes.
Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Perfect for people who need a small, powerful phone they can use on the go.
- Ideal for commuters, travellers, and users who frequently use their phones one-handed.
- Good for recording audio notes or interviews.
Ideal User for Xiaomi 12T Pro:
- Users who want the best performance and are willing to have a bigger phone.
- Individuals who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- People who want a high-quality camera system for photography and videography.
- Those who consume a lot of multimedia content and want a large display.
- Those who need a phone for gaming.
Use Cases for Xiaomi 12T Pro:
- Excellent for gamers, heavy app users, and power users.
- Great for capturing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Ideal for people who need a phone with exceptional battery life for all-day use.
- Perfect for enjoying media consumption.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi 12T Pro typically provides higher value due to its superior performance and camera, as well as a bigger display and battery, which justify its higher price. The Zenfone 8 is a good option if you want a more compact device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Size Preference: Do you prioritize a compact phone that's easy to use one-handed, or do you prefer a large display for media consumption?
- Performance Needs: Do you need the absolute fastest performance, or is adequate speed sufficient for your typical usage?
- Battery Priority: Is long battery life a crucial factor, or are you comfortable with charging more frequently if necessary?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: On-the-go User:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8. The compact size and light weight make it ideal for easy handling.
- Scenario 2: Power User & Gamer:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12T Pro. The superior chipset, larger battery, and faster charging offer a better experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12T Pro. The advanced 200MP camera, dedicated macro lens, and higher DXOMark score will provide better picture quality.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia Consumption:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12T Pro. The larger screen and higher resolution make it better for watching videos and playing games.
- Scenario 5: Audio Recording:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8. The 3 microphones and noise cancellation will offer better voice capture.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 12T Pro.
While the compact size and build quality of the Asus Zenfone 8 are appealing, the significant performance gains from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the superior camera system, and the much better battery life of the Xiaomi 12T Pro outweigh those benefits for me. I primarily use my phone for gaming, media consumption, and photography, so the advantages of the 12T Pro align more closely with my needs. Although the Zenfone 8 excels in areas like compact design and build quality, these advantages are outweighed by the 12T Pro's overall better performance, camera and battery capabilities.
