1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly smaller and easier to handle one-handed; Poco F4 is larger, potentially better for media consumption but less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 195g | Zenfone 8 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Poco F4 offers a larger viewing area, ideal for multimedia, gaming, and multi-tasking. Zenfone 8 is more compact for single-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both are Full HD+, providing sharp images. No noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 446 | 395 | Zenfone 8 has a sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1300 nits | Poco F4 is more visible in direct sunlight due to higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 870 5G | Zenfone 8 has a slightly more powerful chip, but the performance difference in real-world use is minimal. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 861,200 | Both provide high performance for most tasks and gaming; negligible difference in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 | Zenfone 8’s GPU is slightly more powerful, but both handle games well. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | Zenfone 8’s larger sensor is better in low-light conditions. Poco F4 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" sensor | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2" sensor | Poco F4 has a higher resolution selfie camera with a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor (shared with Macro on Zenfone 8) | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | Poco F4 has a dedicated wide-angle lens while Zenfone 8 shares its wide angle with the Macro lens. |
| Macro Lens | N/A (shared with Wide Angle) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Poco F4 has a dedicated macro lens, although it's low resolution. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Zenfone 8 can record in 8K, which provides more detail if you need it. Both can record in 4K and offer stabilization. |
| DxOMark | Main: 116 | N/A | Zenfone 8 camera performance has been evaluated and scored. Poco F4 has not been rated. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Poco F4 has better battery endurance due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Poco F4 charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Poco F4 comes with a newer operating system out of the box. |
| Other | |||
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows additional storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics, Noise Cancellation | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Zenfone 8 has an additional microphone for slightly better noise cancelation, while Poco F4 offers Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Poco F4 has a more convenient and faster fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Zenfone 8 has more advanced screen protection against scratches and drops. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Significantly easier to handle and carry, ideal for single-handed use.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density leads to a noticeably sharper image.
- Slightly More Powerful Chipset and GPU: While not drastically different, the Snapdragon 888 offers an edge in raw power.
- Higher Resolution Video Recording: Supports 8K video recording, which is suitable for advanced video projects.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection.
- Better Audio Recording Features: 3 microphones with noise cancellation, suitable for higher quality audio recording.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking.
- Bigger Battery: Provides better battery endurance and longer usage between charges.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Offers more versatility in photography.
- Newer OS out of the box: Comes with Android 12, while the Zenfone 8 was launched with Android 11.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster unlocking experience.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides a more immersive audio experience.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in outdoor environments.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution sensor with larger sensor size and slightly wider aperture.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Smaller display and battery, slower charging, less versatile camera system.
- Poco F4: Larger and heavier, less sharp display, slightly less powerful chipset, weaker screen protection, no 8k video recording, lower quality audio recording.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Users who prefer compact phones: Those who value single-handed use and pocketability.
- Users who prioritize display sharpness: Those who appreciate the finer details of a high pixel density screen.
- Users who need top tier performance in a small package: Those that need high performance but value a compact size.
- Users interested in video recording: Those who appreciate the 8K video recording feature for high-end projects.
- Users who prioritize quality audio recording: The additional microphone for noise cancelation, is best suited for high quality audio recording.
Users looking for slightly better screen protection: Those who want the best available protection.
Specific Use Cases:
- One-handed usage during commute or travel.
- Reading or web browsing for long periods, benefiting from the sharper text and images.
- Recording high-resolution videos.
- Audio recording for interviews.
- Playing games on the go.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize media consumption: Those who frequently watch videos, play games, or read content.
- Users who want great battery life and fast charging: Those who need their phone to last all day and recharge quickly.
- Users looking for a versatile camera system: Those who appreciate dedicated wide angle and macro lenses.
- Users who want more convenient unlock experience: Those who prioritize side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Users who want a more immersive audio experience: Those who prefer Dolby Atmos.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies or playing games.
- Capturing wide-angle landscape shots or close-up macros.
- Heavy social media or web browsing use without worrying about battery drain.
- On-the-go photo taking with a focus on selfie quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: size or media consumption? Do you want a phone that fits easily in your pocket and is comfortable for one-hand usage (Zenfone 8), or do you prefer a bigger display for movies, games, and general media consumption (Poco F4)?
- How important is battery life and charging speed? Do you require all-day battery life and fast charging (Poco F4), or can you manage with less battery capacity and slower charging (Zenfone 8)?
- Which camera features do you value most? Do you need an 8K video recording or high-end audio features (Zenfone 8)? Or do you value more versatile camera setup with wide-angle, macro, and higher quality selfies(Poco F4)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Compact Power User": If you prioritize a compact design without compromising on performance and prefer a high-resolution video recording, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the best choice.
- Scenario 2: "The Media & Gaming Enthusiast": If you prioritize a large display, long battery life, and fast charging for media consumption and gaming, the Xiaomi Poco F4 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: "The Everyday Photographer": If you need more camera versatility and selfie quality, then Poco F4 with its dedicated wide-angle lens, macro lens and higher quality selfie camera is a better option.
- Scenario 4: "The User Who Wants the Best Display and Protection": If you prioritize the sharpest display and want more protection for your phone, the Zenfone 8 has better pixel density and screen protection.
My Choice
I would personally choose the Xiaomi Poco F4. While the Asus Zenfone 8 offers a slightly more powerful chipset, higher video resolution, and a sharper display, the Poco F4 better aligns with my personal needs. I value a larger display for media consumption, the longer battery life is more convenient for me throughout my busy day, and the much faster charging means I can quickly top up my phone when needed. The versatile camera system, with its dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, is also a welcome addition for capturing different kinds of photos. Though it may not be the most compact phone, the trade-offs are worth it for the increased usability in my case. While the Zenfone 8 has a slight edge in some areas, the Poco F4 offers a better overall experience for my use case.
