1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 161.1 × 75 × 7.9 mm | The Asus Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact, making it easier to handle with one hand and more pocketable. The Xiaomi Poco F5 is larger, providing a bigger screen at the expense of portability. |
| Weight | 169g | 181g | The Asus Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, which makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Xiaomi Poco F5 provides a more immersive experience for multimedia and gaming due to its larger screen. Asus Zenfone 8 has a smaller, more convenient screen for daily tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of detail, resulting in clear and crisp images on both screens, though the higher pixel density of the Zenfone means it will look a bit sharper. |
| PPI | 446 | 395 | The Asus Zenfone 8 has a noticeably sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer very smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Asus Zenfone 8 is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. The Poco F5 has no provided brightness spec so its not possible to make an accurate comparison in this regard |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Xiaomi Poco F5 has a more modern and efficient chip, offering better performance and energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 1,134,558 | Xiaomi Poco F5 is faster in benchmarks, resulting in smoother app loading, faster multitasking and a more fluid user interface. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 725 | The Xiaomi Poco F5 features a more powerful GPU, resulting in better performance in graphic-intensive tasks like gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 64MP | Both offer high-resolution photos suitable for most use cases. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | The Xiaomi Poco F5 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially allowing slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2" | The Asus Zenfone 8 has a larger sensor, which will typically result in better low-light performance, less noise, and a higher dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Xiaomi Poco F5 offers higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.93" | 1/3.1" | The Asus Zenfone 8 has a slightly larger sensor for selfies, which can result in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No Dedicated Lens | 8MP | Xiaomi Poco F5 offers the flexibility of wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | No Dedicated Lens | 2MP | Xiaomi Poco F5 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12MP | No Dedicated Lens | Asus Zenfone 8 has a combination wide angle and macro camera, making it easier to take those types of shots without switching lenses. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Asus Zenfone 8 offers higher video recording capabilities, useful for professional video or content creation. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes, EIS on all resolutions | Yes, EIS on all resolutions | Both have video stabilization for smoother video recordings. |
| Slow-Motion | 480fps | 240fps | The Asus Zenfone 8 offers higher frame rate for slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMark | Mobile Score: 116 | Not Tested | Only the Asus Zenfone 8 is tested by DXOMark, showing its imaging capability with a score of 116. |
| Additional Camera Features | 8K Video, Dual camera, RAW, OIS | Triple Camera, Manual Focus, Night Mode, OIS | Asus Zenfone 8 has 8K video, raw capture, and dual camera support. The Xiaomi Poco F5 features manual focus and night mode enhancing its photography experience. Both have OIS for image stabilisation |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi Poco F5 offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | The Xiaomi Poco F5 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Removable | No | No | Both have non-removable batteries. |
Software
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | Xiaomi Poco F5 has newer software with more recent features and security updates. |
Other
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | The Xiaomi Poco F5 has a more recent Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | Comprehensive suite of systems, including L1+L5 | Standard suite of GPS systems | The Asus Zenfone 8 offers better GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Full Active | Xiaomi Poco F5 supports full dual sim, allowing both SIMs to be active simultaneously. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB | Both have the same maximum storage with the Zenfone having more base storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB/16GB | 8GB/12GB | Asus Zenfone 8 has more RAM, potentially allowing for more apps to run simultaneously. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Both offer excellent audio quality; the Xiaomi has Dolby Atmos and spatial audio. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Xiaomi Poco F5 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Asus Zenfone 8 has a more durable screen, which provides better scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite including proximity | Comprehensive suite including Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | The Zenfone has a more detailed proximity sensor, while the Poco F5 has a modern ultrasonic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact Size: Easier to handle and pocket.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for crisp images and text.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility under bright sunlight.
- Higher quality Main Camera Sensor: Better low-light performance, lower noise, and higher dynamic range.
- 8K Video Recording: Suitable for high-quality video content creation.
- Better GPS Accuracy: More reliable and accurate navigation.
- More RAM Options: 16GB RAM for better performance in heavy applications.
- Better screen protection: Gorilla Glass Victus for superior damage resistance.
Practical Implications:
- The Zenfone 8 is excellent for users who value portability, a compact form factor, and a high-quality screen with great outdoor visibility. It's also geared toward those who appreciate high-quality video recording capabilities and superior GPS accuracy.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Advantages:
- Larger Display: More immersive for media consumption and gaming.
- Newer Chipset: Better overall performance, efficiency, and benchmarks.
- Longer Battery Life: 5000mAh battery for extended use.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging reduces downtime.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers versatile photography options.
- Newer Software: Android 13 for the most recent features
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More accessible and convenient unlocking.
- Dolby Atmos Enhanced audio experience
Practical Implications:
- The Poco F5 is better for users who enjoy media consumption, gaming, and need a long battery life. It's also ideal for those who want versatile camera capabilities and prefer newer software.
Trade-offs:
- Asus Zenfone 8: Sacrifices battery life and display size for portability and a more premium build with a higher quality display. It also lacks the flexibility of dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Xiaomi Poco F5: Sacrifices a premium build and screen sharpness for a larger screen, better battery life, and more modern software and performance. It lacks the superior video recording capabilities and GPS of the Zenfone 8.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Users who prioritize portability: Those seeking a pocketable device that's easy to handle.
- Users who need a high-quality display: People who want sharp visuals and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Professional photographers: Users who want to capture high-quality video up to 8K.
- Travelers: Users who need very accurate GPS navigation for their daily trips.
- Users who want ultimate screen protection Looking for the best available screen durability
Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 8:
- One-handed operation: Perfect for quick tasks on the go.
- Outdoor photography and videography: High-quality footage even in bright sunlight.
- Travel navigation: Accurate GPS for precise location tracking.
- Content creation: High-resolution video recording for professional-grade projects.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco F5:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch videos and movies frequently.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who play graphics-intensive games regularly.
- Users who need long battery life: People who want to go all day without charging.
- General users: Those seeking a very good value for performance.
- Users who want more modern software features: Who desire the latest software experience.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Poco F5:
- Gaming: Smooth gameplay and extended sessions thanks to the large screen and big battery
- Streaming movies and TV shows: An immersive experience with the large display and enhanced audio
- All-day usage: Less need to recharge throughout the day.
- Versatile Photography: Ability to switch between different camera lenses and capture a wider variety of shots.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Priorities: Do you value portability and display quality more, or battery life and screen size?
- Use Case: Will you primarily use the phone for content creation and travel or for media consumption and gaming?
- Budget: Consider the price to performance of each device and which you find more appealing
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast: You need a phone for travel and outdoor photography in bright light. The Asus Zenfone 8 is better due to its superior screen visibility, GPS accuracy, and great main camera.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: You play graphics-intensive games for hours. The Xiaomi Poco F5 is the better option with its larger display, newer chipset, longer battery life, and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption: You want to stream movies and TV shows on the go. The Xiaomi Poco F5 offers an immersive experience with a larger display and long battery life.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: You are an average user, just doing standard tasks and need a great all-rounder. The Xiaomi Poco F5 would be a great choice for its good balance of features, modern software, and excellent value.
What I would choose and why:
For my personal use case, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F5. While I appreciate the compact size and display quality of the Asus Zenfone 8, I prioritize battery life, a larger screen for media consumption, and the overall performance provided by the newer chipset. The Poco F5 offers a more well-rounded experience for my daily needs, including gaming, streaming content, and general usage. It offers excellent value for its price, and I'd be happy to trade the superior screen brightness and GPS accuracy for the larger display and longer battery life. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and the more up-to-date software are also a significant plus.
