1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 160.9 × 75 × 8.2 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact and easier to handle with one hand. Poco F6 Pro is larger, better for media consumption but less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 209g | Zenfone 8 is much lighter, more comfortable for extended use and less fatiguing. Poco F6 Pro feels more substantial, which could be premium or heavy depending on preference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Poco F6 Pro offers a larger screen, ideal for multimedia, gaming, and multitasking. Zenfone 8 is more pocketable and easier to use with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Poco F6 Pro's higher resolution results in much sharper text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 446 | 526 | Poco F6 Pro's higher pixel density leads to a visibly clearer and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 4000 nits | Poco F6 Pro provides far superior outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Poco F6 Pro's newer chip provides significantly better performance, including faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 1,642,770 | Poco F6 Pro offers noticeably faster overall performance, suitable for demanding users. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Poco F6 Pro provides superior graphics performance, leading to better gaming experiences and smoother rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco F6 Pro has a larger battery, potentially offering much better battery life for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Poco F6 Pro charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Xiaomi P2 fast charging chip, Xiaomi G1 battery management chip | Poco F6 Pro has better charging features. Reverse charging allows you to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Zenfone 8 has higher megapixel count, however, this does not guarantee better image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | Poco F6 Pro's wider aperture allows more light in, improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.55" | Poco F6 Pro's larger sensor collects more light, potentially resulting in better image quality in various conditions. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Poco F6 Pro's larger pixels result in improved low light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Poco F6 Pro offers slightly higher resolution for selfies |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.93" | 1/3.06" | Zenfone 8 has a slightly larger sensor for selfies, potentially better low light quality. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.22 µm | 1.00 µm | Zenfone 8 has larger pixels for better low light capture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP | Poco F6 Pro offers a wider field of view for landscape shots and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | Poco F6 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12MP | No | Zenfone 8 has an ultrawide lens that also acts as a macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar video capabilities with electronic image stabilization (EIS) |
| DxoMark | Main: 116 | Not Available | Zenfone 8 has been tested with a main score of 116. The Poco F6 Pro has no scores listed. |
| Camera Features | Dual camera, OIS | Triple camera, OIS, Noise reduction, Flicker sensor, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Night Mode | Poco F6 Pro has a more feature-rich camera system. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Poco F6 Pro has a newer OS and will likely receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Poco F6 Pro supports a newer WiFi standard offering faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Poco F6 Pro has slightly newer Bluetooth for more efficient data transfer. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 8 has slightly more GPS systems supported, however, both will function normally. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones offer dual sim capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB or 1024 GB | Poco F6 Pro offers much more internal storage space, better for users with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 6 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | Both phones provide more than adequate RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Zenfone 8 has a slight edge due to its noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones, leading to clear audio and voice capture. Poco F6 Pro is enhanced with Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both phones use a fingerprint sensor as their primary biometric security feature. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Zenfone 8 uses Gorilla Glass Victus which is durable and resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Poco F6 Pro has an extra RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact Size: Significantly smaller and lighter, making it more pocketable and easier for one-handed use.
- Premium Build: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- Slightly Better Audio: Has a noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones for clearer calls and audio recording.
- Slightly better Selfie Camera sensor: Has a slightly larger sensor for selfies.
Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Newer chipset and GPU, resulting in significantly faster processing and graphics.
- Larger, Sharper Display: Higher resolution and larger screen, ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
- Much Brighter Display: 4000 nits brightness provides excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
- Significantly Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery capacity offers better battery life.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- More versatile Camera system: Features a Triple camera system with Wide Angle and Macro lens for more photo and video options.
- More storage Options: Comes with 1024GB option.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, ensuring longer software support.
- Newer Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7, for the fastest available WiFi speeds.
- Dolby Atmos support: Offers a premium audio experience with Dolby Atmos.
Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 8 prioritizes portability and one-handed usability, sacrificing some performance and battery life.
- The Poco F6 Pro offers top-tier performance and a large screen at the expense of portability and one-handed operation. The build quality on the Poco is unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 is ideal for:
- Users who prefer compact, lightweight phones that fit easily in pockets.
- Individuals who prioritize one-handed usability and portability.
- People who appreciate a premium screen protection for their device.
- Those who value high-quality audio for calls and recordings, with noise cancellation and multiple microphones.
- Users who don't need the most cutting-edge performance and features, but prefer to have it in a smaller package.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday Carry: Excellent for daily use, easily fits in pockets, and is comfortable to hold.
- Commuting: Ideal for one-handed browsing, calls, and music during commutes.
- Minimalist Users: Perfect for those who want a simple, functional, and capable smartphone without unnecessary bulk.
Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Individuals who want a large, high-resolution display for media consumption and productivity.
- Those who need excellent outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
- Users who value long battery life and fast charging.
- Those who want a more versatile camera system with Wide Angle and Macro options.
- People who prefer the latest software and connectivity features.
- Users who need a device with a ton of storage for all their needs.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: Superior processing power and graphics make it suitable for demanding mobile games.
- Multimedia: Large, high-resolution display with vibrant colors for watching videos and movies.
- Productivity: Excellent multitasking capabilities with a large screen for managing multiple apps.
- Heavy Smartphone users: Perfect for the user that relies on their phone for all their tasks and media consumption.
Price-to-Value:
- The Asus Zenfone 8, while older, might offer a good value for users who prioritize a compact size over newer specs and higher performance. It will likely be cheaper now.
- The Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro, while more expensive, is likely to offer a better price-to-value ratio for users who want the latest specs, a large, bright screen, superior performance, and an advanced feature set.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my priority: Portability or Performance?
- If portability and one-handed usability is more important, choose the Zenfone 8.
- If top performance, a large screen, and better battery are higher priorities, choose the Poco F6 Pro.
- How important is Camera Versatility and Video recording quality?
- If you want the most versatile camera, choose the Poco F6 Pro.
- If you are looking for an ok camera experience, the Zenfone 8 may suffice.
- What is my budget and desired longevity?
- If your budget is tight, the Zenfone 8 might be more affordable now.
- If you want the most up-to-date software, hardware, and performance for the next few years, choose the Poco F6 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (On-the-Go User): If you're constantly on the move and need a pocketable phone, the Zenfone 8 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Power User): If you're a gamer, multimedia enthusiast, or need a phone for productivity, the Poco F6 Pro offers a superior experience.
- Scenario 3 (Budget Conscious): The Zenfone 8 may be the more affordable option now, but the Poco F6 Pro is likely to offer a better overall value in the long run if the budget allows it.
What I Would Choose and Why
Based on my analysis and personal preferences, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro.
Reasoning:
While I appreciate the compact size and premium build of the Zenfone 8, the Poco F6 Pro's advantages are simply too compelling for my needs and what I value in a smartphone.
Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and Adreno 740 GPU offer a significant performance boost over the Zenfone 8, which is crucial for smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness. I prefer a phone that feels snappy and powerful for all tasks.
Display: I heavily rely on my smartphone for media consumption, so the larger, sharper, and much brighter display of the Poco F6 Pro is a major win. The superior outdoor visibility would be very useful in my daily life.
Battery: A larger battery capacity and faster charging is also very important to me. I dislike having to worry about battery levels or being tethered to a power outlet for long periods. The Poco's 120W fast charging would minimize downtime, allowing me to get back on the go faster.
Feature Set: I also want a more versatile camera system, and I appreciate features like Dolby Atmos, more RAM options, and newer software, which are all available on the Poco F6 Pro, which offer a much more premium experience.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro aligns more with my needs as a power user and multimedia enthusiast, even if it's larger and heavier than the Zenfone 8. The trade-offs are worthwhile for the significantly better performance, display, battery, and overall experience it provides.
