1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact and easier to handle with one hand. The Poco M3 Pro 5G is noticeably larger. |
| Weight | 169g | 190g | Zenfone 8 is lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.5" | Poco M3 Pro 5G offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. Zenfone 8 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 446 PPI | 405 PPI | Zenfone 8 offers slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Zenfone 8 has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. Significantly better for dark mode and HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Zenfone 8 provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Zenfone 8 is drastically brighter and much easier to see in bright sunlight. The Poco M3 Pro 5G's brightness is not provided so cannot be used in comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Zenfone 8 has a much more powerful processor, suitable for demanding apps and gaming. Poco M3 Pro 5G is adequate for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 379,761 | Zenfone 8 offers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Zenfone 8 has much better graphics performance, important for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | Zenfone 8's larger sensor captures more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" | Zenfone 8 has a higher resolution selfie camera with a larger sensor, potentially better detail and low light performance. |
| Additional Cameras | 12MP Wide Angle + Macro | 2MP Macro, 2MP Depth | Zenfone 8 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape shots while Poco M3 Pro 5G offers depth and macro cameras. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | Zenfone 8 supports higher resolution video recording, useful for professional use cases. |
| Stabilization | EIS and OIS | EIS | Zenfone 8's OIS offers superior stabilization, reducing camera shake and improving video clarity. |
| DXOMark | 116 (Mobile) | Not Tested | Zenfone 8's tested camera quality is significantly better than the unrated M3 Pro. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a larger battery, offering potential for longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Zenfone 8 charges faster than the Poco M3 Pro 5G. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | Poco M3 Pro 5G can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Zenfone 8 has confirmed future OS updates. Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G's future updates are unconfirmed |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Zenfone 8 has better Wi-Fi standard, with faster speeds and less latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Zenfone 8 has a more modern Bluetooth standard, offering better connection stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | Comprehensive | Standard | Zenfone 8 provides more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | Zenfone 8 has higher maximum storage and the lower storage option is the same as the highest for the M3 Pro. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 4/6 GB | Zenfone 8 offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones, Noise cancellation microphone | Hi-Res Audio | Zenfone 8 offers a superior audio experience with stereo speakers, better noise cancelling and multi-microphone capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Poco M3 Pro 5G's sensor is more convenient than a standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Zenfone 8 has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Basic suite | Zenfone 8 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, beneficial for gaming and VR/AR applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better performance in all aspects, including gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- High-Quality Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness provides a noticeably better visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers higher resolution main and front cameras, OIS, a wider array of video recording options, and a wide-angle lens, resulting in better image and video quality.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and noise-canceling microphone, providing higher quality audio playback and clearer calls.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging.
- Superior Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers far better screen protection.
- Modern Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 standards.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers more RAM and storage configurations.
- Software Updates: Confirmed software updates to Android 13.
- Compact Form Factor: Easier to use one-handed due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and fast fingerprint unlock.
- Lower Cost: Typically more affordable than the Asus Zenfone 8.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers additional camera modes with dedicated sensors
Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 8 sacrifices battery capacity and potentially convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor for significantly better overall performance, a superior display, and advanced camera capabilities.
- The Poco M3 Pro 5G offers longer battery life, reverse charging, and side-mounted fingerprint sensor but compromises on performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos, browsing, and using dark modes.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who desire excellent camera quality with versatile features, including OIS, wide-angle, and high-resolution video.
- Users who value compact design: Those who prefer a smaller and lighter phone that is easier to handle.
- Users who value good audio: Those who prioritize higher audio quality.
Use Cases:
- Gaming at high settings.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Watching HDR content in bright conditions.
- Professional video recording using 8K capabilities.
- Using a compact and easily pocketable device.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who want a 5G smartphone at a lower price point.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks, social media, and browsing.
- Battery Life Focused Users: Users who prioritize a long battery life.
- Users who value a larger display: Users who prioritize screen size and want a larger display for media consumption.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media and web browsing.
- Watching videos and movies.
- Long periods away from a charger.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- A good phone for people who want reverse charging capabilities.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Zenfone 8 offers a premium experience, justifying its higher cost for those who need top-tier performance and features.
- The Poco M3 Pro 5G provides good value for the money at the budget end of the market.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you? Do you need the fastest possible performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking?
- How important is screen quality? Do you prefer vibrant colors, high brightness, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate?
- How important is battery life? Do you prioritize a longer battery life over all else?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance and Camera Focused): If you are a gamer, content creator, or anyone needing top-tier performance and a high-quality camera, choose the Asus Zenfone 8.
- Scenario 2 (Budget and Battery Focused): If you're on a tight budget and need a phone with long battery life, and you are okay with sacrificing performance and camera quality, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is a solid option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Performance and Battery): If you prioritize performance and a better screen, the slightly lower battery capacity of the Zenfone 8 may be a worthy sacrifice for you. The lower battery capacity is a trade-off to get better specs in most other categories.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G offers a larger battery and reverse charging, these benefits do not outweigh the significant advantages of the Asus Zenfone 8 in areas that I value more. My priorities lean toward superior performance, a higher quality display, and a more advanced camera system, all of which the Zenfone 8 provides. The compact form factor of the Zenfone 8 is also preferable to me for better usability in day to day life. While the battery might not be as large, the faster charging means I am less likely to have to wait for it to be usable again. Ultimately, for me, the Asus Zenfone 8 offers a more compelling and versatile experience.
