1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Size | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | The Zenfone 8 is significantly smaller, making it more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. The Poco M4 5G is larger, offering a bigger display, but less portable. |
Weight | 169g | 200g | The Zenfone 8 is lighter and more comfortable for extended use. The Poco M4 5G feels heavier, which might cause fatigue during long sessions. |
Display | |||
Size | 5.9" | 6.58" | The Poco M4 5G provides a larger viewing area, better for multimedia and gaming. The Zenfone 8, with its smaller size, may be more suitable for one-handed use. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both have similar resolutions, providing sharp images and text. The practical difference is negligible. |
PPI | 446 | 401 | The Zenfone 8 has a slightly sharper display due to its higher pixel density. Text and images may appear a bit crisper. |
Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Zenfone 8's AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, resulting in a more vibrant visual experience. IPS LCD on the Poco M4 5G has slightly worse color representation and contrast |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Zenfone 8 has smoother scrolling and animations, making everyday use feel more fluid and responsive. The Poco M4 5G has a 90Hz display, which is less smooth than a 120Hz display |
Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Zenfone 8 offers much better visibility in bright sunlight, while the Poco M4 5G's outdoor visibility is unclear due to the missing value, this is a significant disadvantage. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | The Zenfone 8 has a much more powerful processor, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. The Poco M4 5G is sufficient for basic tasks but not suitable for heavy use cases |
AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 381,300 | The Zenfone 8 delivers significantly better performance, suitable for demanding applications and gaming. The Poco M4 5G performs less well. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Adreno 660 in the Zenfone 8 provides superior graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco M4 5G's larger battery potentially offers longer battery life on a single charge. The Zenfone 8's smaller battery may require more frequent charging. |
Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The Zenfone 8 charges faster, reducing downtime. The Poco M4 5G takes longer to charge fully. |
Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | The Poco M4 5G can charge other devices, which may be a useful feature in certain situations. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX686 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Zenfone 8 has much higher resolution and a wider aperture, leading to better image quality, especially in low light. |
Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Zenfone 8 offers higher resolution and a better sensor for clearer and more detailed selfies, although the Poco M4 5G has a slightly wider aperture. |
Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Poco M4 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, providing better background blur effects. |
Wide Angle/Macro | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363 | N/A | The Zenfone 8 has a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot, and it can also be used for macro photography. |
Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Zenfone 8 can record video at much higher resolution with more features, suitable for users who require professional video capabilities. The Poco M4 5G is more suitable for standard use. |
DXOMark | 116 (Mobile), 120 (Photo), 118 (Video) | N/A | The Zenfone 8 has significantly higher scores, indicating better image and video quality. |
Other Camera Features | 8K Video, OIS, Continuous autofocus, PDAF, RAW | Night Mode | The Zenfone 8 offers OIS and more advanced features suitable for demanding photographers. The Poco M4 5G has basic features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing and graphics performance.
- Practical Implication: Apps load faster, multitasking is smoother, and the phone can handle demanding games with ease.
- High-Quality Display: AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate offers better colors, deeper blacks, smoother animations, and dramatically better outdoor visibility.
- Practical Implication: Enhanced viewing experience for multimedia consumption and gaming, excellent outdoor readability.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wider aperture, OIS, and 8K video recording capability.
- Practical Implication: Better photo and video quality, especially in low-light conditions, and more creative options for videography.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation microphones
- Practical Implication: Enhanced audio experience for both multimedia consumption and communication
- Premium Build and Features: Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection
- Practical Implication: Increased durability against scratches and drops
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life.
- Practical Implication: Less need to charge the phone throughout the day, suitable for users who spend a lot of time away from power sources.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Practical Implication: Provides a backup power source for other devices in need.
- Lower Price Point: Likely to be more affordable.
- Practical Implication: More accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
- Side-Mounted fingerprint sensor: More ergonomic access to biometric security
Significant Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Smaller battery, potentially shorter battery life, and higher price.
- Poco M4 5G: Significantly lower performance, inferior display, and less capable camera system, and unclear outdoor display visibility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Individuals who require top-tier performance for gaming, demanding apps, and heavy multitasking.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality display and audio for watching videos and playing games.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera with high-resolution images, excellent low-light performance, and 8K video capabilities.
- Users Who Want a Compact Phone Those who want a phone that can be easily used with one hand.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Streaming high-resolution videos and movies.
- Outdoor use with clear visibility.
- Users who want professional quality video recording on their phone.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a capable smartphone at a lower price.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that lasts a long time on a single charge.
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media.
- Basic communication tasks.
- Users who prioritize long battery life over performance and camera quality.
- Emergency charging of other devices
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Zenfone 8 offers a premium experience with top-tier performance, display, and camera, justifying its higher price for users who need these features.
- The Poco M4 5G provides good value for its price, offering sufficient performance and long battery life for basic tasks, making it ideal for those on a tight budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming/media vs. basic communication/browsing)
- How important is camera quality and video recording capabilities? (Professional level vs. basic)
- How much do you value battery life versus performance? (Long battery vs. powerful performance)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, content creation, and high-quality multimedia consumption, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the better choice due to its significantly superior performance, display, and camera system.
- Scenario 2: If you are on a tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks, long battery life, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G will suffice and be easier on your pocket.
- Scenario 3: If you need high-quality photo and video but are on a budget, none of these two may be your best choice, and you may want to consider alternatives instead.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 8.
Reasoning:
While the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G has the advantage of a larger battery and reverse charging, those are not my primary needs. The Zenfone 8's advantages in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience outweigh the Poco's battery benefits for me. I prioritize having a smooth and responsive phone for daily use and the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos. The dramatically better display, far superior camera, better audio, and significantly improved performance of the Zenfone 8 make it the clear winner for my needs despite the lower battery and higher price. Also, I appreciate the more compact size of the Zenfone 8, which is important for one handed use and pocketability.