1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Zenfone 8 is more compact, easier for one-handed use; Poco M4 Pro is larger, may feel more immersive for media consumption. |
| Weight | 169g | 179.5g | Zenfone 8 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.43" | Poco M4 Pro offers more screen real estate for media, gaming, and multitasking. Zenfone 8 is better for portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness; good for general use. |
| PPI | 446 | 409 | Zenfone 8 has a slightly sharper display, may be noticeable for fine text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Zenfone 8 provides smoother scrolling and animations; beneficial for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Zenfone 8 is significantly brighter, ensuring better outdoor visibility in sunlight. Poco M4 Pro brightness data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | Zenfone 8 offers significantly faster processing, better gaming performance, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 438,700 | Zenfone 8 is much faster, suitable for demanding games and heavy apps; Poco M4 Pro suitable for general use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Zenfone 8 provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 Pro offers a potentially longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Both offer fast charging; Poco M4 Pro has a slightly faster charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP (1/1.7") | 50MP (1/2.76") | Zenfone 8 captures more detailed images, particularly in low light due to the larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP (1/2.93") | 16MP (1/3.06") | Poco M4 Pro offers slightly higher resolution; Zenfone 8 has a slightly larger sensor for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (1/2.8") | Poco M4 Pro provides a wider field of view for landscape or group shots; the Zenfone 8 has no dedicated wide lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12MP (1/2.55") | None | Zenfone 8 offers wide-angle and macro capabilities in one lens; the Poco M4 Pro lacks macro. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Zenfone 8 offers professional-level video recording capabilities; Poco M4 Pro is limited to 1080p. |
| DXOMARK | Main: 116 | Not Available | Zenfone 8 performs better in image quality, according to DXOMARK rating. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Zenfone 8 has a confirmed upgrade path to Android 13, providing newer features and security updates. Poco M4 Pro max version is not stated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Zenfone 8 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Zenfone 8 has a newer version with potential improvements in range and power efficiency. |
| GPS | Extensive | Basic | Zenfone 8 offers better location accuracy due to more satellite systems supported. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | Not Specified | Zenfone 8 has more storage options; Poco M4 Pro storage info is missing. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB/16GB | Not Specified | Zenfone 8 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking; Poco M4 Pro ram info is missing. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so user should choose accordingly |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 mics | Zenfone 8 has a better microphone setup for clearer calls and recordings; Poco M4 Pro has Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio; both phones have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Poco M4 Pro fingerprint sensor is more convenient in some cases. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Zenfone 8 screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Extensive | Basic | Zenfone 8 offers more sensors, potentially better for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster processing, better gaming performance, and smoother multitasking compared to the Helio G96.
- Better Display Quality: Higher refresh rate (120Hz), higher pixel density, and significantly brighter display make for a more enjoyable and visible experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Larger main sensor, wide-angle + macro lens, and support for 8K video recording provide more creative options and higher image quality. Additionally, it features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which the Poco M4 Pro does not.
- Higher Audio Quality: The Zenfone 8 includes an additional microphone and noise cancellation for superior quality in audio recording and during phone calls.
- More Robust Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, coupled with more extensive GPS satellite support, lead to faster, more reliable connections.
- More Advanced Security: More comprehensive security with the use of fingerprint sensor.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
- More RAM and Storage: The Zenfone 8 comes with more RAM and storage capacity than the Poco M4 Pro.
- Software Updates: The Zenfone 8 offers a path to Android 13, which will provide it with newer features and security updates.
Practical Implications:
The Zenfone 8 is a better choice for users who demand top-tier performance, a high-quality display, advanced camera capabilities, and enhanced connectivity.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Wide Angle Lens: A dedicated wide-angle camera is useful for capturing landscape or group photos.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient for some users compared to standard fingerprint sensor.
Practical Implications:
The Poco M4 Pro is a better choice for users who prioritize long battery life and a dedicated wide-angle camera, without a focus on high performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Smaller display, may not suit users who prefer larger screens for media. Has a lower battery capacity and does not have a dedicated wide angle lens.
- Poco M4 Pro: Significantly weaker performance, lower quality display, lower resolution and fewer features from the camera system, less robust connectivity, and overall basic build quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon 888, 120Hz display, and better graphics performance make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Content Creators: The 8K video recording, advanced camera features, and high-quality audio make it suitable for creating high-quality content.
- Power Users: Those who demand fast performance, smooth multitasking, and the latest connectivity standards.
- Outdoor Users: The very high display brightness is ideal for outdoor use in bright conditions.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: High refresh rates, powerful chipset for demanding games
- Video Recording: 8K support with superior stabilization
- Photography: larger sensor, better low-light performance, multiple lens options.
- Multitasking: Handles multiple apps and tasks smoothly due to high RAM and CPU power.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro:
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic communication.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last a full day without needing to charge frequently.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a more affordable device with a decent display, large battery, and a basic camera.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic Usage: Web browsing, social media, and light apps
- Long Battery Life: Extended usage throughout the day without needing a recharge.
- Wide-Angle Photography: Capturing landscape photos and group shots.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Zenfone 8 comes with a higher price but offers a significant performance increase. The Poco M4 Pro targets a budget market, providing a balanced set of features at a lower cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for a phone? (Gaming, photography, social media, everyday use)
- How important is performance versus battery life? (Do you need the best performance, or are you happy with general use, longer battery life?)
- How important is camera quality and versatility? (Do you need advanced camera features, high-resolution video, or is a basic camera enough?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Mobile gaming enthusiast with a high budget.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8. The superior performance, display, and features are perfect for high-end gaming.
Scenario 2: Casual user, on a tight budget who prioritizes battery.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. It offers good battery life and basic features for everyday tasks.
Scenario 3: Photographer/Content creator on the go.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8. The versatility of the camera system, along with the 8K video recording and high-quality audio recording capabilities will make this phone the obvious choice for those looking to create content.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two phones, I would personally pick the Asus Zenfone 8. Despite having a smaller battery, the overall package is significantly more compelling. The difference in performance due to the Snapdragon 888 chipset is massive, which would directly translate to a better experience in my use cases (gaming, multitasking, app loading). The display, despite being smaller, is superior in terms of brightness and refresh rate, which would be noticeable in day-to-day usage and especially under bright outdoor conditions. The camera system is also significantly more versatile. While the battery life may be shorter than the Poco M4 Pro, the overall benefits outweigh this single disadvantage, for my needs. The enhanced security and better build quality are the cherries on top. Although price is not listed, the superior build quality and features of the Zenfone 8 would still be worth the premium for me. The lack of expandable storage would mean I would carefully consider which of the storage options would work best for my needs.
