1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | Zenfone 8 is more compact and easier to handle one-handed. Poco M4 Pro 5G is larger, might be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 195g | Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and travel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.6" | Poco M4 Pro 5G offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same detail level, sharp for typical use. |
| PPI | 446 | 399 | Zenfone 8 has a slightly sharper display, though the difference may not be noticeable to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Zenfone 8's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Zenfone 8's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (Spec missing) | Zenfone 8 is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) | Zenfone 8's chipset is considerably more powerful, handling demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 438,700 | Zenfone 8 offers much faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Zenfone 8's GPU is superior for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 Pro 5G has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Poco M4 Pro 5G charges slightly faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Sensor | Zenfone 8 has a higher resolution and larger sensor, generally better image quality and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" Sensor | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" Sensor | Poco M4 Pro 5G has slightly higher resolution selfie camera, Zenfone 8 has a bigger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sensor (Wide Angle + Macro) | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sensor | Poco M4 Pro 5G has a dedicated Wide Angle lens; Zenfone 8 has a wide angle and macro lens |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K @24fps | Up to 1080p @60fps | Zenfone 8 can record higher quality video, offering more options for content creators. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Zenfone 8 has a longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Zenfone 8 supports newer Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connection. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Zenfone 8 supports newer bluetooth for more efficient and stable connections with devices. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB / 256 GB | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB | Both offer 256 GB max storage, Poco M4 Pro 5G has a cheaper 64GB option. |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB / 16 GB | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB | Zenfone 8 offers more RAM options, better for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation, 3 Mics | Hi-Res, Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | Zenfone 8's 3 mics and noise cancellation offer clearer calls and better audio recording. Poco has Dolby Atmos for better media immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco M4 Pro 5G's side-mounted sensor is usually faster and more convenient to use. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Zenfone 8's Victus is significantly stronger and more scratch-resistant than Gorilla Glass 3. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly higher processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display provides better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and is also brighter for outdoor visibility, resulting in a much better viewing experience. The higher refresh rate also makes for smoother visuals.
- Enhanced Audio: The Zenfone 8 has a better audio setup that features 3 mics with noise cancellation and is aimed for higher-quality audio recording and playback.
- Better Camera (Main): Higher resolution, bigger sensor for improved image quality.
- Superior Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers much better scratch resistance.
- More RAM Options: Up to 16 GB of RAM, offering better multitasking capabilities.
- Better Video recording: Up to 8K video.
Practical Implications:
- The Zenfone 8 excels in performance-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- The display provides a superior experience for media consumption, and is better for outdoor use.
- The audio system offers clearer calls and better audio recording.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides significantly better battery life for users who need their phone to last all day.
- Lower Price: Typically positioned at a more budget-friendly price point.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Camera: Allows for more versatile photos
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster charging speeds with 33W compared to 30W
- Dolby Atmos: Better sound quality when listening to media.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Easier access to the sensor.
Practical Implications:
- The Poco M4 Pro 5G is a great option for users who prioritize battery life and affordability.
- The larger screen is better for media consumption.
Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 8 trades battery life for performance and a superior display.
- The Poco M4 Pro 5G trades performance and display quality for better battery life and a lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Power Users: Gamers, multitaskers, content creators who need a high-performing device.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value display quality and a smooth visual experience.
- Users Who Want a Compact Phone: Prefers a smaller, lighter, more portable device.
- Users who do a lot of video recording: Needs the best quality recording features.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a good phone without breaking the bank.
- Heavy Users: Individuals who prioritize battery life and need their phone to last all day.
- Casual Users: People who mainly use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
- Users who value wider angle images: Uses the camera for versatile image capture
Use Cases:
- Asus Zenfone 8: Gaming, video editing, professional photography, content creation, media consumption, and multitasking.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G: Social media browsing, media consumption, daily tasks, and casual gaming
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media, basic use)
- How important is battery life to me? (Do I need all-day battery, or can I recharge frequently?)
- What is my budget? (How much am I willing to spend for my phone?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Performance is Key: If you prioritize performance, demanding games, video editing, and multitasking, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the superior choice. Its powerful chipset, ample RAM, and excellent display provide a premium user experience.
Scenario 2: Battery Life is Essential: If your main concern is battery life and need your phone to last all day, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is the better option. Its large battery and more affordable price make it ideal for everyday use.
Scenario 3: Balancing Budget and Features: If you are on a budget but still want a decent experience, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G provides good value for its price.
What I would choose and why!
My Choice: Asus Zenfone 8
Based on my personal preferences and typical use cases, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. The primary reason is the significantly better performance offered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset, coupled with the superior AMOLED display. While the battery life is a trade-off, I am okay with charging more frequently to enjoy a much smoother user experience. The better camera and the build quality is also a factor. While the Poco M4 Pro 5G is a good phone for its target audience, the performance of the Zenfone 8 is compelling and fits my requirements as a user that does a lot of heavy multitasking and demanding apps. The difference in image quality is also a factor.
