1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact, better for one-handed use. Poco M6 4G is larger, offering a bigger screen but less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 205g | Zenfone 8 is much lighter, more comfortable for extended use. Poco M6 4G is heavier, which can be noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.79" | Poco M6 4G has a much larger display, better for media consumption and gaming. Zenfone 8's smaller screen is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both have similar FHD+ resolution, so sharpness is comparable for most use cases, though the pixel density is quite different |
| PPI | 446 | 396 | Zenfone 8's higher pixel density means sharper text and images, more detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Zenfone 8's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast and power efficiency. The Poco M6 4G's IPS LCD is still decent but doesn't match AMOLED quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Zenfone 8 has smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid user experience. Poco M6 4G is still reasonably smooth. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Zenfone 8 has significantly higher brightness, much better visibility in bright sunlight. Poco M6 4G's brightness is unknown which limits the comparison, however, a 0 nit value indicates missing data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm) | Zenfone 8's high-end Snapdragon 888 offers dramatically better performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking. Poco M6 4G's chipset is more budget-oriented. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 269,266 | Zenfone 8 is far faster, offering a significantly more responsive experience. Poco M6 4G's AnTuTu score suggests slower performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Zenfone 8's Adreno 660 is a much more powerful GPU, enabling better gaming performance and graphics in demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Poco M6 4G's higher megapixel count allows for more detailed images in good lighting. Actual image quality depends on sensor size, pixel size and processing. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.75 | Poco M6 4G has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low-light scenarios. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.67" | Poco M6 4G's slightly larger sensor can capture more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX686 Exmor RS | Samsung HM6 | Different camera sensors with potentially different performance characteristics. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | Zenfone 8 has slightly larger pixel sizes that can improve low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 13MP | Both have similar selfie camera resolutions. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | Poco M6 4G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Yes (12MP) | No | Zenfone 8 features a wide-angle lens that can also function as a macro camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Zenfone 8 offers significantly higher video recording resolution, suitable for professional video use. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Zenfone 8 features electronic video stabilization for smoother videos. |
| DXOMARK Score | 116 (Mobile) | Not Tested | Zenfone 8's camera is better according to DXOmark; Poco M6 4G's real-world performance is unknown without testing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5030mAh | Poco M6 4G's larger battery offers potentially longer battery life, especially with its less power-hungry chipset. |
| Charging | 30W | 33W | Both have similar fast charging capabilities, though the Poco M6 4G has a slight edge with slightly faster charging. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | Poco M6 4G can charge other devices. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Poco M6 4G has a newer version of Android out of the box, which might have newer features, security updates, and better optimization. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Zenfone 8 has faster Wi-Fi 6, which is better for high-bandwidth activities on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Poco M6 4G has a newer Bluetooth version, which may offer better energy efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | More advanced | Standard | Zenfone 8 supports more satellite systems for improved GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer similar internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | Zenfone 8 offers more RAM options, which can lead to better multitasking performance, especially with the 12 and 16 GB options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Zenfone 8 has a more comprehensive audio setup, providing better playback, immersion, and voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Poco M6 4G has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Zenfone 8's superior screen protection from scratches and minor impacts, Poco M6 4G's screen protection is unknown. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers dramatically better performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking than the Helio G91 Ultra. This means significantly faster app loading, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive user experience overall.
- High-Quality Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1100 nits brightness offers much better colors, contrast, and outdoor visibility compared to the IPS LCD. This leads to a much more vibrant and enjoyable visual experience, especially when watching videos or playing games.
- Advanced Camera System: The Asus Zenfone 8's camera system, especially with its higher-resolution video recording (8K) and OIS, is far more capable for both photo and video capture. It offers more versatility with features like wide-angle shots and 8K recording.
- Compact Size & Lighter Weight: The Zenfone 8 is more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and a noise cancellation microphone offer a superior listening and communication experience.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi 6 and additional GPS support offer better connectivity and location accuracy.
Xiaomi Poco M6 4G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.79" display offers a more immersive experience for media consumption.
- Larger Battery: The 5030mAh battery may offer longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens for close-up shots offers additional photography versatility.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, potentially providing newer features and better security updates.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices can be useful in certain situations.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and fast fingerprint scanner for unlocking the phone.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Battery Life: The Zenfone 8 prioritizes performance, while the Poco M6 4G prioritizes battery life.
- Display Quality vs. Display Size: The Zenfone 8 has a superior quality display but a smaller size, while the Poco M6 4G has a larger display with lower overall quality.
- Camera Versatility vs. Specific Features: The Zenfone 8 offers more advanced camera features and video recording capabilities, while the Poco M6 4G has the macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, a high-quality display, and advanced camera capabilities in a compact form factor. This includes gamers, power users, and photography enthusiasts who prefer a phone that fits in their pocket.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional-grade video recording and editing.
- Enjoying high-quality media content (streaming, movies).
- Tasks requiring fast processing, like heavy multitasking.
- Users who require a compact phone for everyday use.
- Price-to-Value: While it may be more expensive, its high-end chipset and premium features make it suitable for users willing to invest in a device that delivers top-tier performance and experience.
Xiaomi Poco M6 4G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a large display, long battery life, and basic features at a budget-friendly price. This includes users who mostly use their phone for media consumption and less demanding tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Casual media consumption (videos, social media).
- Everyday phone tasks (calling, texting).
- Users who prioritize battery life.
- Basic photography (macro shots).
- Price-to-Value: The Poco M6 4G excels as a budget-friendly phone with a large display and long battery life. It is a very good value for those who do not need the high performance or premium features of the Zenfone 8.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority? Performance for gaming/heavy usage, or battery life and a larger screen for media consumption?
- How important is display quality? Do you need vibrant colors and better visibility in direct sunlight, or is a standard IPS LCD adequate?
- What camera features do you value? Do you want 8K video, optical image stabilization, or a dedicated macro lens?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I want the best possible gaming experience and performance."
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU provide far better performance than the Poco M6 4G, ideal for high-end gaming.
- Scenario 2: "I watch a lot of videos and need long battery life."
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M6 4G due to its larger display, larger battery, and adequate performance for media consumption.
- Scenario 3: "I want a phone that is compact and easy to use one-handed with a good camera."
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8. The smaller design makes it far more convenient to hold and use one-handed and the camera is superior overall.
- Scenario 4: "I want a good value and do not need premium features."
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M6 4G due to its budget-friendly price tag, which makes it a practical choice with adequate features.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8.
My reasoning is based on my priorities:
- Performance: I often use my phone for demanding tasks, including mobile gaming and video editing. The Snapdragon 888 chipset in the Zenfone 8 is a clear advantage, ensuring smooth performance without lagging.
- Display Quality: As someone who enjoys consuming media content, I value a vibrant, high-quality display. The Zenfone 8's AMOLED screen with its high brightness is a noticeable step up from the IPS LCD on the Poco M6 4G, enhancing visual enjoyment.
- Camera Versatility: I appreciate having the extra features offered by the Zenfone 8's camera such as 8k video recording and OIS, which give me more creative options, as well as improved quality overall.
- Size: I prefer a more compact and manageable phone, making the Zenfone 8 a more suitable option for everyday use.
While the Poco M6 4G offers a larger battery and a bigger display, those are secondary to my personal needs for top performance and display quality. I am willing to trade those off for the advantages the Zenfone 8 offers.
The Asus Zenfone 8 is simply a better fit for my use case.
