1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly smaller and easier to handle one-handed; Poco X4 Pro 5G is larger, may be better for media consumption |
| Weight | 169g | 205g | Zenfone 8 is much lighter, feels less bulky in the hand and pocket; Poco X4 Pro 5G feels more substantial, could feel heavy to some users |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Zenfone 8 has better screen protection against scratches and drops; Poco X4 Pro 5G is still durable, but slightly less so |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Poco X4 Pro 5G provides a more immersive experience for media and gaming due to larger screen; Zenfone 8 is more compact, easier for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of detail; sharp visuals for general use. |
| PPI | 446 | 395 | Zenfone 8 has a noticeably sharper display; text and images appear clearer and more detailed |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; improve the feel of responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Poco X4 Pro 5G is slightly brighter, offering slightly better outdoor visibility in very bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Zenfone 8 offers significantly higher performance, handles demanding apps and games with ease; Poco X4 Pro 5G is better for everyday use but will struggle with demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 395,978 | Zenfone 8 provides smoother overall performance, especially in games and multitasking; Poco X4 Pro 5G is fine for daily tasks but lags behind in demanding scenarios. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | Zenfone 8 offers better graphics performance, enhances gaming and graphics intensive application performance; Poco X4 Pro 5G is adequate for most regular tasks but lacks for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX686, 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", Samsung S5KHM2, 0.70µm | Poco X4 Pro 5G captures more detail in good lighting conditions due to higher resolution, Zenfone 8 has better low light capabilities with its wider aperture and bigger pixel size |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663, 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A1Q, 1.00µm | Poco X4 Pro 5G has a higher resolution, Zenfone 8 has slightly better low light performance with larger sensor size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363, 1.40µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | Both have wide angle capabilities but Zenfone 8 has better pixel size for low-light performance with higher resolution. Poco X4 Pro also has macro lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | Poco X4 Pro 5G has a dedicated macro camera for close up shots. Zenfone 8 lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Zenfone 8 supports much higher video quality for professional video content, Poco X4 Pro 5G is limited to 1080p |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, PDAF, 4K/8K video recording | EIS, Night mode, Ultra stable video | Zenfone 8 offers more advanced features like OIS, and higher resolution video for professional use, Poco X4 Pro 5G focuses on basic features and software enhancements. |
| DXOMark Score | 116 (Mobile), 120 (Photo), 118 (Video) | Not available | Asus Zenfone 8 has been officially tested by Dxomark. Poco X4 Pro does not have an official score. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco X4 Pro 5G is likely to offer significantly better battery life, ideal for heavy users; Zenfone 8 may require more frequent charging. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Poco X4 Pro 5G charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups; Zenfone 8 is slower to charge. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides much higher processing power, suitable for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Compact Size: Easier to handle one-handed and more pocketable than the Poco X4 Pro 5G.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density results in clearer and more detailed visuals.
- Advanced Camera Features: Optical image stabilization, 8K video recording, and more versatile video options.
- Better Audio: Better Hi-Res Audio capabilities with noise cancellation and 3 microphones
Practical Implications: The Zenfone 8 is better for users who prioritize performance, need a smaller phone, care about camera quality, and enjoy high-end audio.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Advantages
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Bigger Battery: Likely to offer much longer battery life, reducing the need to recharge frequently.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Additional Camera Lenses: Dedicated macro lens enhances versatility in photography.
- Lower Cost: Generally more affordable, offering good value for the price.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More advanced and convenient than the basic fingerprint sensor of Zenfone 8
Practical Implications: The Poco X4 Pro 5G is better for users who prefer a large screen, need long battery life, appreciate fast charging, and seek a budget-friendly option.
Significant Trade-offs
- Zenfone 8: Smaller screen, smaller battery, higher cost, but much better performance and camera.
- Poco X4 Pro 5G: Larger size, lower performance, less capable camera, but better battery life, bigger screen, faster charging and lower cost
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8
- Ideal User: Power user, gamer, content creator, someone who needs a compact phone but doesn't want to compromise on performance and camera.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- Video recording at 4K or 8K.
- Heavy multitasking with demanding applications.
- Professional photography, thanks to optical image stabilization.
- Those who need high performance in a compact package
- High quality audio listeners
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
- Ideal User: Media consumer, casual gamer, budget-conscious buyer, someone who needs all-day battery life and a large screen.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and streaming content.
- Casual gaming that is not graphically intensive.
- Long periods away from a power source.
- Basic photography and capturing close-up macro shots.
- Users looking for a well rounded experience that wont break the bank.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic performance adequate for your usage?
- Size and Handling: Do you prefer a compact phone that's easy to use with one hand, or is a larger screen for media consumption a priority?
- Battery Life and Charging: Do you need all-day battery life, and is fast charging essential for your needs?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Performance Focused: If you prioritize top-tier performance and camera features, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the clear choice despite its smaller size and battery.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption and Battery Life: If you primarily watch videos and need long battery life, the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G is more suitable due to its larger screen and bigger battery.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious: If you are on a tight budget and still need a solid all around experience, the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G offers more value for the price.
What I would choose
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While the Poco X4 Pro 5G offers a larger screen and better battery life which is desirable, my use case tends to lean towards a phone that can perform more demanding tasks such as graphic intensive games. The Zenfone 8 excels in performance and also has significantly better camera features with optical image stabilization which is great for content creation. I also prefer the compact form factor of the Zenfone 8 for ease of use and handling. The only downsides are the smaller battery and display size, however, those are acceptable trade offs for me.
