1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-13 | 2023-02-07 | Xiaomi is significantly newer, likely with better software support and newer features |
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm | Asus is more compact and pocketable. Xiaomi is larger and may feel less comfortable in one hand. |
| Weight | 169g | 181g | Asus is noticeably lighter, which is more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Xiaomi provides a larger screen for better media consumption and gaming. Asus offers a more compact form factor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have same resolution, sharpness is mainly determined by PPI |
| PPI | 446 | 395 | Asus has a noticeably sharper display, with finer details and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; very similar visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Asus is much brighter, vastly improving outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The lack of brightness info for Xiaomi makes it difficult to compare, this should be confirmed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Asus's flagship chipset provides faster performance, better gaming and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 609,106 | Asus is significantly faster for demanding tasks and games, Xiaomi is fine for everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Asus has better graphics performance, offering smoother gaming and graphical processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Xiaomi offers higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor, potentially better in low light, and sharper detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | Xiaomi offers a higher resolution selfie, though Asus has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" (combined) | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" (dedicated) | Xiaomi has a dedicated wide angle lens, whereas Asus combines it with macro, providing more flexibility. |
| Macro | Included in the wide lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" (dedicated) | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens, whereas Asus combines it with the wide lens, providing more flexibility |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Asus offers significantly higher video recording resolution, better for professional videography. |
| DxOMark | 116 (Mobile) | Not Tested | Asus has a certified higher camera performance, especially for photos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 8k, Dual | Ultra Stable Video, Triple, Night Mode | Asus focuses on high-quality video, while Xiaomi offers more versatile shooting features |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Xiaomi charges much faster, which is more convenient for frequent users. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 12 (up to 13) | Xiaomi has a newer base version of Android, but both are upgradable to the same max version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Both support the latest WiFi standards for fast wireless internet. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both have similar modern Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | More Systems | Fewer Systems | Asus is more accurate due to its support of more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIMs for dual-number usage |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, no difference. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16GB | 6/8GB | Asus offers more RAM options, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Asus offers better audio quality with Hi-Res, while Xiaomi focuses on surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi provides a faster and more modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Asus has a superior screen protection, more resistant to scratches and damages. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More Sensors | Standard Sensors | Asus has a more comprehensive sensor suite, useful for gaming and specific apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming, leading to smoother operations.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (446 PPI) results in a clearer and more detailed viewing experience.
- Brighter Display: 1100 nits makes the screen usable even under direct sunlight.
- Advanced Video Recording: Supports 8K video recording, suitable for professional video creation.
- Better Audio Quality: Offers Hi-Res audio, better voice capture with 3 mics, and a noise cancellation mic for clearer calls.
- Stronger Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and damage resistance.
- More RAM Options: Available with up to 16GB of RAM, ideal for heavy multitasking and demanding applications.
- Better GPS: Offers more satellite system support, leading to greater accuracy for navigation.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.67" screen for a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: Larger 5000 mAh battery for extended usage without needing a charge.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging for quicker refills.
- More Versatile Camera: Dedicated wide angle and macro lenses for more flexible photography options.
- Newer Phone: Being released almost two years later, it should offer a more up-to-date experience and features.
- Triple Camera System: Allows for more versatile shooting scenarios.
- Dolby Atmos: Offers more immersive sound experience.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and practical than the basic one found on the Zenfone 8.
Trade-offs:
- Asus Zenfone 8: Sacrifices battery life and versatility in the camera for performance, display quality and video recording.
- Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro: Sacrifices raw processing power, screen sharpness, video quality and audio fidelity for a larger display, longer battery life, and faster charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive tasks.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video recording and accurate displays for content creation.
- Users who value a Compact Size: Those who prioritize a smaller, easily pocketable phone.
- Users who value Display Quality: Those who want a sharp and vibrant display with excellent brightness.
- Users who value Audio Quality: Those who prefer better audio quality and clearer calls.
Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Playing graphically intensive games
- Editing 4K/8K videos
- Outdoor use in direct sunlight
- Professional photography and videography
- Audio recording and listening to Hi-Res music
- Reliable and accurate GPS navigation
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro:
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, movies, and playing games on a larger screen.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need all-day battery life and fast charging capabilities.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who seek a well-rounded phone at a more affordable price point (generally).
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate flexible camera options for everyday use.
- Users who value a bigger display and long battery life.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro:
- Watching movies and videos
- Playing casual games
- Taking everyday photos and videos
- Extended use without frequent charging
- Using as a daily driver with a focus on practicality
- Long trips where quick charge is important
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming/performance, media consumption, photography, daily use, professional video/content creation)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you? (Do you need all-day battery or is faster charging acceptable?)
- What is your budget? (Is the price to performance ratio more important than features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Performance and Display: If you need top-tier performance, a compact size, sharp display, and high-quality video recording, and you are OK with a smaller battery, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the better choice.
Scenario 2: Battery Life and Media Consumption: If your priority is a long-lasting battery, a larger display for media, fast charging, and more versatile camera options for everyday use, the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro is the better option.
Scenario 3: Balanced Daily Use: If you want a balanced experience with a focus on multimedia, good battery, and a more recent phone at a lower price, the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro is recommended.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8.
My reasoning is based on the following priorities:
- Performance: I prioritize raw performance and responsiveness for daily use and gaming, which the Snapdragon 888 offers a noticeable advantage in this area.
- Display Quality: While the Xiaomi has a bigger display, I prefer a compact phone with a sharp and bright screen like the Zenfone.
- Video Quality: The 8K recording of the Zenfone, along with OIS is a major benefit for me.
- Audio Quality: I value the higher audio quality, noise cancellation, and 3 microphones offered by the Zenfone.
While the Xiaomi has better battery life and faster charging, those are secondary concerns to me compared to performance, display, and camera quality. Additionally, the Zenfone 8 is more compact and has a better build quality. The faster charging of the Poco X5 is useful, but not a determining factor compared to the Zenfone's other strengths. The main downside is the battery life, but it’s an acceptable trade-off considering the performance increase.
Therefore, while both phones are compelling options, the Asus Zenfone 8 aligns better with my specific use case and preferences.
