1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Asus Zenfone 8 and Xiaomi Redmi 12, focusing on their practical implications:
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact, easier to use one-handed. Redmi 12 is larger, less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 198.5g | Zenfone 8 is much lighter, comfortable for extended periods. Redmi 12 can feel heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a significantly larger screen for media consumption and multitasking; Zenfone 8 more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both are very similar, not a noticeable difference. |
| Pixel Density | 446 ppi | 396 ppi | Zenfone 8 has a sharper display, making text and images look crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Zenfone 8's AMOLED has superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy, better for viewing media. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Zenfone 8 provides smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Zenfone 8 is much brighter, offering significantly better visibility under bright sunlight. Redmi 12 brightness is not listed and may vary greatly. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Zenfone 8 has a much more powerful processor, making it much faster for gaming and heavy tasks. Redmi 12 is more suitable for basic use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 249,400 | Zenfone 8 has vastly superior performance, resulting in snappier performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Zenfone 8 has significantly better graphics performance for demanding games and applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP | 50MP | Zenfone 8 captures slightly higher detail. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.76" | Zenfone 8 has a larger sensor, leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 12MP | 8MP | Zenfone 8 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.1 | Redmi 12 has a slightly wider aperture, could slightly better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Included | Included (8MP) | Both have a wide-angle lens. Redmi 12 has a dedicated lens. Zenfone 8's lens is part of the dual camera. |
| Macro Lens | Included (12MP combined) | Included (2MP) | Both have macro lens capabilities. Redmi 12's is a dedicated 2MP camera. Zenfone 8's lens is a combined wide angle + macro. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 1080p 30fps | Zenfone 8 offers much higher video recording capabilities for professional-level content. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Continuous AF, 8k video | Triple camera, Digital Stabilization | Zenfone 8 offers more advanced camera features and better quality, including optical image stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Redmi 12 has a significantly larger battery and should last longer, especially with the less power-hungry chipset. |
| Charging | 30W | 18W | Zenfone 8 charges faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Reverse charging (9W) | Redmi 12 can charge other devices via wired reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 has a newer version of Android. |
| Max Android Version | 13 | 14 | Redmi 12 is more likely to receive future Android updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Zenfone 8 supports faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Redmi 12 has a slightly newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Zenfone 8 has more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Similar storage options on both. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Zenfone 8 has more RAM, better for multitasking and heavy gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Zenfone 8 provides higher audio fidelity, better for media playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 12 has more ergonomic fingerprint scanner placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Zenfone 8 has superior screen scratch resistance. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU offer much higher performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness, making it better for viewing media and daily usage, especially in bright conditions.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor size, 8K video recording and optical image stabilization provides higher image and video quality and better low-light performance.
- Premium Audio: High-resolution audio and stereo speakers, offering a significantly improved audio experience.
- More Compact Design: Smaller size and lighter weight make it comfortable for one-handed use.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity, providing longer battery life, especially with its less demanding processor.
- Reverse Charging: Capability to charge other devices.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 13, with potential for longer software support.
- Larger Display: Larger screen for improved media consumption and better visibility for certain use cases.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern fingerprint sensor placement.
- Lower Cost: Likely more affordable than the Zenfone 8.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8 sacrifices battery life and screen size for performance, display quality and camera quality.
- Redmi 12 offers better battery life and a larger screen but sacrifices high performance and advanced features for daily usage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Power Users: Individuals who need high performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: People who value high-quality displays, audio, and camera capabilities.
- Those Preferring Compact Phones: Users who prioritize pocketability and one-handed use.
- Users who value premium features and better quality images: Users who don't mind paying extra for flagship performance and camera features.
Use Cases:
- Gaming at high graphics settings with smooth frame rates.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Enjoying HDR content with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Frequent travel where compact size is important.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People looking for a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and light tasks.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a large display for watching videos and reading content.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Users who need the phone to last through one or two days on a single charge without worrying about battery life.
Use Cases:
- Extended media consumption (videos, ebooks, etc.) due to a large display and long battery life.
- Basic productivity tasks and communication.
- Light gaming.
- Reverse charging other devices while on the go.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Asus Zenfone 8: While more expensive, it offers significantly higher performance and premium features, justifying the cost for power users.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12: Provides good value for basic users with its larger screen, good battery and affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Here are key questions to consider:
- What is your primary use case?
- Heavy gaming/performance: Asus Zenfone 8.
- Basic usage and long battery life: Xiaomi Redmi 12.
- Media consumption and multitasking: This is subjective between the large screen of the Redmi and the better display of the Zenfone 8.
- How much do you value compact size and better display?
- Compact and pocketable: Asus Zenfone 8.
- Larger Screen: Xiaomi Redmi 12.
- Superior display quality: Asus Zenfone 8.
- What is your budget?
- Premium Features: Asus Zenfone 8.
- Budget-friendly: Xiaomi Redmi 12.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User needing performance and better quality: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its powerful performance, better quality display, camera, and sound.
- Scenario 2: Casual user needing longer battery life with bigger screen: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12 for its long battery life and larger display with a budget price.
- Scenario 3: User who wants a balance between performance and battery: The best choice will be subjective and based on whether the user values performance or battery life more.
- Scenario 4: User who values compact design and better display: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8, it offers a compact form factor, superior display, higher quality audio, and better cameras.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would personally choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While the battery capacity is smaller and the screen isn't as large, the performance gains of the Snapdragon 888 chipset are significant and the AMOLED display, combined with the high quality camera and sound, are crucial for my needs as a power user. As I prioritize performance and better image quality over battery life and screen size, the Zenfone 8 is better suited for me. The compact form factor is also a plus. I would also need to evaluate the cost difference and my budget as the Zenfone 8 is a much older flagship, it can be found at discounted prices.
