1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-13 | 2023-08-04 | Xiaomi is significantly newer, likely offering more recent software and features. |
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Asus Zenfone 8 is more compact and pocketable; Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is larger, potentially less convenient for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 199g | Asus Zenfone 8 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.79" | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. Asus Zenfone 8 is smaller and easier for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Visually similar sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 446 ppi | 396 ppi | Asus Zenfone 8 offers a sharper, more detailed display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Asus Zenfone 8 has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G may have more color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Asus Zenfone 8 has smoother scrolling and animations; Redmi 12 5G is slightly less smooth. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Asus Zenfone 8 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G brightness not specified, but likely lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Asus Zenfone 8 has a significantly more powerful chipset, offering faster app loading and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 456,552 | Asus Zenfone 8 offers much higher performance, better for gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 613 | Asus Zenfone 8 has a more powerful GPU, offering superior graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G has a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Asus Zenfone 8 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Asus Zenfone 8 captures more detailed images due to the higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 5MP | Asus Zenfone 8 produces higher quality selfies with more detail. |
| Additional Cameras | Wide Angle + Macro | Portrait mode (depth) | Asus Zenfone 8 offers a wide angle and macro camera setup; Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G has a depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Asus Zenfone 8 records much higher resolution video, suitable for professional use. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 116, Photo: 120, Video: 118 | Main: 63, Photo: 57, Video: 76 | Asus Zenfone 8 has a dramatically better camera performance based on DxOMark scores. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G ships with a newer Android version and will receive updates later. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Asus Zenfone 8 has a newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Asus Zenfone 8 has newer Bluetooth version with more audio codecs. |
| GPS | Extensive support | Basic support | Asus Zenfone 8 has better location accuracy due to supporting multiple systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer 128 or 256 GB of storage. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Asus Zenfone 8 has more RAM options, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Basic features | Asus Zenfone 8 has significantly better audio quality and recording capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G uses a more modern and convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Asus Zenfone 8 provides much better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive set | Basic set | Asus Zenfone 8 features a much more comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU offer a huge advantage in speed and graphical performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a much better gaming experience.
- Superior Display Quality: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, higher pixel density, and much higher brightness provides a vibrant, smooth, and sharp viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Much Better Camera System: The higher resolution main and selfie cameras, wider lens options, and superior video recording capabilities make the Asus Zenfone 8 the better choice for photography and videography, as confirmed by the substantial DxOMark difference.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging replenishes the battery quicker than Xiaomi's 18W.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers, and noise-canceling microphones provides a significantly better audio experience for listening and calls.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wifi and Bluetooth standards. More precise GPS.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers significantly better screen protection.
- More RAM Options: Up to 16GB for more demanding multitasking needs.
Practical Implications of Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- The Zenfone 8 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, demanding games, high-quality media consumption, and photography.
- Its superior display makes it a great choice for outdoor use and watching movies/shows.
- It is a much better option for people who need high-quality audio for calls or media consumption.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The larger 6.79" screen can be preferable for media consumption and multitasking.
- Newer OS Out of the Box: Ships with a newer Android version (13) and will receive updates longer.
- Potentially Better Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery could offer longer usage between charges, though real-world battery life depends on optimization.
- More Modern Fingerprint Sensor: A side-mounted fingerprint sensor is often considered more convenient by many users.
- Lower Price: The Redmi 12 5G is usually sold at a lower price point, making it more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Practical Implications of Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- The Redmi 12 5G is better for users who prioritize battery life and a large display for media consumption.
- It is a good option for users who prefer a more budget-friendly phone but still need a 5G connection and a modern Android OS.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Asus Zenfone 8: The smaller display might not appeal to users who prefer larger screens, and the battery capacity is smaller. Older software may not receive the latest OS upgrades for as long.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: The performance is significantly lower, and the camera system is inferior. The display quality and brightness are not as good as the Zenfone 8.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Power User: Users who need fast performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Media Enthusiast: Users who prioritize display quality for watching movies, shows, and videos.
- Photographer/Videographer: Users who desire a better camera system for high-quality images and video.
- Audio Lover: Users who value high-quality audio playback and recording.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games at higher settings and frame rates.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Watching high-resolution content in bright outdoor conditions.
- Listening to Hi-Res audio with compatible headphones.
- Making video calls with clear audio and video.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Users who need a functional smartphone at a lower cost.
- Casual User: Users who primarily use their phones for calls, messaging, social media, and light browsing.
- Battery Life Prioritizer: Users who value a long battery life for everyday use.
- Large Screen Lover: Users who prefer a larger display for media consumption.
Use Cases:
- Browsing the web, using social media, and sending messages.
- Watching videos and movies casually.
- Using navigation apps.
- Daily tasks, light gaming, and basic photography.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Asus Zenfone 8: Offers a premium experience with high-end performance and camera features, justifying a higher price tag for those who need it.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: Offers a more affordable option with a larger screen and newer OS but compromises on performance and camera quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G will likely be more affordable.
- How important is performance? The Asus Zenfone 8 will be considerably faster.
- What are your primary uses? Prioritize display/camera (Asus) or battery/screen size (Xiaomi).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Gamer - Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its superior chipset, GPU, display refresh rate, and RAM.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G for its lower price, larger screen, and newer OS.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its superior camera hardware and DxOMark results.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption on the Go - Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 if you are often using the phone outdoors. Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G if you are using the phone primarily indoors.
My Choice
I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is newer and offers a larger screen with potentially better battery life, the Asus Zenfone 8 is simply superior in terms of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and audio.
For my personal use, which includes gaming, photography, and media consumption, these features are more crucial than the newer OS or larger display. The significantly higher benchmark scores, AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness, vastly better camera system (as supported by the DxOMark scores), and better audio experience make the Zenfone 8 the clear winner for me.
While the battery is smaller, I am willing to accept this trade-off for the performance and quality upgrades. The faster charging also somewhat mitigates this difference. Additionally, the more advanced connectivity options offer a better experience. Therefore, the Asus Zenfone 8 aligns better with my needs despite being older.
