Smartphone Comparison: Asus Zenfone 8 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact, easier for one-handed use and pocketable. Redmi Note 11 Pro is larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 169g | 202g | Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, leading to more comfortable long-term handling and portability. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Zenfone 8 has potentially more durable screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 11 Pro has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking; Zenfone 8 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp display with the same resolution. |
| PPI | 446 | 395 | Zenfone 8 has a sharper display with higher pixel density, resulting in better image clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 11 Pro has a slightly brighter display, better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | Zenfone 8 offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and faster app loading due to the superior chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 405,259 | Zenfone 8 provides vastly superior performance, with more than double the score, making it smoother for most tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Zenfone 8 provides much better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Redmi Note 11 Pro captures more detailed images, allowing for more cropping and printing at larger sizes. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | Zenfone 8 captures slightly more light, potentially better for low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.52" | Redmi Note 11 Pro has a larger sensor, which generally captures more light and detail. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 0.70µm | Zenfone 8 has slightly larger pixels, which should capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Redmi Note 11 Pro captures more detailed selfies with a higher pixel count. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Redmi Note 11 Pro has a slightly wider aperture that captures a bit more light. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.93" | 1/3.06" | Zenfone 8 has a larger sensor for capturing more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 8MP | Both offer a wide-angle lens, but Asus has a wider resolution. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | Redmi Note 11 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, Zenfone 8 doesn't. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | Zenfone 8 offers much higher video recording capabilities, suitable for professional content creation. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS + OIS | EIS | Zenfone 8 has superior video stabilization due to the presence of Optical Image Stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 116 | Main: 78 | Zenfone 8 has much better overall camera performance, significantly outperforming the Redmi Note 11 Pro. |
| Additional Camera Features | 4K/8K video, OIS, PDAF | Night mode, Ultra stable video, Manual focus | Zenfone 8 is more versatile for advanced users who want high-end features and quality. Redmi Note 11 Pro caters to users who prioritize ease of use and everyday shooting with features like Night mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 11 Pro has a significantly larger battery, likely providing much longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Redmi Note 11 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
Software
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Asus has an upgrade to 13 available. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Zenfone 8 supports the latest WiFi standard, potentially resulting in faster, more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have latest Bluetooth offering similar wireless performance and power efficiency. |
| GPS | Comprehensive | Standard | Zenfone 8 has much wider support for more satellite systems and positioning technologies offering higher accuracy for navigation. |
Storage
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both have options for 128GB and 256GB, but Xiaomi offers more options to fit various needs and budgets. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16GB | 6/8 GB | Zenfone 8 offers higher RAM options, potentially better for heavy multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via SD card. |
Audio
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Zenfone 8 has a slight advantage in audio, with more microphones, potentially clearer calls and more advanced audio processing. Xiaomi has Dolby Atmos, for more immersive audio experiences. |
Security
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Standard fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 11 Pro offers more modern implementation of fingerprint sensor, typically fast, convenient, ergonomic access, and reliable. |
Sensors
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | More Comprehensive | Standard | Zenfone 8 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors for better functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly higher processing power, crucial for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Compact Form Factor: The smaller size makes it much easier for one-handed use and more pocketable.
- Higher Quality Display: Higher pixel density (PPI) leads to a sharper and clearer visual experience.
- Better Camera Performance: Superior image quality, 8K video recording, OIS, and higher overall DXOMark score for better stills and video.
- More Advanced Features: Offers a range of advanced features, including wider Bluetooth codec, more satellite systems and audio recording with 3 mics.
- Better WiFi: Supports faster and more modern WiFi standard.
- More RAM Options: Up to 16GB of RAM, which can greatly improve multitasking and performance with demanding games.
Practical Implications: Zenfone 8 is a powerhouse for users who prioritize performance, excellent camera quality, and a compact design.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: More screen real estate for media consumption, browsing, and multitasking.
- Much Better Battery Life: Larger battery and highly efficient processor lead to much longer battery life, making it a great option for users who need all day battery and more.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces the time needed to replenish the battery.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, giving more versatility.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and reliable side fingerprint sensor for device access.
Practical Implications: Redmi Note 11 Pro is well-suited for users who prioritize a large screen, long battery life, fast charging, and a practical everyday experience.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8 sacrifices battery capacity and screen size for a compact design and high-end performance.
- Redmi Note 11 Pro sacrifices top-tier performance and camera quality for a larger screen and longer battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Benefits from the high-end Snapdragon chipset, Adreno GPU, and high refresh rate display.
- Content Creators: Benefits from the superior camera system and advanced video recording features.
- Users Who Prefer Compact Phones: Perfect for those who find larger phones cumbersome and prefer single-handed use.
- Power Users: Will appreciate the high-end processing capabilities and plenty of RAM for multitasking.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Shooting and editing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Demanding mobile work tasks requiring multiple apps running simultaneously.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Perfect for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: Great for those who need a phone that lasts all day without needing a charge.
- Media Consumers: Enjoys watching videos, movies, and shows on the larger display.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Looking for good value for everyday phone needs.
Use Cases:
- Watching streaming services and consuming social media.
- Browsing the web and using apps all day without battery anxiety.
- Capturing everyday photos and videos.
Price-to-Value:
- The Asus Zenfone 8 commands a premium price due to its flagship-level performance and advanced features, making it a premium choice.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro is positioned as a mid-range phone, offering excellent value for the features it offers, with better price-to-performance for casual users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my priority: performance or battery life? If you need top performance for gaming and demanding tasks, the Zenfone 8 is the clear choice. If longer battery life is more important, the Redmi Note 11 Pro is better.
- How important is camera quality? Zenfone 8 offers vastly superior camera quality for both stills and video for those who care about the best photography. The Redmi Note 11 Pro is good for everyday use but not the best.
- What size phone is more convenient for me? The Zenfone 8 is a compact phone ideal for portability, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro is a larger phone, better for media consumption.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer/Power User: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its superior performance, high-refresh rate screen, and better GPU.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumer/All-Day User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro for its large display and superior battery life.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User with a Need for Photography: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its advanced camera capabilities.
My Choice
Based on my analysis and given my priorities, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8.
My reasoning is as follows: While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro offers a larger display and significantly better battery life, my use case tends to heavily prioritize performance and camera quality. The Asus Zenfone 8's Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage for demanding applications, along with a better main camera and superior video recording quality, and I prefer the compactness that it provides. The superior camera quality is also a very important factor for me as I do take pictures and videos often. While the battery life of the Zenfone 8 might be less than ideal for those who need it for long periods of time without charging, I am not particularly restricted by it.
Therefore, the Asus Zenfone 8 better aligns with my need for performance, advanced camera features, and a compact design, even at the expense of some battery life and a larger screen. The additional feature in the device such as faster wifi, more audio capabilities, and better GPS, also are nice extras.
