1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 163.7 × 76.2 × 8.3 mm | The Zenfone 8 is significantly smaller and easier to handle with one hand. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is larger, potentially requiring two hands for comfortable use. |
| Weight | 169g | 204g | The Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is heavier, which can be noticeable over time. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a much larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. The Zenfone 8's smaller size makes it more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution, offering a crisp viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 446 | 395 | The Zenfone 8's higher PPI results in a sharper, clearer image with finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED technology, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is slightly brighter, potentially offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | The Snapdragon 888 in the Zenfone 8 is a high-end chipset, offering significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Dimensity 920 in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is a mid-range chip, suitable for everyday use but less capable for intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 528,100 | The Zenfone 8 demonstrates significantly superior performance based on benchmark scores, indicating smoother operation and faster response times. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Adreno 660 in the Zenfone 8 is a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's 108MP sensor allows for more detailed photos and more flexibility in cropping and editing. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.89 | The Zenfone 8 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially allowing more light into the sensor, which can result in better performance in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.52" | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G captures selfies with higher resolution, resulting in more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.93" | 1/3.13" | The Zenfone 8 has a larger selfie sensor, which could mean better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the scene. The Zenfone 8 doesn't have a dedicated wide-angle lens but has a combined Wide Angle + Macro camera. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a dedicated macro lens for capturing detailed close-up shots, which the Zenfone 8 lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12MP | No | Zenfone 8 has a combined Wide Angle + Macro camera, allowing the user to capture both in a single sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Zenfone 8 supports higher resolution video, ideal for those needing professional-level video capabilities. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | No | The Zenfone 8 has Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), which helps reduce camera shake for smoother videos. |
| DxOMark Score | 116 | Not Available | Asus Zenfone 8 is rated for camera and video capabilities. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is not. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life for a full day's usage. |
| Charging | 30W | 120W | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G charges significantly faster, allowing a full charge in a very short time. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion Polymer | The difference between Li-Polymer and Li-Ion Polymer is negligible for the end-user. |
| Charging Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Comfort mode charging in 19 minutes < 38º, standard mode 15 minutes for full charging, QC3+ / PD2.0 / PD3.0 | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has additional charging features for fast charging and a safer charging process. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications compared to the Dimensity 920.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (446 PPI) provides a noticeably sharper viewing experience.
- Compact Design: Smaller and lighter, making it easier to handle and more pocketable.
- Advanced Video Recording: Supports 8K video recording, beneficial for users needing high-quality video capture.
- Advanced Camera Features Additional camera features like OIS and 4k@120fps with HDR, EIS and up to 720p@480fps with HDR, EIS
- Better Audio System Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones for better audio quality.
- Advanced Bluetooth Supports AVRCP (Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile), HID (Human Interface Profile), OPP (Object Push Profile), SBC for additional connectivity options.
- Better Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better durability.
- More RAM Options Up to 16GB RAM, perfect for heavy multitasking.
- Better GPS Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The larger 6.67" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity (4500mAh) generally means longer usage time between charges.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: 120W fast charging is significantly faster, enabling quick power-ups.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main sensor allows for greater detail and flexibility when cropping photos.
- Dedicated Wide and Macro Lenses: Offers more versatility for different shooting scenarios.
- Lower starting cost: It provides good value for the specs it offers, and is usually cheaper.
Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 8 sacrifices screen size, battery capacity, and fast charging speeds for compact size and performance.
- The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G sacrifices peak performance, compact size, better audio system and some camera features for a larger display, better battery, faster charging, and versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize raw processing power and gaming performance.
- One-Handed Users: Those who prefer a smaller, more manageable phone for easy one-handed use.
- Content Creators: Users who need advanced video recording capabilities (8K) and better audio system.
- Those who value audio: Better audio quality system and more advanced bluetooth connectivity.
- Those who want a more durable phone: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Video editing and rendering
- Demanding applications
- On-the-go photography where size matters
- Users looking for a top-tier compact smartphone
- Users who prefer a better audio experience
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who primarily watch videos, browse the web, and play casual games.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need a phone that can last a full day with heavy use.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who need to quickly charge their device.
- Casual photographers: Those who want a versatile camera system with macro and wide-angle options.
- Price-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a budget-friendly phone with a large display and good all-around performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily media consumption (movies, videos)
- Social media browsing
- Casual mobile gaming
- Long days away from charging sources
- Users looking for versatile camera system with multiple lenses.
- Users that need a good balance between specs and price
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a better price-to-value ratio, especially for budget-conscious consumers, due to its lower price point compared to the Zenfone 8 and for the specs it offers.
- The Asus Zenfone 8 is better suited for users who need top-tier performance and are willing to pay extra for its performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance for your daily usage?
- If you are a heavy gamer or need high-processing power for applications, the Zenfone 8 is the better choice.
- If your usage is mainly casual, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is sufficient.
- Do you prioritize a compact design, or a larger screen?
- If you prefer a smaller, easier to handle phone, go with the Zenfone 8.
- If you value a larger screen for media consumption, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is preferable.
- How important is fast charging and battery life for you?
- If fast charging and longer battery life are crucial, choose the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G.
- If you do not mind charging slower but can settle for a smaller battery, the Zenfone 8 is acceptable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Heavy App User:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8 for its superior performance and smooth gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Consumption/Casual User:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G for its larger display, and fast charging.
- Scenario 3: On-The-Go/Compact User:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8 for its compact and light form-factor.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious User:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G for its versatile specs with an attractive price.
- Scenario 5: Professional Photographer/Videographer:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8 for its better camera with high video resolution and advanced video features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Asus Zenfone 8. My primary reason is that while both phones offer excellent features, I value performance and a compact design for comfortable one-handed use. I also appreciate the better camera features and high-resolution video capabilities. Although the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has its own merits such as bigger screen, faster charging, and versatile camera lenses, I find that the high processing power and compact form-factor of the Zenfone 8 better align with my needs and preferences. I also value having a more durable phone, and the Zenfone 8 with it's Gorilla Glass Victus offers more peace of mind.
