1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact and easier to handle with one hand. Redmi Note 11S 5G is larger and taller. |
| Weight | 169g | 195g | Zenfone 8 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.6" | Redmi Note 11S 5G offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. Zenfone 8 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide the same level of detail, though the pixel density is different. |
| Pixel Density | 446 ppi | 399 ppi | Zenfone 8 has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Zenfone 8 has superior contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. Better for media and viewing in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Zenfone 8 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Zenfone 8 display is brighter, offering superior outdoor visibility and readability in direct sunlight (Note: 0 nits for the Xiaomi is likely a data error). |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Zenfone 8 offers significantly higher processing power, better for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 438,700 | Zenfone 8 provides a much smoother overall experience, noticeably faster app loading, and better handling of intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Zenfone 8 provides superior graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor, Sony IMX686, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm pixels | Zenfone 8 captures more detailed images with a larger sensor and larger pixel size, especially in low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" sensor, Sony IMX663, 1.22µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.4 | Both provide adequate selfies, but the Zenfone has larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363, 1.4µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | Zenfone 8 has better wide angle pictures with bigger sensor and bigger pixels, but Xiaomi does have more options with an additional macro sensor. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi provides macro shots. The Zenfone 8 does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p@60fps | Zenfone 8 offers much higher video quality, with 8K recording capability and a wider range of frame rates, superior stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 116, Photo: 120, Video: 118 | Main: 65, Photo: 50, Video: 83 | Zenfone 8 offers a significantly better camera performance, especially in still and video quality. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, OIS, PDAF, RAW | 4K Video, Triple Camera, Manual Focus, Night mode | Zenfone 8 is designed for advanced users who value image quality, while the Redmi Note 11S 5G offers more flexibility with different lens. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 11S 5G likely provides longer battery life for typical daily use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 11S 5G charges slightly faster, but both provide reasonably quick charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a much faster and smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- High-Quality Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and smoother visuals, especially visible in direct sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensors, wider aperture, and higher video recording quality makes for significantly better quality, especially in low light and video capturing.
- Better Audio: Hi-res Audio with stereo speakers and 3 microphones provides a better experience with sound.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage, which provides better multitasking and room for apps and files.
- Compact Design: Significantly more compact and lightweight, making it ideal for single-handed use and portability.
- Better Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides the display with a superior protection.
- More advanced WiFi and Bluetooth Newest versions of connectivity.
Practical Implications: The Zenfone 8 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, image quality, and a premium experience in a smaller form factor.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Bigger Display: A larger screen that is better for media consumption.
- Additional Camera Lenses: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which is good for a user interested in taking different kinds of pictures.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A slightly more modern and accessible fingerprint sensor location.
- Price: Usually at a lower price point.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 11S 5G is suitable for users who prioritize long battery life, large screen and multiple camera options at a more affordable price point.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Smaller screen, lower battery capacity, and higher price are trade-offs for its superior performance and premium features.
- Redmi Note 11S 5G: Lower performance, less advanced display, and lower quality camera are trade-offs for its larger battery and lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality camera performance in both stills and video.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Users who prefer a small, pocketable phone that's easy to handle with one hand.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who want a high-quality and vibrant display for consuming video content
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming with smooth frame rates and fast loading times.
- High-resolution video recording and editing.
- Professional-quality photography and video capture.
- Everyday tasks on a compact and fast device.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for a functional and reliable smartphone at a more affordable price.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use without needing to recharge often.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a variety of lenses to capture different types of shots.
- Media Consumers: Users who want a large screen for watching content.
Specific Use Cases:
- General use such as social media, browsing, and communication.
- Watching movies and videos on a larger display.
- Casual photography with different lens options.
- Longer battery life for extended use without charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Asus Zenfone 8: Offers a premium experience with top-tier performance and features, but at a higher price.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G: Provides a good balance of features for its more affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a fast phone for gaming or demanding tasks, the Zenfone 8 is the clear choice.
- What is your budget? If you want a good phone at a lower price, the Redmi Note 11S 5G may be more suitable.
- Do you value portability or battery life more? If you want a smaller, compact phone, the Zenfone 8 is better. If you prioritize longer battery life, the Redmi Note 11S 5G is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming & Media): If you play graphics-intensive games and frequently watch high-definition videos, the Zenfone 8's superior performance, better screen and overall smoothness make it the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Photography): If you enjoy photography and videography with a professional need, the Zenfone 8 will provide far superior results.
- Scenario 3 (Everyday Use & Budget): If you need a reliable phone for everyday use with good battery life, and you're on a budget, the Redmi Note 11S 5G offers excellent value.
- Scenario 4 (Portability): If the size of the device is important, the Zenfone 8 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Asus Zenfone 8.
Reasoning:
While I appreciate the longer battery life of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G, my preference leans heavily towards a smaller, more compact device with top-tier performance and superior camera quality. I prioritize a smooth and fast experience, especially when gaming and using demanding apps, and the Snapdragon 888 chipset in the Zenfone 8 provides a substantial advantage. I also value image quality a lot, and the Zenfone 8's camera system seems to be significantly better in that regard.
The Zenfone 8's smaller size makes it more comfortable to use with one hand, a factor that matters a lot for my day-to-day use. While the Redmi Note 11S 5G's larger display might be better for media consumption, the Zenfone 8's AMOLED screen still offers a vibrant and high-quality viewing experience.
Although the Zenfone 8 might cost more, I think the added performance, camera quality, and compact design justify the premium. In my experience, investing in a phone that excels in the areas you value most pays off in the long run, enhancing the overall user experience.
In summary, my decision is based on prioritizing performance, camera, and portability, making the Asus Zenfone 8 the more suitable choice for my needs.
