Smartphone Comparison: Asus Zenfone 8 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact, much better for one-handed use and pocketability. Note 12 is taller and wider, might feel less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 188g | Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, making it easier to hold for long periods. Note 12 might feel a bit heavier, especially after extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Note 12 has a larger screen, ideal for media consumption and gaming. Zenfone 8's smaller screen is better for portability and one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a sharp and detailed viewing experience at the same resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 446 PPI | 395 PPI | Zenfone 8 offers a slightly sharper image due to its higher pixel density. Text and images will appear clearer, especially at closer viewing distances. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth visual experience for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Note 12 is slightly brighter, improving screen visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Zenfone 8 has a significantly faster processor, leading to better overall performance, smoother gaming and faster app loading. Note 12 is suitable for everyday tasks but not as powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 460,800 | Zenfone 8 offers substantially better performance, over twice as fast, based on benchmark tests which translates to a very noticeable speed difference in real world usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | Zenfone 8 offers significantly better graphics performance, better for gamers and users who perform graphics intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Note 12 has a much larger battery, likely resulting in significantly longer battery life. Zenfone 8's smaller battery might require more frequent charging. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Note 12 has slightly faster charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX686 | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Zenfone 8's main camera has a higher resolution and larger sensor, resulting in better detail and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663 | 13MP, f/2.45 | Note 12 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV08D10 | Zenfone 8 has better Wide angle lens quality due to larger sensor size. Note 12's wide angle lens has a lower resolution and a smaller sensor. The Note 12 also has a separate Macro camera (2MP, f/2.4). |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Note 12 has dedicated macro camera, if needed for macro photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4k@120fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | Zenfone 8 supports significantly higher resolution and framerate video recording, offering professional capabilities and features like EIS. Note 12 is limited to 1080p recording. |
| DxoMark Score | Main: 116, Photo: 120, Video: 118 | Main: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | The Zenfone 8 has significantly higher camera performance in all categories compared to the Note 12. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS | Triple Camera, Ultra Stable video, Night Mode | Zenfone 8 includes 4K and 8K recording, OIS, which is better suited for high quality videos. Note 12 has Ultra stable mode and a triple camera setup giving more camera versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Note 12 has a more recent version of Android at launch. The Zenfone 8 can be updated to Android 13, providing access to the latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Zenfone 8 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering better speed, lower latency, and better performance. Note 12 is limited to older WiFi 5 technology. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Zenfone 8 has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially more efficient. |
| GPS | L1+L5, multi-system | L1+L5, multi-system | Zenfone 8 supports more satellite systems offering slightly better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB/16GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Zenfone 8 offers more RAM options, excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | Not available | Not available | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Zenfone 8 has significantly better audio quality, making it great for listening to music and videos. Note 12 has basic audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Note 12 provides more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Zenfone 8 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Motion, Ultrasonic Proximity | Zenfone 8 includes proximity sensors, Note 12 uses a virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers substantially better CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Note 12. This is noticeable in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Superior Camera Quality: The Zenfone 8's main camera has a larger sensor, higher resolution, and better low-light performance based on DXOMARK scores, offering professional quality photos and videos. It also includes 8k video capabilities.
- Premium Features: The Zenfone 8 includes high-end features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, high-resolution audio with stereo speakers, and a more robust screen protection (Gorilla Glass Victus).
- Compact and Lightweight: Its smaller form factor and lighter weight make it more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability.
- Better audio: The inclusion of a Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones makes for a better media consumption experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The Note 12 has a bigger screen, great for media consumption, gaming, and those who prefer a larger viewing area.
- Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery is significantly larger than the Zenfone 8's 4000mAh, providing longer usage between charges.
- Triple camera system: The Note 12 has a wider variety of cameras offering more camera versatility.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor: More modern fingerprint sensor than the Zenfone 8.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Sacrifices battery life and screen size for performance and a compact design.
- Redmi Note 12: Trades performance, better camera quality, audio capabilities, and higher-end features for a lower price point, larger screen and larger battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize performance for tasks such as gaming, video editing, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality images and video, especially in low-light conditions.
- One-Handed Users: People who prefer compact phones that are easy to use with one hand and fit easily in pockets.
- Audiophiles: Users who need high resolution audio features with stereo speakers.
- Users who want a premium experience: Users who desire the best in performance and features for a compact phone.
Use Cases for Zenfone 8:
- High-end gaming with consistently smooth frame rates.
- Professional-quality photography and videography on the go.
- Seamless multitasking between demanding apps.
- Comfortable and easy portability for active users.
- High quality media consumption.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable smartphone with good battery life at a more affordable price.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, movies, and play casual games on a large screen.
- Daily Usage: Users who want a large screen and a long lasting battery for basic daily tasks.
Use Cases for Note 12:
- Extended social media browsing and media consumption.
- All-day battery life for busy individuals without needing to charge multiple times.
- Casual gaming and other light everyday tasks.
- Users who prioritize screen size and battery life.
- Users that need a triple camera system.
Price-to-Value:
- The Zenfone 8 is usually more expensive, reflecting its high-end performance and premium features.
- The Redmi Note 12 is more affordable, offering good value for users who prioritize battery life and a large screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, social media, portability)
- How important is performance versus battery life? (Do you need raw power, or all-day usage?)
- How important is camera quality for you? (Are you looking for a top-tier camera, or will a basic camera system suffice?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Zenfone 8 for its superior performance and smoother gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler: Choose the Note 12 for its significantly longer battery life.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: Choose the Zenfone 8 for its superior camera quality and video recording features.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Note 12 for its value-oriented features and a larger screen at a lower price.
- Scenario 5: Compact phone lover: Choose the Zenfone 8 for its compact and lightweight design making it excellent for one handed use.
- Scenario 6: Media lover: The Zenfone 8 would be better if looking for a premium media experience with better audio and a brighter screen. The Note 12 would be better for people who need a larger display and a long battery life.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Asus Zenfone 8. My reasoning stems from a few key priorities:
- Performance: As someone who values smooth, lag-free performance for demanding tasks like gaming and running multiple apps, the Zenfone 8's Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a significant advantage. The benchmark scores reflect a massive difference in performance that would be noticeable in everyday use.
- Camera Quality: I am keen on having a reliable and versatile camera system. The Zenfone 8’s combination of a higher-resolution main sensor, superior low-light performance, and professional-grade video recording capabilities (up to 8K) are very compelling. The DxOMark results are a testament to its superior camera compared to the Note 12.
- Compact Design: I prefer the smaller and lighter form factor for one-handed usage and pocketability. The Note 12 is significantly larger, and this would make it less comfortable to use.
- Premium Features: I appreciate the higher-end features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Hi-Res audio with stereo speakers, and the Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection. While the Note 12 provides practical features like a triple camera and side fingerprint sensor, the Zenfone 8 has a more premium feel overall.
While I acknowledge the benefits of the Redmi Note 12, such as its larger display and significantly longer battery life, those aspects are secondary for me. The Zenfone 8 offers a more balanced package for my needs, focusing on performance, camera quality, and a premium build, even at the cost of a smaller display and battery. In summary, if I need power, compact form, and a top-tier camera, the Zenfone 8 is the better choice for me.
