1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact and easier to use one-handed; Redmi Note 12 is larger, offering more screen real estate. |
| Weight | 169g | 183.5g | Zenfone 8 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking, Zenfone 8 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same clarity but with different sizes. |
| PPI | 446 | 395 | Zenfone 8 has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and good contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 has slightly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Zenfone 8's flagship chipset offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 338,900 | Zenfone 8 provides a much smoother and faster user experience for all tasks; Redmi Note 12 is suitable for basic daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Zenfone 8 has a much more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphic intensive applications |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Zenfone 8's larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light photos; higher resolution for more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" | 13MP, f/2.45 | Slightly higher resolution in Redmi Note 12, but Zenfone 8 provides better dynamic range. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Zenfone 8 has a dedicated wide-angle lens with higher resolution which has better quality, the Redmi Note 12 wide angle is a secondary lens, not main. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Zenfone 8 offers significantly higher video recording capabilities, making it better for professional use. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 116 | 63 | Zenfone 8 has much better image quality, especially in video. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, RAW, PDAF, Panorama | Digital zoom, HDR | Zenfone 8 has more advanced features, better for photography enthusiasts. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 33W | Redmi Note 12 has slightly faster charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12 can act as a power bank for other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 provides flagship-level performance, ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Higher-Quality Display: Sharper display with higher pixel density is better for reading, viewing high-resolution images, and videos.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution, larger sensor, optical image stabilization, and more video features result in much better photos and videos.
- Premium Audio Features: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers give a better multimedia experience.
- Compact Design: Easier to handle and carry due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
- More Advanced Sensors: Gravity, Hall sensors additionally feature for gaming and other applications.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and drop resistance.
- Better Wifi and Bluetooth: Faster and more reliable wireless connectivity
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Offers a bigger screen for media consumption and multitasking.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity provides longer usage time.
- Slightly Faster Charging: Quicker charging time.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Provides more versatility in photography.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 (upgradable to 14), providing access to latest software updates and features.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster unlock experience.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Smaller screen, shorter battery life, higher price.
- Redmi Note 12 4G: Significantly lower performance, inferior camera, and basic audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The flagship processor and GPU, combined with high refresh rate screen provide a superior mobile gaming experience.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: The superior main camera with OIS, high video recording quality up to 8K, and advanced features make this ideal for anyone serious about mobile photography/videography.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a fast and responsive phone for multitasking, productivity, and demanding apps.
- Users who value compact phones: Those who prefer one-handed operation and pocketability will appreciate this phone.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who want higher-quality audio experience will enjoy the hi-res audio and stereo speakers.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Ideal Users:
- Casual users: Individuals who want a basic, reliable phone for everyday tasks.
- Media consumers: Users who primarily watch videos or browse the web will enjoy the bigger screen.
- Battery life focused users: Users who value a long battery life, for full day use without needing to recharge.
- Budget-conscious consumers: Those looking for an affordable phone with basic features.
- Users who appreciate a large screen: The bigger screen is suited for users who like content consumption and larger viewing experience
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming/photography vs. media consumption/basic use)
- How important is performance? (Do I need a fast phone, or is basic performance adequate?)
- How important is battery life versus compactness? (Do I value long battery life or a smaller phone size?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance and Premium Camera: If you prioritize top-tier performance and a better camera, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Long Battery Life: If battery life and affordability are more important, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage: If you need a good all-rounder, consider the Redmi Note 12 4G if you're on a budget, but the Zenfone 8 if you are willing to pay for a premium experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 8. While the Redmi Note 12 4G has the benefit of a bigger screen, better battery life and a slightly more recent Android version, the significant performance boost, far superior camera, higher quality audio, sharper display and more compact size of the Zenfone 8 makes it a much more compelling option for my usage. As a mobile photographer, the Zenfone 8's camera system alone is a big draw, and the difference in processing power is also significant. The premium features and flagship chipset of the Zenfone 8 simply make it a more appealing, and more capable device for my needs.
