1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact, easier to handle one-handed. Redmi Note 12 Pro is larger, providing a bigger screen for media consumption but less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 187g | Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. Redmi Note 12 Pro is heavier, which might be felt during prolonged holding. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a larger viewing area for immersive media consumption, while Zenfone 8 is more suitable for those preferring a smaller, more manageable device. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 446 | 395 | Zenfone 8 has a sharper display, making text and images look crisper, especially noticeable for those with sharp vision. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and overall responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 900 nits | Zenfone 8 is noticeably brighter, providing better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Zenfone 8 has a significantly more powerful chipset, offering faster performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 891,700 | 573,200 | Zenfone 8 demonstrates superior performance across the board, noticeably faster in intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Zenfone 8's GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX686 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | Zenfone 8 offers higher resolution, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger sensor, which usually helps with low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663 | 16MP, sensor details not available | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera, which may capture slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363 | 8MP, f/1.9, sensor details not available | Zenfone 8 has a dedicated ultrawide lens that also works as a macro lens. Redmi Note 12 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens, but with a lower resolution. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while Zenfone 8's ultrawide lens can also function as a macro. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Zenfone 8 can record higher resolution videos with more frame rate options, beneficial for content creators and videographers. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 116 (Photo: 120, Video: 118) | Mobile: 102 (Photo: 108, Video: 98) | Zenfone 8 has a higher overall camera score, performs better in photo and video tests according to DxOMark. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful processor (Snapdragon 888): Provides superior performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density enhances text and image clarity.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in outdoor conditions.
- Superior Main Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark score indicates better photo and video quality.
- Higher video recording capabilities: Offers 8K recording capability, offering content creators more flexibility.
- More RAM: Up to 16 GB of RAM is better for multitasking.
- Compact Size and Lighter Weight: Easier to handle and carry, especially for those who prefer one-handed use.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and shatter resistance.
- Hi-Res Audio: For better audio quality
- More GPS Features: More accurate GPS for better navigation
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and multi-window use.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life, especially for heavy users.
- Faster Charging: Quickly replenishes the battery, minimizing downtime.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Provides better close-up photography capabilities.
- Advanced fingerprint sensor: More convenient and reliable.
- Triple camera: Offers more versatility in photos
- Night Mode: Enhanced low-light photography.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: Smaller screen and battery; may not be ideal for users who heavily consume media.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro: Less powerful processor and heavier body and larger screen; not ideal for gaming or those who prefer small devices.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8:
- Ideal User: Gamers, performance enthusiasts, and users who value a compact, high-performing phone.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, demanding app usage, professional photography and videography, and users who prefer single-hand operation. It's also suitable for those who value a high-quality, vibrant display and better audio experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Media consumers, casual gamers, and users who prioritize battery life and a large display.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing social media, casual gaming, and users who prefer large screen real estate and fast charging. Also, good for people who like to take close-up pictures and prefer a phone with an advanced fingerprint sensor.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Zenfone 8 offers a higher price for superior performance, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro has a mid-range price for a balance of features. The choice depends heavily on user priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? (Zenfone 8 for performance, Redmi Note 12 Pro for battery life)
- Do you prefer a compact device or a larger screen? (Zenfone 8 for compact, Redmi Note 12 Pro for larger)
- What is your budget? The Asus Zenfone 8 will likely be the more expensive one due to the more powerful processor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Heavy Gaming/Performance): Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its powerful processor and GPU.
- Scenario 2 (Media Consumption/Battery Life): Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro for its larger screen and battery.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Usage): The choice depends on preference for a compact (Asus) vs. larger device (Xiaomi).
- Scenario 4 (Photography and Videography): Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its superior camera capabilities, if budget permits. Otherwise, the Xiaomi provides good results with more options.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would personally pick the Asus Zenfone 8. I value the higher performance, sharper display, and significantly better camera quality, which would be more beneficial for my usage patterns. While the smaller battery and compact size are trade-offs, the performance jump provided by the Snapdragon 888 is significant and outweighs the advantages of the Redmi Note 12 Pro for me. Although the Xiaomi has a larger display, that is something I can live without in exchange for the much better performance and camera results.
