Smartphone Comparison: Asus Zenfone 8 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | The Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact and pocketable, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is larger and may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 201.8g | The Zenfone 8 is much lighter, making it easier to use for extended periods without fatigue. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. The Zenfone 8 is more compact and comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a Full HD+ display providing sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 446 | 395 | The Zenfone 8 has a sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images, particularly noticeable for users with keen eyesight. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth, fluid experience with fast scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is brighter, offering better outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | The Zenfone 8 has a significantly more powerful processor, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, smoother gaming performance, and a more responsive experience overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 397,200 | The Zenfone 8 offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 618 | The Zenfone 8's GPU allows for graphically intensive games and applications to run significantly smoother than on the Xiaomi. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G captures images with more detail and larger potential for cropping. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.52" | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's larger sensor will perform better in low-light conditions with more light gathering |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | The Zenfone 8's slightly wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light performance but the sensor size on the Xiaomi will gather more light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a higher resolution selfie, resulting in slightly more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.93" | 1/3.13" | Asus Zenfone 8's larger selfie camera sensor will perform better in low-light conditions with more light gathering. |
| Additional Lenses | Wide Angle + Macro | Wide Angle, Depth, Macro | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has more camera versatility due to the addition of multiple lenses. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Zenfone 8 offers superior video recording capabilities, including 8K resolution, for high-quality videos. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes (EIS) | No | Zenfone 8 offers better video stabilization |
| Slow Motion | 480fps | 960fps | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers higher slow-motion capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5020mAh | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a significantly larger battery, offering longer battery life for everyday usage. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 67W | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G charges much faster, reducing downtime and getting you back to using your phone quickly. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can be used to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing speeds, making it ideal for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Sharper Display: The higher pixel density leads to a sharper and clearer viewing experience.
- Advanced Video Recording: Offers 8K video recording and high framerate 4K, along with better video stabilization.
- More Compact and Lightweight: Easier to handle and use one-handed.
- Better Audio Quality: Offers higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, and better voice capture due to features like noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for increased durability against scratches and drops.
- More Advanced WiFi and Bluetooth: Provides a more stable and faster wireless connection.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The bigger screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Better Battery Life: The larger battery capacity ensures a longer usage time between charges.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging allows for significantly faster replenishment of the battery.
- More Camera Versatility: Additional lenses provide a more versatile photography experience.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, adding convenience.
- Brighter Display: The higher brightness makes the screen more visible in bright outdoor conditions.
- Higher Resolution Camera: The main camera features 108MP which allows for high quality, detailed pictures.
- Higher Slow Motion FPS: Offers more frames per second for better slow motion videos.
- Expandable storage: Although both do not support external storage, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G comes with larger internal memory for those that need extra space.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Asus Zenfone 8: Sacrifices battery life and camera versatility for superior performance and a more compact design.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: Trades performance for a larger screen, longer battery life, and more camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Gamers: The high-end processor and GPU make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance for demanding tasks like video editing, multitasking, and running resource-intensive apps.
- Users Who Prefer Compact Phones: Those who value portability and comfortable one-handed usage over a larger screen.
- Audiophiles: Those who appreciate high-quality audio playback and advanced audio recording capabilities.
- Video Enthusiasts: Ideal for content creators and users needing high-quality video capture, including 8K.
Specific Use Cases:
- Competitive mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- On-the-go video editing and processing.
- Professionals requiring quick app performance and multitasking.
- Users with smaller hands wanting a phone that is comfortable for one-handed operation.
- Creating professional-quality videos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or play games on their phones.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera setup for everyday photography.
- Users with Limited Charging Access: Those who need longer battery life without frequently charging.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a well-rounded phone at a competitive price.
- Users with Larger Hands: Preferring a larger screen for comfort.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on a large, vibrant display.
- Capturing photos and videos in various scenarios using multiple lenses.
- Traveling or using the phone for extended periods without frequent charging.
- Users who are not heavy power users but still need a responsive experience.
- Everyday use, browsing, social media.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, everyday usage, photography)
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? (High-end processing power vs. all-day usage)
- How important is portability vs. screen size? (Compact size vs. a larger display)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Performance Focused User
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8. Its superior processor, GPU, and higher refresh rate will result in a better experience for gaming and performance-intensive tasks.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life & Media Consumption
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. Its larger battery, brighter screen, and versatile camera make it a good choice for watching videos, and taking everyday pictures.
- Scenario 3: Everyday Use & Portability
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8. Its compact size, lighter weight, and smooth performance make it ideal for day-to-day use and convenient for those who value portability.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 8. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a bigger screen and longer battery, the Zenfone 8's superior performance and more compact form factor align better with my preferences. The Zenfone 8's significantly more powerful processor, superior display, and high-end video recording make it a more appealing choice for me. While battery life is important, the Zenfone 8 still provides sufficient battery for a full day of moderate use, and I am not as concerned about the difference in charging speed. The compact size and lighter weight are great and allow it to be easier to handle and use one-handed. Ultimately, the high-end performance and compact design outweigh the benefits of the larger screen and battery of the Xiaomi, in my specific use case.
