1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | ZTE nubia Flip offers a unique, compact form factor when folded, and a larger screen when unfolded. Asus is standard size. |
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 170 x 75.5 x 7 mm | The ZTE nubia Flip is taller and wider when unfolded, but significantly thinner. Asus Zenfone 8 is more compact and thicker. |
| Weight | 169g | 214g | Asus Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying in pockets. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.9" | ZTE nubia Flip offers a significantly larger screen, better for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. Asus is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1188x2790 | ZTE nubia Flip has a higher resolution, providing sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 446 PPI | 439 PPI | Both have similar pixel density, meaning sharpness is comparable, despite ZTE's higher resolution. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Asus Zenfone 8’s AMOLED screen provides superior blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors. ZTE screen type is unknown. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Asus Zenfone 8 is significantly brighter, providing better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. ZTE brightness is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Asus Zenfone 8 has a faster, higher-end chipset, resulting in snappier performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 690,000 | Asus Zenfone 8 achieves significantly higher benchmark scores, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 644 | Asus Zenfone 8's Adreno 660 GPU provides better graphics processing power for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.7) | Asus Zenfone 8 captures more detailed images with slightly smaller aperture. ZTE offers slightly better low light with wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | ZTE nubia Flip takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | ZTE nubia Flip has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12MP (f/2.2) | None | Asus Zenfone 8 offers wide-angle and macro capabilities, giving more shooting versatility. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | Up to 4K, Unknown frame rate | Asus Zenfone 8 offers higher video recording capabilities including up to 8k. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS, OIS | EIS, Ultra stable video | Asus Zenfone 8 has optical and electronic image stabilization, while ZTE has digital stabilization and ultra stable mode |
| Slow-Motion Video | 480fps | 120fps | Asus Zenfone 8 captures higher framerate slow-motion video. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 116 Photo: 120 Video: 118 | Not Tested | Only Asus Zenfone 8's camera is tested and scored. |
| Additional Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW | Manual focus, Night Mode, Ultra stable video | Asus Zenfone 8 offers more advanced image capture options and optical stabilization, while ZTE offers better low light capture and video stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4310mAh | ZTE nubia Flip offers slightly longer battery life, though real-world usage may vary. |
| Charging | 30W | 33W | ZTE nubia Flip charges slightly faster. |
| Additional Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | ZTE nubia Flip offers reverse charging functionality for powering other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | ZTE nubia Flip has a more up-to-date OS out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX, LDAC | Similar Bluetooth functionality |
| GPS | More extensive system support | Fewer system support | Asus Zenfone 8 has more precise location tracking with more satelite system support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | ZTE nubia Flip offers flexibility with an eSIM in addition to Nano SIM for carrier selection. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | ZTE nubia Flip has a higher maximum storage option. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | Asus Zenfone 8 has more RAM with the 16 GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Basic audio features | Asus Zenfone 8 provides superior audio quality, and stereo speakers for enhanced media consumption. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | ZTE nubia Flip offers a more convenient side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Asus Zenfone 8 has superior screen protection. | |
| Sensors | Gravity, Hall | Pedometer | Asus Zenfone 8 has additional sensor features. ZTE nubia Flip has a pedometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing power and gaming performance.
- Better Display Quality: AMOLED display with higher brightness offers superior contrast, color accuracy and outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers wider range of video recording options (including 8K), optical image stabilization, and a dedicated wide angle + macro lens.
- Enhanced Audio: Features high-quality audio playback with Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation microphones.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- More extensive GPS support: With QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5)
Practical Implications:
- The Asus Zenfone 8 is better for users who require top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. It offers enhanced media consumption and audio experience, along with a versatile camera setup.
- The Asus Zenfone 8 has better support for accurate GPS location tracking.
ZTE nubia Flip Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a unique and compact foldable form factor for increased screen size in a pocketable package.
- Larger Screen: Offers a larger unfolded display for improved media consumption and multitasking.
- Slightly Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Provides a bit more battery life and quicker charging.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM card.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides easy access to security functions.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
- Dedicated Portrait mode (depth) camera: Offers better portrait photos
Practical Implications:
- The ZTE nubia Flip is better for users who value a larger screen in a compact form factor, prefer convenience of an eSIM, and value the novelty of a foldable design. It is also suited for users who prefer a side mounted sensor.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Asus Zenfone 8: Lacks the large display of a foldable, a dedicated depth sensor, no eSIM. It is thicker and heavier compared to the folded ZTE nubia flip.
- ZTE nubia Flip: Sacrifices raw performance, display quality, camera versatility and audio quality for its foldable design and large screen. It also is significantly heavier than the Asus Zenfone 8.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Gamers, content creators, and multitaskers who require high performance and advanced features.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality audio, video, and display performance for media consumption.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with a dedicated wide-angle lens, optical image stabilization, and RAW capture.
- Users looking for compact phones: Users who prefer smaller and lighter phones that are easier to carry and operate one handed.
Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Playing demanding mobile games at high settings.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Enjoying high-resolution movies and music.
- Taking detailed photos and videos in various conditions.
- Navigation in challenging environments.
ZTE nubia Flip Ideal Users:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who are interested in the latest form factors and want the novelty of a foldable phone.
- Media Consumers: Users who prefer a larger display for movies, TV shows, and reading.
- Travelers: Users who want eSIM support for switching carriers while traveling.
- Users who value a more convenient fingerprint sensor: Users that prefer the side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases for ZTE nubia Flip:
- Reading ebooks and articles on a larger screen.
- Watching videos and browsing the web with more screen real estate.
- Using the phone as a compact device when folded and a full-sized screen when unfolded.
- Utilizing the reverse charging to power other devices
- Quickly and easily unlocking the phone via a side mounted fingerprint sensor
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Asus Zenfone 8 likely offers a better price to value if raw performance, premium display quality, and advanced camera features are priorities.
- The ZTE nubia Flip targets a specific niche with its foldable design, which might justify its price for users seeking that novelty and larger display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize raw performance, display quality, and camera versatility over a foldable design? If yes, the Asus Zenfone 8 is a better choice. If not, consider the Nubia Flip.
- Do you value a larger screen experience and the unique foldable form factor? If yes, the Nubia Flip is more suitable. If not, the Asus Zenfone 8 is more practical.
- Do you need eSIM support, reverse charging and is a side mounted fingerprint sensor more ideal for you? If yes, ZTE nubia Flip is better. If no, the Asus Zenfone 8 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): For users who need the absolute best performance for gaming and heavy tasks, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the clear choice due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 2 (Multimedia Enthusiast): For users who prioritize media consumption and audio quality, the Asus Zenfone 8's AMOLED display and Hi-Res audio make it a better option.
- Scenario 3 (Foldable Fan): If you want the unique experience of a foldable phone with a larger screen in a compact form factor, the ZTE nubia Flip is the more logical option.
- Scenario 4 (Practicality): If you need eSIM support, reverse charging and is a side mounted fingerprint sensor more ideal for you, the ZTE nubia Flip is the more practical option.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would select the Asus Zenfone 8.
Reasoning:
My primary use case involves intensive multitasking, gaming, and photography. The Asus Zenfone 8's superior Snapdragon 888 chipset, Adreno 660 GPU, AMOLED display, and advanced camera features significantly outweigh the advantages of a foldable screen for me personally. While the ZTE nubia Flip’s foldable design is appealing, the performance and display benefits offered by the Asus Zenfone 8 are more practical for my daily use and aligns better with my priorities.
The Asus's superior audio features are also important to me, and I also prefer a more compact phone that is easier to carry around and operate one handed. While the lack of a depth sensor on the Asus is a minor drawback, I feel the benefits of the improved camera capabilities outweigh this. Ultimately, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the better option as it more closely matches my personal needs and use case.
