Smartphone Comparison: Asus Zenfone 8 vs. ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | ZTE is significantly larger, making the Asus more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 169g | 229g | The Asus is much lighter, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds, not foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.8" | The ZTE has a much larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming, while the Asus offers a more compact experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | ZTE has slightly sharper images due to higher resolution, though the difference is not very noticeable. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 446 | 400 | Asus has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density, leading to clearer text and images, though the difference is subtle. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, improving the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1600 nits | The ZTE display is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The ZTE has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 2,020,000 | The ZTE's much higher score means it offers significantly better overall performance for all tasks, especially gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | The ZTE's more powerful GPU provides noticeably better graphics rendering for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Asus has higher megapixel count for detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.88 | Asus's slightly wider aperture may allow a bit more light in, especially in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.57" | ZTE has larger sensor size, resulting in improved light capture, detail, and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | ZTE has larger pixels, further enhancing low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | ZTE has slightly more detailed selfies due to higher megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | ZTE has a wider aperture, allowing better low light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.93" | 1/3.06" | The Asus has a slightly larger sensor for better light gathering. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.22 µm | 1.12 µm | The Asus has slightly larger pixel size that should improve light gathering. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 50MP (f/2.0, 1/2.76") | ZTE offers additional versatility with a dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP (f/2.4) | ZTE offers a macro lens for close up photography |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | No | Asus has a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Asus has higher framerate in 8K video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | No | Asus offers digital stabilization in video recordings. |
| Slow Motion | 480fps | 240fps | Asus has a higher slow-motion recording capability. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW | Gimbal, LAF, Under display camera, Night Mode | ZTE has features geared towards improved video, while Asus has OIS and RAW capture for still images. |
| DxOMark Score | 116 | N/A | Asus has a tested camera performance and quality rating. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 6500mAh | The ZTE's much larger battery capacity will likely provide significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 80W | ZTE has significantly faster charging, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | ZTE offers bypass charging, allowing the phone to be powered directly from the charger when gaming, minimizing heat and extending battery health. |
Software
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | ZTE has a more recent operating system out of the box. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ZTE's newer standard provides faster, more reliable wireless performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | ZTE has a newer standard. |
| GPS | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both offer advanced GPS, with slight differences in supported systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both can use two nano SIM cards. |
Storage
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | ZTE offers more storage options with 512GB, catering to users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB/16GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Both offer sufficient RAM options for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for microSD card expansion. |
Audio
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic | DTS / DTS X | The Asus has features geared towards audiophiles, while ZTE features enhanced sound. |
| Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers for better audio experience. |
| Microphones | 3 microphones | 3 microphones | Both have 3 microphones for clearer voice capture. |
Security
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer fingerprint sensor technology. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Asus has more robust scratch and drop protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Asus has Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact and Lightweight: More pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Slightly sharper display: Higher pixel density.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better durability.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Better photo quality in shaky situations and better low light performance.
- Better Video Recording: 4K@120fps, 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, better video slow motion capabilities.
- Higher Audio quality: Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Hall sensor for additional features and accuracy.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers much higher performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Larger and Brighter Display: Better for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Offers extended battery life, and faster charging.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Camera: More flexibility in photography.
- Bypass Charging: Extends battery life by powering the phone directly from the charger while gaming.
- Newer WiFi Standard: Faster and more reliable wireless connectivity with WiFi 7.
- More Storage: 512 GB option for users with more content.
- Gimbal, LAF, Under Display Camera, Night Mode: Better video performance and modern features.
Trade-offs:
- The Asus is more compact and has OIS, but is less powerful and has a smaller battery than the ZTE.
- The ZTE excels in performance and battery life but lacks OIS and is significantly larger and heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use: Its compact size makes it easy to carry around and use on the go.
- Users who value camera quality with OIS and RAW: Ideal for capturing detailed photos and stabilized videos.
- Users who value audio quality: Hi-res audio and noise cancellation microphone
- Users who want a balanced device: Offers good all-around performance and decent features without being overly bulky or expensive (relatively).
Use Cases:
- Everyday carry: Fits comfortably in a pocket and is easy to use with one hand.
- On-the-go photography and videography: The OIS, EIS, and RAW support make it suitable for capturing moments on the fly.
- General use: Excellent for web browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Hardcore Mobile Gamers: Its powerful processor, large battery, and gaming-focused features provide a top-tier gaming experience.
- Users who prioritize performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers the highest level of performance.
- Users who watch a lot of media: The large, bright display is excellent for movies, TV shows, and games.
- Users who want long battery life: The 6500 mAh battery provides all-day battery life, even with heavy use.
Use Cases:
- Intensive Mobile Gaming: The powerful hardware and display are perfect for the latest games.
- Long periods away from a charger: The massive battery and bypass charging feature are ideal for travel and extended use.
- Media consumption: Great for streaming video content due to its vibrant, large and bright screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's your primary use case? Is it mobile gaming, media consumption, or general daily use?
- Do you prefer a compact phone or a larger display? Do you value one-handed operation?
- What's more important - raw performance or camera quality? Do you prioritize better performance for gaming or better photo quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: If you're a serious mobile gamer, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is the clear choice due to its superior performance, massive battery, and gaming-focused features.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go Photographer: If you prioritize camera quality and prefer a more portable device, the Asus Zenfone 8 is better due to its OIS, slightly sharper display and compact size.
- Scenario 3: All-Around User: If you need a good balance of performance, features, and portability, the Asus Zenfone 8 would be a good pick.
- Scenario 4: Media Enthusiast: If you prioritize screen size and a large battery for media consumption, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is recommended.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro. While the Asus Zenfone 8 has several strengths such as a more compact design and OIS, the performance advantage, significantly larger battery, and faster charging of the Red Magic 9 Pro are more crucial for my needs. I often use my phone for gaming and media consumption, and the larger, brighter screen of the Red Magic 9 Pro is more suited for this. The significantly improved performance, future-proof wifi, and bypass charging features make it a more versatile and powerful choice despite its larger size. While the lack of OIS is a trade-off, the Red Magic 9 Pro's other camera features like Gimbal, LAF, Under Display Camera and Night mode are more appealing to me.
