1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm | The Zenfone 8 is significantly smaller and more pocketable; Red Magic 9S Pro is larger and heavier. |
| Weight | 169g | 229g | Zenfone 8 is much lighter, improving comfort during extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.8" | Red Magic 9S Pro offers a much larger screen for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1116 x 2480 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 446 | 400 | Zenfone 8 has a slightly sharper display on a smaller screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Zenfone 8 has better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight (Red Magic 9S Pro brightness data missing). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a much newer and more powerful chip for significantly faster performance in all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic 9S Pro delivers drastically better performance for demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Red Magic 9S Pro offers substantially better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 6500 mAh | Red Magic 9S Pro is likely to have considerably longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Red Magic 9S Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Batteries in both phones cannot be replaced by the user. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.57" sensor | Zenfone 8 has higher resolution, Red Magic 9S Pro has larger sensor; both are likely to produce good images. |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" sensor | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06" sensor | Red Magic 9S Pro has higher resolution and wider aperture, potentially better for selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" sensor | Red Magic 9S Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens; Zenfone 8 combines wide angle and macro |
| Macro Lens | - | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Red Magic 9S Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; Zenfone 8 lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both capable of 8K video recording; Zenfone 8 has higher frame rate at 4K. |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 116 Photo: 120 Video: 118 | Not available | Zenfone 8's camera performance is rated; Red Magic 9S Pro is untested. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, PDAF, RAW | OIS, EIS, Gimbal, LAF, Under-Display | Red Magic 9S Pro offers more advanced focus and stabilization options, plus night mode. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11, up to 13 | Android 14 | Red Magic 9S Pro offers a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Red Magic 9S Pro has newer Wi-Fi technology for faster speeds and better reliability. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both have similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | Comprehensive support | Comprehensive support | Both have similar and reliable GPS functionality, Zenfone 8 also has GPS, Galileo, systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones can support two SIM cards |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Red Magic 9S Pro offers higher storage options for more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8/12/16 GB | 12/16 GB | Both have ample RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation | DTS / DTS X | Both offer stereo speakers; Zenfone 8 offers Hi-Res Audio, Red Magic 9S Pro has DTS/DTS X for immersive sound |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint-based biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Zenfone 8 has better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Red Magic 9S Pro has Comprehensive sensor suite; Zenfone 8 also features Hall sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact Size and Lightweight: Significantly smaller and lighter, making it easier to handle and carry in a pocket, ideal for one-handed use.
- Higher Pixel Density: Slightly sharper display due to its smaller size and comparable resolution.
- Superior Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better scratch and impact resistance compared to Gorilla Glass 5.
- Better Brightness: Higher screen brightness (1100 nits) which is better for visibility in bright sunlight
- Hi-Res Audio: Has dedicated Hi-Res Audio and noise cancellation microphone for better audio experience.
- DXOMark Score: Its camera performance has been rated by DXOMark.
Practical Implications for Zenfone 8:
- More comfortable for long periods of use.
- Better for users who prefer a more discreet, smaller phone.
- Slightly sharper details on the display due to higher pixel density.
- Screen is more durable and less prone to damage.
- Better audio quality.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers a massive performance boost, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more efficient gaming.
- Larger Display: Much bigger screen is excellent for media consumption, gaming, and productivity.
- Larger Battery: Much larger battery capacity for considerably longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 80W charging minimizes downtime, getting the phone ready faster.
- Higher Storage Options: Offers up to 512GB of storage, double that of the Zenfone 8's maximum.
- More Advanced Camera Features: Comes with a dedicated wide-angle lens, macro lens, and a wide variety of camera features like manual focus, laser autofocus, Gimbal stabilization, under display camera, and a night mode.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14, providing access to the latest features.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: Supports Wi-Fi 7, providing faster and more stable wireless internet connection.
Practical Implications for Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Immersive media consumption and more comfortable productivity on larger display.
- Longer battery life for a full day of heavy usage without needing to recharge.
- Faster charging for reduced wait times.
- More storage capacity for a vast library of media and apps.
- More versatile camera system with more features and advanced capabilities.
- Latest software features and access to enhanced security
- Future-proofed connectivity for high-speed data transfer.
Trade-offs:
- Zenfone 8: The older chipset makes it less powerful, smaller size can feel cramped for media consumption, smaller battery for shorter battery life.
- Red Magic 9S Pro: Large and bulky design may not be ideal for those preferring portability, lower pixel density than Zenfone 8, missing brightness data makes outdoor use unclear.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal Users:
- Users Prioritizing Portability: Those who prefer a compact phone that's easy to handle and carry around.
- Casual Gamers: Those who play casual or less demanding games, but still want a smooth experience.
- Users With Good Audio Needs: Those who consume lots of audio content or require high-quality voice capture.
- Users Who Want a Durable Screen: Those who are looking for a device with good screen protection.
- Users Who Want a High Brightness Screen: Those who need a device with good visibility in bright sunlight.
- Users on a Budget: This older model is likely more affordable now compared to new high-end phones
Use Cases:
- Daily communication, browsing, social media.
- Listening to music or podcasts.
- Taking quick photos.
- One-handed use for messaging and browsing.
- A phone that fits in a pocket easily.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Ideal Users:
- Hardcore Gamers: Those who need top-tier performance for the most demanding mobile games.
- Media Consumption Enthusiasts: Users who watch videos, movies, and stream content frequently.
- Power Users: Those who run multiple apps, edit videos, and perform other resource-intensive tasks.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last all day even with heavy use.
- Users Needing High Storage: Those who need plenty of storage for games, large media files, and apps.
- Enthusiastic photographers: Those that enjoy a wide variety of camera options for every shooting condition.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games (e.g., Genshin Impact, COD Mobile, PUBG).
- Binge-watching movies and shows.
- Editing photos and videos.
- Multitasking with many apps.
- Capture different kinds of photos.
- Full day usage without having to charge mid day.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Zenfone 8, being an older device, likely has a better price-to-value ratio for casual users on a tighter budget who do not need the top-end performance or features.
- The Red Magic 9S Pro justifies its cost with substantially better performance, battery life, storage, and a more advanced camera system for power users and gamers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is the primary use case? (e.g., gaming, media, portability)
- How important is raw performance? (e.g., casual use vs. intensive gaming)
- How crucial is battery life? (e.g., full-day use, frequent charging)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user prioritizing portability and basic functionality: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8. It's more compact, comfortable for one-handed use, and meets basic needs without being overly expensive.
- Scenario 2: User prioritizing gaming and high-performance tasks: Choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. It provides a significant boost in performance, has a larger display, and longer battery life, tailored to gaming.
- Scenario 3: User needing all-day battery and lots of storage: Choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. The larger battery, faster charging, and high storage capacity makes it great for heavy usage.
- Scenario 4: User on a budget: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8. It is likely more affordable and still meets the needs of casual users and those that don't need high performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. While the Zenfone 8 is a solid device, the substantial performance increase offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is too significant to ignore, especially since I use my phone for a variety of intensive tasks, gaming, and media consumption. The larger battery capacity also addresses my frustration with phones that need charging mid-day, and the faster charging is a great benefit. While I appreciate the compact design of the Zenfone 8, for my usage the benefits of the Red Magic 9S Pro heavily outweigh its larger size. The higher storage capacity would also be a welcome addition for all the content I store on my phone.
