Smartphone Comparison: Asus Zenfone 8 vs. ZTE nubia Z50S Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Asus Zenfone 8 and ZTE nubia Z50S Pro, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | The Zenfone 8 is noticeably smaller and easier to handle with one hand, while the Nubia Z50S Pro has a larger footprint, making it less pocketable but offering a bigger screen. |
| Weight | 169g | 228g | The Zenfone 8 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The Nubia Z50S Pro, being heavier, may feel more substantial but could cause fatigue during prolonged usage. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown (screen) | The Zenfone 8 has a known, strong screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus, whereas the Nubia Z50S Pro screen protection is not specified. |
Display
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.9" | 6.8" | The Nubia Z50S Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience with its larger screen, ideal for media consumption and gaming. The Zenfone 8 is more compact and better suited for single-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | The Nubia Z50S Pro has a sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images compared to the Zenfone 8. |
| PPI | 446 | 452 | Both offer a similar level of clarity, which is good enough for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, which are typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1500 nits | The Nubia Z50S Pro is significantly brighter, making it easier to view the screen in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Nubia Z50S Pro features a much newer and more powerful chipset, resulting in superior performance, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 891,700 | 1,579,720 | The Nubia Z50S Pro shows significantly higher performance in benchmarks, indicating a smoother experience for intensive tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | The Nubia Z50S Pro’s newer GPU provides superior graphics performance, leading to smoother gameplay in graphic-intensive games. |
Camera
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49" | The Nubia Z50S Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture, potentially capturing more light and performing better in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.4 | The Nubia Z50S Pro offers optical zoom capabilities and portrait effects, which the Zenfone 8 lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" | 16MP, f/2.5, 1/3.06" | While the Nubia Z50S Pro has a slightly higher resolution, the Zenfone 8 has a wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially performing better in low-light. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.0 | The Nubia Z50S Pro offers a dedicated high-resolution wide-angle lens, while the Zenfone 8 uses a wide-angle + macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both devices record high-quality video, with the Zenfone 8 having additional frame rate options. |
| Additional Camera Features | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Flicker sensor, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The Nubia Z50S Pro offers advanced features such as a flicker sensor, optical zoom, gimbal and manual focus. It also offers a triple camera setup. |
| DxOMark | Mobile (116), Photo (120), Video (118) | Not Available | The Zenfone 8 has a known camera score, but the Nubia Z50S Pro's score is unknown. |
Battery
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5100 mAh | The Nubia Z50S Pro has a much larger battery, likely providing significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Nubia Z50S Pro charges significantly faster, allowing users to quickly top up their battery. |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have a non-removable battery. |
Other
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 8 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | The Nubia Z50S Pro comes with a more up-to-date Android version out of the box, but the Zenfone 8 is also able to upgrade to the same Android version. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Nubia Z50S Pro supports a newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The Nubia Z50S Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for improved connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Both devices have extensive satellite support, but Zenfone 8 provides more detailed information. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 1024GB | The Nubia Z50S Pro offers a larger storage option, suitable for users with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 6GB, 8GB, 12GB or 16GB | 12GB or 16GB | Both phones offer sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage, so choosing the right storage variant initially is important. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | The Zenfone 8 has slightly better audio features, but both have stereo speakers for immersive audio. |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both devices use fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones have comprehensive sensor suites for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages
- Compact Size & Lightweight: Easier to handle and pocket-friendly, ideal for users who prioritize portability.
- Superior Audio Features: Includes Hi-Res audio, noise-canceling mics, and 3 microphones for improved audio quality.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers more robust screen protection.
- More Detailed GPS Tracking: Supports additional satellite systems for enhanced accuracy.
- Wider Aperture and Larger sensor on the selfie camera: Potential for better low light results.
- More Options for Video Recording: Can record at 4K@120fps.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Advantages
- Larger Display: Provides an immersive experience, ideal for media and gaming.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Newer chipset and GPU for faster processing and better gaming.
- Higher Screen Brightness: Offers better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Provides longer battery life and quick recharge times.
- More advanced Camera Features: Telephoto and dedicated Wide Angle lenses with advanced video features.
- Newer WiFi and Bluetooth: Improved connectivity standards and performance.
- Significantly Higher Internal Storage Option: Available with 1TB of storage for more media.
Trade-offs
- Zenfone 8: Trades performance and screen size for portability and better audio. Lacks advanced camera features.
- Nubia Z50S Pro: Trades portability and some audio features for better performance, screen and camera. Heavier weight and larger size.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User
- Users who value portability: Prefers a compact, lightweight phone for easy one-handed use.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Values high-quality audio and clear voice capture.
- Users who prioritize screen protection: Wants a more robust device that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
- Users who want more video recording options: A user that values video recording at high framerates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday use: Easy to carry around and comfortable for daily tasks like browsing and calls.
- On-the-go audio: Ideal for listening to high-quality music and making clear calls.
- Those who prefer a pocket-friendly device: Does not like large phones.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Ideal User
- Gamers & Power Users: Requires top-tier performance and a large display for gaming and resource-intensive tasks.
- Media Consumers: Values a large, vibrant screen for watching videos, reading, and browsing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Needs advanced camera capabilities with telephoto, wide-angle, and better low light.
- Users needing long battery life: Requires all-day usage without constant charging.
- Users who need more storage: Users that have large media libraries on their phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smoother gameplay with advanced graphics capabilities.
- Media Consumption: Immersive experience with a large, bright display.
- Professional Photography: High-quality photos and videos with advanced features.
- Long travel: extended battery life for full days without needing a charge.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Zenfone 8: Offers a solid package with a focus on portability and audio, possibly at a lower price point due to its older age.
- Nubia Z50S Pro: Provides a premium experience with top-tier performance and advanced camera features, justifying a potentially higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your priority: Portability or Performance? If you value a compact, lightweight device, the Zenfone 8 is ideal. If performance and a larger screen are key, go for the Nubia Z50S Pro.
- How important is camera quality? The Nubia Z50S Pro offers a versatile camera system with features like optical zoom, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses. The Zenfone 8 only offers ultrawide and macro.
- How much battery life do you need? The Nubia Z50S Pro offers significantly more battery life and faster charging, which is important for heavy users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Traveler): A user who travels a lot would be better served by the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro due to its bigger battery and faster charging.
- Scenario 2 (Casual User): A casual user who values portability above all else would appreciate the Asus Zenfone 8's more pocket-friendly design.
- Scenario 3 (Mobile Gamer): A mobile gamer should choose the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro due to it's significantly better processor and GPU.
- Scenario 4 (Photo enthusiast): A user who wants a more versatile camera would appreciate the extra camera lenses on the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. While I appreciate the portability of the Asus Zenfone 8, the significant performance jump, larger and brighter display, greatly improved camera system with telephoto and dedicated wide-angle lenses, along with the bigger battery and faster charging of the Nubia Z50S Pro are too compelling to ignore. I am not too concerned about having the most compact device and appreciate having a versatile, all-rounder with excellent battery life. The added features like Wi-Fi 7 and 1TB storage options also make it more future-proof. Although the Zenfone 8 has better audio and more robust screen protection, the benefits of the Nubia's upgrades in other key areas make it the superior option for my personal needs.
