Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger, might be less comfortable in smaller hands/pockets. |
| Weight | 177g | 224g | Realme 8 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals, pixel density is moderately higher on the Realme 8. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2500 nits | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is significantly more viewable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers vastly superior performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 1,532,000 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra will have a snappier, smoother feel in everyday use. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has a larger sensor capturing more light, despite lower megapixel count, performs better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra captures wider scenes with higher detail. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated macro camera, although quality might be limited. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers higher resolution and frame rate for more professional video recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra likely has a longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 65W | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 15W | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers wireless charging for convenience. |
| Reverse Charging | None | 10W | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has a newer OS, likely with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance on crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra supports newer audio codecs and more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, GLONASS, QZSS etc. | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 12/16GB | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers much better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone can expand its internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, etc. | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers better audio quality and clarity with stereo speakers and noise cancellation. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has superior screen protection, less likely to scratch or shatter. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The Realme 8 is significantly lighter (177g vs 224g) and smaller, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry.
- Slightly Higher Pixel Density: The 411 PPI display is slightly sharper than the Zenfone's 388 PPI, though the difference will not be noticeable in everyday use for most users.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: For users who frequently take very close-up photos, the Realme 8 has an extra macro lens.
- Lower Price: The Realme 8 is expected to be significantly cheaper due to it's release date.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Larger, Smoother Display: The 6.78" 144Hz AMOLED display is larger, brighter, and smoother, providing a more enjoyable viewing and gaming experience.
- Better Camera System: The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has a more versatile camera system with a larger main sensor, telephoto lens, and better video capabilities including 8K recording.
- Significantly More RAM and Storage: The 12GB/16GB of RAM and 256/512GB of storage mean less memory-related performance issues and more storage space.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: The 65W fast charging and 15W wireless charging offer much more convenience.
- Newer Software and Connectivity: The Zenfone runs on a newer version of Android, with newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster connections.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides significantly better protection against screen damage.
- Superior Audio: The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is fitted with stereo speakers that provide a more immersive audio experience, coupled with noise cancellation technology.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 is more affordable but sacrifices significant performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger and heavier, which might be less comfortable for some users, but comes with top-tier specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes affordability and essential features.
- Users who prioritize lightweight, compact design: Prefers a comfortable, easy-to-handle phone.
- Casual users: For browsing, social media, and basic apps.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Everyday communication and social media.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Users who need a secondary phone for travel and basic functions.
- Users that prioritize battery life.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Ideal User:
- Power users: Demands top performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Prioritizes a high-quality and versatile camera system.
- Users who value display quality: Enjoys a large, smooth, and vibrant display.
Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Mobile gaming at highest settings.
- Professional photography and video recording.
- Multitasking between resource-intensive applications.
- Users who want the latest tech and flagship features.
- Users that listen to a lot of music
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Realme 8 is a budget option, while the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is a premium device.
- What are your performance needs? Do you need top-tier gaming or demanding application performance, or is basic usage sufficient?
- How important are camera and display quality? Do you value a versatile camera with better video, or a large, smooth display with higher brightness?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the Primary Concern: If your budget is strict and you need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, the Realme 8 is a more cost-effective choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Future-Proofing: If you want the best performance, the newest technology, and a future-proof device, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is a better long-term investment.
- Scenario 3: Photography is Key: If you want the best camera system, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra will significantly outperform the Realme 8.
- Scenario 4: Small Size and Comfort: If a lightweight and compact phone is your main priority, the Realme 8 is a better choice, although you’ll sacrifice performance and other premium features.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While it is a more expensive device, the gap in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and future-proofing is significant. I value having a smooth, responsive, and feature-rich experience, and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers on all those fronts. The significantly better chipset, the high refresh rate display, and the more versatile camera system are all features I would utilize daily. While I appreciate the light weight and more compact form factor of the Realme 8, the performance compromise is just too large to justify, since I value good performance more than a compact design. The fact that I am a heavy user and do video editing/gaming on mobile, combined with the enhanced audio features, make the Zenfone the clear winner for my specific needs.
