1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | Mi 11 is noticeably larger and less pocketable; Zenfone 8 is more compact and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 196g | 169g | Zenfone 8 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Front | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Front | Both offer good scratch resistance on the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 5.9" | Mi 11 offers a much larger screen for immersive media consumption; Zenfone 8 is better for portability and one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 provides a sharper, more detailed display with a higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 446 ppi | Mi 11's higher ppi results in crisper text and images, making it a more visually pleasing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have excellent color accuracy and deep blacks, with an energy efficiency that is superior to LCD screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a responsive user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | Mi 11 is significantly brighter, providing much better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Both phones offer flagship-level performance, capable of handling demanding tasks and games smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 891,700 | Zenfone 8 shows slightly better benchmark performance, although this difference may not be noticeable in everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Both phones provide the same high-end graphics performance, suitable for modern gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" sensor | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor | Mi 11 has a higher resolution sensor and larger sensor size that may capture more light and detail, and more effective digital zooming. Zenfone 8 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" sensor | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" sensor | Mi 11 has higher resolution, though Zenfone 8 has larger pixel size which might offer better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | Not Available | Mi 11 includes a dedicated wide-angle lens for ultrawide photos |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.0 | Not Available | Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Not Available | 12MP, f/2.2 | Zenfone 8 has a dual-purpose lens with both wide-angle and macro functionalities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps | Both offer high-quality video recording with similar maximum resolutions and framerates. The Zenfone 8 also has 4k120 recording for more slow-motion flexibility. |
| DXOMark Score | Selfie: 112 main, 100 photo, 133 video | Mobile: 116 main, 120 photo, 118 video | Zenfone 8 has better image quality according to Dxomark mobile test. Mi 11 has better video recording on the selfie camera, according to Dxomark. |
| Features | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Laser AF | Dual camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Exposure compensation | Mi 11 offers more camera versatility with a triple-lens setup and more manual controls; Zenfone 8 has more effective autofocus and exposure controls. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 4000mAh | Mi 11 likely provides longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 55W wired, 50W wireless | 30W wired | Mi 11 charges much faster both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse-wireless charging | None | Mi 11 offers more flexibility with its wireless charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display: The 6.81" QHD+ display offers a more immersive viewing experience and sharper visuals, making it better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Brighter Screen: The 1500 nits peak brightness ensures better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: A 4600 mAh battery combined with 55W wired and 50W wireless charging provides longer use and quicker recharges.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, providing a more versatile triple-camera system.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging and the ability to reverse charge other devices wirelessly.
- More upgrade to Android OS: Has one more android upgrade available
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages
- Compact and Lightweight Design: The smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable to hold and use one-handed, as well as more portable.
- Slightly Better Performance: Benchmarks show a slightly higher AnTuTu score, indicating marginally better overall processing power.
- Potentially Better Low-Light Selfie: The larger pixel size on the front camera can result in better low-light performance.
- 4K 120fps video recording: The higher framerate of 4K recording allows more flexibility in slow-motion editing.
- Better overall Mobile camera: Better scores on the Dxomark benchmark mobile test indicate higher overall image quality.
- More RAM option: Having the option of 16GB of ram means it's better for multitasking
Trade-offs
- Xiaomi Mi 11: The larger size and weight may make it less comfortable for some users, and it lacks the portability of the Zenfone 8.
- Asus Zenfone 8: Smaller screen, lower resolution, less versatile camera system, smaller battery, and slower charging speed limit its appeal for users who prioritize media consumption and battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a large, high-resolution screen for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games.
- Power Users: Users who need long battery life, fast charging, and appreciate wireless charging capabilities.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera versatility with dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, and need effective digital zoom.
- Users who like to keep their phones for a long time The extra OS update could make the phone last longer.
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal Users
- Users who prioritize portability: Those who prefer a compact and lightweight phone that's easy to use with one hand and more comfortable to carry around.
- Performance-Focused Gamers: Those who value raw power for high-end gaming and multitasking, specifically who would like the option of 16GB of RAM.
- Selfie lovers: Users who take a lot of selfies and want better low-light selfie capabilities.
- Users who prefer a minimalist approach: Those who prefer to use few camera lenses, and find them easier to handle.
Use Cases
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Gaming on a larger screen, binge-watching movies, capturing detailed photos, long days out with the phone away from a charger.
- Asus Zenfone 8: One-handed navigation, fast mobile gaming, taking selfies, easily fitting into pockets.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions
- Screen Size: Do you prefer a large, immersive screen or a compact, pocketable device?
- Battery Life and Charging: How important is long battery life and fast charging to you?
- Camera Versatility vs. Image Quality: Do you prioritize the flexibility of more lenses or the overall quality of captured images?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: All-Day Media Consumption & Battery Life: If you watch a lot of videos, browse the web, or play games on your phone, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the better choice with its larger, higher-resolution screen, brighter display, larger battery, and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Portability & One-Handed Use: If you prefer a smaller, lighter device that is easy to use with one hand and comfortable to carry, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Performance and Camera Quality: If you value high-end performance with a slight edge in processing power and you prefer a slightly higher image quality in photos, while not needing the extra lenses of the Xiaomi, the Asus Zenfone 8 would be the right choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While the Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a larger, more visually impressive display and a larger battery, my personal preference leans towards a more compact and lightweight phone. I value the Zenfone 8's pocketability and ease of one-handed use. Additionally, the slightly better performance in benchmarks and better general camera image quality make the Zenfone 8 better suited to my needs. The improved low-light selfie performance and the faster framerate in 4k also sway the decision. While the larger display of the Mi 11 is enticing, the more manageable size and other benefits of the Zenfone 8 win out for me.
