1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-27 | 2024-01-18 | ROG Phone 8 is significantly newer, likely offering more up-to-date software and components. |
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 is slightly thicker and has slightly larger overall volume, which may impact pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 196g | 225g | Poco F3 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 has a marginally larger screen, offering a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical sharpness, so image quality is largely the same based on resolution. |
| PPI | 395 | 388 | Both have very similar pixel density, meaning there is no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use the same vibrant AMOLED technology, offering excellent colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 offers a smoother and more fluid experience, especially noticeable in gaming and fast scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 is much brighter, vastly improving visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 8 has a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 offers dramatically superior performance in demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 has a much more powerful GPU, enhancing graphic-intensive tasks and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 has a larger battery, which is more likely to offer a longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 65W fast charging | ROG Phone 8 charges much faster, reducing downtime and quickly replenishing power. |
| Battery Features | QC3 + / PD3.0 | None | Poco F3 supports QC3 + / PD3.0 fast charging protocol |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly higher main sensor resolution, which may capture slightly more detailed images under optimal conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | Poco F3 has a slightly wider aperture which may result in slightly better low-light performance |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | ROG Phone 8 has a larger sensor which may result in better light sensitivity and image quality. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX582 Exmor RS | Sony IMX890 | ROG Phone 8 has a newer and higher-end main sensor, typically offering better image quality and features. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | ROG Phone 8 has larger pixels, capturing more light and resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | ROG Phone 8 captures more detailed selfies with higher resolution. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP | ROG Phone 8 offers a dedicated macro lens, enhancing close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP | ROG Phone 8 offers a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens, providing versatility in shooting options. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | ROG Phone 8 offers significantly superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution and HDR support. |
| Stabilization | EIS | HDR, EIS, OIS, Gimbal | ROG Phone 8 has more advanced video stabilization options, making videos look smoother and more professional. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Night Mode | ROG Phone 8 offers a suite of advanced camera features. | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | ROG Phone 8 offers a more recent Android version with extended future support, potentially receiving more updates and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | ROG Phone 8 supports the newer WiFi 7 standard, offering faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | ROG Phone 8 has a newer Bluetooth version which means better performance and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 8 supports a wider range of satellite systems, resulting in better location accuracy and reliability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Both phones have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | ROG Phone 8 has significantly more RAM, greatly improving multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so consider your needs before choosing the storage option. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have quality audio features, however ROG Phone 8 offers 3 microphones for better audio input. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3 has a side-mounted sensor, which could be preferable to some. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 offers superior scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Poco F3 additionally has an ultrasonic proximity sensor. ROG Phone 8 has additional sensors that enhance it's experience with gestures and orientation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (29g difference) making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Slightly Wider Main Camera Aperture: May offer slightly better low-light performance.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users might prefer this over an in-display sensor.
- QC3 + / PD3.0 Fast Charging Support: Supports additional fast charging protocols.
- Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor: May provide better functionality in certain scenarios.
- Lower Price: Typically available at a significantly lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Offers dramatically superior performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, great for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Superior Display: Significantly brighter display with a higher refresh rate, providing a better visual experience especially outdoors.
- Much Better Main Camera: Larger sensor with bigger pixels leading to improved image quality.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a macro lens and wide-angle + macro lens, offering more photographic flexibility.
- Significantly Enhanced Video Recording: Supports 8K recording, along with more advanced stabilization options.
- Larger Battery: Longer lasting battery life, essential for extended usage and gaming sessions.
- Faster Charging: Rapid 65W fast charging minimizes downtime.
- Up-to-Date Software: Runs on Android 14 with potential for further updates.
- Latest Connectivity: Supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable connections.
- Superior Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for superior screen protection.
- Additional Camera Features: Includes features such as 8K Video, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Night Mode
Trade-offs:
- The ROG Phone 8 sacrifices a lighter and potentially more pocketable design for significantly improved performance, camera, battery, and display.
- The Poco F3, while offering a smoother user experience compared to older models, lags behind significantly in terms of hardware and future proofing in comparison to the ROG Phone 8.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Budget-Conscious User: Seeking a good all-round smartphone at an affordable price point.
- Everyday User: Primarily uses their phone for social media, browsing, and basic communication.
- Light Gamer: Occasional gaming on less demanding games.
- User who values lighter weight
- User who prefers a side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Daily Driver: Suitable for regular tasks, such as checking emails, browsing, and social media.
- Media Consumption: Suitable for casual media viewing, but not ideal for outdoor visibility due to lower brightness.
Ideal User for Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Gaming Enthusiasts: Demands the highest performance for demanding games.
- Content Creators: Needs top-tier video recording capabilities, including 8K and advanced stabilization.
- Power Users: Heavily multitask and use resource-intensive apps.
- Users that want an advanced video recording suite
- Users that want the best viewing experience
- Users that want the best possible gaming experience
- User who value the latest technology
Specific Use Cases for Asus ROG Phone 8:
- High-Performance Gaming: Runs the most demanding mobile games smoothly with high refresh rates and advanced cooling.
- Professional Photography and Videography: Offers high-quality photos and videos with various advanced features.
- Outdoor Use: Provides excellent visibility even in direct sunlight with its high brightness display.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Poco F3 offers excellent value for budget-conscious consumers.
- The Asus ROG Phone 8 offers premium value for those willing to pay a higher price for the best performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, general usage)
- How important are performance and gaming capabilities to me?
- What is my budget range?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious & Everyday Use: If you're on a tight budget and primarily need a reliable phone for day-to-day tasks, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is a sensible choice.
- Gaming Enthusiast & Heavy User: If you prioritize top-tier performance, gaming, and a premium display, and video recording capabilities, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the superior option.
- Outdoor Use & Media Consumption: If you watch a lot of media or spend time outdoors the Asus ROG Phone 8's high brightness will be far superior.
- Professional Video & Photography: If you plan to record a lot of video and take a lot of photos the Asus ROG Phone 8's feature suite and high video resolution will suit your needs best.
My Choice
Given the information, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8.
Here’s why:
While the Xiaomi Poco F3 is an excellent value option and offers a lighter design, the sheer performance advantage and future-proofing offered by the Asus ROG Phone 8 is too compelling to ignore. I prioritize smooth performance, particularly when gaming, and the ROG Phone 8's superior chipset and higher refresh rate screen would be my choice. It also has a superior camera suite and better video recording capabilities, giving it a major advantage if those are requirements. The improved brightness, the latest software, faster charging, more future-proof technology, and larger battery offer a more complete and future-proof experience. Although heavier and more expensive, the improved screen, performance, camera, and battery make it the more compelling option for my needs.
