Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Asus Zenfone 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | Poco M3 is larger and bulkier, less comfortable for one-handed use. Zenfone 8 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 198g | 169g | Zenfone 8 is significantly lighter, making it easier to handle for extended periods and less fatiguing to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 5.9" | Poco M3 offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. Zenfone 8 is more compact and easier to handle, with slightly less screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals; a slight resolution difference is not noticeable in real-world use. |
| PPI | 395 | 446 | Zenfone 8 has a noticeably sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 8 has superior image quality with deeper blacks, vibrant colors, better contrast, and power efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Zenfone 8 offers smoother scrolling, animations, and a more responsive feel during gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 8 is significantly better for outdoor use, with much better visibility under bright sunlight. Poco M3's brightness is not specified, but it's likely significantly lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Zenfone 8 provides vastly superior performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. Poco M3 is suitable for basic tasks and light gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 891,700 | Zenfone 8 delivers a significantly faster overall experience, and will remain responsive for much longer. Poco M3 will feel slow compared to the Zenfone 8. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 660 | Zenfone 8 is equipped with a much more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | Zenfone 8 has a higher resolution sensor and a slightly larger sensor, potentially capturing more detail and performing better in low light; the difference in aperture is minimal. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | Zenfone 8 has a higher resolution and larger sensor for better selfies and video calls; the slight difference in aperture is minimal. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Zenfone 8 offers more versatility with an additional wide-angle and macro lens, which is missing in the Poco M3. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization, slow-mo | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps, EIS, slow-mo | Zenfone 8 is superior for video recording, with much higher resolutions, frame rates, and image stabilization features. Poco M3's video capabilities are basic. |
| DxoMark | N/A | Main: 116 Photo: 120 Video:118 | Zenfone 8 camera is a better option with high results on DxoMark. Poco M3 has not been tested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4000mAh | Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. Actual battery life depends on usage patterns and software optimization. |
| Charging | 18W | 30W | Zenfone 8 charges faster despite having a smaller battery. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W charger | Non-removable | Poco M3 can act as a power bank for other devices, comes with a fast charger, and both have a non-removable battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Zenfone 8 has a more recent Android version with potential for further upgrades, while the Poco M3's OS is older and it's not likely to get significant OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Zenfone 8 has faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Zenfone 8 has a newer Bluetooth version with more advanced features and potentially better audio transmission. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 8 has a more comprehensive GPS system with more satellite connections, enabling better location accuracy, and faster lock. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM cards with dual standby capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 128GB or 256 GB | Zenfone 8 offers up to 256 GB of storage, providing more space for apps, photos, and videos. Poco M3 goes up to 128GB. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB, 8GB, 12GB or 16GB | Zenfone 8 offers more RAM, enabling better multitasking performance for users. Poco M3 has less memory, which can limit performance when running many apps simultaneously. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports external storage, so users must rely on their internal storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Zenfone 8 offers superior audio quality, with clearer calls and better sound recording due to the noise-canceling microphone and multiple microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Xiaomi Poco M3 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 8 has much better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone 8 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, which can be useful for more advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery offers potentially much longer battery life for users who prioritize extended usage.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Lower Price: Generally, the Poco M3 is much more affordable, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers much faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Better Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, higher pixel density, and superior brightness for a much better visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, additional wide-angle/macro lens, significantly better video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging provides significantly faster recharge times, even with a smaller battery.
- Better Software: Runs on a more recent version of Android (11, upgrable to 13) with likely more future updates.
- Better Audio: High-quality audio with noise cancellation and multiple microphones for clearer sound.
- Superior Build Quality: Includes Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- More RAM and Storage: More options for RAM and storage configuration.
- Comprehensive Sensors Suite: Better overall experience for gaming and other activities.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Larger size and weight, inferior display, significantly lower performance, and a basic camera system.
- Zenfone 8: Smaller battery capacity, lacks expandable storage, much higher price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes affordability over high-end features.
- Users needing long battery life: Prefers extended usage without needing to recharge frequently.
- Light smartphone users: Primarily uses the phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users who consume content: The large display is suitable for watching videos.
Use Cases:
- Daily Driver for Basic Tasks: Calling, texting, social media, and browsing.
- Media Consumption: Enjoying movies and TV shows on a larger display.
- Secondary Phone: Can be used as a backup device for long trips.
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Requires a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Wants a vibrant and smooth screen for media consumption and overall visual experience.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Needs a versatile camera system with high-quality video recording capabilities.
- Users who value premium features: Appreciates advanced features like 120Hz refresh rate, a more recent OS, and better audio quality.
- Users who prefer smaller smartphones: The compact size is easier to handle and carry.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: High-performance gaming without lag or stutters.
- High-Quality Media Creation and Consumption: Taking high-resolution photos and videos, watching HDR content.
- Multitasking Professionals: Seamlessly switching between apps and handling resource-intensive tasks.
- Users who prefer more compact phones: Easier to hold and handle with one hand.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The Poco M3 is much more affordable than the Zenfone 8.
- What is my typical phone usage? Do I prioritize battery life or performance?
- What are my priorities? Do I prefer a large display or a more compact phone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If the budget is the primary concern, and you mainly need a basic phone for everyday tasks and media consumption, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the more sensible choice.
- Performance and Camera Enthusiast: If you need a high-performance phone with an excellent camera for mobile gaming, photography, and videography, then the Asus Zenfone 8 is worth the investment.
- User Needing Extended Battery Life: If having a long-lasting battery is your primary concern and don't need high-performance, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is better suited for you.
- User Preferring Compact Phones: If you value a compact form factor and high performance and premium features, the Asus Zenfone 8 would be better.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While I appreciate the larger battery and lower price point of the Xiaomi Poco M3, my priority is performance and overall user experience. The Zenfone 8's superior performance, stunning display, advanced camera system, and overall premium features make it the better choice for my needs. I am willing to pay more for the smoother multitasking, more responsive gaming, better display, and much more versatile camera. The fact that it is more compact is a huge plus for me, as I prefer phones that I can easily handle with one hand. The difference in battery life is a trade-off I am willing to make for better all-round performance.
