1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | The Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact, making it easier to handle one-handed and more pocketable. The Poco X3 NFC is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 215g | 169g | The Zenfone 8 is much lighter, improving comfort during extended use. The Poco X3 NFC feels heavier in hand. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Zenfone 8 has a more durable screen, offering better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 5.9" | The Poco X3 NFC offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and gaming. The Zenfone 8 provides a more compact viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of detail in the image. |
| Pixel Density | 395 ppi | 446 ppi | The Zenfone 8 has a sharper display due to higher pixel density, resulting in finer details and less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Zenfone 8's AMOLED screen offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Poco X3 NFC's IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming experiences due to the high refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The Zenfone 8 offers significantly better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | The Zenfone 8 delivers significantly faster performance for demanding games, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 328,145 | 891,700 | Reflects the large performance gap between the two phones. Zenfone 8 handles demanding tasks more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 660 | The Zenfone 8 provides better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | Similar main camera specs. The wider aperture on the Zenfone 8 (f/1.8) might allow slightly better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | Poco X3 NFC has dedicated ultrawide lens. Zenfone 8 combines ultrawide with macro functionality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Poco X3 NFC has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The Poco X3 NFC has a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" | Poco X3 NFC has higher resolution. Zenfone 8 has larger sensor. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | The Zenfone 8 offers much higher video recording capabilities, including 8K and high frame rate 4K. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, Night Mode | OIS, Panorama, RAW | The Zenfone 8 has OIS (optical image stabilization) for sharper photos and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4000mAh | The Poco X3 NFC has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Poco X3 NFC offers slightly faster charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS (at launch) | Android 10 | Android 11 | The Zenfone 8 launched with a newer version of Android. |
| Max OS Version | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Zenfone 8 will likely receive one more major Android update than the Poco X3 NFC. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Zenfone 8 supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Zenfone 8 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Zenfone 8 supports more GPS systems for more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | The Zenfone 8 offers a larger 256GB storage option. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB, or 16 GB | The Zenfone 8 offers more RAM options, up to 16GB for demanding users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Zenfone 8 supports Hi-Res Audio for better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Xiaomi is generally regarded as faster and more ergonomic. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable, offering good value for the price.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Provides a dedicated camera for detailed close-up shots.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Enables better portrait mode with background blur.
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- More Compact & Lighter: Easier to handle and carry, especially for one-handed use.
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Display: AMOLED screen with higher pixel density, brightness, and superior color reproduction.
- Better Camera (Overall): Higher video recording capabilities (8K, 4K 120fps), OIS, and potentially better low-light performance.
- Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2: Newer connectivity standards for faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides better audio quality for music listening.
- More RAM/Storage Options: Up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage for demanding users.
- Better Build Quality: More durable screen with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More GPS Systems: The Zenfone 8 supports more GPS systems for more accurate positioning.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 NFC: Larger size and weight, less powerful processor, inferior display, and weaker camera performance compared to the Zenfone 8.
- Asus Zenfone 8: Smaller battery and higher price compared to the Poco X3 NFC.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC - Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritize affordability and value for money.
- Users who need long battery life: Heavy users who need all-day battery life.
- Casual gamers: Suitable for less demanding mobile games.
- Users who prefer larger screens: Enjoy watching videos and playing games on a bigger display.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for basic tasks (browsing, social media, calls, messaging).
- Media consumption (watching videos, listening to music) on a budget.
- Photography in well-lit conditions.
Asus Zenfone 8 - Ideal Users:
- Performance enthusiasts: Demand fast processing speeds for gaming and demanding applications.
- Users who prefer compact phones: Value portability and one-handed usability.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Need high-quality camera capabilities, including 8K video recording and OIS.
- Users who appreciate a superior display: Value vibrant colors, high brightness, and sharpness.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming (demanding titles).
- Professional photography and videography.
- Multitasking with demanding applications.
- Media consumption (high-resolution videos, Hi-Res audio).
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Poco X3 NFC is significantly cheaper.
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? The Zenfone 8 offers much better performance, while the Poco X3 NFC offers longer battery life.
- Do you prefer a compact or large phone? The Zenfone 8 is significantly more compact and easier to handle.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming on a budget. If you want to game on a budget, the Poco X3 NFC is acceptable, but the Zenfone 8 offers a superior experience.
- Scenario 2: All-day battery life is critical. The Poco X3 NFC is the better choice due to its larger battery.
- Scenario 3: Compact phone with top-tier performance is desired. The Zenfone 8 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 4: Looking for the best camera possible within a reasonable budget. The Zenfone 8 is the better choice due to its OIS, 8k recording, and more.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 8.
While the Poco X3 NFC has a great price-to-value ratio and a larger battery, the Zenfone 8's superior performance, compact size, better display, and better camera features make it a much more compelling choice for my needs. I prioritize smooth performance and a good camera in a phone I can comfortably use one-handed. The AMOLED display is a big draw for me as well, as I consume a lot of media on my phone.
