1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | The Redmi Note 10S is noticeably larger, potentially less comfortable for single-handed use but offers a larger screen. The Zenfone 8 is smaller and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 169g | The Zenfone 8 is slightly lighter, making it easier to handle for longer periods. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 5.9" | The Redmi Note 10S offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. The Zenfone 8 is more compact and easier to use in one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed images. |
| PPI | 409 | 446 | The Zenfone 8 has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density, but most users will find both excellent |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Zenfone 8 offers much smoother animations and scrolling, making the UI feel more responsive and fluid, especially noticeable for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both offer excellent visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | The Zenfone 8 has significantly more powerful processing, enabling faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 891,700 | The Zenfone 8 is more than twice as powerful, delivering a much smoother overall experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 660 | The Zenfone 8's GPU is vastly more powerful, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | The Zenfone 8 has a larger sensor which generally captures more light and detail, resulting in better image quality in most conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" | The Zenfone 8 has a slightly larger sensor potentially better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Not available | The Redmi Note 10S can capture wide-angle shots but the Zenfone 8 can't. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Not available | The Redmi Note 10S has a depth sensor for improved portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Not available | The Redmi Note 10S can take close-up photos, a feature absent in the Zenfone 8. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not available | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | The Zenfone 8 combines wide-angle and macro functionalities into a single lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps max | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR | The Zenfone 8 offers higher video resolution and quality, along with image stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 116 | The Zenfone 8 is a capable camera phone, although the main camera is its strong suit, its other cameras are fairly limited in comparison. |
| Features | Quadruple cam, Night Mode | Dual cam, OIS, RAW | The Redmi has more versatile camera modes, while Zenfone has better video capabilities and RAW capture for more advanced users. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | The Redmi Note 10S will likely have longer battery life due to a larger battery, especially for heavy usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 30W | The Redmi Note 10S charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging | None | The Redmi Note 10S can be used to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming.
- Larger Battery: Likely provides longer battery life.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth lens for more photography options.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially more convenient and faster than in-display readers.
- Lower Price: generally more affordable.
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset is far superior for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: Up to 8K recording, OIS for better stability, and HDR capabilities.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor generally results in higher quality images, especially in low light.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and newer Bluetooth version.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Stereo Speakers with Noise Cancellation Microphone: Better audio experience.
- More RAM Options: available with up to 16GB of RAM.
- Higher storage option: available with 256GB storage.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10S trades raw performance and a higher refresh rate for longer battery life and camera versatility.
- The Zenfone 8 sacrifices some battery capacity and camera modes for top-tier performance and a premium display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S:
- Ideal User: Casual users, students, or those on a budget who prioritize battery life, a larger screen, and versatile camera features.
- Use Cases:
- Long hours of social media browsing and video streaming.
- Everyday photography including wide-angle and macro shots.
- Users who need a phone that lasts all day without needing to charge.
- Light gaming.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good balance of features for its price range.
Asus Zenfone 8:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, and power users who demand top-tier performance, a smooth display, and high-quality video recording.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and multitasking.
- High-quality content creation and consumption.
- Users who appreciate top-of-the-line features and performance.
- Users who want a compact phone with high-end specs.
- Price-to-Value: Offers high-end specifications with flagship features, though at a premium price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, media consumption, or everyday tasks)
- How important is performance? (Do you need top-tier performance, or is mid-range performance adequate?)
- How important is battery life? (Do you need a phone that lasts all day, or are you okay with charging more often?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User, Casual Use: If you are primarily looking for an affordable device for basic tasks, longer battery life and casual photography, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance Enthusiast, Gaming Focus: If you prioritize high performance, smooth gaming, and high-quality video recording, the Asus Zenfone 8 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User, Camera Focus: If you need a balance of good performance, battery life, and camera versatility, consider the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S if having all those sensors is a must, but if a better main camera is a higher priority the Asus Zenfone 8 is still better.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S offers a larger screen, more versatile camera setup (though not in quality) and potentially longer battery life, the performance difference is so significant that it is the decisive factor for me. I prioritize a smooth and responsive experience with top-tier performance and a great display which the Zenfone 8 offers. Furthermore, while the versatility of the Redmi's cameras may appeal to some users, I care more about quality and the Zenfone 8's main camera will have a better performance. While it is true that the battery is smaller and will not last as long, a bit of inconvenience is a worthy trade off in my usage case scenario.
