ASUS Zenfone 8 vs Zenfone 8 Flip: Which one is for you?

ASUS recently launched its Zenfone 8 Series flagship smartphones, consisting of the Zenfone 8 and the Zenfone 8 Flip. Interestingly, the Zenfone 8 16GB + 256GB and Zenfone 8 Flip 8GB + 256GB models that will arrive in the Philippines carry the same PHP 39,995USD 682INR 57,777EUR 649CNY 4,963 price tag. So, some of you might be wondering which device to get given the budget. We’ll try to answer that in this comparison.

Note: The specs listed below uses the configuration offered in the Philippine market.

Summary of advantages

ASUS Zenfone 8:
• More pixel-packed screen
• Higher refresh rate
• Gorilla Glass Victus
• Higher RAM capacity
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Hi-Res Audio
• FM Radio
• IP68 dust and water resistance
• Compact build

ASUS Zenfone 8 Flip:
• Larger screen
• Dedicated microSD card slot
• Telephoto camera
• Flip cameras allow for better selfies
• Larger battery

Display

Both devices sport Super AMOLED screens, which means the screen has great contrast, deep blacks, and punchy colors. However, while both have Full HD+ resolutions, the amount of pixel you can cram per square inch differs because of the screen size. The Zenfone 8 has a smaller 5.9-inch screen with 446ppi, while the Zenfone 8 Flip’s larger 6.67-inch screen gets 395ppi. As a result, the former would look sharper when viewed up close, but the latter is better for watching videos.

Another difference is in the refresh rate. The Zenfone 8 has 120Hz, while the Zenfone 8 Flip has 90Hz, which means the former will offer a smoother visual experience.

When it comes to screen protection, both have Corning’s glass, but the Zenfone 8 has the newer Victus, which offers improved drop resistance compared to the Zenfone 8 Flip’s Gorilla Glass 6.

CPU and GPU

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G SoC with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 660 GPU. This is a flagship SoC, meaning it will be able to deliver both Zenfone’s features and handle whatever tasks you throw at it, including gaming.

Memory

The Zenfone 8 in the Philippines comes in 8GB + 128GB and 16GB + 256GB configurations. The Zenfone 8 Flip, on the other hand, only comes in 8GB + 256GB.

If you’re after the largest storage possible, you can go with either one. However, the Zenfone 8 Flip offers a dedicated microSD card slot. However, for the same price, you’re getting a larger RAM on the Zenfone 8. Tricky, I know.

Cameras

The Zenfone 8 sports two rear cameras and a single front camera. The Zenfone 8 Flip, on the other hand, only has a single triple-camera module that includes a telephoto lens. The latter has the advantage here as the motorized flip mechanism allows the user to ‘flip’ the cameras and use them for selfies. Meaning, instead of just shooting selfies on a 12MP camera on the Zenfone 8, you’ll be using a 64MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP telephoto (if needed).

Battery

The Zenfone 8 Flip obviously wins in terms of capacity for having a 5,000mAh battery versus the 4,000mAh on the Zenfone. Both also feature 30W fast charging. As for the battery life, we’ll know once we’re done with our reviews, so watch out for that.

Other features

The Zenfone 8 offers plenty of advantages over the Zenfone 8 Flip when it comes to other features. First, there’s the 3.5mm audio jack with support for Hi-Res Audio, FM Radio, and IP68 dust and water resistance. Then there’s the lighter and more compact build, which can be attributed to the smaller screen and battery capacity.

Which one to get?

So, which one to get if you have PHP 39,995USD 682INR 57,777EUR 649CNY 4,963 to burn? If you want a compact smartphone with a high refresh rate, tougher glass protection, bigger RAM, 3.5mm audio jack, support for Hi-Res Audio, and IP68 certified, get the Zenfone 8. If the budget is limited, you can even go for the 8GB + 128GB model.

However, if you’re the creator on the go who wants a device with a bigger screen, larger battery, support for a microSD card, and more versatile cameras, especially for selfies, the Zenfone 8 Flip is the one to get.