The Google Pixel smartphone is already out and Google has all but claimed the entire superlatives in the dictionary to describe the device. But how does it compare against the other Android flagship looming in the horizon that will sport the Snapdragon 821 processor —the Asus Deluxe Special Edition Zenfone 3?
Performance
Now, one of the most effective ways to compare performances is through benchmarks, since they provide measurable data. In a Geekbench test, the Google Pixel registered a score of 1,648 for single-core test and posted 4,121 for the multi-core round.
The Asus Deluxe Special Edition Zenfone 3, on the other hand, has no available rating as of this writing. The phone is yet to be released this month, after all. However, one can turn to a Geekbench test using the same device that runs on Snapdragon 820. The result is a bit surprising. The phone hit 5,420 during multi-core testing.
It seems easy to conclude that the Zenfone device outfitted with the higher-spec Snapdragon 821 could potentially clock a higher score, trouncing Pixel in the process. This is further highlighted by the fact that the Zenfone 3 will come with a massive 6 GB of RAM compared to the Pixel's 4 GB. While the Asus device will not exactly leave the Pixel in the dust, it will have more breathing room when opening apps and multitasking, allowing for very little opportunity for slowdown.
Camera
It is problematic to compare the camera performance of the Pixel and Zenfone 3 Deluxe because, ultimately, they have to be evaluated based on actual images captured. Again, the Zenfone is yet to make an appearance, so we are left to compare their imaging technologies as they appear on paper.
Pixel has a 12.3-megapixel rear shooter. The number of pixels seems irrelevant since the relatively modest pixel density has not prevented Google from saying that the Pixel's camera is the greatest ever. And this is not merely a boast because third-party evaluations reveal that the camera may very well be the best among its peers.
The Asus handset will come with a massive 23-megapixel camera. It has an 8-megapixel front-facing shooter but the Pixel has the same capability. These numbers, however, will not really tell us much. So let's dig in further.
According to Google, what makes the Pixel camera great is its f/2.0 aperture. Well, it turns out the Zenfone 3 Deluxe also has that exact capability.
"The ZenFone 3 Deluxe packs the same autofocus techniques (phase detection and laser) and focal length, but includes a higher megapixel count on the sensor and optical image stabilization," Asus said.
The part about megapixel count as was previously mentioned is a bit of a gray area. This is because pixel size can also impact quality. A bigger pixel means a better capability to let in light. In the Zenfone Deluxe, a pixel measures 1 µm while in Google Pixel, it is 1.55 µm. Clearly, there is a discrepancy in the way these two shooters will capture photos in different lighting conditions, particularly in low light. Remember that the amount of light captured will allow the camera sensors to accurately measure light levels and reduce noise.
To put things into perspective, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a 20-megapixel DSLR, but the Pixel zoomed past it in the DxOMark test.
Battery
The Google Pixel is powered by a 2,770 mAh battery while the Zenfone 3 Deluxe comes with a humongous 3,000 mAh pack. Google says that Pixel's standby time could reach 19 days and continuous video playback will drain its battery in 13 hours. Asus has not provided details about the Zenfone's battery capacity except that it has the BoostMaster fast charging feature that will charge up to 60 percent in 39 minutes.
It is also helpful to remember that the Google Pixel has a 5-inch display whereas the Zenfone has to power a 5.7-inch surface area.
Conclusion
Overall, while Google Pixel and Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition both have the spectacular Snapdragon 821, they have stark differences in terms of specs and orientation. The Pixel's selling point is imaging, portability and software, and it is also notable because, as a Google phone, it is first in line when it comes to Android updates. The Zenfone seems to be gunning for an entirely different set of users. It is big and definitely a workhorse, making it perfect as an entertainment and gaming device.
Also, consumers should remember that the speed or performance of a smartphone is not exclusively determined by its mobile processor and that the latest CPU, like the Snapdragon 821, can only do so much when faced with extreme processing conditions.
