In a market dominated by larger smartphones, ASUS has managed to carve out a niche for itself with its compact devices. The recently announced Zenfone 10 continues the trend, offering consumers a true compact smartphone option. Although its design bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the Zenfone 10 sets itself apart with its improved camera technology and upgraded performance.
One of the standout features of the Zenfone 10 is its 50-megapixel main camera. While it may seem unchanged from its predecessor, ASUS has integrated a new version of 6-axis gimbal stabilization into the device. This combination of hardware optical stabilization, upgraded electronic stabilization algorithm, and fast auto-focus allows users to capture smoother videos and less blurry photos even while on the move.
Powering the Zenfone 10 is Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Paired with faster LPDDR5X ROM of up to 16GB and faster UFS 4.0 storage options of up to 512GB, the Zenfone 10 offers impressive performance and ample storage capacity. The device also features a large 4,300mAh battery, which now supports both 15W wireless charging and the original 30W wired charging. While this upgrade results in a slight increase in thickness, the overall footprint of the device remains compact at 146.5 x 68.1mm.
The Zenfone 10 retains its predecessor’s 5.9-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080. However, ASUS has boosted the display’s top refresh rate from 120Hz to 144Hz, ensuring smoother gameplay for mobile gamers.
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In terms of camera hardware, the Zenfone 10 replaces the ultra-wide camera with a 13-megapixel sensor, widening the field of view from 113 degrees to 120 degrees. On the front, the device features a 32-megapixel RGBW sensor, an upgrade from the previous 12-megapixel front camera. This improvement allows for significantly improved low-light selfies, thanks to the addition of white sub-pixels on the sensor.
Additional features of the Zenfone 10 include stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual microphones with support for Nokia’s OZO Audio spatial capture and wind noise reduction, NFC capabilities, and IP68 ruggedness for resistance against dust and liquids.
ASUS has also introduced its “Connex” modular case system with the Zenfone 10. This system allows users to snap on accessories like a kickstand or a silicone cardholder onto the back of the device. The kickstand can even be set to automatically launch an assigned app, such as YouTube, when flipped out. For those who prefer thicker cases, ASUS has partnered with Rhinoshield and DevilCase to offer rugged options.
The Zenfone 10 will be available for pre-order in Europe starting from June 29, with prices starting at €799 (about $870). Color options include “Aurora Green,” “Midnight Black,” “Comet White,” “Eclipse Red,” and “Starry Blue.” Availability in the US is expected to follow at a later date.
As with all the products recommended by Engadget, the Zenfone 10 was selected by their editorial team independent of their parent company. Some of the links in the article may be affiliate links, meaning Engadget may earn an affiliate commission if readers make a purchase through those links. All prices mentioned are correct at the time of publishing.
Overall, the ASUS Zenfone 10 offers consumers a compact smartphone option with impressive camera technology, powerful performance, and a range of convenient features. With its sleek design, upgraded specifications, and modular case system, the Zenfone 10 aims to cater to those looking for a true compact smartphone experience.
