The Zenfone 10 is a highly anticipated Android flagship by Asus, boasting top-of-the-line specifications and a compact form factor. In this review, we’ll explore the device’s standout features, its software experience, and overall performance. However, it’s worth noting that despite its many merits, the Zenfone 10 faces stiff competition from larger flagships and foldable phones. Let’s delve into the details and find out if this compact contender is truly a 10 on 10.
Size and Design
One of the Zenfone 10’s primary strengths is its compact size, perfect for one-handed use. The phone’s design features a unique matte finish on the plastic back, offering excellent grip and no fingerprint smudges. The sides are made from aluminum, adding to its premium feel. Notably, the device comes equipped with a headphone jack, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Display
The Zenfone 10 boasts a 5.9-inch 144Hz Full HD AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1100 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under bright sunlight. The display quality is commendable, with vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming.
Software Experience
Running on Android 13 with Asus’s custom skin, the Zenfone 10 offers a clean Android experience without bloatware or intrusive ads. One notable feature is the option to change the animation speed, enhancing the overall snappiness of the phone. Additionally, the built-in game booster mode allows users to optimize gaming performance easily.
Performance
Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 8GB LPDDR5x RAM, and 128GB UFS 4.0 storage, the Zenfone 10 packs flagship-level performance. Regular tasks, web browsing, and video playback are handled with ease. The device also handles graphics-intensive gaming impressively well, thanks to its capable hardware.
Camera
While the Zenfone 10’s camera is decent, it faces tough competition from other smartphones in its price range, such as the s23. The device features a 50-megapixel main camera with gimbal stabilization and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. While pictures from both lenses are satisfactory, they fall slightly short in comparison to competitors’ offerings. The absence of a dedicated telephoto lens is a notable drawback.
Battery and Additional Features
The Zenfone 10 offers IP68 water and dust resistance, wireless charging, and a 4300mAh battery, providing a day’s worth of usage. However, given its compact form factor, the battery size is relatively smaller compared to larger flagships.
Conclusion
In summary, the Zenfone 10 is an impressive compact Android flagship that excels in size, performance, and software experience. Its display and design are equally commendable, making it an attractive option for users seeking a one-handed phone with flagship capabilities. However, its camera capabilities fall short compared to some competitors, and its pricing might be a concern, considering the availability of larger flagships at a similar price point. For those who prioritize portability and one-handed usage, the Zenfone 10 could be a compelling choice. Nonetheless, it faces challenges in a market dominated by bigger devices and foldable phones.
