With its latest product, the Asus Zenfone 10, Asus has continued to appeal to tiny phone fans in a market dominated by big Android phones.
 |
| Asus Zenfone 10 |
The Zenfone 10 continues the history of squeezing flagship-grade features into a tiny size, with a 5.9-inch screen that may be considered modest by today's standards. However, it's a treat worth exploring for those who want a more manageable form factor.
The addition of wireless charging to this year's Zenfone is a considerable improvement over prior generations. While certain stand-style chargers struggle with the phone's small size, a pad-style charger is advised for smooth charging. The Zenfone 10 is also IP68 certified, providing water and dust resistance, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU, which delivers top-tier performance. Yes, the cherished headphone jack is still present.
The 1080p screen resolution, along with a refresh rate of 120Hz (with a gaming-activated 144Hz option), provides a fluid visual experience. These capabilities are complemented by a 4,300mAh battery that easily powers through a day of moderate usage. The phone is built of Gorilla Glass Victus on the front panel, aluminum side rails, and a textured polycarbonate plastic back panel that lends robustness as well as a distinct "papery" feel to the device.
In terms of photography, the Zenfone 10 keeps the 50-megapixel f/1.9 primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) from last year while adding a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens. The selfie camera has also been improved, now sporting a 32-megapixel pixel-binning sensor. Furthermore, the previous model's unique gimbal-like stabilization features a new mode that dynamically changes the amount of shaking correction dependent on the conditions, delivering greater picture stabilization.
Asus has included a handy shortcut that allows users to launch the camera app immediately from the lock screen, allowing them to take a burst of three shots without having to press the shutter button. This function is especially beneficial when one's youngster is doing something charming, guaranteeing that the photo is never lost due to fumbling with the camera app.
In response to user criticism, Asus offers two OS upgrades and four years of security fixes for the Zenfone 10, a significant increase over the Zenfone 9's service cycle. The gadget will be available in Europe for €799, the same price as its predecessor, and will be accessible in the United States in Q3. However, Verizon customers will be disappointed because the Zenfone 10 will only be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
While the Zenfone 10 will most likely remain a niche item in the US market, Asus deserves credit for its dedication to this small form factor. The company's attention to consumer concerns is clear, as seen by the introduction of a setting to speed up animations, which was previously only available in developer mode and proven popular with Zenfone 9 customers. Asus understood this desire and made it a standard feature, demonstrating their commitment to a technologically advanced and considerate user experience.
Finally, the return of this compact yet powerful gadget, filled with remarkable capabilities and subtle touches, caps off another successful year for Asus. While it may not appeal to those who prefer bigger phones, the Asus Zenfone 10 remains an appealing option for those looking for a powerful handset in a smaller package.