If you've been keeping up with our coverage of the best Android phones in recent years, you'll notice a common trend: devices are getting bigger. Gone are the days when compact phones were in high demand. Nowadays, users crave more screen real estate and larger battery capacity.
However, not everyone wants a massive phone. While there are a few good options for small phones available, they are generally less powerful compared to their larger counterparts. This is where Asus and their Zenfone range come in. The Zenfone series aims to offer flagship-level performance in a smaller package. Previous generations came close but fell short in some areas. Can the Asus Zenfone 10 be the first to truly deliver?
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Asus Zenfone 10 Review: Price and Availability
The Asus Zenfone 10 was launched on June 29, 2023. In the UK, users can purchase the 8+256GB variant for £749.99 and the 16+512GB version for £819.99.
However, there's an attractive pre-order offer that makes the device even more appealing. The cheaper variant can be purchased for just £699.99, saving £50. And if you prefer the additional RAM and storage, you can get it for £749.99, effectively getting the extra capacity for the same price as the lower-tier model.
The pre-order offer is available until July 31.
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Asus Zenfone 10 Review: What's New?
When we reviewed the Asus Zenfone 9, we were genuinely impressed with its features, although it did have a couple of minor drawbacks. So, what's new with the Zenfone 10?
First and foremost, the processor has been upgraded to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is currently one of the top-tier chipsets for Android phones. This upgrade brings improved power and efficiency compared to its predecessor, delivering a noticeable performance boost.
Another notable addition is wireless charging. This was a significant missing feature in the previous model, but Asus has rectified that with the Zenfone 10. The device supports 15W wireless charging, which may not be as fast as the wired connection but is certainly a convenient option.
In terms of the camera, the Zenfone 10 sees improvements in the selfie camera and ultra-wide lens, which now boast 32MP and 13MP respectively. The main sensor remains the same as the previous model, the Sony IMX766. However, the 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabiliser has been upgraded to version 2.0, offering even better stabilization. The HyperSteady mode is truly impressive, providing incredibly steady footage.
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Asus Zenfone 10 Review: Design and Display
The Zenfone 10's dimensions are quite intriguing. When placed next to my iPhone 13, there's very little difference in size. It's slightly slimmer, but not to the extent that it stands out.
However, when you hold it in your hand, it feels remarkably compact. It might take some time to get used to, but it's actually quite pleasant once you adapt. The device features a sleek black metal finish and a gently rounded display, making it comfortable to hold. The standout feature is the back panel, especially in the Aurora Green finish, which is my personal favorite.
The textured feel of the back panel is a refreshing change from the smooth glass backs that have become commonplace. It provides a better grip and gives me the confidence to use the phone without worrying about dropping it.
The Zenfone 10 boasts a 5.9-inch AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, although that refresh rate is only available when gaming. During regular use, it adapts between 30Hz and 120Hz. This combination results in a delightful user experience with smooth transitions, impressive detail, and an excellent content consumption experience, despite the smaller form factor.
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Asus Zenfone 10 Review: Camera
The camera is undoubtedly one of the Zenfone 10's standout features. While it's a bit disappointing that the main sensor remains the same as its predecessor, Asus has incorporated several enhancements to make it more versatile.
The 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabiliser is a particularly useful feature, and the version 2.0 upgrade brings even better stabilization. The results are truly stunning.
To put it to the test, I recorded a video while shaking the camera vigorously. The resulting footage was incredibly smooth and crisp, with no hint of motion blur. Just to be sure, I conducted an A-B comparison with my iPhone, and the difference was astounding. The Zenfone 10 maintained perfect stability, while every slight movement was clearly visible in the iPhone video.
The success of the stabilizer can be attributed to its design, which moves the entire camera module instead of just the lens. This approach works exceptionally well.
The Zenfone 10 excels in video performance. Still images are also quite good, although not on par with the best phones on the market.
That being said, the camera will more than meet the needs of most users. The main camera captures impressive detail, and images shot at 2x zoom retain that detail nicely. Further zoomed shots benefit from the Digital Zoom feature, which utilizes the raw file for greater detail.
Ultra-wide shots are equally impressive, and the selfie camera has been upgraded to produce better front-facing shots. It now incorporates an RGBW sensor, allowing more light to enter, resulting in a 67% increase in light sensitivity and a 50% reduction in background noise.
One limitation I noticed is that the camera struggles with capturing still images of moving subjects. I attempted to capture a few shots of a flower swaying in the wind, but the camera failed to produce a sharp image, resulting in blurry photos.
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Asus Zenfone 10 Review: Performance and Battery
In actual use, the Zenfone 10 performs exceptionally well. The device feels snappy and responsive, with no noticeable lag. If you've ever used a phone with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, you'll know what to expect, but it's still satisfying to experience its smooth performance on the Zenfone 10.
I even tested its gaming capabilities, despite it not being a dedicated gaming phone like its stablemate, the Asus ROG Phone 7. I was hopeful that some of the gaming magic would carry over, and I'm pleased to report that it did.
The Game Genie software is available, offering in-game adjustments, and the refresh rate is boosted to 144Hz for smoother graphics. The Zenfone 10 proves to be capable in the gaming arena, despite its smaller size. Even the compact display, which I initially thought might be a drawback, proved to be perfectly fine. While it may not be the ideal choice for hardcore mobile gaming, it is more than sufficient for casual gaming sessions.
Battery life is equally impressive. Despite the 4,300mAh battery capacity, which may seem modest, it's important to consider the smaller screen size of this device. After a full day of regular use, I still had around 40% battery remaining. I never once worried about running out of power and would confidently leave home without a charger for a day of use.
When it does come time to charge, the 30W wired charging is impressively fast. It takes approximately one hour to go from 0 to 100% charge, which is quite acceptable. Wireless charging, on the other hand, will take around double that time.
Asus Zenfone 10 Review: Verdict
In conclusion, the Asus Zenfone 10 is a triumph. Setting aside its smaller size for a moment, this device truly embodies flagship quality. While the camera may not match the best on the market, it still exceeds the needs of all but the most demanding power-users.
Moreover, its video performance more than compensates for any shortcomings. If you enjoy capturing videos, especially while on the move, I can confidently say that no other device outshines the Zenfone 10 in this regard. It effortlessly delivers stunning results and offers a delightful user experience.
However, the main draw of the Zenfone 10 lies in its compact size. For a long time, users seeking a flagship-level device in a smaller form factor have had to make compromises. The Zenfone 10 eliminates the need for such compromises. It provides top-notch performance, an impressive display, and a powerful camera system, all within a compact and stylish package. If you prefer a smaller phone without sacrificing functionality or performance, the Asus Zenfone 10 is an excellent choice.
