ASUS has managed to hold its own in the specialized market for small smartphones, where alternatives are few and far between unless you count foldable flip phones. The new Zenfone 10 closely resembles its predecessor, right down to the 50-megapixel primary camera. However, ASUS claims the camera can now access an updated 6-axis gimbal stabilization system. Users can capture smoother videos and sharper photos even while in motion, thanks to a mix of hardware OIS, an improved EIS algorithm, and fast autofocus.
ASUS Zenfone 10 features
The Zenfone 10 is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It also offers a larger UFS 4.0 storage option of up to 512GB. This is twice the capacity of the previous version and faster LPDDR5X RAM of up to 16GB. The device still has a powerful 4,300mAh battery. But in addition to the original 30W of wired charging, it also offers 15W of wireless charging. The overall footprint is still small at 146.5 x 68.1mm, despite the slight increase in thickness from 9.1mm to 9.4mm. The 5.9-inch AMOLED screen retains the same 2,400 x 1,080 resolution, but the refresh rate has been increased from 120Hz to 144Hz for smoother gaming.
In terms of camera, a 13MP sensor with an increased field of view from 113 degrees to 120 degrees has taken the place of the ultra-wide camera. The 32MP RGBW sensor used by the front aperture camera (previously 12MP) now has extra white sub-pixels to improve low-light selfies at 8MP.
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Stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and two mics compatible with Nokia’s OZO Audio spatial capture and wind noise reduction are all present and correct on the Zenfone 10. It also retains the ZenTouch programmable unlock button. The latter allows users to set various actions. Say you can turn the camera on or off or navigate through a browser. The device’s NFC capability and IP68 water and dust resistance add to its appeal.
Prices and more
ASUS uses the Connex modular case technology. So the Zenfone 10 buyers can now attach a kickstand or silicone cardholder to the grid of holes on the back of the case. Users can also select a specific app, such as YouTube by default, to open when the kickstand is unfolded. To provide thicker and more durable cases, ASUS has partnered with Rhinoshield and DevilCase.
The Zenfone 10 is available for pre-order in Europe, with prices starting at €799 (around $870). There are five different color options: “Aurora Green,” “Midnight Black,” “Comet White,” “Eclipse Red,” and “Starry Blue.” We will learn about its arrival in the US later.
