ASUS Zenfone 10
256 GB, Comet White, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G
Product ratings
Pros
Cons
21 reviews
Compact and powerful, a delight to use.
I wanted a compact phone and had a hard time choosing between this and the Galaxy S23. The reasons why I went with the Zenfone were:
1. The bold design. It is a breath of fresh air amid all the similar looking phones. The S23 is boring (personal preference).
2. Again a personal preference, but I dislike Samsung's UI and bloatware. The Zenfone is clean, almost stock Android and even makes a couple of welcome changes e.g. option to switch to old Android-style compact toggles for wi-fi etc.
3. The S23 has a 3X telephoto lens which this phone lacks. It is not a big deal for me though because I rarely, if ever, feel the need to zoom in 3x or more when using my phone camera. Below 3x zoom, both phones will use the primary sensor and crop the image. Neither phone has stellar flagship-grade cameras though which is a shame at this price.
4. They are both similarly sized. S23 manages to accommodate a larger screen which is great. The Zenfone, on the other hand, is slightly narrower, and with the 5.9" screen, is better for one-handed use.
5. This has 2 years of OS updates vs 4 years on S23 and 4 years of security updates vs 5 years on S23. I honestly don't care about Android version upgrades. The changes are generally small and hardly noticeable. Security updates are important though. However, taking into account the release dates of the two phones, it's only a 6 month difference, so not a deal breaker.
6. Zenfone has bigger battery, faster charging, charger included in the box and a headphone jack.
Having used this for about a week now, I'm really happy with my decision. The phone is a delight to use. Performance is great and it's very responsive.
The camera, mainly the software, could have been better though. The colors lack warmth and there is sometimes a significant shutter lag. Hopefully future updates (or a good Gcam port) will improve things. However, in sharpness and detail, it beats my iPhone 12 hands down.Pro
- Compact form factor, actually usable with one hand.
- Performance. Powerful chip. Fast and responsive.
- Clean UI. No bloatware.
- Display
- Looks great!
Contra
- Camera software
- Heats up a bit when charging
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Starry blue, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Has everything that is needed if you are not too spoilt
I'm very happy with the Zenfone 10. I switched from the Huawei P20 Pro (after 5 years) and the form factor is minimally smaller but it sits really well in the hand. You have to be able to use the camera to get what you had in mind. The device gets warm when charging or during intensive use, but that's not a problem for me.
I like the image stabilisation, but so far I have always managed to get everything sharp, even without such gimmicks.
The overall responsiveness during use is very good. Ok, I came from a Huawei P20 Pro which is 5 years old, so anything newer is faster....
Data cloning from the old to the new smartphone worked wonderfully via USB-C and was quick.
There might be an update once I've used it for a few months.
Pictures attached:
- Antutu benchmark
- Löwendenkmal (manual mode) at night around 21:30, 22.7.23
- Kappelibrücke (manual mode) around 20:00, 22.7.23Pro
- Camera good (you just have to know how to use it)
- Fast charging
- Gyro helpful
- Dual Sim works without problems
- The form factor is perfect for me
- Performance super
- 8k 24fps -> if you need that
Contra
- Nothing yet, maybe still to come
- 50MP only possible in 4:3, but who needs this resolution ;-)
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Midnight Black, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Almost perfect for me
After my beloved Sony xz2 compact passed away, I had to look for an alternative.
Due to the size, the only choices were the S23 and the Zenfone 10. Since Samsung didn't convince me with its bloatware and few design options, I chose the Zenfone and it hasn't disappointed me so far.
Whether the updates will be enough remains to be seen, but most mobiles are not used for more than 3 years anyway. The lack of an optical camera zoom is a pity, but maybe they will improve this in the next model. It's enough for me and after 2 weeks of intensive use, I'm very satisfied with my choice.Pro
- Setting options
- Battery
- Size
Contra
- Camera zoom digital only
- Android updates
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Midnight Black, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Ultra fast small smartphone
Pro
- CPU
- Display
- Battery
- Camera
- Loudspeaker
- Wireless charging
- Headphone jack
- Large colour selection
- Compact
Contra
- Fast charger only 30 Watt
- Expensive
- No protection case at the moment
- e-sim
- Memory expansion
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Starry blue, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Best battery and 3.5mm
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Aurora Green, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Good alternative to mainstream smartphones
Bought as a replacement for a two-year-old Zenfone 8, primarily to be able to charge inductively in the car. The fingerprint scanner, which is no longer in the screen but on the side, is a real gain.
Apart from that, there are no significant differences at first glancePro
- Compact
- Wireless charging
- Headphone socket
- Processor
- No bloatware
- Fingerprint scanner on the side works much better than when placed on the screen
- Hard plastic back cover and charger included
Contra
- No SD card slot
- Camera protrudes strongly from the housing, causing the device to wobble when placed on the back
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Midnight Black, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
6 out of 21 reviews
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