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In the fast-paced world of smartphones, bigger isn't always better. While large-screen flagships have their merits, compact smartphones that combine portability with powerful performance are gaining popularity. ASUS, a brand known for pushing boundaries, has once again stepped up to the plate with their Zenfone 10 – a compact powerhouse designed to deliver a monstrous performance in a smaller form factor. In this review, we'll take a deep dive into the ASUS Zenfone 10 and explore what makes it a contender in the compact smartphone arena.
Design and Build
The first thing that strikes you about the ASUS Zenfone 10 is its compact design. With a 6.1-inch OLED display, it's refreshingly smaller than many of its competitors. This makes it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand, a feature that's increasingly rare in today's smartphone landscape.
The phone is built with premium materials, featuring a glass front and back, and an aluminum frame. Its design is elegant and understated, with a choice of colors that includes classic black and a sleek silver. The placement of physical buttons, such as the volume rocker and power button, is well thought out and easily accessible.
Display
Despite its compact size, the Zenfone 10 doesn't compromise on display quality. The 6.1-inch OLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. It boasts a Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp visuals and making it a joy to consume multimedia content, whether it's watching videos or browsing through photos.
The 90Hz refresh rate adds to the overall smoothness of the display, making interactions with the device feel snappy and responsive. ASUS has also included HDR10+ support, which enhances the viewing experience when streaming high-quality content from platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Performance
Where the ASUS Zenfone 10 truly shines is in its performance. Under the hood, it's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, one of the most powerful chipsets available. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM, this device handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications with ease. Whether you're a gamer who craves high frame rates or a multitasker who juggles numerous apps, the Zenfone 10 has you covered.
Gaming performance is particularly impressive, with ASUS's Game Genie software offering features like performance mode, notification blocking, and game recording. Games run smoothly, and the device doesn't overheat, thanks to ASUS's cooling technology.
Camera
The Zenfone 10 features a versatile camera system. The main 64-megapixel sensor captures sharp and detailed photos, while the ultra-wide and macro lenses allow for creative photography. The camera software provides a host of features, including various shooting modes and AI enhancements that improve image quality in various lighting conditions.
For selfie enthusiasts, the 24-megapixel front camera takes clear and vibrant shots. The overall camera experience on the Zenfone 10 is excellent for a compact device, and it's capable of competing with larger, more camera-centric smartphones.
Battery Life and Charging
Compact doesn't mean sacrificing battery life. The ASUS Zenfone 10 comes equipped with a 4,000mAh battery that easily gets you through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. Additionally, the device supports 30W fast charging, ensuring that you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time enjoying your phone.
Software
The Zenfone 10 runs on ASUS's ZenUI, which is based on Android 12. The software experience is clean and user-friendly, with thoughtful customizations and a relatively light bloatware load. ASUS has a good track record of providing timely updates, so users can expect ongoing support and security updates.
Conclusion
The ASUS Zenfone 10 is a compact smartphone that punches well above its weight. Its combination of a compact form factor, powerful performance, and a capable camera system makes it a compelling option for users who prioritize portability without compromising on features. Whether you're a mobile gamer, a photography enthusiast, or a multitasker on the go, the Zenfone 10 has something to offer.
In a market flooded with oversized flagships, the ASUS Zenfone 10 stands out as a monster performer in a compact package. If you're in the market for a high-performance compact smartphone, this device deserves a spot on your shortlist. ASUS has once again proven that great things come in small packages.