Design and Build: Masterclass in Compact Engineering
The Asus Zenfone 10 immediately stands out in a landscape dominated by oversized slabs. Its defining characteristic is its remarkably compact form factor. Measuring just 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm and weighing a manageable 172 grams, it fits effortlessly in one hand and slides into any pocket. Asus refines the design language established by the Zenfone 9, retaining the signature two-tone back panel but introducing softer, more rounded corners for enhanced comfort. The matte-finish polymer back (available in Starry Blue, Midnight Black, Eclipse Red, Aurora Green, and Comet White) provides excellent grip, significantly reducing the risk of accidental drops – a crucial advantage for a device meant to be used single-handedly. Build quality is exceptional, featuring a durable aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the front display. Despite its size, it feels substantial and premium, achieving IP68 dust and water resistance for peace of mind. The conveniently placed side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as a capacitive touchpad, enabling intuitive gestures for scrolling or pulling down the notification shade – a genius solution for one-handed usability.
Display: Brilliance Packed into 5.9 Inches
Don’t let the 5.9-inch Samsung E4 AMOLED panel fool you – this is a flagship-grade display condensed into a compact frame. The Full HD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution delivers sharp, detailed visuals with vibrant colors and deep, true blacks inherent to AMOLED technology. With a peak brightness reaching up to 1100 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent even under harsh sunlight. A smooth 144Hz refresh rate (adjustable down to 90Hz, 60Hz, or Auto) ensures buttery-smooth scrolling, responsive gaming, and a fluid overall user experience, rivaling much larger flagship devices. The display supports HDR10 and HDR10+ content, enhancing contrast and color depth for immersive video watching. While bezels exist, they are symmetrical and minimal, maximizing screen real estate within the compact chassis. An optical under-display fingerprint sensor is notably absent; instead, Asus wisely retains the faster and more reliable side-mounted sensor integrated into the power button, perfectly positioned for natural thumb access.
Performance: Uncompromised Flagship Powerhouse
Beneath its compact exterior, the Zenfone 10 houses the formidable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor – the same chip powering the most expensive Android flagships of its generation. Paired with either 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB using ultra-fast UFS 4.0 technology, this phone delivers raw performance that obliterates any notion of compromise due to size. Benchmarks consistently place it among the top Android performers. Real-world usage is flawless: apps launch instantly, multitasking is effortless even with demanding applications, and graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile run at high settings with sustained frame rates. Asus employs a sophisticated vapor chamber cooling system coupled with a redesigned graphite film layer, effectively managing thermals to prevent significant throttling during prolonged gaming sessions. The Zenfone 10 proves categorically that compact phones don’t need to sacrifice processing muscle, offering a truly flagship experience.
Camera System: Punching Above Its Weight Class
Asus packs a surprisingly versatile and potent dual-camera array into the Zenfone 10. The star is the upgraded 50MP Sony IMX766 main sensor (f/1.9 aperture), featuring a revolutionary 6-axis hybrid gimbal stabilizer 2.0. This advanced stabilization technology works phenomenally well, virtually eliminating handshake for incredibly smooth video recording (up to 8K/24fps) and enabling sharp, blur-free photos even in challenging low-light conditions or while moving. The gimbal allows for longer handheld exposures, capturing more light for superior night shots. Accompanying it is a 13MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2, 120-degree FoV) that doubles as a competent macro shooter. While lacking a dedicated telephoto lens, the main sensor’s high resolution enables usable 2x lossless zoom. Computational photography shines with features like AI-powered scene optimization, a dedicated Night mode, and robust Pro controls. Video capabilities are impressive, supporting 8K, 4K at up to 60fps, and HyperSteady EIS for ultra-smooth footage. The 32MP front-facing camera (RGBW sensor, f/2.5) delivers excellent selfies and clear video calls.
Battery Life & Charging: Small Phone, Big Stamina
Defying expectations for its size, the Zenfone 10 boasts exceptional battery endurance thanks to its 4300mAh cell – a significant capacity for a sub-6-inch device. Combined with the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and intelligent software optimizations, it consistently delivers a full day, and often well into a second day, of moderate to heavy usage on a single charge. Streaming video, browsing, social media, and even moderate gaming are handled with ease. When it’s time to recharge, the phone supports 30W HyperCharge wired charging (adapter included), capable of reaching 50% in approximately 30 minutes. It also supports 15W Qi wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging for topping up accessories like earbuds. Power-saving modes further extend longevity when needed. This combination of large capacity, efficient hardware, and versatile charging options makes the Zenfone 10 a reliability champion.
Software & User Experience: Clean, Customizable ZenUI
The Zenfone 10 launches with Android 13, overlaid with Asus’s refined ZenUI. This interface is a breath of fresh air, prioritizing a clean, near-stock Android aesthetic while thoughtfully adding genuinely useful features. Asus commits to two major Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates. ZenUI’s strengths lie in its customization options tailored for one-handed use. Features like the One-handed mode, adjustable quick settings panel height, and the versatile Edge Tool (a swipe-in sidebar for apps and tools) enhance usability. The capacitive touchpad functionality on the power button is uniquely practical. Gamers benefit from the Game Genie overlay. Crucially, bloatware is minimal, and performance feels snappy and responsive. Asus includes thoughtful additions like a system-wide equalizer, advanced scheduling options, and extensive theming capabilities without overwhelming the user. The software experience feels polished, efficient, and user-centric.
Audio, Haptics & Extras: Premium Sensory Experience
Asus doesn’t overlook the details that elevate the user experience. The Zenfone 10 features a superb stereo speaker setup. The bottom-firing main speaker pairs with the earpiece, delivering loud, clear, and surprisingly rich audio with decent bass presence for a phone, making media consumption enjoyable without headphones. The highlight, however, is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack – a rarity in modern flagships – catering to audiophiles and users with wired headphones. Audio quality through the jack is excellent, supported by Dirac Virtuo for immersive spatial sound with headphones and Dirac Power Sound for speaker optimization. Haptics are another high point; the linear vibration motor provides precise, sharp, and satisfying feedback for typing, navigation gestures, and notifications, rivaling the best in the industry. Connectivity is top-tier with Wi-Fi 7 readiness (6E supported), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and comprehensive global 5G band support. Dual nano-SIM slots offer flexibility.
Unique Selling Points: Defining the Compact Niche
The Asus Zenfone 10 carves its niche through several distinctive features. Its uncompromised compact size remains its core identity, offering flagship power in a truly pocketable form. The 6-axis gimbal-stabilized main camera provides unparalleled stability for both photos and video, a technological marvel rarely seen elsewhere. The capacitive touchpad integrated into the power button is an ingenious solution for one-handed control, enabling scrolling and notifications with a thumb swipe. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside excellent speakers and haptics caters to multimedia enthusiasts. Finally, its remarkable battery life defies the constraints of its small chassis. These elements combine to create a unique proposition: a no-compromise flagship experience delivered in a uniquely manageable size, appealing directly to users fatigued by ever-growing smartphones.