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)
super
for the price, there is little as good. the camera is not the very best, but it is good enough to take very appealing photos. I can't say anything about the performance.
Pro
- large battery
- good cam
- Small but nice
- strong performance
- 3.5mm jack
- Many accessories in the packaging (charger)
- fast fingerprint scanner
Contra
- possibly cumbersome for left-handers because the fingerprint is on the right side.
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Midnight Black, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Perfect
Pro
- Very easy to use
- Intuitive camera with numerous adjustments
- Dual SIM
- Battery
- Design, colour
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Starry blue, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Handy phone - 2x warranty case
Small, handy phone for anyone with small hands :)
But... Within half a year I had the same error with 2 devices, after 2-3 months the SIM card was no longer recognised. So unfortunately I'm currently switching back to Samsung until something smaller comes out from another manufacturer.Pro
- Small
- Fast
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Midnight Black, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
I don't get it...
Actually a cool mobile...fast, good battery, and compact.
What I absolutely don't understand about a device in this new price class...the proximity sensor is so bad that some functions are constantly being activated during the call...For example, briefly tapping the off switch on the side as soon as the connection is established brings relief. Then....the device unlocks itself in the trouser pocket...really bad. Here too, the only solution is to leave the home screen blank...at least that way no action is performed immediately when it happens.
I don't understand how Asus can't get such basics under control...
And finally...the cool starry blue colour...looks nice...but quickly turns starry grey at the edges.....Pro
- Size
- Battery
- Processor
Contra
- Proximity sensor underground
- Unlocks itself
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Starry blue, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Refurbished version, great deal!
It's hard to switch from my little Sony to another smartphone, given the lack of reasonably-sized devices. I finally decided on this one, and so far I'm happy with it (I'm still getting to grips with it), even if it would have been great to go even smaller.
Pro
- Not too big
Contra
- Not so small
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Midnight Black, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
High-end smartphone. Lightweight and compact
Pro
- Super fast
- Stock Android = smooth and tidy
- Fingerprint sensor
- 120Hz Full HD Screen
Contra
- Camera is ok but nothing earth-shattering
- No optical zoom
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Starry blue, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
It is relatively small and does what it is supposed to do.
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Aurora Green, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
A good alternative to Huawei
A nice change after 6 years of using a Huawei p10, I just need to get used to it.
Pro
- Battery
- Size
- Interface
- Screen resolution and colours
Contra
- Lens size (very exposed to shocks)
- Digital fingerprint reader on right-hand side
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Starry blue, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Convincing
Firstly, I would like to recommend buying a used device from Galaxus. Although the phone was not in the best possible condition according to the description, it was as good as new. Only the packaging was clearly used.
In addition to the generally good features, I was interested in the phone because of its size and long battery life. Finally, I had to decide between a Pixel and the Zenfone.
The Pixel would probably have been the solid choice without any major positive or negative surprises. However, I wanted to take a look at the somewhat more niche Zenfone at least once and send it back if necessary. In retrospect, I'm very pleased that I didn't make any compromises beforehand. Although the size is not as compact as an iPhone Mini, it is noticeably more compact in everyday use than an iPhone 14 (which I currently use for work). The battery lasts a day without any problems, in my case even two days (charging is only from 20-80%, i.e. 60% capacity for two days). Of course, this value depends on usage. I see my smartphone primarily as an IT tool in everyday life, then as a multimedia device and finally as a camera.
Conclusion: Fulfils its niche exceptionally well. The user experience is fluid and contemporary and the cameras are more than sufficient for my needs.Pro
- Size
- Battery
- General technical equipment
Contra
- Security updates for "only" 4 years
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Starry blue, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Small and Brilliant
This is a great phone and is a one handed size, without many compromises. It's a breath of fresh air
Pro
- Compact
- Battery
- No bloatware
- Fast
Contra
- Back taps shortcut a bit inconsistent
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Aurora Green, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Small powerhouse
Pro
- Battery life
- Compact
- Excellent hardware
- Protective cover and mains adapter included
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Aurora Green, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Stick with stock Android and it would be the perfect mobile phone
The mobile phone is set up quickly and the old settings and data are transferred quite easily. The hardware is great.
However, I am annoyed by the customised Android. I have replaced certain apps with the standard version (e.g. Phone & Contacts) because I didn't like the customised alternative. I also miss the option of assigning accounts to a SIM card for calls. For example, connecting Gmail contacts to Sim1 and Outlook to Sim2 for calls. This seemed to work with Motorola and Android 13.Pro
- Size
- Display
- Performance
- Battery
Contra
- ZenUI
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Midnight Black, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
1 month of use
After a month, I'm writing another review here. I liked the mobile very much at the beginning, but now you can tell that Asus hasn't fully optimised the software and what bothers me the most is the front camera. I thought it wasn't that important or okay, but unfortunately I was wrong. The front camera is not even at budget smartphone level. The main camera is really great, but if you want to make a video call with someone or take a quick photo, you realise how bad the front camera is and that at a top smartphone price.
I don't need to talk much about the performance, because in my opinion it's complete overkill. I don't play games on the mobile and all I need is everyday use, but the camera bothers me a bit too much and that's why I'll probably send the device back.
Great of Galaxus to offer such a long return period!Pro
- Battery life
- Performance
- Screen
- Size
Contra
- Front camera
- Software
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Starry blue, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
Small, high-performance smartphone
Very good device, small, light and powerful. Unfortunately, the USB port isn't very robust and got damaged after only 6 months, despite using the original charger almost exclusively. Fortunately, there's wireless charging.
Unfortunately, the case supplied does not compensate for the extra thickness of the camera, so the phone is always unstable when used on a flat surface such as a desk.Pro
- Reduced size
- Good performance
- Wireless charging
Contra
- Fragile USB port
- No memory expansion
- Impossible to repair yourself
- Non-replaceable battery
- Camera overthickness
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Aurora Green, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
compact
Asus cannot compete with most other camera mobiles (test) here.
In low light, the Zenfone 10's photos lack a lot of detail, lack sharpness and look too smooth.
Asus has removed the autofocus - a bad trade-off
but the image quality is rather mid-range. For / 849.- /
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ASUS Zenfone 10. 256GB. FOR from.792.- :-(
Performance (1.1)
Features (1.1)
Battery (2.0)
Display (1.5)
Camera (1.8)
Appstore (1.0)
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Google Pixel 7a. FOR from. 423.- TOP! :-)
Performance (1.7)
Features (1.4)
Battery (2.0)
Display (1.2)
Camera (1.1)
Appstore (1.0)Pro
- colourful colours to choose from.
- compact
Contra
- Camera Good (1.8)
- Camera weak in the price range
- The mobile gets warm quickly
- Price. / over 900.- /black version...
This review was created for a different variant: Zenfone 10 (256 GB, Aurora Green, 5.90", Dual SIM, 50 Mpx, 5G)
