ASUS Zenfone 10 Overview, Features, and Buying Guide
The ASUS Zenfone 10 represents a rare breed in today’s smartphone market—a genuinely compact flagship that doesn’t compromise on performance. Released in July 2023, this phone targets users who want top-tier specifications without the bulk that typically comes with modern flagships. Measuring just 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm and weighing 172 grams, it fits comfortably in one hand while packing the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
ASUS has positioned this device for those who value portability without sacrificing capability. The 5.92-inch Super AMOLED display offers a 144Hz refresh rate, though this higher refresh rate activates specifically in supported games. With IP68 water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus protection, the Zenfone 10 balances durability with its pocket-friendly dimensions.
The camera system features a 50MP main sensor with gimbal OIS—a stabilization technology typically reserved for premium devices—paired with a 13MP ultrawide lens. Storage options range from 128GB with 8GB RAM up to 512GB with 16GB RAM, all utilizing fast UFS 4.0 storage. The 4300mAh battery supports 30W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and even 5W reverse wired charging for accessories.
What Makes the ASUS Zenfone 10 Worth Buying?
The Zenfone 10’s most compelling advantage is its compact form factor combined with flagship-level performance. While most manufacturers have abandoned smaller phones, ASUS delivers a device that genuinely fits in standard pockets and allows comfortable one-handed use. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset ensures this phone won’t struggle with demanding applications or multitasking, making it a powerhouse in a small package.
Gimbal OIS in the main camera sets this phone apart from competitors. This advanced stabilization system produces noticeably smoother video footage compared to standard optical image stabilization. Content creators who shoot vlogs or social media videos will appreciate the professional-looking results without needing external gimbals. The camera captures 8K video at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, offering flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
The display impresses with its 144Hz refresh rate in supported games, HDR10+ support, and peak brightness of 1100 nits. This combination makes outdoor visibility excellent even in direct sunlight. The Super AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, while the 445 ppi density ensures sharp text and images despite the smaller screen size.
Audio enthusiasts will value the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack—a feature increasingly rare in flagship phones. Paired with 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio support, Snapdragon Sound, and stereo speakers, the Zenfone 10 caters to users who prioritize sound quality. The comprehensive Bluetooth codec support includes aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless for wireless listening.
Value comes from the combination of premium features typically found in larger, more expensive flagships. The phone offers Wi-Fi 7 support, comprehensive 5G band coverage, dual-SIM functionality, and an under-display fingerprint sensor positioned on the side for quick access. IP68 certification means the phone survives dust exposure and submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Things to Know Before Choosing the ASUS Zenfone 10
Battery capacity at 4300mAh sits below the average for modern smartphones. The compact dimensions naturally limit battery size, so users with heavy usage patterns might need to charge during the day. While 30W charging helps mitigate this concern by filling the battery relatively quickly, it’s not as fast as the 65W or 100W charging speeds available on some competitors.
The smaller 5.92-inch screen won’t suit everyone. Those who consume lots of video content, read extensively, or need larger displays for productivity tasks might find the screen cramped. Gaming on a compact display can also feel limiting compared to 6.5-inch or larger screens common on competing devices.
Software support includes two major Android upgrades from the Android 13 base, meaning the phone should receive updates through Android 15. This update commitment is shorter than some manufacturers who now promise three or four years of major updates. Security patch longevity wasn’t specified in the details provided, which could be a consideration for users planning to keep the phone for several years.
The plastic back construction, while helping keep weight down, doesn’t feel as premium as the glass backs found on many flagships. Some users might perceive this as a compromise in build quality, even though it contributes to the phone’s lightweight feel and can actually improve drop resistance.
Storage expansion isn’t an option—there’s no microSD card slot. Users must choose their storage capacity wisely at purchase, as there’s no way to expand it later. The lack of expandable storage means those who store large amounts of photos, videos, or games should opt for the 256GB or 512GB variants.
The 144Hz refresh rate only activates in supported games rather than providing a system-wide high refresh rate experience. For general interface navigation and scrolling, the phone operates at a lower refresh rate. Users expecting constant 144Hz smoothness throughout all apps might feel disappointed by this limitation.
Is the ASUS Zenfone 10 Right for You?
Mobile Photographers and Video Creators: The gimbal OIS technology makes this phone particularly attractive for content creation. Vloggers, social media influencers, and anyone who shoots video regularly will benefit from the superior stabilization. The 8K video capability and comprehensive manual controls provide creative flexibility without carrying bulky camera equipment.
Compact Phone Enthusiasts: Anyone frustrated by the ever-increasing size of modern smartphones will find the Zenfone 10 refreshing. It delivers flagship performance without requiring two hands for basic operations. Users with smaller hands, those who prioritize portability, or people who simply prefer compact devices have few alternatives at this performance level.
Mobile Gamers: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with Adreno 740 GPU handles demanding games smoothly, while the 144Hz display in supported titles provides a competitive edge. The compact size makes extended gaming sessions less fatiguing on the hands. However, the smaller battery and screen might not satisfy gamers who prioritize marathon sessions or prefer larger displays for immersive gaming.
Audio Enthusiasts: The 3.5mm jack, Hi-Res audio certification, and comprehensive Bluetooth codec support make this phone ideal for users who take sound quality seriously. Audiophiles who use wired headphones or high-quality wireless audio gear will appreciate the attention to audio specifications that many flagship phones now ignore.
Power Users on the Go: Professionals who need flagship performance but don’t want to carry a large device will benefit from this combination. The phone handles multitasking, productivity apps, and communication tools smoothly thanks to the powerful chipset and up to 16GB of RAM. The IP68 rating adds durability for active lifestyles.
Not Ideal For: Heavy users who need all-day battery life without charging, those who prefer large screens for media consumption, budget-conscious buyers (flagship pricing applies), or users who require the longest possible software support timelines.
Best Alternatives to the ASUS Zenfone 10
Samsung Galaxy S23: Offers similar compact dimensions with a 6.1-inch display, comparable Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance, and longer software support with four major Android updates. The battery is slightly larger at 3900mAh, though still modest. Samsung’s cameras use different technology without gimbal OIS, but the overall camera system is highly competitive.
Apple iPhone 13 Mini / iPhone 14: For iOS users seeking compact flagships, these iPhones provide smaller form factors with powerful A-series chips. The ecosystem integration, longer software support, and refined cameras compete well, though they lack the Android customization and 3.5mm jack the Zenfone 10 offers.
Google Pixel 7a: Provides excellent value with Google’s computational photography advantages and guaranteed Android updates directly from Google. The Tensor G2 chip performs well for most tasks, though it can’t quite match the raw performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The 6.1-inch display is slightly larger, and there’s no gimbal OIS or headphone jack.
Sony Xperia 5 V: Another compact flagship option with a 6.1-inch display, professional-grade camera features, and a 3.5mm jack. Sony’s photography pedigree shows in the camera system, though the phone typically costs more than the Zenfone 10. The taller 21:9 aspect ratio creates a different handling experience.
ASUS Zenfone 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ASUS Zenfone 10 support wireless charging?
Yes, the ASUS Zenfone 10 supports 15W wireless charging in addition to 30W wired charging with PD3.0, PPS, and QC4 support. The phone also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing users to charge compatible accessories or other devices using a cable connected to the Zenfone 10. While 15W wireless charging isn’t the fastest available, it provides convenient cable-free charging for overnight use or desk charging scenarios.
Is the ASUS Zenfone 10 waterproof?
The ASUS Zenfone 10 carries an IP68 rating, making it dust tight and water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This means the phone can handle accidental submersion in water, rain exposure, and dusty environments without damage. However, IP68 doesn’t mean the phone is completely waterproof—it shouldn’t be used for underwater photography or deliberately submerged beyond the rated depth and time. The rating covers fresh water, so saltwater or chlorinated pool water exposure should be followed by rinsing with fresh water.
What makes the gimbal OIS different from regular OIS?
Gimbal OIS in the ASUS Zenfone 10 provides superior stabilization compared to standard optical image stabilization. Traditional OIS moves the lens element to compensate for hand shake, while gimbal OIS uses a more sophisticated multi-axis stabilization system similar to handheld camera gimbals. This results in noticeably smoother video footage, especially when walking or moving while recording. The technology particularly benefits vloggers and content creators who need professional-looking stabilization without carrying external equipment.
Can I expand the storage on the ASUS Zenfone 10?
No, the ASUS Zenfone 10 does not include a microSD card slot for storage expansion. Users must choose between the available internal storage options: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, all utilizing fast UFS 4.0 storage technology. This means storage selection at purchase is important, especially for users who capture lots of photos and videos, download large games, or store extensive offline media. Cloud storage services can supplement internal storage, but require internet connectivity to access files.
How long will the ASUS Zenfone 10 receive software updates?
The ASUS Zenfone 10 ships with Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive up to 2 major Android upgrades, meaning it should be updated through Android 15. This update commitment is shorter than some competitors who now offer three or four years of major Android updates. The specific duration of security patch support wasn’t detailed in the official specifications, so users concerned about long-term software support may want to verify this information directly with ASUS or check their update policy documentation.