ASUS has officially announced the Zenfone 8 series of smartphones, consisting of two models: a “standard”, small size, along with a “Flip” model, similar to the Zenfone 6 and 7 models of previous years, with a rotating camera. However, both are equipped with high-end components and come with significant improvements compared to ASUS phones in 2020. Here is what it offers and how much the Zenfone 8 devices from ASUS in Romania cost.
Zenfone 8: the only compact “flasgship” with Android
The Zenfone 8 is referred to by ASUS as the “compact preformer”, and the fact that it comes with a 5.9 “screen in a market that generally launches devices with screens from 6.2” upwards, falls into this category. Of course, it is not the most compact flagship, Apple offering since last fall the iPhone 12 Mini model with 5.4 ”screen, which seems to be the main rival for this model in the market.
The hardware configuration includes the 120 Hz screen based on an AMOLED panel from Samsung with a brightness of 1,100 nits, 6, 8 or 16 GB of RAM, up to 256 GB of internal storage and a dual rear camera system of 64 (wide), respectively 12 megapixels (ultrawide). For such a small device, the 4,000 mAh battery is a welcome addition. The back is made of glass and has a matte texture, while on the front, ASUS has integrated Gorilla Glass Victus glass.
The Flip model is an upgrade rather than a 100% new model
The Zenfone 8 Flip is rather an upgrade of the previous generation, with no major differences in design or size. In fact, the “Flip” camera system looks identical, being only updated with newer and more powerful sensors. It still includes a 64-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide, but it also comes with an 8-megapixel 3x optical zoom. However, this rotating camera module is also used for selfies, so you will receive an improved quality for self-portraits on Zenfone 8 Flip.
The screen has a diagonal of 6.67 ”and a brightness of 1,000 nits, but it only comes with a refresh rate of 90 Hz, even if the smaller model benefits from 120 Hz. Also, the glass covering the screen is Gorilla Glass 6, not Victus. Otherwise, the phone is only available in two configurations with 8 GB RAM, 128 or 256 GB storage.
Basically, the smaller model is better equipped in many ways, less the battery. This model has a 5,000 mAh battery and could provide significantly better battery life, even if both use the same Snapdragon 888 processor. That’s because the Zenfone 8 Flip could have a more economical screen.
Robert J. Smith is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including JoyStiq and Android Authority. In regards to academics, Robert earned a degree in business from Fordham University. Robert has passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.