Asus Zenfone 8 The Ultimate Compact Powerhouse Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Asus Zenfone 8 offers a compact and robust design that distinguishes it in the market of oversized smartphones. Measuring 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm and weighing only 169 grams, it comfortably fits in hand and pockets, reflecting a commitment to ergonomics. The device is crafted with an aluminum frame sandwiched between a Gorilla Glass Victus front and a Gorilla Glass 3 back, ensuring both durability and a premium feel. Its sleek design is complemented by color options such as Obsidian Black and Horizon Silver, catering to both conservative and adventurous tastes.

Display

The Zenfone 8 features a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display, which is a rarity in modern smartphones focused on larger screens. Despite its smaller size, the screen is rich with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering a denser pixel density of around 446 ppi. This translates into a vibrant display with sharp, true-to-life images and excellent color reproduction. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 1100 nits, making it suitable for high-dynamic-range content and comfortable viewing in diverse lighting conditions. Protection is robust thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which safeguards against scratches and accidental drops.

Performance

Powering the Zenfone 8 is the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G processor, a high-performance chip fabricated using a 5nm process, which brings speed and efficiency to the device. The CPU is an octa-core setup composed of a single Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.84 GHz, three Cortex-A78 cores at 2.42 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.80 GHz, ensuring optimal balance between performance and power consumption. The Adreno 660 GPU further enhances graphics performance, catering to gaming needs and graphic-intensive applications. Real-world performance benchmarks are impressive, with AnTuTu scores reaching up to 799738 and GeekBench hitting 3604.

Memory and Storage

Asus Zenfone 8 offers multiple configurations reflecting its versatile appeal. Users can choose between RAM options ranging from 6GB to an impressive 16GB, paired with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. This provides ample freedom for multitasking and storing extensive libraries of applications, media, and files. However, the lack of expandable storage via a microSD card is a consideration for those requiring additional space.

Camera Capabilities

The dual camera system on the Zenfone 8 is another powerful aspect of this device. The main sensor is a 64 MP shooter with an f/1.8 aperture, featuring phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring stable and clear shots even in less ideal lighting conditions. Accompanied by a 12 MP ultrawide lens with a 112-degree field of view, it allows users to capture expansive landscapes and group photos. Video capabilities include remarkable 8K recording at 24fps, and slow-motion options up to 720p at 480fps, supported by gyro-EIS for smooth footage.

Selfie Camera

On the front, the 12 MP selfie camera is not just an afterthought. It offers features like dual pixel PDAF for quick focusing, facilitating high-quality self-portraits and video calls. This camera can also record videos in 4K resolution at 30fps, setting a high standard for selfie cameras in phones of this class.

Battery and Charging

The Zenfone 8 is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, which is ample for a device with a compact display and efficient processor. It supports 30W wired charging via the USB Type-C port, promising to charge up to 60% in just 25 minutes and fully in about 80 minutes. While this is efficient, the phone also supports reverse charging, enhancing its utility in sharing power with other devices.

Connectivity and Network

The device boasts comprehensive connectivity options. It supports a wide range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G, ensuring robust coverage. The phone includes dual SIM slots, and advanced Wi-Fi 6e connectivity. Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and a variety of GPS positioning systems (GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC) make it a highly connected device suitable for international use.

Sound and Media

Audio is delivered through stereo speakers, providing rich and immersive sound for a variety of media. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack is a welcome feature for audiophiles who prefer wired headphones. Furthermore, the device's audio quality is competitive with an advertised loudness level of -27.9 LUFS.

Software and Features

The Zenfone 8 originally ships with Android 11, with an upgrade available up to Android 13, offering users a blend of versatile features and reliable software updates. Asus' interface is relatively clean, providing useful customizations while maintaining the fluidity and functionality of stock Android. Security is handled with an under-display optical fingerprint scanner, paired with sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enhancing both usability and security.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 8 stands out in a market saturated with large devices by offering powerful performance in a compact form factor. It's built for users who desire a high-speed, feature-rich smartphone that is easy to handle and capable of keeping up with modern demands. Though limited by lack of expandable storage, its robust processing power, impressive display, and comprehensive camera capabilities make it a formidable contender in the compact flagship arena.