Can Asus strike the right balance between size, power, and performance?...

The Asus Zenfone 8 has nailed its particular niche: a small Android phone with top specs and a reasonable price. If that’s what you want, then look no further. But if you are searching for better camera or battery endurance, then you might want to consider an alternative such as the Samsung Galaxy...

Though the iPhone 12 mini didn't make quite the splash Apple anticipated, there are plenty of people shopping for a smartphone that's both powerful and palm-sized. The Asus Zenfone 8 ($629.99) fills the small-phone gap for flagship enthusiasts who prefer Android. In addition to stuffing a lot of power in its small frame, the Zenfone 8 packs a crisp 120Hz OLED display, capable cameras, and incredible sound. But millimeter-wave and wireless charging, both found on the iPhone 12 mini, are missing here, as is any support for Verizon subscribers. That's why the powerful, flexible $450 Google Pixel 5a remains our Editors' Choice among midrange phones.Perfectly Pocketable The Zenfone 8 measures 5.8 by 2.7 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 6 ounces, which is a little larger than the iPhone 12 mini (5.2 by 2.5 by 0.3 inches) and about on par with the Google Pixel 5 (5.7 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches). The important thing is that it's easy to use with one hand. The Zenfone 8's design language is sophi...

With two impressive cameras, a top-notch chipset, and a compact build, the Asus Zenfone 8 is a top choice for small-phone fans.

Hand-friendly size; Powerful processor; Excellent onboard audio; Flagship-quality photos

Lacks wireless charging; Software updates aren't guaranteed; Does not work on Verizon's network

Asus has built a steady presence in the mobile industry with help from its recent ROG Phone series . But it's been chasing a general audience (mostly in Asia) for much longer with its Zenfone lineup, attempting to please everyone and usually failing.

Size Smaller competent Android phones continue to be severely underrated and this entry puts even Sony's Compact lineup on notice., Display It's got excellent brightness and colors. 120Hz refresh is still rare at this price.

Software, again Some of the Asus customizations are annoying or unnecessary. Also, Asus’s track record on software updates is lagging., Camera Occasionally mediocre output on auto, especially in the selfie department.

I can't find any faults with this phone. I was searching for a smaller device after owning a Samsung S10+ and constantly dropping it constantly due to it's size. You can tell this thing was designed by engineers rather than a marketing department which will be of no surprise to anyone who is...

The Asus Zenfone 8 is a solid flagship phone at a sub-flagship price, though inevitably there are compromises: there’s no telephoto lens or wireless charging, and it misses out on its predecessor’s novel flip camera that let the rear lenses rotate forward to take selfie shots.

Top-level specs, Small form factor, Respectable camera capability

No telephoto lens, Middling battery life, No wireless charging

After a couple of generations making phones with flip-out cameras and increasingly large displays, Asus has taken the ZenFone 8 in a totally different direction: small.

Thoughtful compact design, Robust build quality and IP68 rating, Excellent Snapdragon 888 performance

Battery life is just okay, Only two major OS updates, No telephoto camera

All in all, the ASUS ZenFone 8 checks most of the requirements needed for a compact flagship device. It's lightweight, powerful, has good cameras, and the battery performance is respectable. However, you shouldn't get it just because it's cheaper than dedicated gaming phones.

Seven years after the first Zenfone arrived in shelves to much anticipation, Asus will be hoping that its latest Zenfone 8 can hit the jackpot when it comes to a well designed, attractively priced flagship phone.

We never knew how much we missed small flagships until we started using the in the Philippines again. It might be small, but it’s a full-fledged top-end flagship that’s memorable for all the right reasons

The small size makes it easier to use one-handed, As powerful as full-sized flagships today, Relatively affordable price

No telephoto camera, Mediocre battery life