This story was originally published on May 13, 2021, and last updated on May 14, 2021.
At least one of its models still has the triple Flip Camera. Two Asus smartphones are coming out soon for this new Zenfone 8 series. One is more pocketable than the other, and the other is reminiscent of the Zenfone that came before it.
ASUS Zenfone 8
If a more “compact” device is your speed, you might prefer the regular Zenfone 8. We use the term compact loosely as a 5.9-inch device is still a pretty large phone. But by today’s standards, it’s more pocketable. According to the ASUS, its priority for this device is to get the smallest phone without sacrificing performance/battery life.
It’s armed with a 5.9-inch Samsung AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, 2,400 x 1,080 FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rate. This screen reaches a peak brightness of 1,100 nits with 112% DCI-P3 color gamut, Delta E<1 color accuracy, and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The panel is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. All of that information basically promises that you get a bright and crisp display.
The Zenfone 8 runs on the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset paired with Adreno 660 GPU, Android 11 with ZenUI 8, 6GB, 8GB, or 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage. Configurations will vary depending on the region. This 5G-ready phone also features the latest wireless tech, including WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC. Plus, it offers IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance.
The battery is slightly on the smaller side at 4,000mAh, but it supports 30-watt HyperCharge and Quick Charge 4.0. It has steady charging and charging limit technologies to help you preserve your battery.
The Zenfone 8 loses its camera’s flipping ability. Instead, you’ll get a Sony IMX686 64-megapixel with optical image stabilization and a Sony IMX363 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor that supports macro photography at the back. In front, there’s a Sony IMX663 camera. You can shoot up to 8K at 24fps with the primary camera. The rear shooters support 3-axis electronic image stabilization. You can also record time-lapses and slow motion up to 4K.
Some sample images we got from ASUS Philippines:
The ASUS Zenfone 8 is available in Obsidian Black and Horizon Silver. Pricing starts at EUR 599 (around PHP 34,694).
Zenfone 8 Flip
This year’s Zenfone 8 Flip is pretty similar to last year’s models with a 6.67-inch FHD+ all-screen AMOLED display with a 92% screen-to-body ratio, 20:9 aspect ratio, 90Hz refresh rate, and 200Hz touch sampling rate. It supports 110% DCI-P3 color gamut, Delta E<1 color accuracy, 100,000:1 contrast ratio, 1000 nits peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection.
The ZenFone 8 Flip has the same processor and GPU as the Zenfone 8, but it only has 8GB of RAM with either 128GB or 256GB of storage options. This model packs in the bigger 5,000mAh battery. It also offers the same connectivity options as the Zenfone 8, including 5G connectivity. ASUS is positioning the Zenfone 8 Flip more as a follow-up to the Zenfone 7 Flip instead of the Zenfone 7 Pro, but we don’t know if there will be a Pro option for the Zenfone 8.
This handset also retains the same primary and ultra-wide sensors as the Zenfone 8 and the previous generation Zenfone 7 phones. It also has the same 8-megapixel telephoto lens as its predecessor. There is no camera in front as the Zenfone 8 Flip’s cameras will flip up to take your selfies. For those who vlog, it’ll be a useful tool, especially since you get to use the primary lens for your videos.
According to ASUS, it can handle 300,000 flips, translating to 150 flips per day for over five years. The Zenfone 8 Flip has a Quick Angle Shooting mode, where a simple tap automatically flips the camera to a set position (default 0, 45, 90, or 135 degrees). This feature should make for fun and exciting photos and videos. The Zenfone 8 Flip can also record up to 8K UHD.
Some sample shots of the Zenfone 8 Flip:
You can get the ASUS Zenfone 8 Flip in Galactic Black and Glacier Silver. Pricing starts at EUR 799 (around PHP 46,277).
For local availability, we’ll make sure to keep you posted on any updates.
ASUS Philippines just revealed the local pricing for both the Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip.
- ASUS Zenfone 8 (8GB/128GB) – PHP 34,995
- ASUS Zenfone 8 (16GB/256GB) – PHP 39,995
- ASUS Zenfone 8 Flip (8GB/256GB) – PHP 39,995
Pre-orders for the ASUS Zenfone 8 kick off today at official ASUS Concept Stores, accredited online sites, and offline shops. Those who pre-order either device will receive a free Rhinoshield Solidsuit Hardcase and a JBL Go 3. Pre-orders for the Zenfone 8 will be until May 25, while you have until June 10 to pre-order the ASUS Zenfone 8 Flip. You can head to this link for more details.
UPDATE 1: 2021/05/14 3:24 P.M. GMT+8 BY NICOLE BATAC
Updated with pricing and pre-order details, plus sample photos