13 May
Blog

Asus Zenfone Flip Review: The Selfie Master Returns

Asus Zenfone 8 Flip review

Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Review: The Selfie Master Returns

"The Zenfone 8 Flip's unique motorized camera module makes it the best selfie camera you can buy, but the rest of the phone goes unnoticed because of its sturdy body and recycled design."

  • Motorized camera means amazing selfies

  • Excellent audio

  • Ideal for playing

  • Fast, reliable software

  • No water resistance

  • No wireless charging

  • Big and heavy

If you expect the Zenfone 8 Flip to be a radical departure from the Zenfone 7 Pro, you will be disappointed as the phone is almost identical to the 2020 flagship on the outside. It's also not exactly Asus' big release for 2021, evidenced by the lack of a "Pro" suffix. This honor actually goes to the “compact flagship” Zenfone 8.

So should you even care? Yes, as some important changes have been made internally and the technically very clever motorized camera module means it's still one of the best smartphones you can buy if you really love selfies. Just don't expect the rest of the phone to delight you in the same way.

design

Give or take a few tenths of a millimeter, the Zenfone 8 Flip is exactly the same size and shape as the Zenfone 7 Pro. Asus may have kept the Zenfone 8's body less than 70mm wide to make it easy to use with one hand, but the Zenfone 8 Pro doesn't. It is 77 mm wide, 9.8 mm thick and weighs 230 grams. The back is made of glass, the body is made of metal, and the flip camera module is made of liquid metal for strength and lightness.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The flip camera is the reason you buy the Zenfone 8 Flip because it allows you to use the rear cameras for selfie tasks too. The motor – a wonderful piece of technology on a small scale – quickly flips the camera out and over the top of the phone so that the three cameras are pointed at you. It's a very mechanical experience as you can hear and feel the motors and gears working at the same time, a very unusual tactile feeling on a modern smartphone. It's fast and smooth, and Asus has upgraded the components to improve durability. Now it promises to last at least 300,000 flips compared to 200,000 on the Zenfone 7 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I like the flip camera. It's unique, works very well, and has features not available on any other smartphone. However, the entire Zenfone 8 Pro package is dated as the design hasn't changed at all from last year's phone, and it arguably isn't much different from the Zenfone 6 Flip either. The Zenfone 8 Flip is big, heavy, thick, and just not nifty or pretty enough compared to phones like the OnePlus 9 Pro, iPhone 12, and Samsung Galaxy S21. This makes the Zenfone 8 Pro more difficult to sell, despite the pull of the flip camera.

screen

The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen on the front of the Zenfone 8 Flip, made by Samsung, is not interrupted by a punch or notch, as the flip camera makes something like that irrelevant. It has a refresh rate of 90 Hz, a touch sampling rate of 200 Hz, a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits and special features such as a DCI-P3 color gamut. Asus claims the bezels are smaller than the Zenfone 7 Pro, but I don't see much of a difference.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's the popular 20: 9 aspect ratio that's shared by phones like the Galaxy S21 and OnePlus 9. As you'd expect, it's great for watching videos and games. It's an FHD + resolution, but I didn't miss the higher resolution that phones like the OnePlus 9 Pro offer under normal circumstances, and it also extends the battery life. It doesn't have an extreme curve on either side, so it's mostly flat, which can be attractive too.

For lengthy viewing sessions, the size and weight made the Zenfone 8 Flip more tiring than lighter and more compact devices, and while the screen is bright and colorful, the lack of a front-facing selfie camera cutout isn't enough to excite me about having it over one of the other really impressive phone screens like the iPhone 12 Pro, OnePlus 9 Pro, and Galaxy S21 +.

camera

The Zenfone 8 Flip has a total of three cameras, all of which are in the same module. The main model is a 64-megapixel Sony IMX686 with an aperture of f / 1.8, phase-detection autofocus and 8K video recording with electronic image stabilization. The second is a 12MP Sony IMX363 wide angle camera with f / 2.2 aperture and auto focus, and the third is an 8MP camera with 3x optical zoom.

Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Review Mirrored CameraAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Review Flip Cam BackAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus Zenfone 8 Flip review cam angleAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

For a rear camera, the Zenfone 8 Flip's setup is decent but not outstanding, but for a front camera setup, it's about the best you can get. All of the above features, as well as various video modes, are ready for selfies too. That means wide-angle selfies, 3x zoom selfies, and even 8K video selfies if that's what you really want, and absolutely no other phone offers the same functionality in its front-facing camera.

Even the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, with its tiny rear screen, isn't as easy to use as the Zenfone 8 Flip for high-quality selfies, as you're staring at the full 6.67-inch screen as you shoot. The Asus camera app is great too and offers plenty of speed to suit its functionality. The flip module can be set to different angles via a context menu that allows you to take photos from unusual angles. The motorized flip camera has an automatic panorama mode where it moves for you instead of moving the phone and a tracking mode.

All of this is very good, but does the camera take good photos? It's technically very similar to the Zenfone 8's camera, which means the photos are very easy to share due to the strong HDR effect and bright, eye-catching colors. I think they look great, and I prefer this to an underexposed shot that I have to edit before I want to share it. It's not very consistent, however, and the wide-angle camera struggles with difficult lighting. I stuck to using the main camera and 3x optical zoom, which adds to the versatility of the Zenfone 8 Flip's camera.

You can choose different angles for the flip module with the push of a button, but I'm having trouble finding a scenario where this makes a lot of sense. The auto panorama mode is effective and improves sewing because there is no camera shake when panning. The motion tracking also uses the motorized module and keeps up very well, provided the subject isn't moving too fast. While all of these fun little features work well, they are a little tricky and probably won't get used very often.

The Zenfone 8 Flip has a good rear camera that takes photos that you love to share without messing around with a lot of editing and an amazing front camera that takes better selfies than any other phone. It's a strange statement when you know the back and the selfie camera are one and the same. Compared to other phones like this one, the Zenfone 8 Flip's unique camera feature ensures that it stands out from the selfie crowd.

Performance and software

Asus' ZenUI interface is based on Android 11 and roughly corresponds to the experience you get with a Google Pixel phone. It is therefore relatively free of unnecessary apps, functions and functions. It's clean, easy-to-use software with a lot of Android features that I like, including a great dark theme, simple settings menu, standard notifications without changing the notification shade, and an easy turn-off screen when you hold down the power button. It may sound silly, but these make the phone logical and pleasant to live with on a daily basis. It was completely reliable too.

asus zenfone 8 flip review appsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Review AngleAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Review Refresh RateAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Review Screen HandheldAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

I really enjoyed playing on the Zenfone 8 Flip thanks to a combination of the monster performance of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, the 20: 9 aspect ratio screen, and the superb audio I'm used to from Asus. It's not quite on par with the ROG Phone 5, but it's pretty close with a deep, melodic, and distortion-free sound at almost any volume. I've played Asphalt 9: Legends for more than an hour in one session (shhh, don't tell my editor) on the Zenfone 8 Flip, and this is where the weight and size can give the phone an edge as the weight makes it easy to grip.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 5,000 mAh battery is much better than the cell in the Zenfone 8. It took up to two days with moderate use with Wi-Fi, and is slightly longer than a day even with some lengthy gaming sessions and WhatsApp video calls. The phone supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 and Asus' 30 W HyperCharge with the included network block. Wireless charging is not possible.

Price and availability

The Asus Zenfone 8 Flip has 8 GB of RAM and either 128 GB or 256 GB of storage space and costs $ 972 from 799 euros. US price and availability have not been confirmed at the time of writing. The Asus Zenfone 7 Pro sold for around $ 800 in the US. So if the Zenfone 8 Flip makes it too, we're assuming it will be somewhere near that cost.

Our opinion

Living with the Zenfone 8 Flip was like going back to early 2020. The design wasn't really a winner before, it's just too heavy, and seeing it again in 2021 is unhappy and makes the phone look and dated feel. The size and weight will put some people off, but I found it works in favor of the phone when gaming, especially when combined with the excellent sound. However, you definitely know you have a 230 gram phone in your pocket.

The Zenfone 8 Flip lives and dies from how badly you want the flip camera. If you take a lot of selfies, the features and specs on paper are second to none, and you'll get great results compared to any phone with a single front camera. However, if you are serious about mobile photography in general, better phone cameras are not available for much more money.

It might be an impressive piece of technology, but the flip module means the Zenfone 8 Flip is not water-resistant, nor can the phone be charged wirelessly. Asus makes a good case for not including wireless charging. It helps control the battery life with wired charging and special modes. Sometimes it helps, and both it and an IP68 rating are generally considered a basic data sheet these days.

Where's the Zenfone 8 Flip? It's typical of Asus: a well-made, well-designed and well-equipped device that serves a niche with a unique function. It's the same offering as the ROG Phone 5 for gamers and the Zenfone 8 with its compact flagship design. You'll know right away if you are going to love the versatility of the Zenfone 8 Flip's flip camera, but if the selfie skills don't excite you, there are better phones for you.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. Based on the Zenfone 8 Flip for around $ 900 (we don't yet know the official US price), the OnePlus 9 Pro for $ 969 or the Apple iPhone 12 Pro for $ 1,000 are our top recommendations. Both have a lot of power to play with, beautiful screens, and very powerful cameras. They're generally better all-rounders than the Zenfone 8 Flip, with helpful everyday features like very fast wired charging, wireless charging, and more attractive, lighter designs.

When you shop for everything to do with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, sometimes it still can be found for around $ 1,000and it's an amazing value for that. Usually it wouldn't be an alternative to a phone that costs less than $ 1,000. If you're looking to spend less than $ 980, both the $ 699 Google Pixel 5 and the $ 830 Apple iPhone 12 are great.

How long it will take?

Asus includes a special case for the Zenfone 8 Flip, which can be used to lock the flip module so that it is not activated unexpectedly. The company says the mechanism is stronger than before and capable of at least 300,000 flips. It is also automatically retracted if a fall is detected. The module makes any kind of water resistance impossible. So you need to be careful if you want the phone to last a long time.

Asus promises two Android system updates as well as 5G on board if you use the fast network now or plan in the future. There are several battery charging modes, including a scheduler, to keep the battery performing for years to come. The only thing preventing the hardware of the Zenfone 8 Flip from feeling fresh in two years is the design, which is already a year old.

Should you buy it?

No. Unless you're really into selfies and can envision a scenario where you might want an 8K video selfie, the Zenfone 8 Flip doesn't have the general appeal of many of its competitors.

Editor's recommendations




12 May
Blog

Asus Zenfone 8 Review: Small Size Isn’t Everything

Asus Zenfone 8 review

Asus Zenfone 8 Review: Size isn't everything, and this tiny phone proves it

"The Asus Zenfone 8 is a well-designed, carefully thought-out compact flagship, but it competes against the competition due to issues with screen sensitivity and battery life."

  • Small and light

  • Great, but pretty simple camera

  • Bad battery life

  • Screen responsiveness issues

  • No wireless charging

toAsus does not want to compete with the Galaxy S21 Ultra or another massive smartphone with the new Zenfone 8. Instead, it targets phones like the iPhone 12, Google Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5 by creating a powerful mobile phone that fits well in your hand and pocket. The Zenfone 8 is a compact flagship and a really well designed one, but the bigger question is, does anyone really want something like this anymore?

The Zenfone 8 has been my main phone for a while now, and if I'm being completely honest, I missed a bigger phone despite its capabilities. However, if you're tired of stretching screen sizes with your thumbs, you will likely feel completely different. However, Asus doesn't have the right basics with the Zenfone 8 and there is a risk of it getting lost in the crowd. Let's go into that in more detail.

design

Asus has set itself some difficult goals with the Zenfone 8. They wanted a phone less than 70mm wide and less than 150mm high because the phone is convenient for one-handed use. It works because the Zenfone 8 is 68mm wide and 148mm high and I can reach most areas of the screen with my average sized hand without stretching or juggling the phone.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a bit longer and wider, but the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 Pro are much closer to the Zenfone 8 and both are equally manageable with one hand. The iPhone 12 Mini is considerably smaller than any other. The Zenfone 8 may be compact, but it doesn't really fill a niche in the market as Asus seems to believe.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus used Gorilla Glass Victus above the screen and 3D frosted glass on the back of the phone to give it a sleek look. The Zenfone 8 is elegant, but also slippery, which makes one-handed operation awkward as it constantly asks for freedom. The 3D curve on the sides makes it comfortable to hold, but the smoothness means you'll end up gripping it pretty tight. However, it comes with a plastic sleeve that has a more grippy texture which will alleviate the problem – provided you don't mind using it.

Google Pixel 5 from left, Asus Zenfone 8 and Apple iPhone 12 Pro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There is another problem with the Zenfone 8. It's a bit boring to look at. The back is plain, the camera module is modest and very ordinary, and the black color of my test device doesn't give it much life either. The only flash of color comes from the electric blue on / off button, but it's not enough to improve the look of the phone beyond the mundane. The Google Pixel 5 is no longer the dullest phone on the table when the Zenfone 8 is around.

screen

The compact size extends to the screen. The Zenfone 8 has a 5.9-inch AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, making it smaller than the 6-inch Pixel 5 and 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro. It looks excellent, with 1100 nits of maximum brightness and all of the nice contrasts, colors, and blacks we expect from an AMOLED screen, but Asus has yet to refine it. My review phone is running the final version of the software before it is released. More updates may be released soon after launch to address the following issues.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The first problem concerns touch sensitivity and edge detection. The Zenfone 8 may have small bezels and no dramatic curvature, but it really suffers from phantom touches. I accidentally open endless apps, swipe down the notification shadow or switch between features without wanting to, and find myself handling the phone carefully to avoid these things. Very frustrating.

While not a big phone, Asus added a one-handed mode to the Zenfone 8 that minimizes the display in the lower part of the screen – the exact amount it covers can be adjusted in the settings – to make it easier with use with one hand. It seems like overkill after making a tiny phone, but what's worse is how it activates. You'll need to swipe down on the screen at the bottom. Due to the oversensitivity of the screen, this is likely to be a real problem. Usually the notification shadow or the app taskbar is displayed. When one-handed mode is activated, the slightest breeze will hide it from the screen.

Asus Zenfone 8, from left, Google Pixel 5 and Apple iPhone 12 Pro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I also haven't finished yet as the fingerprint sensor in the display is slow and unreliable. After annoying yourself about the Galaxy S20's built-in fingerprint sensor, which was fixed on the S21 series, and the lightning-fast fingerprint of the OnePlus 9 Pro, going back to a sensor that doesn't work very well seems unnecessary these days . There is also a face unlock feature, but it doesn't match the speed of other phones. The security of the Zenfone 8 is a cumbersome proposition.

camera

For an Android flagship, it's a surprise that the Zenfone 8 isn't filled with camera lenses. There are only two on the back – a 64-megapixel Sony IMX686 with optical image stabilization and a 12-megapixel Sony IMX363 wide-angle camera – and a single 12-megapixel selfie camera in a hole in the screen. All three have autofocus, which is a nice change, but no optical zoom function. It's all shockingly reluctant to Asus when some others may have added a useless macro camera to get a "better" spec sheet.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The results are generally very good, although it is clear that the HDR effect is strong even when set to Auto. Personally, I don't mind the look, but others will find it very stubborn and prefer to turn it off. Adding a "bracketing" series, where three photos are taken with different exposure values, can also be responsible for this look.

There is a tendency that the camera is sometimes underexposed in difficult lighting conditions. You will find that these photos need editing to improve their appearance. The wide-angle camera is particularly sensitive to this and there isn't always much consistency between cameras. The photos taken with the main camera are vivid and vivid, and the scenes have a lot of depth and emotion, which encourages creativity.

It's a shame there isn't an optical zoom, but Asus adds a "lossless" 2x crop to the main camera. This function is somewhat hidden on the busy viewfinder screen as it is not located next to the main / wide-angle switch, but is controlled via a separate button in the corner. Otherwise, the app is very similar to other systems in terms of usage, but is sometimes a little slow with the trigger.

Instead of seeing what Samsung is doing with multiple lenses, Asus took inspiration from Google and gave the Zenfone 8 a pair of powerful cameras that take good photos. However, avid photographers will miss the versatility of an optical zoom.

Performance and software

Asus used the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor for the Zenfone 8, which is definitely a flagship processor. It has up to 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage space. I didn't notice any difference in performance compared to the Galaxy S21 +, OnePlus 9 Pro or Xiaomi Mi 11, which all run on the same chip. It's fast and powerful enough to play Genshin Impact smoothly and complete all of your daily chores with no hassle.

The software is Android 11 with Asus' ZenUI, which looks and works very similar to Android on Google Pixel. Unlike Asus' glitzy, optional sci-fi-style Android user interface on the ROG Phone 5, it's clean and uncluttered here, but still has tons of features. Some of the more useful Inones include the same Game Genie mode as the ROG Phone 5, which improves the phone's performance and operation while gaming, as well as special modes for scheduling battery charging.

Aside from the on-screen frustrations, the Zenfone 8 offers a true flagship phone experience in terms of performance and software in a compact package. The Snapdragon 888 has enormous reserves of energy and ensures that the phone will last for years, even if you play many of the latest games.

Battery and sound

A 4,000 mAh battery and the support of an included 30-watt Asus HyperCharge quick charger and Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 should clearly set the Zenfone 8 apart from the competition in terms of battery life – but this is not the case. In my use, the Zenfone 8 disappointed with a shorter than expected life, especially when used moderately hard.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Although most of my day is connected to Wi-Fi and the phone is used for general calls, emails, social media, and some photos, the day usually ends around 40%. With phones like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, this type of usage usually leaves at least 60%. It gets a lot worse the more you use the phone a little more.

On a day with an hour of play, 30 minutes of video, multiple calls, and an hour-long WhatsApp video call, the battery hit 5% at 9 p.m., which is not good at all when phones like the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G get two days off a similarly sized battery . Go outside to the real world, where the phone was forced to connect to a regular cellular network and the battery drains faster than expected, even with minimal use.

The Zenfone 8 is not a phone that works hard when you want the battery to last a long time. Here, too, there may be updates that change the performance of the battery in the future, although, according to Asus, I am using the final version of the software. Quick Charge 4 took 90 minutes to charge, and the 30W HyperCharge block added 60% in 25 minutes. There's no such thing as wireless charging, a technology Asus prefers not to use to better manage cell life, but it's still a given on a flagship phone today.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

As with the ROG Phone 5, Asus worked with audio experts at Dirac on the Zenfone 8, and its two stereo speakers – powered by a Cirrus Logic CS35L45 amplifier – sound excellent. There's also Hi Res support and Qualcomm's Aqstic codec. There's even a 3.5mm headphone jack, a real rarity these days. All of this together makes the Zenfone 8 one of the best sounding phones you can get.

Price and availability

The Zenfone 8 is launching in the US, but at the time of writing the exact date and price has not been confirmed. In Europe, the Zenfone 8 starts at 539 euros for the 6 GB / 128 GB model, then rises to 599 euros for the 8 GB / 128 GB version and 699 euros for the top 16 GB – / 128 GB phone. Which region gets which model is also unknown, but it is possible that the Zenfone 8 with 8GB / 128GB is the cheapest available in your area.

Our opinion

Do you regret getting a "small" phone today? It really depends on what you want to do with it. The convenience of the Zenfone 8 disappearing into your pocket is great and can be used with one hand provided it's in the case. However, I missed out on a bigger screen, even the slightly larger 6.1-inch screen on the iPhone 12 Pro, while watching videos for an extended period of time.

Many have been complaining about the relative scarcity of compact, high-performance phones for some time, but there is indeed a healthy selection out there and it is an open question whether many people will actually buy them. If you're a firm believer in the compact phone, the Zenfone 8 should be at the top of your shopping list because the shape and size of the phone are mature. Plus, it has the same power and capability as massive phones like the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

However, the Zenfone 8 has major battery life issues, security options are slow, and the camera does not appeal to those who are serious about mobile photography. I like the Zenfone 8 and Asus' dedication to not following the crowd, but the downsides of the Zenfone 8 make it a tough sell over the competition.

Is there a better alternative?

The Zenfone 8 faces serious competition from Google and Samsung, as well as a challenge from Apple when you're ready to spend a little more. The Google Pixel 4a 5G is slightly larger than the Zenfone 8, but at $ 499 and a strong camera, it's a good buy. The Google Pixel 5 is just as compact as the Zenfone. It also has that fantastic camera and guaranteed software updates, but it costs $ 699. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has far better battery life, a great screen, and a decent camera for $ 499.

The Apple iPhone 12 Mini is $ 699 and is a true compact phone, while the slightly larger iPhone 12 is $ 799. The iPhone 12 Pro is the model we really recommend, but at $ 999, it's significantly more expensive than the Zenfone 8.

How long it will take?

Asus will be rolling out two major Android software updates for the Zenfone 8, but the timing may not be as immediate as it is with phones like the Google Pixel. The housing is both waterproof and dustproof according to IP56 and IP68. The Gorilla Glass Victus should provide adequate scratch and splinter protection for the screen. In addition, a basic cover is included in the scope of delivery, so that the Zenfone 8 should be very durable. With 5G and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, it easily lasts two to three years before a replacement needs to be considered.

Should you buy it?

No. If a software update doesn't improve battery life, screen responsiveness, and fingerprint sensor performance, it can't quite keep up with the competition.

Editor's recommendations




01 Sep
Blog

Asus ZenFone 7 Review: The Selfie Connoisseur’s Choice

Asus Zenfone 7 Pro review forehand

Asus ZenFone 7 Pro Review: The Best Selfie Camera You Can Get on a Phone

"Thanks to the motorized flip camera of the ZenFone 7 Pro, the phone has the most versatile selfie camera available."

  • The reversing camera is equipped with numerous functions

  • The front camera is the best you can get

  • Bright, colorful screen

  • Long lasting battery

  • No water resistance

  • Heavy

For the ZenFone 7 Pro, Asus has brought back the motorized flip camera it introduced for the ZenFone 6, but added to its list of capabilities and features to make this phone a dream phone for selfie lovers. Anything you can do with the rear camera – wide angle, 8K video recording, super sharp telephoto – you can do for selfies, and that is what makes it very special indeed.

The rest of the spec has also been improved, and therefore the price has increased over the previous model. So should you still consider the ZenFone 7 Pro if selfies aren't that important to you? Let's find out.

design

Asus wants to build your muscles. The Zenfone 7 Pro weighs 230 grams, significantly more than most large flagship devices. Take this and the 240-gram ROG Phone 3 to step up the intensity of your home workouts. It's 9.6mm thick and you really notice the size and bulk of the Zenfone 7 Pro when you compare it to its closest competitors, the OnePlus 8, LG Velvet, and iPhone 11. The weight is fairly evenly distributed but is definitely biased towards the top of the phone due to the motorized flip camera module.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera module is a significant improvement over the Zenfone 6. It sits flush with your body and doesn't move when you shake the phone around. This largely prevents annoying rattles. It's made of strong and light liquid metal, but it's bigger than the Zenfone 6, but I think that's why it looks better. The engine has been revised compared to the original and is quiet and fast. However, the software often prompts you to perform a recalibration check, especially after the phone has knocked.

The larger flip module isn't the only visual enhancement. The narrower bezels around the screen give the phone a modern look, and moving the fingerprint sensor to the side does the same. The sensor performs various functions, e.g. E.g. a double tap to open the Google Assistant, or it can be programmed to open an app of your choice. Fortunately, adding new features didn't affect the speed or accuracy of the fingerprint sensor and it works very well.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The back of the Zenfone 7 Pro is made of glass, but it doesn't really feel like it and is so slippery that it feels like it's been greased at the factory. The panel feels warm and is surprisingly flexible. An almost hollow sound is heard when typing. The green, almost blue color is attractive, but the tactility of the panel itself isn't as comfortable as on the OnePlus 8 Pro or LG Velvet, or as comfortable to hold as on the Huawei P40 Pro, and without a lot of grip, the weight sometimes means two hands are required to keep.

The glass back doesn't feel cheap, but I doubt the durability, which is an issue with a phone this size, weight, and smoothness. Asus may know this as it has two sleeves in the box – one sturdy and one transparent. I suggest you use one. The fact that the otherwise perfectly acceptable-looking ZenFone 7 Pro is 40 grams heavier than the ZenFone 6 is an unfortunate misstep and makes life with it harder than it should be.

screen

Bigger, wider, brighter and more colorful sums up the differences between the ZenFone 7 Pro and the ZenFone 6. It's a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and an aspect ratio of 20: 9. Asus even used the special tuning that makes the display of the ROG Phone 3 on the 7 Pro so pretty . Asus isn't wrong about brightness either, it's stunning and even makes the iPhone 11 Pro look a little dark.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, it's not that natural to look at. When you watch Carfection's Ferrari F8 Spider review on YouTube, the road isn't as atmospherically gray as it is on the iPhone, and the yellow car pops off the screen with such aggression that you reach for your sunglasses. If you like high-energy AMOLED screens with borderline radioactive colors, the ZenFone 7 Pro won't disappoint. However, watching videos shows the slightly quiet sound from the stereo speakers, and it would have been great to hear the same brilliant Dirac audio from the ROG Phone 3 on the ZenFone 7 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's worth talking about the screen's overall responsiveness here. The 90 Hz refresh rate should be considered standard at this price point, but it is significantly enhanced by a one millisecond response time and a 200 Hz touch sample rate. What does that mean? The ZenFone 7 Pro always feels snappy, responsive and fluid regardless of the app used. Coupled with some software tweaks for speed, the phone always feels modern and powerful.

The flip camera eliminates the need for a notch or hole punch and improves film viewing. If you notice the notch or hate the punch, the ZenFone 7 Pro's pretty, uninterrupted screen is just what you want.

camera

The Asus Zenfone 7 Pro has the best selfie camera in the business. With selfies filling your gallery app, this phone gives you plenty of opportunities to get creative, with a variety of features, modes, and general capabilities than any other selfie camera you've used before. How is that possible? It is Asus' decision to use the motorized flip module to turn the rear view camera into a front camera.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You get a 64-megapixel Sony IMX686 main camera sensor with an aperture of f / 1.8, 8K video recording and optical image stabilization, as well as a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with optical image stabilization and a 3x optical zoom. Features include 4K time-lapse video recording, slow motion video at 4K and 120 frames per second, and special features like auto panorama and motion tracking.

To make this clear, all of these features are available in the selfie camera and the results are dramatic. The colors are vivid, the exposure is just right, the edge detection in portrait orientation is excellent. When was the last time you took 8K video with a selfie camera or took a sprawling 113-degree selfie with an extremely wide frame? With the ZenFone 7 Pro, you can do all of this and more.

The flip module itself has been redesigned and redesigned to be more robust, faster and more powerful. It requires regular calibrations, but according to Asus, the endurance tests are good for 100 flips a day for five years, which makes it twice as powerful as the ZenFone 6 module. It's also adjustable. You can move the module from flat to completely upside down in 0.5 degree increments, which is very fluid.

From a technical standpoint, it's a work of art and enables some fun features. The automatic panorama function is excellent, with very effective seams and a really large scale. It is not immediately clear how to best take advantage of the module's adjustable angle. However, if you start experimenting, you will find that often it is not about the photos you can take, but rather the benefits of holding the screen at an angle that you can properly frame different shots, such as picture taking. B. from below without guessing the frame or lying on the floor.

asus zenfone 7 pro review wide angle "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zenfone-7-pro-wide-angle- 640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAZenFone 7 Pro wide angle Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro review standard "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zenfone-7-pro-standard-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7ZenFone 7 Pro Standard Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro review 3x zoom "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zenfone-7-pro-3x-zoom- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAZenFone 7 Pro 3x zoom Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I'm also impressed with the consistency between the standard and wide-angle camera, where shots from both appear similarly dynamic, although photos can be a bit boring at 3x optical zoom. It also repeatedly warns that you are too close to a subject and may move back for better focus when taking close-ups, even though the final photo is properly focused.

Overall, though, I had a lot of fun using the ZenFone 7 Pro's camera and figuring out how best to use the fun motorized module. I also don't feel like I've scratched the surface of what it can do, and that's a good feeling. It's unfortunate that the flip module adds to some of the phone's drawbacks – weight and lack of water resistance, for example – but the ZenFone 7 Pro is the phone of choice for selfie aficionados.

Software and performance

The Zenfone 7 Pro uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Here's how it works in some benchmark tests, but the phone didn't complete a Vulkan test on 3DMark and crashed halfway. The same problem occurred with the ROG Phone 3.

Geekbench 5: 3125 multi core / 980 single core

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 7,706 (OpenGL)

These values ​​are slightly lower on the Asus ROG Phone 3, but it has less RAM, similar to the OnePlus 8. I played Asphalt 9 Legends and Hill Climb Racer without any problems and the phone didn't get hot either. However, it feels warm during extended periods of time where a number of apps are used and calls are made.

asus zenfone 7 pro review apps "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-apps-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro evaluation fingerprint sensor "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-fingerprint- sensor- 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAThe side-mounted fingerprint sensor has programmable linking functions Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro check settings "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-settings-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro review cases "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-cases-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Two cases come with the Asus ZenFone 7 Pro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus is stuck when it comes to 5G. If it wasn't added, the phone would be cheaper, but its long-term appeal could suffer, while the addition leads to the price increase being accepted. Unfortunately, the only way to get it was to include it and so the price went up. 5G is for the future and currently offers few benefits to regular consumers, even if there is no 5G connectivity in an area where you live.

There's no such mystery to the software, as Asus continues to build ZenUI into a neat, easy-to-use, and relatively bloat-free version of Android, as we've seen with the ROG Phone 3 and ZenFone 6. There are a number of improvements here that increase speed, such as: B. Cut the phone startup time to 13 seconds and speed up everything from loading thumbnails to unlocking the phone with the fingerprint sensor. It's clean and tidy and I have no problems with it.

battery

Asus talks a lot about extending the battery life, not really daily, but about the life of the phone. It includes graphs and data on how overnight charging, wireless charging, mega-fast wired charging, and other bad habits of the battery (at least according to Asus) reduce the cell's capacity to hold a charge for years. Measures have been taken for the ZenFone 7 Pro to reduce long-term battery degradation and to keep its capacity longer.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The cornerstone of this battery care system is a slow charge option, where the battery is 80% charged when you first plug it in at night and the last 20% is zapped just before the scheduled wake-up time. You can set this to only charge the battery at set times or not to fully charge it to protect it over time. If you dive even deeper, you can shut down apps, prevent them from starting automatically, and limit background activity as well.

ZenFone 7 Pro battery mode options Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Wireless charging isn't on board due to concerns about Asus' battery and one such feature that takes up even more space in the already large phone. That didn't stop the ZenFone 7 Pro from coming with a quick wired charger, however. The zipper is 60% in 35 minutes and 100% in 90 minutes. The useful life is good, but not incredible. With moderate usage, I've spent two days on the ZenFone 7 Pro's battery, but with heavy usage with camera, games, and video calls it's really difficult, and around 11pm on those days. The battery had dropped to 5%.

Make no mistake, you are not scared of a day here but don't expect it to be two full days if you use it hard.

Price and availability

Asus has announced the Taiwanese and European price for the ZenFone 7 Pro, but has not yet confirmed the US price. It costs 799 euros, which is the equivalent of $ 950. Based on how Asus has converted prices in the past, the ZenFone 7 Pro could cost around $ 799.

The final release date has not yet been confirmed, but Asus acknowledges that it has been difficult to find a ZenFone 6 for sale and has announced that the ZenFone 7 Pro will have a bigger range on offer. We'll update here as we learn more about availability in the US.

Our opinion

The ZenFone 7 Pro's flip camera makes it the absolute best selfie smartphone you can buy. Coupled with the great software, pretty 90Hz screen, and thoughtful features like battery saving technology and 8K video recording, the ZenFone 7 Pro is a good value even at a higher price point than the ZenFone 6. However, if selfies aren't yours, the phone's size and weight are too heavy compared to others in its class.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The biggest downside to the ZenFone 7 Pro is the overall size and weight of the device. If you are concerned about this, there are several much slimmer and lighter phones available for roughly the same price. The $ 700 OnePlus 8 is a great everyday phone with reliable software and a good camera wrapped in a 180 gram case. The $ 600 LG Velvet also weighs 180 grams and looks even better than the OnePlus 8, is waterproof, and has a great screen.

Alternatively, the iPhone 11 is still priced at $ 700, though a replacement is in sight, with plenty of power, good battery life, and a powerful camera. Do you want something else? Check out the $ 700 Motorola Moto Edge with its stunning screen, great battery life, and unusual design.

How long it will take?

The ZenFone 7 Pro isn't waterproof, but it does come with a decent, sturdy case that should protect it from too much damage. The phone's specs are good, and Asus promises that two major Android software updates will be available for the ZenFone 7 Pro, including the Android 11 update that will be released by Google later this year. However, the time frames for these updates vary. Coupled with Asus' efforts to ensure that the battery stays fresh over time, it means the phone will last at least several years depending on your needs.

Should you buy it?

Yes. For selfies, there's no other phone that comes close to the ZenFone 7 Pro, and luckily the rest of the phone is impressive too.

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