As the year draws to a close, finding a compact smartphone with flagship features remains a challenge amid the dominance of large-screen devices. Asus Zenfone 10 stands out as an exceptional option for users seeking a small phone without compromise at the end of 2025. This model blends a compact form factor with powerful hardware and thoughtful design, meeting the needs of those who prioritize portability and performance.
Priced competitively, the Zenfone 10 offers outstanding value compared to rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy S23. The base variant featuring 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is notably more affordable, roughly $170 less than the equivalent Samsung model. Upgrading to the top-tier 16GB RAM and 512GB storage configuration requires only a marginal extra cost, making it an excellent investment for users demanding high multitasking and storage capacity.
Distinctive and Sustainable Design
The smartphone’s design immediately captures attention with its unique aesthetics. Asus incorporates two prominent rear cameras positioned at the top right, complemented by pastel color options that add vibrancy. Its body is crafted from polycarbonate material that mimics premium cardboard texture, embracing sustainable practices without sacrificing a luxurious feel.
Consumers can choose from five different colors, including Aurora Green—a shade reminiscent of pandan leaves—offering wider variety than the previous Zenfone 9’s four colors. This eco-conscious design approach appeals to environmentally aware buyers looking for devices aligned with sustainability trends in late 2025.
Comprehensive Features for Everyday Use
Zenfone 10 continues to impress with a feature set rarely found in compact smartphones today. Its multifunctional power button incorporates a fingerprint sensor and customizable shortcuts, predating similar features like the iPhone Action Button. Despite industry trends, Asus retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, acknowledging ongoing user preferences.
Additional functionalities include dual SIM support, high-quality stereo speakers, NFC capabilities, and gyro sensors. Notably, the phone supports wireless charging—a feature still uncommon among small-sized devices. Its IP68 rating certifies water and dust resistance up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, enhancing durability and convenience.
Powerful Performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Under the hood, Zenfone 10 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth and responsive device operation, suitable for demanding apps and games. The device’s storage technology utilizes UFS 4.0, providing swift data access that complements its compact design.
The 5.9-inch AMOLED screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate with Full HD resolution and peaks at 1100 nits brightness, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus for scratch and impact resistance. Benchmark testing shows that the phone handles games like Genshin Impact at a steady 60 FPS for 20 minutes, before reducing slightly to 50 FPS to maintain optimal temperature.
Battery capacity stands at 4,300 mAh but delivers endurance comparable to 5,000 mAh units, reflecting exceptional energy efficiency. This balance of speed, power, and battery life reaffirms the Zenfone 10’s status as a compact powerhouse.
Camera System with Advanced Stabilization
For photography and videography, the Zenfone 10 employs a 50MP main sensor equipped with Gimbal Stabilizer 2.0 technology. This advanced stabilizer produces notably smooth video recordings by significantly reducing shake, enhancing handheld shooting quality.
Its secondary camera is a 13MP ultrawide lens capable of handling diverse shooting scenarios with respectable photo quality comparable to mid-range devices. The front camera offers Full HD video at 30 FPS; however, it lags slightly in stabilization and zoom capabilities by 2025 standards.
While the camera setup may not compete with larger flagship smartphones, it sufficiently meets everyday usage needs. Asus’s focus on stabilizer technology and image processing ensures reliable performance for casual photography in a compact form.
As 2025 ends, Asus Zenfone 10 remains the top contender for compact smartphones, merging complete features, competitive pricing (starting roughly at $460 for the base model), and robust performance into a small, eco-friendly package. This combination is increasingly rare in a market saturated with larger devices, making Zenfone 10 a definitive choice for users favoring compactness without compromise.
