Asus Zenfone 10 Six Months Later: The Last Compact Flagship!

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

I have that phone too, decided to take the plunge recently and get out of budget phone, I had a Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 for the past 3 years and it was driving me crazy (constantly bumping against that 3GB of RAM), and the phone was overall very slow to open anything. The Zenfone 10 is completely night and day, and I really appreciate to havea smaller phone. Cameras are pretty good too, and as a photographer I really like to see overbuilt stabilization, full manual controls ect. The RAW files are pretty good for casual stuff if I want to edit them (I generally havea dedicated camera with me, but in a pinch the cameras on this phone are pretty damn great). Having a glagship processor as well as a small form factor (my Xiaomi was way too large) and a heafphone jack is simply great. Even budget phones don't have headphone jacks these days. I'm not that bothered about 2 years of support. I ran a Galaxy J7 for 7 years and I only changed it because the power button broke. If I had picked up a higher RAM version of my Redmi Note 9 (dunno if they had a 6GB version?) I would have probably kept it a little longer (technically it's just back in its box in case there is a problem). I do intend on keeping that phone as well for as long as it lasts. 5, 6 , 7 years? Dunno ! We'll see when it breaks. I'm ot doing anything fancy with my phone, I'm not a power user. I'm expecting it to last a long time having a flagship CPU, that was always the major problem with my previous phones : great on day one but 3 years down the line you really start seeing the thing slowing down, I'm hoping this will not be the case here.

[@MarrisaL-bs2ch]

for me 2 years of update is not a problem, as long as you know what you're doing: e.g. dont sideload anything suspicious apk. Just like owning a car, you can keep it running if you drive sensibly. Camera: not a problem, it can take pictures well and I am not a pro photographer.

[@9SMTM6]

You're not entirely safe even if you're careful. But that remainder is usually limited to targeted attack, and most of us are not subject to these. But I'll say, Smartphones connect in a few complex ways these days, so they're much easier to attack if outdated than e.g. a PC that isn't specially setup in a vulnerable way. Which is ironic considering that PCs get Updates for much longer.

[@phoenix6337]

That's exactly what I think about the phone. It's still a great phone, you just need to accept the few down-sides it has.

[@sc_3433]

@@9SMTM6 it has 4 years of security updates, what it lacks is new android versions

[@miguelferreira7653]

The zenfone still has 4 years of security updates. It is the Android version that only has 2y of updates. So no problems at all ​@@9SMTM6

[@wellingtons.cassiano3002]

Zenfone 11 Ultra just released here in Brazil and I'm just waiting for the prices to go down a bit on the Zenfone 10 so I can replace my 8 with it. Love the small sizes of these and I am bummed that Asus decided to go with the rest and make the 11 bigger. Thanks for the video.

[@bodoque_csm]

that is my exact plan. love my zf8 and most likely will be upgrading to the zf10 for my next phone

[@soljaman7926]

I love you this type of compact flagship phones, gorgeous

[@TravelersWarden]

This was helpful for me, I would love a compact Zenfone 11. As it is, I'm "downgrading" from my Samsung S23 Ultra to the Zenfone 10 because it's just too darn big and I miss the fingerprint reader on the side. There are so many great features on this phone. My husband wants a smaller phone as well so he might "downgrade" to this one, too. We're tired of enormous devices that don't fit in our pockets.

[@HardyDimension]

Sadly, I don't think there is a compact Zenfone 11 as I have been waiting for it too. It would be great if Zenfone 10 is 6.1" or 6.2".

[@TravelersWarden]

@@HardyDimension Wish they'd have a middle version for that measurement. I like the size of the ZF10 the way it is because my hand can actually hold it. Even slightly wider phones are too much for me.

[@HardyDimension]

@@TravelersWarden Me too. I noticed that quite many people also consider ZF10 and S24 due to the size. Many KZbinrs also recommend the S24+ because of the price to performance, but it is too wide for my hand, very hard for me to use it with one hand. I really miss the day for smaller flagship phone.

[@mayankkaushik3289]

I really appreciate your effort of putting up 3 back to back videos about this super device that you hold. Love it man. Thanks alot. I'm planning to buy one please suggest me which color will be the best, I'm thinking to go with white one is it good?? Cause we get a case with it right??

[@MTGProductions]

Thank you! Yes, you do get a case with it. I actually wanted the blue, but it was out of stock when I was ordering the phone.

[@puglife6291]

I have the Galaxy s10e, great little phone. I'm going to have to upgrade though as it got water damaged and is a little laggy at times. Maybe just a few years too old now. I think we will have to accept that 6.1 and 6.2 inch flagships are as compact as they will get at least for now and if paired with an unobtrusive dongle dac the experience is much on par with compact flagships of the past. We have no choice but to adapt. Better to get a new flagship compact with the 7 years support.

[@Varnaldo]

Unfortunatlly, im still with my s10e, falling into preces, next month im gonna pick up another. I was expecting s25, but nothing changed, só im gonna buy the s23 or z10

[@diegofelipesanchezramirez5321]

I am hopeful that an 11 compact version will be released soon... ❤

[@subgivtara]

It wont, never

[@ASzeleczkiBBotond]

@@subgivtara There was a google play leak about it few months back. But yes probably it won't release after all.

[@veilnix]

I'm still waiting..

[@1neydj150]

I’m waiting for 12 I hope it’s not going to only be ultra size

[@hermitgreenn]

Not happening, they re used the same chassis between the 11 and the ROG phone so I'm guessing they're strapped for cash

[@BrtoLopz]

What no one has mentioned is that you can record a video and take a picture at the same time. I know I am late, but I just discovered it a couple of weeks ago.

[@MTGProductions]

I didn't know that, I'll have to try that out!

[@BrtoLopz]

​@@MTGProductionsWhen you start recording the camera shutter button will appear on the right side of the video recording button.

[@EvanKenobi]

I'm on a search for a new phone. Currently I use xperia XZ1 compact (LineageOS 10). As size and headphone jack matters I consider Zenfone and Xperia 5. Lack of updates is not a problem as we can flash any system we want. Locked bootloader on zenfone makes me lean towards xperia.

[@HardyDimension]

Need to unlock bootloader if we install LineageOS?

[@EvanKenobi]

@@HardyDimension yes, as far as I know any custom rom installation requires access to a bootloader

[@alexzbarazky3038]

I've drowned my Lg G8 again so i've been trying to find a replacement. Again. The only phone that i'm liking is the Xperia 5 II. Unfortunately all Xperia 5 have Samsung displays suffering from green lines due to overheating. I'm really bummed, because that would have been the perfect phone for me: camera hardware and software, battery, SD card, size and performance. Might just buy another G8 on ebay for $160.

[@mohammadebrahimian3326]

Will you compare it with Galaxy S23?

[@Kiyoshi_9606]

Only Sony Xperia phones are similar (headphone jack, smaller screen [6.1"], lightning fast side mounted fingerprint sensor, fairly stock UI)... BUT Sony also supports MicroSD and video out, while costing a bit more.

[@aymanhs1052]

Tell me at least 2 that are like you say, and that are close to the mobile level of this video?

[@Kiyoshi_9606]

@@aymanhs1052 s10e, but that's a stretch! It has great features but kinda old

[@aymanhs1052]

@@Kiyoshi_9606 Nooo, hahaha I'm talking about Sony, I have the s10e

[@elisee9935]

But not as big of a battery

[@HardyDimension]

In terms of size and headphone jack, Xperia 5 V and Xperia 10 VI...but the price for both of them are high for what the hardware and software they got. Actually, Xperia 10 VI is not bad too, also it can last for at least 2 days as advertised and some KZbinrs shared their experience.

[@mondymysan7905]

Hopefully, Sony still retain headphones jack.

[@nagietorsy7215]

I have Zenfone 8 which i adore. It's already crashed here and there, and the glass broke off, but I don't care. The form factor, so easily operated with one hand. This is not a brick or a frying pan, like every other phones. It is 8 version, and still insanely fast. I am sad that the 10 is the last of these precious treasures...

[@drmr8903]

Great video! Btw. this wallpaper on the phone looks really cool :) Does it come pre-installed with the phone perhaps?

[@anintrovertmind3598]

Man, any luck finding it?

[@CDLXXVII]

I personally was turned off by how asus just turned off bootloader unlock, it just kills this device in the long run since after 2 years you can't even tinker with it yourself. It's basically like lending a phonez not owning it

[@TinaBlahhh]

Just bought one to upgrade from my s10e.

[@namelesssnitchy]

How is the splitscreen vs sony xperia? I got a sony xperia but im always checking asus out too. but the software of sony is remarkable good. even better than google pixel i think. at least many usable software.

[@Laladododadada]

I can clearly see that the back edge of your phone is dirty too and you can't clean it up. I have the same problem 🤦‍♂️

[@RobertoGonzalez-qd5ri]

Cleaning it would damage the material at the back?

[@Laladododadada]

@@RobertoGonzalez-qd5riabsolutely not! This phone is impossible to clean. I've tried everything.

[@RobertoGonzalez-qd5ri]

@@Laladododadada Thank you for the info! What a shame! This phone has been in my radar since it came out but always doubted about its long term durability when some reviewers used the words "papery" or "fabric like feeling" when describing the back material :(

[@Laladododadada]

@@RobertoGonzalez-qd5ri Yeah, don't buy this phone if you can't stand to get dirty and can't clean it up

[@Oleh.Mykolayovych]

А если чёрный взять.?

[@myronkipa2530]

Why I didn't get it: 2 years of updates AND no way to install custom ROM

[@aymanhs1052]

Why? Don't tell me it has a system similar to Apple's??

[@MegaXtc11]

Asus really doesn't care about customers, I own Zenfone 10 and I regret buying it, there's no way to unlock the bootloader and the software is buggy, at this time I'm unable to read any external storage I connect to it. I wish I kept using Xperia phones.

[@aymanhs1052]

@@MegaXtc11 Seriously, how bad... But one question, is the mobile OS closed or limited, looking for the resemblance to iOS?

[@MegaXtc11]

@@aymanhs1052 As far as I know you can't root the Zenfone 10

[@frittfrall3220]

Where did you get those Wallpapers?

[@anintrovertmind3598]

Man, any luck finding it?

[@frittfrall3220]

@@anintrovertmind3598 no, he's not the most responsive youtuber...

[@DrLoverLover]

the internet

[@SmokinJayDunCare]

I have this phone for 11 months now. it is an amazing phone in terms of specs and camera and being cheaper than galaxy s23/s24. however, this phone is driving me nuts. i think the screen touch sensitivity is way too high. whenever I forgot to lock my screen, and I put the screen facing my leg, something weird always happen. I notice that I always like or follow some random post or pages on Facebook. it is a post I never seen before. I notice that after I keep getting post from the same creator knowing that myself never know the site/page. the second problem is the network issue. I have work related call from a client and it was an important call. I missed the call and the client email telling me the next day that he left a voicemail to have me to call him back. I swear to God I didn't get the voice mail and I decided to restart my phone. after that the voicemail finally show up. this anomaly is kinda driving me crazy. I'm planning to switch back to galaxy series s24

[@aymanhs1052]

And do you think it was worth it in the end, or would you rather have saved yourself all that? Do you recommend this one or the S23/S24?

[@SmokinJayDunCare]

@@aymanhs1052 Honestly speaking, if you have the extra 200-300bucks then you should probably get galaxy S24 or maybe the new iphone 16, epecially if you're in the US. Another reason is also because either galaxy s series phone and iphone have high trade in value. I try to trade in my asus zenfone 10pro online and its not available in the trade in models and it only worth $100 under category "others". But if you're going to use this phone for at least 2-3 years then its worth buying this phone. Just make sure this phone can be use with your carrier. I am using Cricket (under ATT network) with my asus zenfone.

[@SmokinJayDunCare]

@@aymanhs1052 If you have extra 300-400 bucks, i will recommeny getting either galaxy s24 or even iphone 16 especially if you're located in the US. My main reason suggesting getting either galaxy s series or iphone is because bith these phone has better trade in value. I try to trade in my zenfone 10pro for galaxy s24 online and the zenfone only worth 100 under "other brand" and the phone isnt even 1 year old. but if you are planning to use the phone for at least 3-4 years then zenfone is worth getting. Check with your carrier (att verizon tmobile) to see if the zenfone can be use. I am using cricket (under AT&T network)

[@jejunamja]

I was so tempted to get this phone, but only two years of android updates. Kind of killed it for me. It’s got to be at least three.

[@AtatheknowingCrow]

Can I buy a new Zenfone 10 now ?

[@HardyDimension]

Yes, you can purchase it online if it is not available in your country.

[@shinshinlola9038]

Please someone can inform me....if this ZenFone 10 can do hotspot, or there is no problem when used as a hotspot. I have Xiaomi Poco and the hotspot is a problem....I have searched and almost xiaomi has problems with the hotspot...I want to change to ZenFone but when I saw the reviews ZenFone 8 and 9 has same problem with the hotspot.....so I wonder if ZenFone 10 is different.... Can anyone inform me.... Tks before

[@dirremoire]

I have the Zenfone 9 and hotspot works perfectly.

[@navidansari1895]

No issue if hotspot in Asus Zenfone 9. I am using it for more than a year.

[@MegaXtc11]

I own Zenfone 10 and I've used hotspot feature and works fine.

[@VeitLehmann]

Yes, compact flagships from 1, 2, or 3 years ago are perfectly fine, _if they get software support_. Really, I would consider this phone if it would be supported for much longer. Companies like Asus (and Sony as well) are really shooting themselves in the foot with their limited software support.

[@EvanKenobi]

Does not matter that much if it's possible to flash new system manualy.

[@HardyDimension]

@@EvanKenobi Some people here said that Asus locked the bootloader, so they cannot flash third party ROM. Not sure is there any way to unlock it or some other way to "resolve" it.

[@Sweet_by_default84]

2 years of update? No wonder I have never seen one in person

[@dylanhunt4303]

and yet so people still use the samsung S8 many years after the "'no softwear update" BS :D

[@Sweet_by_default84]

@@dylanhunt4303 no one in USA use a deprecated phone. Moreover all companies ensure at least 4 years of major updates. And on top of all that, Asus doesn't even try to put the phone in stores.

[@kaloyanstefanov2388]

I have old Sony XA that has been retired after 5 years of abuse and is now serving as music control to the soundbar. Yes the battery is dead but the old android is as snappy as ever and I have no issue using any app. I like the older cleaner versions better.

[@9SMTM6]

Also no ability to unlock the device and flash e.g. Lineage OS to keep getting updates. They stringed people along a long time on some support questions etc that were asking them to re-enable unlocking on the Zenfone 9.

[@jettnerona]

I'm buying it just for the size, headphone jack, and 120hz-144hz LTPO Display 😅

[@MTGProductions]

Hopefully Asus releases a compact Zenfone 12!

[@ironmangx-1969]

I'm waiting for the S24FE. If it's not compact, I'll buy this Zenfone 10.

[@MrOsstis]

Samsung's FE series never been in compact size

[@ironmangx-1969]

@@MrOsstis thanks for pointing it out. They have this rumor that it will be a compact phone, I'm not sure though..

[@edgarjuntak]

​@@ironmangx-1969FE never compact. dont waste ur time.

[@zakiashza]

its size usually around 6.4,6.5 not compact at all😅

[@HardyDimension]

The size is 6.7" 😅😅

[@00.sid.00]

they dont even know that if they bring the same design with a weaker processor and LCD screen with at least 90 hz and the latest android .... and decrease the cost people will buy this thing like crazy... but no they have to release the rog every year which most people wont be able to afford

[@JoeC5050]

i wished motorola releases such phones for less price.. But they keep on releasing 6.5+" phones monthly basis!!!

[@HardyDimension]

Ya sad about it. And I heard Motorola has issue with system upgrade even it is new and flagship model.

[@Gavanater7]

Well theirs still the Sony hopefully

[@Emrullah_BASER]

It's an almost perfect phone. There are two main issues left. 1. Requiring an update period of at least 5 years, 2. Support USB 3.2 and desktop mode. I will wait for Zenphone 11. Of course, I wish it would be sold in my country.

[@delyrium_]

I think s24 killed the zenfone. It's a few levels above to be honest.

[@Samelala]

The camera is so bad

[@nfh8324]

Hi... Can you try Gcam? If you already tried, what was the result.. I am actually considering buying this phone but I am really concerned about the camera on this from reviews!

[@Samelala]

@@nfh8324 it did make a difference but not a huge difference. If you want a phone with a good camera this is not it. The Xperia 5 V seems to be going under the radar a bit, not pixel level camera but looks to be better than the ZenFone and still compact ish

[@dirremoire]

On the Zenfone 9, the camera is absolutely fine. The night mode is incredible. Better than the Pixel IMO.

[@e.lan.s]

why?

[@jamiet1590]

I don't get all the praise for this phone. For me it has to be one of the worst phones I've ever owned. I've lost count the number of times this phone has rang random numbers whilst I'm on a call. It seems any slight movement and the screen lights up causing my ear/face to accidentally dial one of my contacts.