Big or little Zenfones, more people should have their hands on them

Whereas final yr’s swirling rumors that ASUS’ Zenfone line was at an finish turned out to be flawed, these trying critically on the new Zenfone 11 Extremely would possibly nonetheless really feel that the reviews have been true in spirit. The gargantuan new mannequin actually doesn’t look very like the virtually uniquely compact Zenfone 10. As a substitute, it bears greater than a passing resemblance to the late 2023 gaming-focused ROG Telephone 8 Professional, each inside and outside.

At face worth, then, we’ve seen a lot of the Zenfone 11 Extremely earlier than, and it’s onerous to disregard voices that query: “Is that this actually a Zenfone?” This isn’t the very reasonably priced, little however mighty flagship that’s earned a small cult following. I actually miss the pocketability, grippy again, and good use of the shape issue, such because the fingerprint swipe gestures, that made final yr’s Zenfone 10 one of the compelling little telephones in the marketplace.

In case you’ve not learn our Zenfone 11 Extremely evaluation but, you’ll be happy to know that ASUS continues to supply the acquainted back-tap gestures and stock-like UI, and has imbued the vary with a stronger triple digital camera array and a few new AI options. ASUS claims it needed to convey all the very best bits of Zenfone to prospects demanding a bigger type issue, and it has succeeded in that effort.

Whether or not that’s the precise logic working within the higher echelons at ASUS HQ, we are able to solely think about. What we do know is that, regardless of spectacular {hardware} and strong critiques, ASUS doesn’t have the all-important provider and retailer partnerships that might assist put extra of its Zenfones into client’s palms. You may’t simply stroll right into a retailer to purchase one, which limits Zenfone’s attain to those that already find out about it.

Traditionally delayed US delivery dates additionally haven’t helped generate the extent of enthusiasm required to dent the market’s desire for iPhones, and Galaxies to a lesser extent. Actually, availability is holding the Zenfone again from taking over the very best flagship telephones greater than something associated to {hardware}. ASUS isn’t alone right here; we’ve seen different manufacturers, akin to Sony’s Xperia collection, hit an analogous wall within the US market.

In fact, we’re not aware about ASUS’ gross sales knowledge. But when, hypothetically, the smaller Zenfone shouldn’t be fairly shifting the items required to maintain improvement (for what it’s value, ASUS says it’s proud of the Zenfone 10), reusing the ROG’s design and internals is an inexpensive technique to minimize prices. Different compact telephones have struggled to chop by way of previously; even Apple’s iPhone SE doesn’t shift the numbers of its greater counterparts.

If there’s any benefit to the rumors and Zenfone is to reside on, it’s attainable that we’re a extra mainstream model of ROG going ahead. Stripping the cellphone of its area of interest gaming options, akin to RGB lighting, shoulder triggers, and a second USB-C port, leaves room to undertake mainstream attracts like glass supplies, superior digital camera applied sciences, and novel concepts like AI summarization.

Whereas shedding the compact type issue can be a disgrace, a powerhouse flagship aggressively priced at $899 — making it cheaper than the Galaxy S24 Plus and Pixel 8 Professional — is unquestionably a win for an trade that’s turn out to be slightly complacent with its plus-sized flagships. As tempting as it’s to dwell on ASUS’s portfolio, it’s value remembering what the Zenfone 11 Extremely presents within the grand scheme. Its huge show, quick charging, excellent efficiency, and versatile cameras, are onerous to dismiss at this worth. So long as you recognize the place to purchase the cellphone, in fact.

Nonetheless, all of this chatter could also be a moot level. The little Zenfone 10 isn’t even a yr previous but, so it’s slightly untimely to speak in regards to the demise of small ASUS telephones. It launched in July 2023 too, so there’s an outdoor probability we nonetheless would possibly see a compact Zenfone 11 launch halfway by way of the yr. Nothing in ASUS’ playbook says it may possibly’t have each a small and huge Zenfone in spite of everything, and the Extremely moniker leaves hope for compact lovers that we’d see one other entry within the collection within the not-too-distant future.