The ASUS Zenfone 8 sure feels like Android's answer to the iPhone 12 mini

ASUS today announced its latest flagship phone - the Zenfone 8 - and it sure feels like an Android take on the iPhone 12 mini. While most Android flagships have screen sizes in excess of 6.5-inches, the Zenfone 8 has a comparatively diminutive 5.9-inch display.

Despite this, the Zenfone 8 is still powered by a top-end Snapdragon 888 processor. As with the iPhone 12 mini, you're not compromising on power just because you want a smaller device.

Small-yet-powerful smartphones are relatively unheard of in the Android world. The last manufacturer to bring a small Android flagship to Australia was Sony with the Xperia XZ2 Compact. While Sony is still making smartphones, they are no longer available in Australia.

Key specifications for the Zenfone 8 include a 5.9-inch 1080p+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 888 processor with 5G connectivity, a minimum of 6GB of RAM, a minimum of 128GB of storage, IP68 water-resistance and a 4,000mAh battery. The rear-camera configuration is made of a 64MP primary lens and 12MP ultra-wide lens.

We'll be curious to see just how long the Zenfone 8's 4,000mAh battery lasts, given it's on the smaller side and 5G and a 120Hz refresh rate can both be draining, but the smaller display could help with longevity.

ASUS has confirmed the Zenfone 8 will be available in Australia, but has yet to provide pricing or a release date.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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