It fits easily in one hand and I can fit in the pocket of my skinny jeans. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Some years back, Apple did something unusual by launching the iPhone mini, bringing small phones back into the limelight. Now, Asus too seems to be bullish about this small form factor, especially when those like me had given up all hope of seeing a true flagship-level compact Android phone someday. This is where the Asus 8z feels refreshing. But the question is how well will users respond to a device like this when they are already accustomed to big-screen phones? I lived with the Asus 8Z for a few days and here is what I think about the smallest Android flagship you can buy in the market today.
Asus 8z review: Design and aestheticize.
The biggest complaint I have about current smartphones is that they are too big for my hands. The iPhone 13 comes closest to what I think is the perfect size for a smartphone — it’s neither too big nor too small. But then it’s not a small phone by any means; iOS users at least can opt for the iPhone 13 mini. But that’s not the case if you live in the Android ecosystem. Yes, Google Pixel 4a is there, but if it is a flagship-level device. The Asus 8z fills the void and becomes a pocketable alternative to the iPhone 13 Mini.
But how small is this phone? Can I keep the phone in my short pocket? Yes is the answer. It’s the most compact high-end Android flagship available in India, at least to my knowledge. I can use this phone one-handed (Hello!) and although it doesn’t look tiny, the Asus 8z is actually slightly smaller than the iPhone 13. The front panel is protected by Gorilla Corning Ictus, while the back uses Gorilla Glass 3 with a frosted finish — almost a matte look. The phone’s frame is made of aluminum, giving it a premium look. A small phone matters to a lot of people, and so does a headphone jack. The 8z is rated IP68 for dust protection, though the phone feels a little heavy at 169 grams. Reaching the power button feels natural, and the built-in in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and responsive.
Asus 8z review: Display and audio.
Technically, yes, the Asus 8z is a small phone, but it does not seem ‘tiny’ to me. The 8Z has a 5.9-inch Samsung AMOLED display rated at 2,400 x 1,080 pixels resolution, which works out to be 445 PPI. The front panel is flat, and the phone is designed in such a way that it gives the impression of a small device. Since the screen is large enough, those who want to migrate to the Asus 8z might not feel lost, and that’s a good thing. Whether you are reading a story on indianexpress.com, watching a YouTube video or playing games, the experience of using the 8z is not different from any other phone.
The screen is not only HDR10 certified, but also supports a smooth 120Hz high refresh rate. The display supports something called adaptive refresh rates that toggles between 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz. This way, the battery is unlikely to get deleted fast. Asus's phones have always been better in the case of onboard speakers, especially the rebranded gaming phones. The 8z comes with two speakers, both loud and clear. I can use them for casual listening or even attend a Zoom call. The sound output from the speakers is impressive. For a change, the phone also has an old-fashioned headphone jack.
