Zenfone 7 Specs Leaked Online? What We Know
Yes, the Zenfone 7 specs leaked online in mid-2020, several weeks before the official announcement on August 26, 2020. The leaks came from a mix of benchmark listings, regulatory filings, and render images, and they accurately predicted most of the final hardware, including the Snapdragon 865+ chipset, the triple flip camera, and the 5000 mAh battery. This article explains what was leaked, how accurate those leaks turned out to be, and what the Zenfone 7 series actually offers, so you can judge whether it’s still worth considering today.
Background: The Zenfone Line Before the 7
ASUS launched the Zenfone 6 in May 2019, and it was notable for its motorized flip-up camera module that let the rear camera double as a front-facing camera. That design eliminated the notch or hole-punch and gave users a full-screen display. The Zenfone 7 continued that concept but refined it with a more robust stepper motor, a larger camera sensor, and a faster processor. The leaks were particularly anticipated because the Zenfone 6 had received strong reviews for its battery life and camera versatility, so fans wanted to see how ASUS would improve it.
What the Leaks Revealed
In July 2020, a Geekbench listing showed a device with the model number ZS670KS, which was later confirmed as the Zenfone 7 (not the Pro). The listing revealed a Snapdragon 865 chipset and 8 GB of RAM. A separate Geekbench entry for the Pro model (ZS671KS) showed the Snapdragon 865+ and 16 GB of RAM. Render images from a well-known leaker showed a triple camera module on the flip mechanism, with a 64 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and an 8 MP telephoto lens. The images also showed a 6.67-inch display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, which was later confirmed. Battery capacity was leaked as 5000 mAh for both models, and that was also correct.
How the Flip Camera Works
The Zenfone 7’s camera module is a single unit that flips up from the back of the phone to the front. When you switch to the front camera, the motor rotates the entire module 180 degrees. The module is rated for 300,000 flips, which is roughly 100 flips per day for over 8 years. The motor uses a stepper motor with a gear train, and it has a free-stop mechanism that lets you position the camera at any angle between 0 and 140 degrees. This allows for low-angle shots without bending down, and it also enables panorama shots by rotating the camera while the phone stays still. The system automatically retracts the module if it detects a fall, using the accelerometer and gyroscope.
Full Specs of the Zenfone 7 and 7 Pro
Here are the key specifications that were leaked and later confirmed:
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 90 Hz refresh rate, 200 Hz touch sampling rate, Gorilla Glass 6
- Chipset: Zenfone 7: Snapdragon 865; Zenfone 7 Pro: Snapdragon 865+
- RAM and storage: 7: 6/8 GB LPDDR5 + 128 GB UFS 3.1; 7 Pro: 8/16 GB + 256 GB
- Rear/front camera (flip module): 64 MP Sony IMX686 main (f/1.8, OIS on Pro), 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 113° FOV), 8 MP telephoto (3x optical zoom, OIS on Pro)
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 30 W fast charging (USB Power Delivery 3.0), no wireless charging
- Software: Android 10 at launch, upgradeable to Android 12
- Other: Dual SIM, 5G (sub-6 GHz), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Dimensions and weight: 165.1 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm, 230 g
How to Choose Between the Zenfone 7 and 7 Pro
The main differences are the chipset, RAM, and camera stabilization. The Pro model has the Snapdragon 865+ which is slightly faster in gaming and sustained performance, and it comes with 16 GB of RAM in the top variant. The Pro also has optical image stabilization (OIS) on both the main and telephoto lenses, which reduces blur in low-light and when zooming. If you take a lot of videos or photos in dim conditions, the Pro is worth the extra cost. If you mostly use the phone for social media, web browsing, and occasional photography, the standard Zenfone 7 will be more than adequate and costs less.
Common Problems and Limitations
Owners have reported a few issues with the Zenfone 7 series. The flip camera motor can make a whirring sound when rotating, which is normal but noticeable in quiet environments. The phone is heavy at 230 g, and the camera module makes it top-heavy, so it can feel unbalanced in a pocket. The display has no official IP rating for water resistance, so you should avoid using it in heavy rain. The 30 W charging is slower than many competitors that offer 65 W or higher, and there is no wireless charging. Software updates were also a point of criticism: ASUS provided two major Android updates (Android 11 and 12) but was slower than other brands in rolling them out.
Comparison with Other Phones of the Era
At the time of release, the Zenfone 7 Pro competed with the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, OnePlus 8T, and Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro. The Zenfone’s unique selling point was the flip camera, which gave it a true full-screen display and a front camera that was as good as the rear camera. The Galaxy S20 FE had a better display (120 Hz) and wireless charging, but the Zenfone had a larger battery and a more versatile camera system. The OnePlus 8T was faster at charging (65 W) and had a more polished software experience, but its camera was less flexible. The Mi 10T Pro had a 144 Hz display and a 108 MP camera, but it lacked the flip mechanism and had a plastic build. Today, the Zenfone 7 is no longer sold new, but you can find used units at a lower price. However, its software support has ended, so it may not be the best choice for security-conscious users.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
Because the camera module moves, it’s important to avoid placing the phone face-down on hard surfaces, as the module can scratch when it protrudes. Use a case that has a raised lip around the camera area. The flip motor can be damaged if you force it manually, so never try to rotate the camera by hand. If the phone drops, the module retracts automatically, but the mechanism can still be jarred; check that the camera aligns properly after a fall. To clean the camera lens, use a microfiber cloth and avoid liquids that could seep into the motor. The battery is non-removable, so if it degrades over time, take the phone to a professional repair service rather than trying to open it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Zenfone 7 still worth buying in 2025?
Not really, because it no longer receives security updates, and the hardware is several generations old. The camera is still unique, but you can get a newer phone with better performance and longer support for a similar price. If you find a used Zenfone 7 for very cheap and you only need it for basic tasks, it can still work, but don’t rely on it for banking or sensitive apps.
Does the Zenfone 7 have wireless charging?
No, the Zenfone 7 and 7 Pro do not have wireless charging. They only support wired charging at up to 30 W. If wireless charging is essential, look at other phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or newer mid-range models.
Can the flip camera be used underwater?
No, the Zenfone 7 has no official water resistance rating. The flip module has a motor with small openings, so submerging it can damage the camera and the phone. Avoid using it in rain or near water.
How many times can the flip camera rotate before breaking?
ASUS rates the motor for 300,000 flips. That means if you flip the camera 100 times a day, it would last over 8 years. In practice, the motor is durable, but the mechanism can be damaged by drops or by forcing it manually.
Did the leaks mention the price?
Some leaks suggested a price of around €799 for the base model, but the official price was €699 for the Zenfone 7 and €799 for the Pro. The leaks were close but not exact. Prices varied by region and included taxes.
Is the Zenfone 7 the same as the ROG Phone 3?
No, they are different devices. The ROG Phone 3 is a gaming phone with a 144 Hz display, dedicated cooling, and trigger buttons, while the Zenfone 7 is a mainstream flagship with a flip camera. They share the same Snapdragon 865+ chipset in the Pro version, but the ROG Phone 3 has a larger battery (6000 mAh) and different design.
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