Zenfone 8 Series Press Renders Specifications Leaked?
Yes, press renders and detailed specifications of the ASUS Zenfone 8 series leaked extensively before the official announcement in May 2021. The leaks revealed two models — the compact Zenfone 8 and the larger Zenfone 8 Flip — with the standard model featuring a 5.9-inch display, Snapdragon 888 chipset, and a dual-camera setup, while the Flip retained a motorized rotating camera module.
Background: The Zenfone 8 Series Lineup
ASUS introduced the Zenfone 8 series as its 2021 flagship line, succeeding the Zenfone 7 series. The lineup consisted of two distinct devices:
- Zenfone 8 — a compact flagship with a 5.9-inch AMOLED display, aimed at users who preferred smaller phones without sacrificing performance.
- Zenfone 8 Flip — a larger model with a 6.67-inch display and a flip-up camera mechanism, continuing the design language of the Zenfone 7 Pro.
The series was notable for being one of the few 2021 flagships to offer a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot, features that were increasingly rare in the premium segment.
What the Leaks Revealed
Prior to the official launch, multiple reliable leakers and certification databases disclosed nearly complete specifications. The key leaks included:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 for both models.
- Display: 5.9-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED on the Zenfone 8; 6.67-inch FHD+ 90Hz AMOLED on the Flip.
- Cameras: Zenfone 8 — 64MP main + 12MP ultrawide; Zenfone 8 Flip — 64MP main + 8MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide, all in the rotating module.
- Battery: 4000mAh (Zenfone 8) and 5000mAh (Flip), both with 30W fast charging.
- Software: Android 11 with ZenUI 8.
Press renders showed a punch-hole front camera on the Zenfone 8 and a clean rear design with a two-camera vertical arrangement. The Flip’s renders depicted the triple-camera module in both closed and flipped positions.
How the Leaks Compared to the Official Release
When ASUS officially unveiled the devices on May 12, 2021, almost all leaked specifications matched. The Zenfone 8 launched with the exact Snapdragon 888, 5.9-inch 120Hz display, 4000mAh battery, and dual-camera setup. The Flip also matched its leaked specs, including the 5000mAh battery and triple rotating camera.
Minor discrepancies existed in color options and exact dimensions, but the core hardware was accurate. This high accuracy was typical of late-stage leaks, as manufacturers often send final units to certification bodies and carriers.
Why the Zenfone 8 Stood Out
The Zenfone 8 gained attention for its compact form factor at a time when most flagships exceeded 6.5 inches. It measured 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm and weighed 169g, making it one of the smallest Snapdragon 888 phones of 2021. This appealed to users who wanted flagship performance without a large device.
It also retained the headphone jack and offered IP68 water resistance, a combination rarely found in compact phones. The Flip model, meanwhile, appealed to users who prioritized front camera quality, since the rotating module allowed the main camera to double as a selfie camera.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Zenfone 8 Flip had a higher refresh rate than the standard model. In reality, the Flip’s 90Hz panel was lower than the Zenfone 8’s 120Hz screen. Another misconception is that both phones had identical cameras — the Flip added a telephoto lens, while the Zenfone 8 had only two rear cameras.
Some users also expected the Flip to have wireless charging, but neither model supported it. The 30W wired charging was the only option, and it was slower than some competitors’ 65W or 120W solutions.
How to Choose Between the Zenfone 8 and 8 Flip
Your choice depends on your priorities:
- Size and portability: Choose the Zenfone 8 if you prefer a smaller phone that’s easy to use one-handed.
- Camera versatility: Choose the Flip if you want a telephoto lens and a flip-up mechanism for better selfies.
- Battery life: The Flip’s 5000mAh battery lasts longer than the Zenfone 8’s 4000mAh cell.
- Display smoothness: The Zenfone 8’s 120Hz refresh rate is smoother for gaming and scrolling.
Both phones share the same processor, storage options (up to 256GB), and software support, so the decision largely comes down to form factor and camera preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were the leaked press renders official?
No, they were unofficial renders created by leakers based on CAD files and industry sources. They were not ASUS marketing materials, but they closely matched the final design.
Did the Zenfone 8 series have expandable storage?
Yes, both models supported microSD cards up to 2TB via a hybrid SIM slot, meaning you could use two SIMs or one SIM plus a memory card.
Was the Zenfone 8 Flip available globally?
It was released in several markets including Europe and Asia, but availability varied by region. In some countries, only the standard Zenfone 8 was sold.
Did the Zenfone 8 series receive Android 13?
Yes, ASUS rolled out Android 13 to both models in 2023, and they also received security updates for a period after that.
Are the Zenfone 8 series still worth buying in 2025?
They can still handle daily tasks and gaming, but they lack 5G mmWave support (in some variants) and may not receive further major OS updates. If you need the latest software, a newer device is better.
Why did ASUS stop making compact flagships after the Zenfone 8?
ASUS shifted its focus to the Zenfone 9 and 10, which were also compact, but the Flip line was discontinued. The company later moved to a different design philosophy with the Zenfone 11 Ultra, which is larger.
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