The Asus Zenfone 8 may be the most surprising phone of 2021 with top-of-the-line performance in the smallest Android flagship in years.

The Asus Zenfone 8 is a solid flagship phone at a sub-flagship price, though inevitably there are compromises: there’s no telephoto lens or wireless charging, and it misses out on its predecessor’s novel flip camera that let the rear lenses rotate forward to take selfie shots. You can still get that camera in the limited-release Asus Zenfone 8 Flip, but the regular Zenfone 8 delivers top-tier specs at the most affordable price since the OnePlus 6T.

The Zenfone 8 is a compact, powerful phone. WIth its top-tier specs and decent camera performance, it punches well above its weight, especially given this price point.

With two impressive cameras, a top-notch chipset, and a compact build, the Asus Zenfone 8 could be just right for fans of small phones and Android.

The developers of the Asus Zenfone 8 have undoubtedly achieved their goal. The smartphone is both compact and extremely powerful. Beyond that, it also convinces thanks to other highlights, such as an IP certification, a 120 Hz display, and a jack plug.