Smartphones have been getting bigger for a while, but there’s still a place for compact handsets.
The definition of a ‘compact’ phone has changed over the years, but the Google Pixel 7 and Asus Zenfone 10 are among the most high-profile examples. While the Pixel 8 is now available, its predecessor still has a lot going for it.
But is that enough to buy it over the Zenfone 10. Here’s how the two phones compare, plus which one will be better for most people.
Differences between Google Pixel 7 and Asus Zenfone 10
When it comes to design and build, both phones stand out with their sleek and premium appearance.
The Google Pixel 7 boasts a 6.3in OLED HDR display with a 90Hz refresh rate, framed by Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and rear. The matte aluminium frame also adds durability and an elegant touch.
On the other hand, the Asus Zenfone 10 has a slightly smaller footprint, offering a 5.92in AMOLED display but a 144Hz refresh rate. It also has a Gorilla Glass Victus display.
Both phones also have an IP68 rating, meaning they can survive submersion in water and are fully protected against dust.
While the Pixel 7’s design might be more attractive to some, the Zenfone 10’s more compact size and ruggedness make it a great small phone. It also has a higher refresh rate, which you will notice in day-to-day usage.
Chris Martin/Foundry
The Pixel 7 features the Google Tensor G2 chipset, while the Zenfone 10 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
The Pixel 7 has 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1, while the Zenfone 10 offers a more versatile range with 8GB or 16GB of faster LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of 128-, 256-, or even 512GB. Neither support microSD expansion.
Performance-wise, both phones are snappy and capable of handling both basic and demanding tasks, but the Zenfone 10’s expanded RAM and storage options provide more flexibility for power users. However, Google’s Tensor G2 chip delivers advanced AI capabilities that could give the Pixel 7 an edge in certain scenarios.
In our Geekbench 5 Multi-core test, the Pixel 7 achieved a score of 3095 points, whereas the Zenfone 10 outperformed with a score of 4893 points. This clear performance difference indicates that the Zenfone 10 is a more potent device, making it the better choice for demanding tasks such as gaming.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The Pixel 7 is now eligible for the update to Android 14, ensuring a smooth, up-to-date, and ‘stock’ Android experience. Google commits to providing three years of OS updates and five years of security updates for this device, though that’s from its launch in 2022.
Meanwhile, the Zenfone 10 still runs Android 13, and with Asus’ Zen UI over the top. The company only promises two major OS updates and four years of security patches.
Asus provides some extra customisation options, but its Android skin closely resembles that Pixel’s ‘stock’ Android. The only duplicated app is Asus’ Gallery – otherwise, Asus mainly relies on Google’s apps.
If you want timely updates and a pure Android experience, the Pixel 7 is the safer choice. However, it’s worth noting that the Pixel 7 is a year older than the Zenfone 10.
Aside from that, the software experience with both phones is relatively similar.
Chris Martin / Foundry
In the battery department, the Pixel 7 is equipped with a 4355mAh cell. It supports wired charging up to 30W, wireless charging up to 20W (12W when using a Qi charger), and reverse wireless charging. Google’s Extreme Battery Saver mode is also available to extend battery life when needed.
The Zenfone 10 features a slightly smaller 4300mAh battery but still supports 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, providing convenient on-the-go charging. Asus also offers various battery modes within its software, helping the device to reach a full day of charge.
It’s worth noting that Google doesn’t include a charger in the box, but with a 65W laptop charger, the Pixel 7 can charge from 0% to 48% in 30 minutes. The Zenfone 10, using the included 30W wired charger, went from 0% to 18% in 15 minutes and reached 35% in half an hour.
Ultimately, both phones can deliver reliable, all-day battery life.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The camera systems on these devices are intriguing. The Pixel 7 boasts a 50Mp main camera, 12Mp ultrawide and 10.8Mp hole-punch front camera. Google’s photography software prowess is well-known, and the Pixel 7 excels in this area.
Meanwhile, the Zenfone 10 features a 50Mp main camera with OIS and gimbal-stabilisation for steady shots, 13Mp ultrawide and 32Mp front-facing camera. The gimbal-stabilisation system is particularly exciting, as it enables shake-free videos and great photos.
Both phones offer unique camera capabilities, so your choice will depend on your specific photography needs and preferences. While the advanced AI capabilities of the Pixel 7 make it a better point and shoot camera, the Zenfone 10 is arguably more versatile.
Below, you can see what kind of photos the Pixel 7 (top) and the Zenfone 10 (bottom) take, respectively.
Price & availability
The Pixel 7 maintains the same price as its predecessor, starting at £599/$599for 128GB storage. It’s also £100/$100/€100 cheaper than the newer Pixel 8.
Doubling the storage to 256GB costs £699/€699. It’s available to purchase from the Google Store and various third-party retailers.
Here’s where to buy one outright:
$499
And if you’re in the US, here are the best contract deals with at least 3GB of data:
Chris Martin / Foundry
The Asus Zenfone 10 starts at £749.99/$699.99 for 128GB, so it’s significantly more expensive. It’s available to buy directly from Asus and via various third-party retailers:
Here are the latest outright prices:
There are no contract options available in the US, so you’ll have to buy it outright and combine with a SIM-only deal.
Here are the best contract deals in the UK for both phones:
For more options, check out our rankings of the best small phones and best Android phones.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Verdict
The Asus Zenfone 10 provides an excellent mix of compact size, high performance, long battery life, durability and affordability, along with an intriguing gimbal-stabilised camera system. That makes it the better choice than the Pixel 7, even if it’s significantly more expensive.
However, the Pixel 7 still offers a premium design, top-notch camera capabilities, and the promise of timely software updates. If photography, Google’s AI and a pure Android experience are top priorities, the Pixel 7 is the one to go for.
However, nowadays the Pixel 7a or Pixel 8 might be a better choice, especially when it comes to the camera capabilities.
Specs
Google Pixel 7:
- Android 13
- 6.3in 20:9, 90Hz flat Full HD+ (2400×1080), OLED HDR
- Google Tensor G2 chipset
- Titan M2 security chip
- 8GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage
- 50Mp wide camera w/ 1.2μm pixels, f/1.85, 82° FoV, 1/1.31in image sensor, OIS + EIS, 8x Super Res Zoom
- 12Mp ultrawide camera w/ 1.25μm pixels, f/2.2, 114° FoV, lens correction
- LDAF (laser detect auto focus)
- 10.8 MP hole-punch front camera w/ 1.22μm pixels, f/2.2, 92.8° FoV
- In-display fingerprint sensor + Face Unlock
- Stereo speakers
- USB-C (3.2 Gen 2)
- Dual SIM (via eSIM)
- 4355mAh battery
- Wired charging up to 30W (USB-PD 3.0 + PPS)
- Wireless charging
- Battery Share
- Extreme Battery Saver
- WiFi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- NFC
- GPS
- Sub6 + mmWave 5G (varies by market)
- 195g
- 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm
- IP68
- Gorilla Glass Victus front
- Edgeless Gorilla Glass Victus rear
- Matte aluminum frame
- Colours: Obisdian, Snow, Lemongrass
Asus Zenfone 10:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- 8/16GB LPDDR5X RAM
- 128/256/512GB UFS 4.0 storage
- 5.92in 144Hz AMOLED display
- Camera:
- 50Mp, f/1.9 Sony IMX766 main camera with OIS & gimbal-stabilisation
- 13Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide camera
- 32Mp, front-facing camera
- 4300mAh battery
- 30W wired charging
- 15W wireless charging
- Dual stereo speakers with Dirac HD Sound
- USB-C
- Headphone jack
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Dual-SIM
- Sub-6GHz 5G
- IP65/IP68 rating
- Gorilla Glass Victus display
- 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm
- 172g
- Android 13 with Zen UI