News
ASUS Zenfone 8 Series now official
Featuring the Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip
ASUS is diversifying the Zenfone line by giving people two distinct options in the Zenfone 8 series — the base Zenfone 8 and the Zenfone 8 Flip.
Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. Right off the bat, you’re promised flagship performance, 5G connectivity, some reliable gaming performance, and all that jazz.
However, the most impressive thing about these two devices may be in how targeted they are. ASUS is sticking to their thing by insisting on a Flip camera module, but they’re also offering something else for a segment that they feel is underserved with the base Zenfone 8.
Zenfone 8
The goal for the Zenfone 8 is clear — offer a compact flagship smartphone. While there are compact phones out there, it’s really only the iPhone 12 mini that can be considered flagship-level. But that phone suffered from a dismal battery life as many reviewers have pointed out.
To remedy this, ASUS put a 4,000mAh battery on the Zenfone 8. But how compact is it?
The Samsung AMOLED display on the phone measures at 5.9 inches. Only a few decimals larger than the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini. Also, a far cry from the at least 6.4 inches we see on most flagships today.
That display also supports HDR10+, has a 120Hz refresh rate, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, and is made of Corning Gorilla Glass 6. Neat. It has a tiny hole that houses the 12MP front-facing camera.
Speaking of cameras, no crazy flip-module here. Likely to maximize the space on the relatively tiny body. But ASUS didn’t skimp on the specs as the main camera uses the 64MP Sony IMX686 sensor here paired with an 8MP telephoto lens.
It is available in multiple configurations: 6GB + 128GB, 8GB +128GB, 8GB + 256GB, and 16GB + 256GB but there’s no way to expand the internal storage.
Zenfone 8 Flip
As the name suggests, this is the more party-friendly Zenfone. It features the Flip-up camera module first seen on the ZenFone 6. It has a similar set of cameras as the Zenfone 8, but are positioned alongside each other — that’s 64MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP telephoto.
The Flip can sustain up to 300,000 flips which may not sound a lot but ASUS insists that it is. It also doesn’t just go all the way flipped up or down. You can control the angle at which the camera flips.
The display is also Samsung AMOLED but this one lands on the big screen category coming in at 6.67 inches. Instead of 120Hz though, this has a 90Hz refresh rate with a 200Hz touch sampling rate.
By virtue of having a larger body, it also has a larger battery capacity at 5,000mAh. This one comes in only one configuration — 8GB +256GB with support for up to 2TB of storage expansion via MicroSD.
Both Zenfones share the same video shooting capabilties. These are 8K and 4K video recording, Motion Tracking video, Time Lapse, Slow Mo, and more.
Here’s a quick look at the specs side by side.
|
Zenfone 8 |
Zenfone Flip 8 |
|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Display | 5.9” Samsung AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.67” Samsung AMOLED, 90Hz |
| OS | Android 11, Zen UI 8 | Android 11, Zen UI 8 |
| Configuration | 6GB + 128GB
8GB +128GB 8GB + 256GB 16GB + 256GB *No storage expansion |
8GB +256GB
*Up to 2TB storage expansion via MicroSD |
| Battery | 4,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Cameras | 64MP Sony IMX686
12MP Ultra-wide 12MP front-facing |
64MP Sony IMX686
12MP Ultra-wide 8MP telephoto *Flip camera module |
Pricing and availability details to follow.
Apps
Significantly better ChatGPT Images 2.0 launches
Stronger creative reasoning, better design output, more formats, improved overall experience
OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Images 2.0. This updated image generation model has a meaningful jump over competitors and its current ImageGen 1.5.
Now available across ChatGPT, Codex and the API, Images 2.0 delivers stronger creative reasoning, better design output, more flexible formats, and a faster, more intuitive user experience.
Paid users (Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise) will benefit from a more advanced image experience (ImageGen Thinking 2.0). The state-of-the-art model can take on complex visual tasks and produce precise and immediately usable visuals.
ChatGPT Images 2.0 is likewise better for creative and professional use cases. It has a significantly better performance at producing text-heavy assets, infographics, product mockups, UI concepts, and more structured visuals.
Moreover, users can generate images in a wider range of aspect ratios. The outputs are limitless, from posters to comics or anime to detailed infographics to simple images. API users, on the other hand, will also have access to 4K resolution.
To try the upgraded image generation model, simply head to ChatGPT and select “Images” in the sidebar.
Users will be able to see the top five prompts as well, curated by OpenAI, for them to try. This is to highlight the capabilities of the new model.
Overall, ChatGPT Images 2.0 offers a more seamless experience on mobile, web, and desktop. The intuitive user experience includes improved prompt suggestions, loading states, editing features, and multi-output views.
Malaysia is first to get the HONOR 600 Series.
HONOR has officially unveiled its latest “accessible flagship” lineup, bringing both the HONOR 600 and HONOR 600 Pro to the global stage.
The series focuses on combining flagship-level features with more attainable pricing, starting at RM2,599.
Pre-orders are now open until April 29, 2026. Early buyers can enjoy a RM200 instant rebate along with free gifts and protection bundles worth up to RM1,935.
For the HONOR 600 Pro, customers get a free Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+ alongside extended warranty and damage protection. Meanwhile, HONOR 600 buyers receive a free HONOR CHOICE Watch 2 Epic with similar coverage.
The devices will be available starting April 30, 2026 through HONOR’s official stores, online platforms, and partner retailers.
Flagship features come to the N Series
With the HONOR 600 Series, the company is pushing its N Series further into flagship territory.
Leading the charge is a 200MP main camera with a large 1/1.4-inch sensor. The Pro model adds a 50MP telephoto lens with up to 120x zoom and enhanced stabilization, while the standard version supports up to 30x zoom.
Both devices are designed to handle low-light scenarios with improved night processing and color accuracy.
AI Image to Video 2.0 also returns as a headline feature. It allows users to turn still images into short video clips using prompts, templates, and multiple reference images.
On the performance side, the HONOR 600 Pro runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, marking the first time the series gets an Elite-tier chip.
The standard HONOR 600 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, offering solid gains in both CPU and GPU performance for everyday use.
Bright display, big battery, and added durability
Both devices feature a 6.57-inch display with up to 8000 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate.
HONOR also highlights its Eye Comfort Display tech, which includes high-frequency PWM dimming and adaptive brightness controls for long viewing sessions.
Battery is another key focus.
The series packs up to a 7000mAh battery, paired with 80W wired charging and reverse charging support. The Pro model also adds 50W wireless charging.
Durability sees an upgrade as well, with IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings alongside SGS 5-star drop and crush certification.
Pricing and availability
The HONOR 600 Series comes in Orange, Golden White, and Black.
Malaysia pricing is as follows:
- HONOR 600 (12GB + 512GB): RM2,599
- HONOR 600 Pro (12GB + 256GB): RM3,099
- HONOR 600 Pro (12GB + 512GB): RM3,299
Pre-orders run until April 29, 2026, with general availability starting April 30.
Europe pricing
In Europe, the HONOR 600 is priced at €649.9 for the 256GB model and €699.9 for the 512GB variant.
With launch coupons, both configurations are effectively reduced to €499.9, bundled with 12 months of screen insurance.
The HONOR 600 Pro (512GB) is priced at €999.9, with a €200 coupon bringing it down to €799.9. Early buyers also receive bundled freebies, including either a tablet or projector, plus headphones for select orders, alongside 12 months of screen protection.
United Kingdom pricing
In the UK, the HONOR 600 Pro (512GB) is priced at £899.99.
The HONOR 600 is available at £549.99 for the 256GB model and £599.99 for the 512GB variant.
A Lite version is also available, with the HONOR 600 Lite (256GB) priced at £369.99.
News
iPhone 18 may have lower specs and a delayed launch, rumor says
Once again, it’s because of rising RAM prices.
A tale as old as time by now, Apple will always launch the latest generation of the iPhone in the fall every year. Lately, however, the more affordable iPhone e series found a home much earlier in the year. Next year, according to rumors, the regular iPhone 18 duo will join the iPhone 18e’s launch next spring, and it will be heavily downgraded.
Much ado has been said about the lack of differences between the four models of the current iPhone series. The “which iPhone is best for you” debate is still a worthy one today. Now, a new rumor from Weibo states that the base iPhone 18 will delineate itself further from the Pro and the Pro Max because of downgraded specs. The rumor has not detailed which pieces of hardware will get budget cuts.
The downgrade is supposedly due to the rising RAM prices in the industry today. That said, it also serves as a way to maintain the premium niche of the Pro and the Pro Max. However, pushing the base iPhone 18 away from the premium models naturally pushes it towards the iPhone 18e. Only its launch can tell how Apple will keep the two models separate from one another.
Besides the difference in specs, a previous rumor has also speculated that the base model will depart its usual launch window in September for a delayed one in March, right next to the iPhone 18e.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17e review
-
Cameras6 days agoDJI Osmo Pocket 4 review: A solo creator’s production crew
-
Reviews1 week agoTECNO POVA Curve 2 review: Munch That Power Crunch!
-
Reviews1 week agoHONOR MagicPad4: A tablet that found its place
-
News7 days agovivo X300 FE launches with ZEISS telephoto system
-
Automotive5 days agoLuxury you can ride: The Vespa 180cc Collection
-
Hands-On1 week agoMatch Pulse: HONOR Pad X8b
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoBINI, KATSEYE among top worldwide Google Searches ahead of Coachella
-
Reviews1 week agovivo V70 review: Pretty darn good for nights like this




