Asus ZenFone 8 release date: Three device lineup might include ‘mini’ model with 5.9-inch 120Hz display

Asus recently launched its latest ROG Phone, and it may have provided a clear view of what to expect from the ZenFone 8 series. It is believed that the Taiwan-based company has a “mini” model in the pipeline with a 5.9-inch 120Hz OLED display.

Asus ZenFone 8 models and specs to expect

The company expanded its ZenFone series by adding a Pro variant last year. It appears that Asus is planning to add another device to the lineup this year but one that has a smaller screen size.

The latest clues about the ZenFone 8 series were first spotted by a member of the XDA Developers community through the kernel source code of the ROG Phone 5 that was launched earlier this month. Upon analyzing the data, three distinct unknown devices were identified with codenames Sake, Picasso, and Vodka.

The report clarified that the codenamed devices did not have direct references to the ZenFone 8, but XDA noted finding earlier evidence that exhibited clear links to the unannounced ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Flip. Meanwhile, the device named Sake in the kernel code was reportedly described as having a 5.92-inch OLED display leading to the conclusion that a ZenFone 8 “mini” model could be in the pipeline.

The suspected ZenFone 8 phone, with model identifiers ASUS_ZS590KS / ASUS_I006D, is also defined in the codes as having a screen that supports 120Hz refresh rate with Full HD+ (1080 x 2400) resolution. It was described as having a dual-camera, including the 64MP Sony IMX686 and an unknown sensor called Sony IMX663.

As for the device called Picasso, it also has two model identifiers, ASUS_ZS672KS / ASUS_I004D, and a 6.67-inch OLED display. It has the same screen resolution as the potential ZenFone 8, but the refresh rate information is not specified. The Sony IMX686 sensor is also mentioned for Picasso, along with a 12MP Sony 363 camera and two Omnivision sensors.

Meanwhile, the third device codenamed Vodka did not have as much information as the other two aside from its model numbers ASUS_ZS675KW / ASUS_I007D. But all three devices are listed with Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset suggesting that they could be part of the same series, likely the ZenFone 8.

Asus ZenFone 8 release date

Unfortunately, the report did not mention anything about a ZenFone 8 release date and it is unlikely that this kind of information would be included in the kernel code as well. Even going by the previous ZenFone announcements, it is quite difficult to guess the possible release date. ZenFone launches usually took place in May but that changed last year when the ZenFone 7 series was unveiled in August.