ASUS is set to revitalise its smartphone business with a ZenFone Mini; ROG Phone 5 launching by April at a higher price than the ROG Phone 3

According to a report by DigiTimes, ASUS has sought to reposition its smartphone division following lower than expected shipments in 2020. Citing industry sources, DigiTimes claims that ASUS reported profits of approximately US$61.8 million in Q3 2020, split between US$17.8 million on older models and US$42 million on new models. Apparently, ASUS blames component scarcity caused by the pandemic for failing to meet its expectations, but it has a plan to reverse its slump.

This includes, among other things, a ZenFone Mini, which has a nice ring to it. According to DigiTimes, ASUS will design the ZenFone Mini for those who like premium but small smartphones, as Sony used to with its Xperia Compact devices. The report does not give further details on the ZenFone Mini, although we expect it to feature a much smaller display than the 6.67-inch one in the ZenFone 7 and ZenFone 7 Pro. It remains to be seen if a compact flagship smartphone would sell well though - even Apple has struggled to shift the iPhone 12 mini.

Additionally, DigiTimes asserts that ASUS will introduce the ROG Phone 5 by April, with March also a possible release month for the smartphone. ASUS will continue to aim the ROG Phone series at gamers, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 at the heart of this year's model. DigiTimes adds that the ROG Phone 5 will be more expensive than its predecessor, which may put some fans of the series off. The ROG Phone 5 has already leaked several times in the last few months, most recently in a hands-on video showcasing its AniMe Matrix secondary display. There is no word on much the ROG Phone 5 will cost yet, though.

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