The latest Asus Zenfone 8 leaks indicate that Asus is pursuing an entirely new design direction. And that it is setting its sights on the iPhone 12 mini.

Multiple sources have shown off some of the features of the recently announced Zenfone 8 Mini, which aims to combine compact size with powerful specs.The Zenfone 8 will not only be a handsome device, but it will also have the specs expected of the latest Android flagship.

The case maker is also showing off some of the features of the device.

Rendered images, which appear to be from the casemaker, show two rear cameras on the back of the Zenfone 8. This is not a lot when compared to the best Android phones, but it is in line with the iPhone 12 and 12 mini. The phone also uses a handsome gradient blue color, which can be seen with an arrow pattern.

Another detail confirmed by Asus is that the Zenfone 8 is IP68 rated against water and dust. In practice, this means that it can be safely immersed to a depth of one meter; the Asus Zenfone 7 does not have such a rating due to its inverted camera system that prevents it from being fully waterproof.

Another feature expected in the Zenfone 8 Mini is a 4,000 mAh battery, while larger versions of the phone will use a 5,000 mAh battery. The site Gadget Tendency, which spotted the above renderings, also mentions that there will be a fingerprint sensor under the display, an upgrade from the sensor mounted on the side of the Zenfone 7.

A recent Geekbench 5 browser entry for Asus phones gives an idea of the Zenfone's potential performance. The results show a Snapdragon 888 with 16GB RAM, which could be a full-size model, or a Pro version, rather than the smaller 5.8-inch Mini seen in these renderings.

According to the countdown on Asus' website, the Zenfone 8 Mini's release date is May 12. Last year's Zenfone 7 was impressive but ineffective as a competitor to other flagship smartphones because it was not sold in the US.

The Zenfone 8 appears to aim higher than the iPhone 12 mini with an impressive chipset/RAM and a particularly unique small design. We'll know if this new direction will get the Zenfone 8 Mini into our Best Small Phones guide when we get it for testing.