[6] Despite positive reviews, the ZenFone 6 lacked broad appeal and attracted a niche market of power users and technology enthusiasts.

[21][22] In late 2018, Asus's smartphone division underwent a significant corporate restructuring process, which involved allocating NT$6 billion (US$195 million, €171M, or £152M as of 2018) towards a new focus on "power users and gamers."

The move was prompted by the success of the gamer-focused ROG Phone and aimed to shift the division's direction towards catering to this demographic.

[25] On 14 May 2019, two days prior to the official unveiling of the ZenFone 6, accurate renderings and specifications of the device were leaked by Taiwanese outlet Sogi.

[6][29] For the initial international release, the novel use of liquid metal for the camera module's casing caused inventory shortages and delays in many markets.

[34][35] In late August 2019, Asus started recruiting ZenFone 6 users for an Android 11 beta program,[36] which was subsequently released to the public in December 2020.

[42] The camera's flip mechanism is driven by a miniature stepper motor and a magnetically linked reduction gearbox, resulting in two-degree microsteps.

The camera module's casing is constructed of an amorphous, metallic alloy that is similar to Liquidmetal in its durability, weight, high yield strength, and anti-wearing properties needed in a mechanical component that is subject to repeated stress.

[11][12] On one edge, the ZenFone 6 has a function-customisable "Smart Key" with tactile indents, a volume rocker, and a power button that are outlined in blue on the black models.

[47] The motherboard's printed circuit board has Anylayer interconnect technology, resulting in a smaller size, which Asus says enabled them to fit a large 5,000 mAh battery into the chassis.

Changes to ZenUI 6 include a greater focus on single-handed operation, an overhauled notifications menu, dark mode with a light-on-dark color scheme, and a reduced number of preinstalled applications.

[51] The ZenFone 6 received positive reviews from media outlets and was praised for its value proposition, long battery life, clean implementation of Android, edge-to-edge display, and general build quality for its price.

[52][53] Business Insider dubbed the device "the best new smartphone of 2019 so far",[54] Android Authority called it "[a]n absolute steal",[55] while The Verge praised its "incredible battery life".

[56] In terms of software, reviewers noted ZenUI 6 provides an experience closer to that of stock Android—the version of the Android mobile operating system developed and designed by Google.