The Asus Zenfone 8 series is officially on the way. Asus will unveil its next generation of mainstream premium phones on May 12, with the teaser tagline hinting heavily at the imminent arrival of a compact flagship—likely the Asus Zenfone 8 Mini.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-Zenfone-8-series-officially-confirmed-for-May-12-launch-featuring-the-touted-compact-Zenfone-8-Mini.534547.0.html
I'd prefer a 700-series Snapdragon or at least a slightly older 800-series, both for cost and due to the overheating issues of the 888, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this. If it has removable storage, and especially if it can be rooted and does have the flip camera, I'll have to seriously consider getting it.