Taiwan-based Asus announced its most recent flagship smartphone, the ZenFone 2. At first glance, the device looks like just another 5.5-inch handset with 1920 by 1080 resolution and a plastic build. Similar to an LG phone, the ZenFone 2 also houses the volume buttons at the rear.
With 4 GB RAM and a 2.3 GHz 64-bit quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 processor, the ZenFone 2 is well-positioned to accomplish tasks that need faster computing as well as those that are designed for entertaining, such as high-end games. The higher the RAM, the more tasks your phone can handle simultaneously without slowing down. Asus promises 7x faster gaming performance with this model than its predecessor.
The device is also meant to cater to photography enthusiasts who prefer taking images using their smartphones and not by using a separate camera. This is easily achieved with its 13-MP shutter, which delivers optical zoom of up to 3 times. It is supported by a massive internal storage of 128 GB, which is supposed to provide enough space for keeping images, videos and multimedia data.
"ZenFone 2 comes with a 13-MP PixelMaster camera and an f/2.0 aperture lens to capture stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag," said Asus. "This industry-leading low-light mode employs pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400 percent brighter photos at night, or in low-light scenes, without the need for a flash. When a flash is preferred, ZenFone 2 is equipped with a Real Tone Flash to ensure warm skin tones and accurate color."
Other notable specs and features of the device include brand new Asus ZenUI with the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop, Micro SD card support of up to 64 GB, 403-ppi IPS display, 400 nits brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, a front shutter of 5-megapixels, LTE connectivity, 3000 mAh lithium-polymer battery, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The dimensions are measured at 152.5 by 77.2 by 10.9-3.9 mm, while the weight is set at 170 g.
With such dimension features, it's no wonder Asus describes the phone as "the world's thinnest smartphone to feature a 13-MP camera with a 3x optical zoom."
Asus also touts the phone as an ergonomic device that has a curved build and rear-positioned volume button. However, some believe the device lacks excitement and may even be mistaken as a cookie-cutter smartphone. It is one of those Android phones that have the cheap-feeling plastic build.
Asus had tried to address the phone's lack of physical appeal with a number of color options. According to Asus, the ZenFone 2 will come in Sheer Gold, Ceramic White, Glamour Red, Osmium Black and Glacier Gray.
The Asus ZenFone 2 is scheduled to be available in March at a starting price of $199.99. The ZenFone Zoom will be sold at a higher price of $399. It will be available sometime at the second quarter of 2015.
