ASUS Zenfone 2 Review: A Power Packed Performer

The flourishing trends intoday’s mobile industry are gradually narrowing down to compact handheld devices with the ability to support many tasks and activities. These devices enable communication, information search, entertainment, and empower user with a personal assisstant for task accomplishment. Interestingly, a single smartphone can accomodate all those needs and is now used in daily basis. 

A global dan major player in notebook business, ASUS made a breakthrough in the smartphone industry by unveiling ASUS ZenFone product line in the second quarter of 2014which turned out to be a phenomenal smartphone series. Its premium design, advanced performance, and affordable prices at its class account for ASUS ZenFone successful entry to the market. Moreover, this breakthrough has changed the competition landscape in the global smartphone industry, including in Indonesia.

Scoring another success in 2015, ASUS hit the market again by launching the iteration of its ZenFone series, unveiling ASUS ZenFone 2.The smartphone comes with even greater functions, more complete features, and offers more fun user experience. What are these new capabilities and features? Let’s take a closer look at them, one by one. 

Packaging and Package Content

In terms of packaging, ZenFone 2 box sports an elegant design, similar to the previous version. As the box is wrapped up by crystal clear plastic, users canquicklyand easily read the product specification as well as the official distributor responsible for importing the product.

 

Some highlighted features, including 4G data connectivity, full HD display, Bluetooth 4.0, and camera, are printed on the right side of the package. Users may remove  ZenFone 2 easily by sliding“a drawer-like compartment” out from the packaging. And voila…ZenFone 2 will be presented before our eyes in no time!

Currently, ASUS appointed 3 official partners for ZenFone distribution in Indonesia, namely Erajaya Swasembada (TAM), Synnex Metrodata, and Datascrip. Any purchase from any other distributors will be considered illegal.

 Aside from the handheld itself, inside the packaging, users will find a warranty card, a manual book, a power adapter, a USB cable, and information sheets explaining how to remove ASUS ZenFone 2 casing.

In comparison to the previous series, ASUS ZenFone 2 offers a faster battery charging as it features a power adapter with a higher output of  5V/2A.Initially, ASUS used a 1,35 amps power adapter for ZenFone series.

Provided USB cable comes with a dual function: to connect and synchronize data between ZenFone 2 and notebook or PC; and to charge the device. When ZenFone is connected to PC/notebook, users will be able to transfer photos/images and other documents, to run PC Link, or to charge the device via USB port.

ASUS ZenFone 2 runs Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system. An animated logo of ASUS powered by Android will be shown on the screen short after the power button on top of the smartphone is pressed. Another logo to pop out is Intel’s whose processor powers ASUS ZenFone 2.

Since its first launch, ZenFone is well known as ASUS smartphone lineup powered by processors made by the chief player in computation/semiconductor industry. Now, ZenFone 2 runsthe latest Intel Atom processor variant, based onnew architecture offering a higher performance yet a more efficient power consumption.

A particular ASUS ZenFone 2 to be discussed now is ZE551ML which runs an Intel quad-core Z3580 processor topping out at 2,33 GHz. While its predecessor uses a dual core dual thread processor, ZenFone 2 marketed in Indonesia features a quad-core chip fora better performance.

More Elegant Premium Design

ZenFone is high performance smartphone lineup with a premium design in affordable price. However, for the new ZenFone 2, ASUS took one step ahead by improving its performance and design. A nicer design is made through Zen Spirit which represents the harmony between beauty and power.

 

Concentric-circle design, a typical design characterisic found in ZenFone and Zenbook, also exists in the new ZenFone 2. This charateristic can be seen especiallyat the bottom part of the device. No significant change has been made on the location ofmicro USB port for charging and data sync. A five mega pixel wide view front facing camera for a better selfie photo is kept at the same position as the previous version.

The main loud speaker is positioned at the back and lower bottom of the smartphone. Thanks to SonicMaster technology developed by ASUS golden ear team, based on our test, the speaker produces powerful sound without noise when played in high volume. The secret lies within the resonance chambers which are now 25% larger and improved speaker diafragmas in ZenFone 2. To create higher quality, powerful sound in any given scenarios, the chambers embed 3 magnet construction and metal-made voice coil.

On the lower front part is the softkey button. By placing the button off the screen, the screen can be fully optimzed for displaying currently running apps.

 

Power button is moved up to the top, close to speaker output. On this part of the device also sits a 3,5 mm audio port for earphone and an audio input for noise cancellation. This feature is very useful when a user is making or receving a phone call and cannot escape noisy crowds.

For an easy single-handed operation, volume button with ASUS concentric-circle design is now rear-mounted. The button also functions as shutter button when user issnapping a picture, especially selfies.

 

 

Two LED flashes are at the upper part of ASUS ZenFone 2 back cover. For the volume button, ASUS also provide the unique concentric circle design on it.

Rear shooter features a 13MP camera with a fast f/20 aperture and 5 element lens for high quality picture production. Dual LED flash with dual tone ensures lowlight pictures to come out with more natural colors. The camera will be discussed further, later in another part of this document.

ZenFone 2 comes with an ergonomic arc design, gracefully curving at the back of the case, fittedconveniently for human palm contour. With a 1,09 cm thickness in the middle and  0,39 cm at the edges, ZenFone 2 is more convenient to hold.

A pretty wide screen of 5,5 inches does not necessarily make ZenFone 2 a bulky device. Reducing the bezels width gives this 15,2 cm x 7,72 cm smartphonea remarkable 72% screen-to-body ratio which is much higher percentage compared to premium class smartphones from other vendors.

ZenFone 2 has a full HD 1080×1920 screen, supported by IPS technology to provide a wider 178-degree viewing angle.TruVivid display technology reduces the number of layers in ASUS ZenFone 2 display to only 4 layers, while other premium class smartphones come with 5 layers. The layers include LCD, OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive), Sensor, and Cover Glass modules. Reduced layers increase transparency level up to 94% and allow a lighter screen.

The LCD module has a pixel density of 443ppi offering 400nits of brightness. This brightness level is high enough to allow users to have a clear view of the screen eventhough they are outdoor. Moreover, clarity is improved up to 99% by applying Optical Clear Adhesive coating on the screen.

The next layer to talk about is sensor,which gives much faster response time of just 60 milliseconds after touched by fingers. This means that there is almost no pauses when swiping, tapping applications, or playing games. Android phones circulating in the market today has an average touchscreen response time of 80 to 100 milliseconds.

Aside from being responsive, ASUS ZenFone 2 screen also supports Glove Mode feature. When this feature is switched on, the screen touch sensitivity will increase so that users can use the phone even if they are wearing gloves. ASUS perfects the screen performance by applying Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to enhance protection against scratches as well as minor bumps.

On top of the cover glass, ASUS spreads an anti-fingerprint coating as thick as 20 nanometer. This coating allows user to tap, slide, or swipe on the screen without having to worry about leaving any finger marks and smudges.

ASUS ZenFone 2 reproduces 72% of NTSC color gamut. The higher percentage the more colors to see on the screen. And they are not just more color variants but also more precisedand real colors as human eyes can see. It results in more beautiful and vivid photos and videos than those other smartphones can produce.

Low Temperature Poly-Silicon (LTPS) technology provides more polysilicon, enabling electrons to flow faster to give higher resolution screen at a more efficient energy usage/consumption.

ASUS ZenFone 2 rear cover is made of plastic with a metallic hairline finish. This choice of material produces a stunning visual effect as well as a premium/luxurious metal  impression when the back cover is touched.

ASUS ZenFone 2 uses unibody design. As the back cover is removed, there lies the Li-Polymer 3000mAh battery which cannot be removed. However, that gives users a hassle free SIM card 1, SIM card 2, and microSD insertion or removal.

The device supports 4G LTE data connectivity in SIM 1 slot while SIM 2 slot is used for voice communication and SMS. MicroSD slot lets user utilize up to 64GB SD card.

 

Another interesting feature of ZenFone 2 is 5 Laser Direct Structuring Antenna technology. By applying this antenna making technology, signal quality is enhanced while space is reduced if compared to smartphones with conventional antennas.

If you look at the picture more closely, you will see sticker-like structures  “attached” to the body (look at the arrows). Those 5 antenna structures are actually signal receivers and transmitters. They have different functions respectedly Diversity Antenna for SIM 1; 802.11ac WiFi antenna and Bluetooth 4.0, antenna for receiving signals from 5 GPS satellites; antenna for SIM 2; and 2G/3G/4G main antenna for SIM 1.

 

Today, there are two types of dual SIM smartphone available in the market: Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS)and Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA). Most dual SIM smartphones feature Dual SIM Dual Standby in which a single transceiver will activate only one SIM card at a time.

ASUS ZenFone 2 uses Dual SIM Dual Active technology which operates two transceivers, one for each SIM card slot.

This gives the advantage of two SIM cards being always active. Making and receiving calls or SMS from both SIM cards can be done simultaneously. Users can opt for holding his or her conversation with the first caller when receving a call from the second caller. Then the conversation with the first caller (on SIM card 1) can be continued after finishing with the second caller (on SIM card 2).

Interface, Features, and Applications

ZenFone lineup uses ZenUI interfce. If compared to Android operating system standard interface, ZenUI has experienced 1000 modifications/enhancements. 

ZenUI is simpler and easier to navigate in ZenFone 2. Some new features includes ZenMotion, SnapView, ZenUI Instant Updates, and TrendMicro Security software.

To get ZenUI always updated, ASUS applies ZenUI Instant Update. This method separates or divides ZenUI into about 30 applications which users can batch-update them. By doing this, users will not have to wait for or be burdened  with large capacity system update. User interface updates requiring big capacity is quite common among other Android smartphones.  Here are some interesting things about ZenUI on ASUS ZenFone 2.

 

As soon as ZenFone 2 is switched on, we will be taken to a Lock screen view. By default, the screen will displayinformation on current date, weather, location, GSM network status, and three frequently-used application shortcuts. Swipe upward to enter the main menu (Home screen).

Lock screen can be modified further. Users may opt for Swipe, Pattern, PIN, or Password to unlock the screen. If necessary, to activate the camera, users can just turn on double click feature via volume button when ZenFone 2 is in standby mode.

If desired, users’ name or personal information may also be displayed on the Lock screen view. Quick access feature, to quickly access three frequently used apps from the Lock screen mode, can be adjusted, turned on or off  when needed.

The new ZenFone 2 features improved Home screen viewing, adorned with fresher new icons than the first version of ZenUI. Users frequently updated his/her ZenUI via Google Play Store may find themselves quickly familiar to ZenFone 2 interface.

Widget, Wallpaper, Icon Pack, Scroll effect, preferences and setting can be modified by tapping on an empty space in Home screen mode to open Manage Home menu.

 

Try Wallpapers, Scroll effects, and Icon packs. Wallpaper packs allows users to adjust Home screen and Lock screen wallpaper, or both.

Not limited to wallpaper, Icon packs let users change other things. And to further personalize ZenFone 2, more icon packs are available in Playstore for downloads. To enhance users experience when swiping screen, choose from 11 effects delivered byScroll effects feature.

 

To accelerate booting process, users can set up preloaded/downloaded software or applications to be loaded by Android 5.0 Lollipop. This useful feature allows users to change the options without root access. If necessary, users’ setting may be restored to initial configuration.

After modifying interface view and setting up applications loaded by the operating system when the smartphone is turned on, now let’s arrange the color, sound output, and power management setting through Splendid, Audio Wizard, and Power Saver features.

ZenFone 2 comes with three built-in mode settings. Balance mode is to adjust everyday use while Reading mode helps user to conveniently read e-book, e-mail or to browse comfortably. Vivid mode is perfect for video or game viewing. Splendid mode is used to adjust screen view colors.

To modify and adjust sound output, ZenFone 2 employs Audio Wizard with six modes to choose from.

Last but not least is Smart saving. This feature automatically enables users to save battery by lowering processor (clock) speed, especially when user is not watching a Full HD video or playing games. Smart saving setting is customisable to suit currently running applications.Adjusting smartphone performance with running applications will eventually lead to battery saving and heat reduction.

ZenMotion

One of the new features offered by ZenFone to is ZenMotion, to enable more intuitive input. Through ZenMotion, users may setup certain gestures to do/activate certain tasks on the smartphone.

 ZenMotion offers two types of gestures: Motion Gesture and Touch Gesture. Motion Gesture will allow users to do tasks by shaking the device.

This is an interesting example of how to ease a day with Motion Gesture. While working with the browser, shake ZenFone 2 in your palm. The system will automatically create a screenshot and add the web page you are opening to Do It Later list. Later on, when you have the time, you can return to the saved web page in Do It Later list and contiune reading.

Touch Gesture, when activated, can turn on the smartphone by touching the screen twice eventhough the device is in idle mode. Opening an application when the phone screen is off is an easy task. Draw certain letter on the screen.

For example, draw letter “W” on the screen, ZenFone 2 will be active and open the browser. Drawing letter “e” will open email application. Users may choose applications to be associated with these gesture shortcut.

Security

ASUS packs ZenFone 2 with several security modes, starting from standard security features, such as preventing installation from unknown sources (to block unauthorized apps installation is the standard security feature of Android OS), Lock screen, Screen pinning, Kids Mode, to a more sophisticated security software TrendMicro’s Dr.Safety.

Kids Mode is one of the interesting security features in ZenFone 2. This feature lets users restrict applications they want their kids to use and incoming calls they want their kids to receive, unless the children have access to the PIN.

 

Of course, locking applications is enabled not only in Kids Mode. ASUS ZenFone 2 also allows users to lock certain applications with password, which will be kept in users’ Google account. ZenFone 2 system will ask for the password when someone tries to run the application without permission.

 

In Lock screen options, users can opt for Swipe (the default is to swipe upward), Pattern, PIN, or password. Another security feature in ZenFone 2 is Screen pinning. As the name implies, when the feature is turned on, you can pin the screen and keep the current screen in view until you unpin.

For more advanced security,ASUS ZenFone 2 also introduces TrendMicro’s Dr. Safety security software which delivers some security features such as Security Threat Scan, Privacy Risk Scan, and Lost Device Protection. When turned on, Lost Device Protection, powered by Google Maps, will enable users to locate the lost device. To further protect the device, SIM card remote locking feature gives the device further protection against unauthorized users.

Another security protection is to partially/totally wipe the data stored in ZenFone 2.  Partial wipe out is when only certain data is deleted, such as contacts, personal information, or SD card’s files. Users may also try to send a message to a person who might find the device. He/she can then reply the message.

Lastly, let’s meetSnapView. This feature provides two different login accesses/accounts, as if users had two separate smartphones. The first account keeps personal applications, files, photos and videos. The other account manages office email, business tasks, and business applications. Doing this, users can keep private life separate from work life. 

Connectivity

ASUS ZenFone 2 already supports 4G LTE connectivity. How about in Indonesia?No need to worry. 4G LTE may not flourish yet, but ASUS ZenFone already offers 4G LTE compatibility. Below is our 4G LTE and ZenFone 2 test result, using XL HotRod 4G LTE SIM card. The test was conducted in Jakarta area.

 

Users will enjoy high speed data transmission not only via 4G LTE.  ASUS ZenFone 2 employs WiFi 802.11c  wireless technology for an ultra speed connection through WiFi network. To illustrate, other smartphones wirelessly transmit data at 50-100Mbps on WiFi 802.11an while on the newer WiFi standard 802.11ac, data rate reaches 433Mbps. 

Feature

As mentioned previously, ZenUIhas gone through more than 1000 modifications if compared to standard Android OS. With some improved features, the newer interface is different from the first ZenUI installed in first generation ZenFone. Check out some interesting ZenUI features below.

PC Link has been around since the first version of ZenUI was launched. Developed by ASUS for its smartphone and tablet products, PC Link is simply a PC suite that helps user to access the device through a desktop PC or a notebook.

 

To easily establish connection between the smartphone and notebook/desktop PC, USB/data cable is no longernecessary, use WiFi connectivity instead.This requires both devices (ASUS ZenFone 2 and notebook/PC) to be connected to WiFi network from one access point.When connected, look for a PC Link icon on the upper left  of ZenFone 2 screen. 

Another good feature is Remote Link. It is a powerful utility that lets users use ZenFone 2 to operate PowerPoint or Windows Media Player in the laptop/notebook via Bluetooh connection.

 

Camera

ASUS ZenFone 2 featuresPixelMaster Camera 2.0,a newercamera technology.PixelMaster, an imaging system, combines special algorithm, hardware, and optical design to deliver better quality images in most scenarios.

Dual tone flash is incorporated to ensure accurate color. Low Light Mode and Zero Shutter Lag are employed to capture photos at nights or in low light. And the 5 megapixel front-facing camera with a wide-angle Lens, 85-degree field of view will optimize your selfies.

 

There are four new modes for picture taking: Effect, Time Lapse, Super Resolution and Manual.Effect mode has started its debut since the first generation of ZenFone and worked in combination with Auto mode. For an easy photo shoot, now Effect mode is a standalone.

 

Time Lapse mode lets users choose an interval between 1 and 5 seconds before taking automatic shoot.Super Resolution delivers a superb quality image by simultaneously mixing and processing 4 photos taken with 13MP rear camera. The result is images with a 52MP photo quality!

 

The most interesting feature is the Manual Mode. With this mode, users will experience taking pictures on a high end DSLR camera with their ZenFone 2.

By default, all settings including White Balance, Exposure Value, ISO, and Macro are set toAuto. However, there is no boudary for creativity. Users may take photos with different brightness level, quality, colors, etc. The above sample is taken in Manual mode set to Auto. And below is  a photo shot in Manual mode with White Balance set to 2500K, Exposure Value set to +2, andShutter Speed adjusted to 1/8.

 

There are other 9 modes to support the 5MP front-facing camera and PixelMaster 2.0. It’s quite an enhancement from the previous 5 modes. The new modes includes Effect, Selfie Panorama, Low Light, and Time Lapse. The must-try mode is Selfie Panorama giving the front  camera an ability to capture images with an up to 140-degree field of view.

 

ASUS ZenFone 2 records Full HD (1920 x 1080p) videos. White balance, Exposure value, and Video stabilization adjustable settings are available to perfect the video.Aside from that, users may choose their own Video preferences, whether to focus on video performance or quality (by lowering frame-rates).

 

Take a look at sample photos shot by ASUS ZenFone 2 in various modes below.

 

How does ASUS ZenFone 2 perform at night? Below is the sample photo shoots in a night scenario

 

 The photo on the left was taken in Auto mode. In the middle is a sample photo in Super Resolution mode. Lastly, on the right is a photo in Low Light mode.

Due to better light condition at the moment of photo shooting, you might not be able to tell the difference between photos with Auto and Low Light Mode above. However, check thoroughly for  a brighter colored and greener treein the photo taken in Low Light Mode.

Done with photo shot session, now try PhotoCollage to collect, collage, and share photos.PhotoEffects feature lets you be as creative as you want with just a few getures.Some templates are already available for you to create an interesting photo album.

 

More interestingly, if photo album does not satisfy you, transfer your extensive collection of photos into rich videos with ZenUI MiniMovie. MiniMovie helps user create and share photo slideshows, adorned with movie titles and music, to your loved ones. When connected to Facebook account, MiniMovie allows you to create movie slideshow from your Facebook photo albums.

 

Performance

Underneath ASUS ZenFone 2, particulary ZE551ML,are 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, powered by a quad-core 64-bit Intel (Moorefield) Z3580 processor toppingout at 2.3GHz.

For a better graphic performance, ASUS powers ZenFone 2 with PowerVR 6430 chip running at a speed of 533MHz and suporting OpenGL 3.2, a widely used API in today’s graphic and game applications.

Intel Z3580 processorhas an uncompromising performance 3x higher than the previous version and a clock speed 7x faster in gaming. Therefore, playing games, surfing the web, and watching Full HD videos run smooth. Running applications simultaneously creates no problem on ZenFone 2.

Based on a comparison test, Intel concluded that its latest generation processor offers  speed 2x faster than a Mediatek octa core processors, or about 2x faster than Snapdragon 800, one of Qualcomm’s high end chip.

 

CPU-Z application summarizes that Intel Atom Z3580’s speed can be lowered to 500MHz to save battery and reduce processor temperature. CPU-Z also displays the average temperature of 3000mAH Lithium-Polymer battery is about 32-degree Celsius.

The question is whether the perfomance is as fast as it is claimed by Intel and ASUS? How does ASUS ZenFone 2 compare to other premium smartphones? Check this out:

  

Below is a test result of Galaxy Note 4, one of premium smartphones available in the market today:

 

Another device to compare with ZenFone 2 is a Snapdragon 801-based Galaxy S5, a quite popular premium smartphone in Indonesia. The test result is as follows: 

 

To measure performance and to compare ZenFone 2 with other smartphones available today in the market, a common benchmark application is employed.  The result is ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML 4GB outperforms its competitors, including other premium class smartphones offered at higher prices.

According to Vellamo benchmark application, Intel Atom Z3580 processor installed in ZenFone 2 manages to provide quite good performance when running single core as well as multi core. The bottom line is no doubt about ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML performance.

Full Specifications

ASUS ZE551ML

Screen

• 5-inch Super BrightIPS Full-HD 1920×1080 with 178° wide view angle, 403ppi, Super Anti-Scratch Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with 20nm Oleophobic Anti-Finger Coating
• Ultra-Sensitive touch panel with Glove Touch support, 60ms Touch Screen Response Time
• Screen-to-body ratio of 72%
• ZenMotion support Touch and Motion gesture command (including tap tap to wake up or sleep)

Processor

• Intel 64-bitQuad-Core Processor Z3560 (1.8GHz) / Z3580 (2.3GHz) with PowerVR Series 6-G6430 support OpenGL 3.2, Intel exclusive 3D Tri-Gate Transistor Technology

Memory

• 2GB / 4GB RAM 64-bit Dual Channel LPDDR3 (World’s first 4GB RAM Phone)

Storage

• 16GB / 32GB / 64GB + Free 5GB ASUS WebStorage for Lifetime

Camera

• 13 MegaPixel Auto-Focus, Large Aperture f/2.0, 5-element Lens, Zero Shutter Lag, PixelMaster Camera for 400% Brighter Photo & Video with Blue Glass IR-filter, Zero Shutter Lagand Dual-Color Real Tone Flash for true-to-life photo (Rear)
• 5 MegaPixel Wide-angle (85-degree Field of View), Large Aperture f/2.0, 5-element Lens PixelMaster Camera, with 140-degree Selfie Panorama (Front)
• Support Manual Mode (as in DSLR Camera)
• Support 52 MegaPixel Super Resolution Mode

Network

• GSM / WCDMA Quad-Band for Worldwide Data Roaming (850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100MHz)
• 5 Laser Direct Structuring Antennas for Better Signal Reception
• 4G LTE Cat4 for download speed up to 150Mbps

Wireless

• 11a/b/g/n/ac Dual-band (802.11ac is 5x faster than 802.11n, up to 433Mbps), BT 4.0 with A2DP, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC(Near Field Communication)support
• Super-Fast Wi-Fi Hotspot capability (Tethering)

Connectivity

• Micro-USB (support OTG), 3.5mm Audio jack
• Micro-SD card support up to 64GB

Navigation

• Support 5 different Satellite Navigation System – GPS / GNSS / QZSS / SBAS / Beidou (BDS)

Accessories (sold separately)

• ZenFone2 View Flip Cover Deluxe with access to 7 ZenUI functions–(receive calls, reply messages, flashlight, weather, settings, instant camera, what’s next)

Operating System

• Latest 64-bit Android 5.0 Lollipop

SIM Card

• Dual Micro-SIM support Dual Active (DSDA)

(Both SIM cards active, still can receive call when talking in another line)

Dimension

• 5 x 77.2 x 3.9 – 10.9mm |  170g

Battery

• 3,000mAh Li-Polymer with BoostMaster support Fast Charging technology – charge up to 60% capacity in only 39 minutes (4GB RAM version)

User Interface (UI)

• Brand New ASUS ZenUI 2015 with over 1000+ software enhancements (What’s Next, ZenLink, ZenMotion, Quick Access, ASUS Splendid, Kids Mode, SnapView, One Hand Mode, Trend Micro Security, and many more)

Sensor

• Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient-light, Gyroscopic, Digital compass and Hall-effect sensors

Audio

• Dual-Microphone with Noise Cancellation for best phone call quality
• ASUS SonicMaster for better sound clarity and deeper bass
• FM Receiver (Radio)
• MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, MIDI, WAV, AC3, FLAC

Video

• Playback MPEG-4 up to 1080p
• Full HD Video recording 1080p at 30fps with video stabilization and one-touch still-capture facility
• DivX, H.264, MPEG4, H.263, Xvid, 3gp

Service/Other Apps

• PhotoCollage, PhotoEffects, MiniMovie, Google App, ASUS Sync, MyCloud, File Manager, MyLibrary, SuperNote
• Themes (customize your ZenFone 2 theme from many different templates)
• Blackberry Messenger (BBM) and WhatsApp Ready

Color

• Glacier Gray, Osmium Black, Glamour Red, Ceramic White, Sheer Gold with Premium Hairline Metallic Finish.

ASUS ZE550ML

Screen

• 5-inch Super BrightIPS HD 1280×720 with 178° wide view angle, 268ppi, Super Anti-Scratch Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with20nm Oleophobic Anti-Finger Coating
• Ultra-Sensitive touch panel with Glove Touch support, 60ms Touch Screen Response Time
• Screen-to-body ratio of 72%
• ZenMotion support Touch and Motion gesture command (including tap tap to wake up or sleep)

Processor

• Intel 64-bit (Moorefield) Quad-Core Processor Z3560 (1.8GHz) with PowerVR Series 6-G6430 support OpenGL 3.2, Intel exclusive 3D Tri-Gate Transistor Technology

Memory

• 2GB RAM 64-bit Dual Channel LPDDR3

Storage

• 16GB + Free 5GB ASUS WebStorage for Lifetime

Camera

• 13 MegaPixel Auto-Focus, Large Aperture f/2.0, 5-element Lens, Zero Shutter Lag, PixelMaster Camera for 400% Brighter Photo & Video with Blue Glass IR-filter,Zero Shutter Lagand Dual-Color Real Tone Flash for true-to-life photo (Rear)
• 5 MegaPixel Wide-angle (85-degree Field of View), Large Aperture f/2.0, 5-element Lens PixelMaster Camera, with 140-degree Selfie Panorama (Front)
• Support Manual Mode (as in DSLR Camera)
• Support 52 MegaPixel Super Resolution Mode

Network

• GSM / WCDMA Quad-Band for Worldwide Data Roaming (850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100MHz)
• 5 Laser Direct Structuring Antennas for Better Signal Reception
• LTE Cat4 for download speed up to 150Mbps support

Wireless

• 11a/b/g/n/ac Dual-band (802.11ac is 5x faster than 802.11n, up to 433Mbps), BT 4.0 with A2DP, Wi-Fi Direct
• Super-Fast Wi-Fi Hotspot capability (Tethering)

Connectivity

• Micro-USB (support OTG), 3.5mm Audio jack
• Micro-SD card support up to 64GB

Navigation

• Support 5 different Satellite Navigation System – GPS / GNSS / QZSS / SBAS / Beidou (BDS)

Accessories (sold separately)

• ZenFone2 View Flip Cover Deluxe with access to 7 ZenUI functions–(receive calls, reply messages, flashlight, weather, settings, instant camera, what’s next)

Operating System

• Latest Android 5.0 Lollipop

SIM Card

• Dual Micro-SIM support Dual Active (DSDA)

(Both SIM cards active, still can receive call when talking in another line)

Dimension

• 5 x 77.2 x 3.9 – 10.9mm |  170g

Battery

• 3,000mAh Li-Polymer

User Interface (UI)

• Brand New ASUS ZenUI 2015 with over 1000+ software enhancements (What’s Next, ZenLink, ZenMotion, Quick Access, ASUS Splendid, Kids Mode, SnapView, One Hand Mode, Trend Micro Security, and many more)

Sensor

• Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient-light, Gyroscopic, Digital compass and Hall-effect sensors

Audio

• Dual-Microphone with Noise Cancellation for best phone call quality
• ASUS SonicMaster for better sound clarity and deeper bass
• FM Receiver (Radio)
• MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, MIDI, WAV, AC3, FLAC

Video

• Playback MPEG-4 up to 1080p
• Full HD Video recording 1080p at 30fps with video stabilization and one-touch still-capture facility
• DivX, H.264, MPEG4, H.263, Xvid, 3gp

Service/Other Apps

• PhotoCollage, PhotoEffects, MiniMovie, Google App, ASUS Sync, MyCloud, File Manager, MyLibrary, SuperNote
• Themes (customize your ZenFone 2 theme from many different templates)
• Blackberry Messenger (BBM) and WhatsApp Ready

Color

• Osmium Black, Glamour Red, Ceramic White with Premium UV Coating 

Battery

ASUS ZenFone 2 non removable Lithium-Polymer battery runs at 3000mAh, delivering the power you need to complete tasks and do activities from dawn to dusk.

Big capacity is not the only advantage. ZenFone 2 highlights ASUS BoostMaster Technology to charge 0-60%in just 39 minutes.

Ensuring safe charging, BoostMaster technology employs a unique power management system. It charges more quickly at the beginning and slows down when the battery is 60% charged. Less time waiting, less heat generating.

 

Underneath ASUS ZenFone 2 is the latest Intel platform with higher performance but more efficient  energy consumption. Depending on your typical phone usage and by using Smart saving feature, the battery can last more than one day.

The newest ZenUI features ASUS Support, offering three menus: Assistance, ZenUI Apps, and News. This feature is dedicated to help ZenFone users troubleshoot their phones.

Asistance lets users find help and solution to troubleshoot any problems, such as software, system andbattery problems. For further and more detailed solution, ASUS prepares Contact ASUS where users can search contact numbers for each country. Users may also interact with ASUS team or ZenFone fellow users via ZenTalk.

Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ about ZenFone can be accessed through ZenUI Apps. Another channel to get help for specific problems is User forum. No need to run a browser and search in the internet, just click on a menu in your internet-connected ZenFone. 

In a nutshell

ASUS ZenFone 2 is the latest generation ASUS Android smartphone that meets mobile users needs. There are a number of improvements brought by ASUS into ZenFone 2. The design, features, and performance are much better than the previous model while users will not have to spend much to enjoy them.

Design wise, ZenFone 2 is incredibly convenient to use due to repositioningvolume button and camera shutter button for an easier access. An Intel quad-core Moorfield generation processor,  a much bigger RAM capacity, and the latest Android operating system creates a truly smooth communication experience.

All new features in the interface, applications, dan camera (especially an addition of Manual mode) make ASUS ZenFone 2 a complete and perfect device for all day activities.

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