The ASUS ZenFone 2 is undeniably the front runner for game changer of 2015 as it packs that unimaginable flagship worthy specs for the asking price. It captured the imagination of the tech world when they released the first ever 4 GB RAM phone and on top of that the overall build, design and power that's unimaginable for the price before. This indication that ASUS is declaring war to everyone by making this powerful device affordable to almost anyone.
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| This is the handsome and powerful ZenFone 2 |
Note: The ZenFone 2 has several models in PH, the ZE550ML 2GB / 16GB, ZE551ML 2GB / 16GB, ZE551ML 4GB / 32GB and ZE551ML 4GB / 64GB outside the other international versions. What we have here for review is the ZE551ML 4GB / 32GB variant.
Let's start! :)
Unboxing
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| Here's what the box looks like |
ZenFone 2's packaging is compact, neat and easy to open it. Once it's opened you'll see what others can't see. The ZenFone 2 itself and the accessories.
Accessories
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| Warranty Card, User Manual, 2 A fast charging wall adapter and the thick durable micro USB cables |
The accessories bundled with the ZenFone 2 is generous especially for the specs their giving at this price point. You'll get a 2 A fast charging wall charger usb adapter, a sturdy looking micro USB cables and a stock in ear monitor that bassheads would surely love!
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| The freebie IEM with mic that's nicely built! |
I said earlier that ASUS was generous in their package, because they really are! Normally, bang per buck handsets cuts on the quality and quantity of accessories to keep the prices low. Here we can still get an almost complete package and that very important acceptable quality IEM included in the package is a huge plus! While I'd like to see a case bundled in this unit, I know that I'm asking too much already considering how solid this phone is. Props to ASUS.
Build And Design
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| ZenFone 2's brushed back! |
From the first look of it, the ZenFone 2 is argurably one of the most premium looking phone I had in hand. It clearly borrowed some of the design perspective of LG with the G2 and G3 series, but they mixed it very well with their own good design of the ZenFone 5 to give us almost the best of both world.
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| Look at that gorgeous aluminum back showing the button, ASUS logo and the rear cam w/ flash |
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| Speakers, microUSB port and mic at the bottom |
It also feels amazing to hold even if it's a big handset at 5.5 inches due to that curved design. It has an average thickness that gives you an illussion that it's a very thin device due to that curved back. In result, it's very pleasant to the eyes and looks absolutely stunning.
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| Another view below showing the great viewing angle of this phone and the capacitive keys |
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| Power button, 3.5 mm female and mic on top |
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| Right side of the phone showing where to open the back cover |
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| It's this slim looking baby! |
The brushed aluminum like back isn't prone to scratches and the glass in front is protected ny Gorilla Glass 3 too! However, if you're a nitpicky person you'll feel that there are slightly rough edges on the side of the back cover. Plus even if it's protected by Gorilla Glass 3 it can still get very small hairline scratches not visible to the naked eye unless you look extremely close to it. While the unit with me is still scratch free and feels solid, I'd gladly suggest that you protect your handset with good quality screen films and cases to prevent damages.
Photo teaser
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| Depth of field shot, look at those details and color accuracy! |
ZenFone 2 Specifications
- Display: 5.5 inches PS LCD, 1920×1080 pixels, 403ppi
- Processor: 2.33 / 1.8 GHz Intel Atom Z3580 64-bit quad-core
- GPU: 533 MHz Intel HD
- RAM: 2 GB / 4 GB LPDDR3-1600 RAM
- ROM: 16 GB / 64 GB internal storage
- Rear Camera: 13 MP Dual Color Real Tone Flash
- Front Camera: 5 MP
- Battery: Li-Po 3,000 mAh
- OS: Android 5.0 Lollipop w/ Asus Zen UI
- Connectivity: LTE Cat. 4 150Mbps, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with aGPS support
- SIM: Dual-SIM, Dual-LTE
- Price: PHP 9,995 (2 GB RAM, 1.8 GHz, 16 GB), PHP 13,995 (4 GB RAM, 2.3 GHz, 32 GB), PHP 14,995 (4 GB RAM, 2.3 GHz, 64 GB)
As of the moment...
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| Almost 50K! It's that high! |
As early as now and even if I'm not yet done with the full review. The ZenFone 2 is currently the phone to beat at this price due to the overall package you can get from it. I highly recommend this to everyone who wanted flagship experience on a tight budget. It's that good!
Part 2 of the review to be published next week, watch out for it! :)
Hey we're also giving away a ZenPower 10050 mAh quick charging powerbank! Check it out!
Hey we're also giving away a ZenPower 10050 mAh quick charging powerbank! Check it out!
