I’ll be honest — when I first set my eyes on the ASUS Zenfone 2, I was a little underwhelmed. It looked just like another ordinary phone to me – plain, simple, nothing over the top. Picking it up, there was a noticeable lack of heft that would accompany a premium smartphone.
However, to compare it against top of the line phone models such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Sony Xperia Z3+ would be akin to comparing apples to oranges. The ASUS Zenfone 2 was never meant to be a technological marvel, yet it satisfies the needs of an everyday user without any fuss, at a very affordable price point. There is nothing in particular that I like about the phone, yet when taken as a whole, the phone manages to prove its worth as a trusty companion that meets what I require from a phone.
13MP PixelMaster Rear Camera
Initially when I snapped a few shots with the Zenfone 2 camera, I could not see anything extraordinary. It was only when I used the camera in low light that I realised how useful the Zenfone 2 camera was. It is able to make low-light photos a good 400% brighter, without looking unnatural with a million other filters, or me having to painstakingly edit everything. For casual shooters out there, the 13-megapixel front and 5-megapixel back cameras will adequately fulfil your Instagram-lust.
To add on to the fun, the Zenfone 2 comes with uber cool accessories, such as the Zenflash and the Lolliflash.
ASUS Zenflash
The Zenflash (S$24.90) is a professional xenon flashlight, similar to those you’ll find in a DSLR — about 100 times brighter than LED flashlights. The photos taken by my Zenfone 2 are nearly as good as those taken by a professional camera. What you get is much sharper detail, extreme low noise, and no afterimage; it really saves you the hassle of editing images when you get photos as good as those taken by a DSLR.
ASUS Lolliflash (AFLU001)
Accompanied by the Lolliflash (S$17.90), you can immediately create different colour scenarios with the multi-colour filters. The Lolliflash is an external, wireless flash accessory that you can plug directly into the earphone jack. The Lolliflash also intuitively mimics the exposure to natural light, somewhat akin to the “beauty mode” you see in many camera apps. It’s not only compatible with the Zenfone 2, but also with any smart phones with a 3.5mm audio jack.
One may, however, question the need for the Lolliflash when you can simply achieve the same functions with camera apps. I’d say that the Lolliflash functions creates the most optimum result that you cannot get elsewhere when used together with the Zenfone 2. Considering the Zenfone 2’s inherent lowlight camera functions, the Lolliflash has three levels of light intensity to choose from, offering a powerful flash and a 70 degree beam angle that can bring out the best in any photo. I don’t think any app can top that.
5.5 inch display
The ASUS Zenfone 2 features a 5.5 inch display. This is as big as the LG G4 and the iPhone 6 plus, in its 5-inch body. With its 1080 x 1920 pixels display on a Gorilla Glass 3 surface and anti-glare coating, the high-resolution screen is perfect for watching videos and reading ebooks.
64-bit Super Quad Core Inside with Android 5.0 Lollipop and ASUS ZenUI
What’s really cute about the ASUS Zenfone 2 is that it comes with an Intel processor and Android 5.0 Lollipop system. Further, it comes with the brand new ASUS ZenUI.
The result is a dynamic and responsive UI design that is intuitive, and super easy for navigating. I could customise and personalise my phone settings. For example, with the Lollipop feature, incoming phone calls did not interrupt me while I was sending emails, and notifications could be ranked based on who they’re from and the type of communication.
Compared to other more intrusive UI’s out there such as Samsung’s Touchwiz and HTC Sense UIs, the ASUS ZenUI provides for a less cluttered, more streamlined user experiences, without too much of the bloat-ware that comes with other phones.
Dual SIM
This would appeal to frequent travellers and business executives. Instead of carrying a personal phone and a work phone, one can reduce costs by using two different networks and forgoing the hassle of carrying extra mobile phones.
RAM (4GB) and Processing Power
The Zenfone 2 comes in two configurations: 2GB RAM with quad-core 1.8GHz processor (and Intel Atom Z3580), and a 4-GB RAM with quad-core 2.3GHz processor (with Intel Atom Z3580).
The 4GB worth of RAM puts it ahead of most of its competitors such as the Xiaomi Mi4 and the Sony Z3+ which are touting just 3GB-RAMs. Multitasking was a breeze with this phone. I was able to toggle between apps with hardly any lag.
Internal Memory (64GB)
The Zenfone 2 has an eye-popping 64GB worth of internal memory. To add to that, if 64GB is not enough for you (it is definitely enough for me!), there is a micro-SD card slot to satisfy all you photo/video-hoarding people out there. The 64GB internal memory could potentially save you some substantial cash should you decide to get another phone with a smaller memory and purchase an additional memory card. This should be factored into the cost aspect of your decision making process. No other phone at the Zenfone 2’s price point comes close to offering this amount of internal memory.
On the whole, the Zenfone 2 is a very decent phone, only if you’re not too quick to judge. I would also give it a thumbs-up for its extravagance of RAM, its generous internal memory storage space and the very attractive price point. I doubt one will be able to find smartphones offering 64GB storage at this price elsewhere.
The ASUS Zenfone 2 (64GB) retails at S$599 on Lazada.sg and comes in Glacier Grey, Osmium Black, Glamour Red, Ceramic White and Sheer Gold.
GIVEAWAY
We are giving away one set of Asus Zenfone 2 to one lucky reader! For a chance to win, simply follow these steps:
- ‘Like’ the Asia 361 Facebook page and/or Alvinology Facebook page.
- Share this post on Facebook and tag up to three friends.
- Tell us why you deserve to win the Asus Zenfone 2 by commenting below or on our Facebook post.
Contest ends 14 September 2015, 11.59 pm, and is open to Singapore residents only.
19 Comments
I deserve to win because i have been a fan of Asus since Poly days, gotten 2 Asus laptop 1 for poly, 1 for Uni days, and even now when i built my CPU i use ASUS graphic Card and motherboard.
i trust in their durability and the thing i like most about them is they give the most value for my every dollar.
they are the main reason why i changed from iPhone to Android phone because they launch the Zenfone 5 one or two years back and i love it a lot how the camera has low life mode to capture photo clearly at night.
i really wish to win the Zenfone 2 because it has 4GB ram and it will be monster fast with 13 megapixel camera. what more it has 64GB internal memory which is so much better than my current zenfone 5 which has only 8. and the new 5.5 inch screen will certainly help me in my viewing pleasure and netsurfing =D
liked and shared on Facebook, hope i win~ thank you =D
impress with ASUS Zenfone 2 after see your review. It just like what you have comment, it hard to compare Asus Zenfone 2 to samsung Galaxy S6 or Iphone 6 but Asus Zenfone 2 never disappointing it user. I try my hand on this phone at ASUS shop and I am impress with it camera function as it suit me as I need it when I attending event. It come with Zenflash and Lolliflash that able to shot a clear photo . The most important it come with 64-bit super Quad Core and Android 5.0 Lollipop to ensure my phone when smooth although I open several window or performance different task/ function. I deserve to win this as Asus Zenfone 2 is 3 in one function for me as I can bring only my Asus Zenfone 2 when I travel, working or even shopping. No need carry my laptop, ipad, DSLR camera or any recorder as Asus Zenfon 2 gives me all the satisfaction. I really need this phone so much.
I deserve to win the Asus Zenfone 2 because my phones so far are not clear enough for my lau hua. Asus Zenfone 2 has a large hi-tech screen. Plus a 64 gb internal memory so I can download anything I want without worrying about storage space.
I am always worrying about storage space being taken up by photos but with 64 gb, I needn’t bother deleting photos all the time to make space. I also love the camera accessories because they enable me to take photos with dslr quality. This sounds like my ideal phone!
I deserve to win the Asus Zenfone 2 because I’m very impressed by the features. I have been reading up on reviews on this particular phone prior to this contest. Having been diligently saving up, I intend to reward myself in October as my birthday gift. With its affordable price, it’s a rare find with its high-end Intel processors and plenty of RAM. I love the handy gestures used to launch the apps. With its fully customisable skin, I’ll personalise this phone with my favourite images. I also heard that the pictures taken with this phone is awesome. Please make my wish come true!
All along i always use iPhone only and my recent new iPhone 6 is giving me some problems already. I just planned an impromptu trip in mid October so it be great to win the Asus Zenfone 2 and test it out =) Really keen to try out this phone after reading your article. I may be a convert after all to non iPhone!
Liked and shared on Facebook
I want to win the Asus Zenfone 2 so that…
I can follow all the interesting and latest updates in food, fashion, technology, travel and happenings around Asia on Asia361.com;
As the authors travels and explores the world globally;
The Android 5.0 Lollipop and ASUS ZenUI will keep up with them easily;
With the 4-GB RAM quad-core 2.3GHz processor (with Intel Atom Z3580) running lag-free;
Introducing me to places and food that they blog about excitingly;
Even if I were to run Asia361’s FB page or Instagram simultaneously!
Hi Asia 361,
I deserve to win the Asus Zenfone 2 because it’s time for me to change my old phone to a better smartphone that have my favourite features such as nice and beautiful display, 13MP PixelMaster camera with its f/2.0-aperture lens captures stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag, fast charging and great gaming performance.
Done Liked, Shared & Participated
FB: Casy Ang
Having used an iPhone for 5 years now, I am getting tired of having to conform to the rigidness that is the Apple iOS. Android has proved to allow greater user friendliness, and Asus seems to be the underdog that’s up and coming. The ASUS Zenfone 2, as compared to even the latest iPhone, has better camera capabilities, and practically an unlimited storage capacity (thanks to the external memory card slot!). It’s time for me to say goodbye to what I’ve always known, and thread into the amazing world of the ASUS Zenfone 2.
Liked all Asia361, Alvinology & ASUS Singapore FB pages!!!
Shared it on my own FB wall @Celiss Wang so all my friends will know about this great giveaway!!!
I would love to win this great ZenFone 2 because of its specs and functions!! Especially the Dual Sim & its 1080 x 1920 pixels display on a Gorilla Glass 3 surface and anti-glare coating which makes the phone perfect for use!!! They make an exceptional phone for everyone!!! Hope to be given a chance to own it!!! Cheers!!!
I want to win the Asus Zenfone 2 as both my brothers are Asus Zenfone user and highly recommend by them to try out Asus Zenfone.
Liked & shared!
I would really love to win this Zenfone 2 as I am a simple android phone user who mainly uses the phone for FB, emails and taking photos! The ASUS Zenfone2 suits an everyday user like me! The 13MP camera will be an absolute wonder for me as I love taking photos with my phone! My current phone is dying out on me, but my contract is not up yet! So winning this Zenfone2 will be a great surprise gift for myself! 🙂
I want to win the Asus Zenfone 2 to my daddy coming birthday in October.
I want to win the Asus Zenfone 2 as I currently using Zenfone 5 which a birthday gift from my grandson.
Wish to win this for my grandson as I feel Asus fone is wonderful !
I deserve to win because I am a royal supporter of Asus for years!
Specially love the colours of Zenfone 2.
I deserve to win because Asus is my first phone till now, hope to win the Zenfone 2!
I deserve to win the Asus Zenfone 2 because I am loyal follower of Asus’s fone.
It is one of the best 4G smartphone with affordable price!
I deserve to win the Asus Zenfone 2 as my family members are all Asus’s phone user.
With the numerous features, its definitely a phone that all wants to try out. I have been all along an iphone fan but I have the suspicion that once I lay my hands on the Asus phone, I will convert my loyalty!