Today at MWC 2018, ASUS held its presentation and announced three smartphones at once: complete stuffing and powerful, a clone of the iPhone X in all its glory - ZenFone 5 and a light version of ZenFone 5 Lite (5Q in some countries). All three handsets are based on Qualcomm chips, and the company has decided to finally say goodbye to its original design. It follows the tactic of offering customers “iPhone-like” smartphones. Whether users will like this is a very controversial question. From now on, she ceases to be an ideologist to offer something of her own, but starts flirting and cloning.
ASUS ZenFone 5z
As befits a 2018 flagship, it has a top-end Snapdragon 845 processor and an impressive amount of memory - as much as 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of ROM. Why is a rhetorical question. Most likely, in order not to be worse than others. For those who have so much memory in abundance, there are 2 simpler versions: 4/64 GB and 6/128 GB. Ninety percent of the front side is given over to a 6.2-inch display with a resolution of 2246x1080 pixels with an aspect ratio of 19:9 and a “monobrow” at the top from the iPhone X. The new product was given a wide-angle front 8 MP camera, a dual 12 MP rear camera with Sony IMX363 sensors, aperture f /1.8, PDAF, 3300 mAh battery, a couple of stereo speakers and USB port Type-C. There is support for NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, fast charging, proprietary ZenUI 5 shell on Android based 8.0 Oreo, facial recognition system and this season's fashionable emoji, called ZeniMoji. The rear camera received an artificial intelligence system AI Photo Learning, which allows you to recognize objects in the frame and automatically select a mode to create the best photos. The new product will reach store shelves only in June, and will be sold at a price starting from 479 euros.
ASUS ZenFone 5
This is a basic device model range and potentially a bestseller. It has quite good characteristics, but the price will decide everything, and it this moment has not been announced and the smartphone will go on sale in April. It has a similar screen as the flagship, and the hardware base is Snapdragon 636. The device was given 4/6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of flash memory. All other specifications are identical to ZenFone 5z.
ASUS ZenFone 5 Lite
And this is the simplest smartphone presented today. It has a 6-inch screen with a resolution of 2160x1080 pixels, a 3300 mAh battery, a dual front camera with a 20 MP Sony IMX376 main sensor, and a 16 MP dual rear module. There are two modifications depending on the hardware platform - Snapdragon 430 or Snapdragon 630. There is 3/4 GB of RAM, 32/64 GB of internal memory, face unlock, Android 8.0 Oreo OS with ZenUI 5.0 add-on and NFC modem. Sales of the smartphone are planned to begin in March.
Asus has introduced three new smartphones ZenFone 5, ZenFone 5Q and ZenFone 5Z for any budget. What are their differences and which one is better to buy? Let’s answer this question right now. Detailed comparison technical characteristics, let's discuss the main features and advantages.
On the back cover we will see a dual camera on all three models - the difference is in their location. On 5 and 5Z its place is the same as on the iPhone X. On ZenFone 5Q, two lenses are placed vertically in the center. The manufacturer chose to leave the Asus inscription under the fingerprint scanner, which has a reflective effect in terms of visual perception.
Display
ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 5Z received 6.2 inch iPS display with an aspect ratio of 19:9. FHD+ resolution. ZenFone 5Q has a slightly smaller screen - 6 inches diagonal, 18:9 aspect ratio, FHD + resolution (1080 x 2160 pixels). It is noteworthy that the manufacturer decided to take care of the eyes of its users by adding a blue filter to reduce eye strain. Plus, there is automatic color temperature adjustment to calibrate screen shades. They have a similar function Apple iPhone 8, iPhone X and iPad - True Tone Display.
Iron
The ZenFone 5 family is headed by the flagship ZenFone 5Z, the heart of which is today's top-end processor. The exact same chip is in . Users have three versions to choose from: 64 GB + 4 GB RAM, 128 GB + 6 GB RAM, 256 GB + 8 GB RAM.
The average ZenFone 5 model is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor (1.8 GHz). The volume of internal memory is 64 GB, the amount of RAM varies - 4 GB or 6 GB.
The most budget model ZenFone 5Q received a Snapdragon 630 processor with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory. Not bad at all!
Camera
All three new products have different cameras - this is perhaps their main difference. And each smartphone is interesting individually. ZenFone 5 is equipped with a dual camera on the back - 12 MP + 8 MP main sensor, F1.8 aperture will provide high-quality photos in any scenario. By the way, Asus claims that this model takes excellent pictures in the dark, we’ll definitely check it out! Front camera 8 MP. The flagship ZenFone 5Z has similar parameters; This means that Asus has decided to ditch optical zoom this year.
And a few words about ZenFone 5Q - this smartphone has the most cameras: two in front and two in back. In both cases, a regular lens paired with a wide-angle one. The main camera is 16 MP, the front camera is 20 MP with maximum detail.
Peculiarities
The new ZenFone line has a lot of automatic features. The manufacturer itself calls them “AI-driven”. For example, it is provided auto mode camera to select the best scene setting from 16 ready-made ones, analyzing the current shooting conditions. By the way, portrait photography with the effect blurred background here too.
There is an AI Boost function - it is necessary to improve performance, for example, during some kind of game on the phone. There is also a smart charging function that allows you to choose between fast battery charging or overnight charging. The system will automatically adjust charging currents to maintain battery health - throughout the night the phone will only charge up to 80% and only by the time the user wakes up will it be charged to the remaining 20%. There is an AI Photo Learning function for photo editing, AI Display for smart color rendering. And the list doesn’t end there...
Let's say a few words about the speakers. ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 5Z are equipped with stereo speakers, the sound quality of which will definitely not leave you indifferent; each speaker has a separate amplifier.
As for the user interface, Asus said it will stick to its own software ZenUI installed on Android platform. The manufacturer assures us that latest version ZenUI 5 is the cleanest. There will be no duplicate internet browser applications, Email, keyboard or messaging, that is, Asus will use Google Chrome, Gmail, Gboard and Google Messenger as default applications. The only third-party applications that are pre-installed on the new products will be Facebook and Instagram.
ZenMoji is another feature of the new products. These are animated emojis that are very similar to . They can be used in third party applications, apply Facebook filters to them and send.
Well, for starters, we note that all three smartphones support the Face Unlock function for automatic unlocking using your face, although there is also a fingerprint scanner here. It is now being integrated into many flagships.
Price and start date
The launch of the new ZenFone 5, ZenFone 5Z, ZenFone 5Q will take place in the near future, but the exact date has not yet been specified. The price of ZenFone 5Q and ZenFone 5 has not yet been announced, but we know how much the flagship ZenFone 5Z will cost - from $499. The price tag is quite attractive, considering the range of functions that the manufacturer has equipped the phone with. In words, Asus has produced decent competitive phones - I would like to check their quality in practice.
Bottom line
Asus does not position its smartphones as the best on the market, as does, for example, Samsung or Apple. However, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 5Q (Lite) may well become one of the best options in the corresponding price segment. The prices for new products are not high, so the Russian consumer may well pay attention to one of these models. Decent iron good cameras, a good set of smart functions and acceptable price— these are the main accents in the new products!
As part of the MWC 2018 exhibition, Asus presented a number of new smartphones, the most interesting of which were the Zenfone 5 and 5z models. Externally they turned out to be identical, both received 6.2-inch displays with 19: 9 aspect ratio and FHD resolution+, very narrow frames and the already familiar cutout at the top of the screen, where the speaker, front camera and several sensors are located.
Theverge.com
The similarities with the iPhone X don't end there. Zenfone 5 and 5z resemble Apple's flagship with a glass-metal body, a dual camera in the upper left corner of the rear panel, and some software features. For example, there is even an analogue of Animoji called ZeniMoji.
Asus Zenfone 5 received a mid-range processor - Snapdragon 636, while Zenfone 5z has a top-end Snapdragon 845. Volume random access memory the first one can be 4 or 6 GB, and the built-in one can be 64 GB. The second one will be released in 6/64 GB, 8/128 GB and 8/256 GB versions.
theverge.com There are also functions based on artificial intelligence. For example, due to software algorithms based on machine learning, both models are able to distinguish up to 16 shooting scenarios, setting optimal settings cameras. Smartphones are also taught to control the charging speed of the smartphone, adjust the ringer volume depending on the noise level around, and so on.
The dual camera on each smartphone received a 12 megapixel Sony IMX 363 sensor (f/1.8) and an additional 8 megapixel lens for wide-angle shooting (120°). The resolution of the selfie module was 8 megapixels.
theverge.com Among other features of the devices, it is worth highlighting stereo speakers, a preserved headphone jack, Bluetooth support 5.0 and NFC. The battery capacity is 3,300 mAh, there is accelerated charging. Smartphones run on Android 8.0 with a proprietary shell.
The more affordable Zenfone 5 will go on sale in April, its price is still unknown. The flagship Zenfone 5z launches much later, in June. In Europe it will cost from 479 euros, which means that in Russia you can count on a price of about 33-35 thousand rubles.
To the MWC 2018 Asus exhibition
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (Chinese: 華碩電腦股份有限公司 Huáshuò Diànnǎo Gǔfèn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī, usually called ASUS (/eɪˈsuːs/)) is a company located in the Republic of China that produces a variety of computer equipment (both components and finished products). The Asus brand name comes from the word Pegasus (Pegasus). Wikipedia
Brought a new addition to the ZenFone line of mobile phones: ZenFone 5 Lite, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 5z.
ZenFone 5 Lite ZenFone 5 Lite received a 6-inch display (2160×1080, 18:9), Snapdragon 430/630 processors, a 3300 mAh battery and four cameras: a 16 MP main camera and a 20 MP front camera with a Sony sensor
Sony Corporation, "Sony" (Japanese: ソニー株式会社 Sony: kabushiki-gaisha) is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Tokyo, founded on May 7, 1946. Specializes in the production of home and professional electronics, game consoles and other high-tech products. In addition, Sony is one of the world's largest media conglomerates, owning the Sony Music Entertainment record label, the Columbia Pictures and TriStar Pictures film studios, as well as the complete archive of MGM films (shared with Comcast); provides financial services. Wikipedia
IMX376, each of which is complemented by a wide-angle module. The mobile phone is equipped NFC module and three slots: two SIM cards and one microSD memory card.
ZenFone 5 (2018) is a 6.2-inch mobile phone (2160x1080, 19:9) with a Snapdragon 636 processor, 6 GB of RAM and a 3300 mAh battery. The camera on the back of the device received a Sony IMX 363 sensor and a dual module: 12 MP main (f/1.8) + wide-angle. Permission front camera is 8 megapixels.
The 19:9 aspect ratio of the display is explained by Asus' desire to avoid image clipping in landscape mode. “Lying on its side,” ZenFone 5 plays video in full 18:9 format.
The flagship position in the line will be taken by ZenFone 5z— a “charged” version of ZenFone 5 with the flagship Snapdragon 845 processor, 4/6/8 GB of RAM, 64/128/256 GB of ROM. Special attention at the presentation was paid to the updated proprietary shell ZenUI 5, many aspects of which have been penetrated by artificial intelligence. AI can: distinguish between 16 shooting scenarios, selecting camera settings for the user; automatically adjust the ringtone volume based on the noise level in the surrounding area; control the charging of your mobile phone to increase battery life. The last function is to set the threshold for charging the device at night. In other words, AI will allow mobile phone Charge up to 100% just before you wake up.
When will the new ZenFone go on sale?:
- ZenFone 5 Lite – March, price not specified;
- ZenFone April 5, price not specified;
- ZenFone 5z – June, from 479 euros (~33 thousand rubles).
Greetings to the participants Club of Experts, as well as all the guests who visited this page. Today I want to talk about Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML. This smartphone I was attracted, first of all, by the presence of 4 gigabytes of RAM. But, as it turned out, these are not all the surprises he has. So, let's talk about everything in more detail.
< h2>Specifications h2>
Common parameters
Type: smartphone
Model: Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML
Black color
Case material: plastic
System
Operating system: Android 5.0 Lollipop
CPU: Intel Atom Z3560 1.8 GHz (4 cores)
Video accelerator: PowerVR G6430 MP4
Built-in memory size: 16 GB
RAM size: 4 GB
Memory expansion slot: yes
Memory card form factor: micro SD, micro SDHC (up to 64 GB)
Sensors: proximity, accelerometer, light
Screen
Screen technology: IPS
Screen diagonal: 5.5"
Screen resolution: 1920x1080
Type touch screen: capacitive
Multi-touch: yes
Connection
Bluetooth support: yes
Bluetooth version: 4.0
Wi-Fi support: yes
Wi-Fi standard: 802.11b/g/n/a/ac
Networks: EDGE/GSM/GPRS, HSPA/3G, LTE FDD
Possibility of using two SIM cards: yes
SIM card form factor: micro-SIM
GPS: yes
A-GPS: yes
Camera
Front camera: 5.0 MP
Main camera: 13.0 MP
Flash type: LED
Wired Interfaces
USB connector type: micro USB
Audio Connectors: Headphone/Audio Out
Headphone jack type: mini-jack 3.5 mm
Nutrition
Battery type: Li-pol
Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
Additional Information
OTG support: yes
dimensions
Length: 10.9 mm
Width: 77.2 mm
Height: 152.5 mm
Weight: 170 g
< h2>Packaging h2>
Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is supplied in a black and white cardboard box. The overall dimensions are small and amount to 162 x 60 x 85 millimeters, while the weight is 379 grams.
The front side shows the smartphone on both sides, as well as the model name and an icon indicating that the case design was awarded the 2015 iFDesign Award.
On the front end there is information about the manufacturer, but there is no Russian language.
On the bottom side there is a sticker with the main characteristics and barcodes.
On the back you can see six icons representing the main advantages of the smartphone.
Manufacturers painted the side edges of the box in the color that matches the color of the model’s body (in my case it’s black).
The packaging itself is made according to the principle of a pencil case: top part extends to the side. An unusual solution, since most of the lids are simply removed upwards. Overall, the packaging turned out great. The design is very stylish, I didn’t expect anything else from ASUS.
< h2>Equipment h2>
The Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML package includes:
- network adapter;
- USB cable- microUSB;
- wired headset;
- 2 pairs of additional ear pads;
- user guide;
- warranty card.
The equipment is quite standard, the only surprise is the absence of an OTG cable - it usually comes with a device in this price category.
< h2>Appearance h2>
Since the display diagonal of the Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is 5.5 inches, the overall dimensions of the smartphone are quite impressive: 77.2 x 152.5 x 10.9 millimeters, weight - 170 grams.
On the front side at the top there are light and proximity sensors, an earpiece, a front camera and led indicator. Below is the ASUS logo in silver.
Below are three touch buttons, highlighted with a silver outline. The manufacturers placed a textured plastic insert underneath them.
The edging around the edges is small and amounts to three millimeters.
On the right side, as well as on the left, there are no controls, which is an unusual solution, since manufacturers place most buttons on the sides. But if you look closely, on the right side you can see a recess for removing the back cover.
At the top end, in the center, there is a silver key to lock/turn on the smartphone. On the sides there is a 3.5 mm mini-jack connector for connecting a headset and a microphone hole.
At the bottom end there is a microUSB connector and a microphone hole. A glossy black edging runs along all sides.
The back cover has a rounded shape, while the thickness of the case is 3.9 millimeters at the edges and 10.9 millimeters in the center. The lid itself is made of matte black plastic with a texture that strongly resembles metal.
At the top there is a double LED flash, the main camera, a volume key, and the ASUS logo is printed in the center as usual.
At the bottom you can see a long perforation that serves as a grille for the main speaker, as well as the logo of the processor manufacturer - Intel and the name of the model line - Zenfone.
The inside of the lid has a couple of interesting elements that are worth talking about. 2/3 of the speaker grille is sealed, and from the outside it may seem that the smartphone has two speakers, but in fact there is only one. There is an NFC module in the center of the cover.
The smartphone is equipped with a non-removable 3000 mAh lithium polymer battery. All slots are located in the center: one for a microSD memory card, and the other two for micro-SIM. Each of the two slots has its own active radio module, thanks to which both SIM cards can work simultaneously. Moreover, the first slot supports networks up to 4G, but the second slot supports only 2G.
The appearance of the Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML turned out to be quite original, despite the fact that all design elements can be found in models from other companies. The assembly of the case does not raise any questions, all parts fit tightly together, there are no gaps.
< h2>Screen h2>
The Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML uses a screen based on an IPS matrix, the top of the display is covered protective glass. The diagonal is 5.5 inches, the resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels. The image quality is excellent, the picture on the display looks excellent, the same goes for viewing angles.
The screen supports simultaneous pressing of up to ten fingers.
< h2>Interface h2>
Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML runs on operating system Android systems 5.0 with the proprietary ZenUI shell. After the first turn on, the ASUS proprietary splash screen appears on the display, then standard operations for selecting a language and registering account, after which the smartphone owner receives 100 GB of Google Drive memory for 2 years.
Almost immediately a service message appears indicating an available update. Downloading does not take much time, the same can be said about installation - the updates were installed the first time without any problems.
Initially we have 3 desktops at our disposal.
Applications easily fit on one page, as they are grouped into categories, but the grouping can be changed if desired.
Ten pages of widgets.
The settings menu has a familiar appearance.
As for the file manager, here it is presented in a very colorful form.
The right touch key calls up the list running applications, here you can pin frequently used ones, as well as close unnecessary ones.
Call curtain quick settings includes all necessary elements.
Here you can change the user and, thus, essentially get a completely different phone, with different settings.
Long press on main screen brings up a colorful menu with various desktop settings.
Take flipping, for example. Settings allow the user to select one of four swipe effects.
The One-Handed function is useful for users who cannot comfortably use a smartphone, since the 5.5-inch diagonal screen is quite large.
ASUS offers a large number of themes and icons for every taste.
The smartphone application package contains a very useful program ASUS Backup, using this utility you can make backup data from installed and system applications.
In conclusion, I would like to note that the Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML can operate in modem mode.
< h2>Using h2>
Thanks to the beveled shape of the back cover, the smartphone fits comfortably in the hand. For me personally, there were no difficulties during navigation, despite the 5.5-inch screen.
The quality of communication is at a decent level, the interlocutor is perfectly audible at the other end of the line. As for the complete headset, it exceeded all expectations. This best headset, which I have ever seen included in the standard package. It is enough for making calls, and thanks to the replaceable ear pads, the user can choose exactly the size that suits him. Web surfing is convenient, there are no freezes or slowdowns, which helps big screen and powerful hardware.
Personally, I found it inconvenient to control the sound, since this key is located on the back cover of the smartphone, but I think this is a matter of habit. As for the sound quality, there is nothing special to brag about. As I already noted, Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML has only one speaker. The sound is quite passable, but it is very, very far from high-quality, surround sound.
As I already said, the package does not include an OTG cable, but, nevertheless, the smartphone supports connecting various peripheral devices. The action camera, flash drives, and MP3 player connected and were identified by the phone within 4 seconds.
< h2>Camera h2>
Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is equipped with two cameras. The front one is 5 megapixels and the main one is 13 megapixels. The main camera is equipped with dual LED flash.
Camera interface.
At the same time, a large number of different shooting modes are presented, suitable for the requirements of each user.
Photo taken with the main camera.
Macro photography.
Panorama.
Photos with and without flash.
Photo taken with the front camera.
Autofocus takes no more than one and a half seconds. The quality of photographs taken by both cameras is at a decent level. I was especially pleased with the quality of the front camera; it is perfect for selfie lovers.
Example of daytime shooting
Low light example
Example of shooting at night
< h2>Testing h2>
Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is equipped with a quad-core Intel processor Atom Z3560 with clock frequency 1800 MHz. The video is processed by the PowerVR G6430 accelerator with support for DirectX 10. The smartphone has 4 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory (11.31 GB available).
If desired, you can expand the memory up to 64 GB using a microSD flash card.
