Gadget Review: ASUS ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) - See What Others Can't See

Smartphones are getting better day by day, with the latest gadget on the market being able to do everything you may need. Multitasking has become a norm, and is to be expected from our smartphone devices, hence the latest and greatest are always being sought after in the market. Introducing the latest from ASUS, the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML, a nifty piece of device I got my hands on recently.

Gadget Review: ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - See What Others Can't See

Today's writeup will be a review on the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML, from its unboxing to it's features, tech and photography prowess. Part of the already well-known ZenFone series, ASUS launched the ZenFone 2 which comes with even greater functions, more complete features, and  offers more fun user experience. Check out my short unboxing video of the ASUS Zenfone 2 below.

In terms of packaging, the ZenFone 2 box looks real compact, yet elegant, very similar to the other previous versions. Highlighted features, including 4G data connectivity, full HD display, Bluetooth 4.0, and camera, are printed on the right side of the package. At the bottom would be the serial number, IMEI, and other product details. 

Compact, yet elegant minimalistic box

Removing the ZenFone 2 is as easy as sliding it out from the packaging. Inside the box, there is the warranty card, manual book, power adapter, a USB cable, and information sheets explaining how to remove ASUS ZenFone 2 casing. Interesting stuff, but what I did like is the fact its bundled with a rather nice looking earphones with extra earbuds. 

Pretty box

Slide it open, and voila! 

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. The 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. 

Switch the phone on, and you get a pretty looking ASUS logo along with the Intel Inside logo

ASUS ZenFone 2 runs on the 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. You know it's going to be good, with the backings of Intel. 

The contents of the packaging for ASUS ZenFone 2

The design of the ZenFone 2 itself is pretty sweet, a premium design in an affordable price bracket. Concentric-circle design, a typical design characterisic found in ZenFone and ZenBook, also exists in the new ZenFone 2. This charateristic can be seen especially at the bottom part of the device. 

Love the design of the ZenFone 2, and the gold colour

The ASUS ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) is available in five striking colours to reflect the users' personality and mood. Make your pick, from Glacier Gray, Osmium Black, Glamour Red, Sheer Gold to Ceramic white, with matching ASUS ZenUI theme. Mine is the Sheer Gold colour, which so happens to be my favourite colour on a smartphone. It does have that luxurious metal feel, with a shine that easily picks up any light. 

Micro USB port at the bottom for charging and data sync

No significant change has been made on the location of micro 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 located at the lower back section

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, the ZenFone 2 produces powerful sound without distortion or noise when played in high volume. Good stuff here. 

Sporting a fast f/20 aperture in a 13MP camera

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 low light pictures to come out with more natural colors. 

Fits perfectly in the palm of my hand 

Ergonomic arc design

The ASUS ZenFone 2 comes with an ergonomic arc design, gracefully curving at the back of the case, fitted conveniently for human palm contour. With a 1.09 cm thickness in the middle and  0,39 cm at the edges, it is indeed a nice fit for my hand. 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 smartphone a remarkable 72% screen-to-body ratio which is much higher percentage compared to premium class smartphones from other vendors.

Pretty full HD 1080x1920 screen

Sporting a full HD 1080x1920 screen, supported by IPS technology to provide a wider 178-degree viewing angle, the ZenFone 2 is really bright and vivid. Reduced layers increase transparency level up to 94% and allow a lighter screen. 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.

Anti Scratch Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is applied. 

Equipped with the newest anti scratch Corning Gorilla Glass 3, it does indeed look really sturdy and scratch resistance. The anti fingerprint coating not only works, but it gives that silky smooth feeling when sliding my fingers on the screen. 

The battery is non removable

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. I love this feature the most! It charges more quickly at the beginning and slows down when the battery is 60% charged. Less time waiting, less heat generating.

Side by side comparison with my iPhone 6

Inside the ASUS ZenFone 2, particularly the ZE551ML, contains 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, powered by a quad-core 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 processor topping out 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.

The Intel Atom Z3580 processor has 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.

Photography is superb on this device

ASUS ZenFone 2 features PixelMaster Camera 2.0, a newer camera 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. 

The most interesting feature in the ASUS ZenFone 2 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 to Auto. However, there is no boudary for creativity. Users may take photos with different brightness level, quality, colors, etc.

Real value for money

The pricing for the ASUS ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) is pretty reasonable, value for money considering the specifications and the features and tech that you are getting. Three different price range is given, as below:

Z3560 (1.8GHz) + 2GB Memory + 32GB Storage - RM899

Z3580 (2.3GHz) + 4GB Memory + 32GB Storage - RM1099

Z3580 (2.3GHz) + 4GB Memory + 64GB Storage - RM1299

So what are you waiting for? If you are looking for a smartphone that meets your needs, then head out today and get the ASUS ZenFone 2. 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.