Asus Zenfone 5

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5.0”, 1280 x 720 IPS LCD display (293 ppi)

Intel Atom Z2560 SoC

1.6 GHz dual-core CPU, PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU, 2GB RAM

8/16 GB internal storage, microSD card slot

8 MP camera, 1/4” sensor, f/2.0 lens, 1080p video

2,110 mAh, 8.02 Wh battery

HSPA+, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0

Android 4.3 ‘Jelly Bean’

145 grams, 10.3mm thick

Asus is no stranger to making Android devices, having produced numerous tablets since the launch of Android 3.0. However, they’re a relative newcomer in the phone market, having only recently released a line of standalone handsets. Targeting the entry-level market in Asian nations, the new Zenfone 5 offers something a little different for just $170.

The Zenfone 5 packs a 5.0-inch 720p display, an 8-megapixel camera, customized software, and a rarely-used Intel Atom dual-core SoC. A polished hardware offering and a form factor more closely in line with high-end devices could make this a fantastic choice for a small price.
The Asus Zenfone 5 used in this review was provided by Expansys. Check them out for unlocked, off-contract devices at great prices, with fast shipping around the globe.
If you're in Australia, click here to go to Expansys' dedicated local site to purchase the Zenfone 5.

Design

There’s a lot to like about the design of the Asus Zenfone 5, and at the same time there are some odd decisions that hold the handset back.
The phone itself is attractive, especially the shiny red model I received to review. The back cover folds around the sides to give the Zenfone a unibody-style look, and on the front you get a fairly standard smartphone slab covered with glass. There’s a strip towards the bottom that’s not glass, instead featuring a rippled plastic look and feel.

I’m not so keen on this section as it detracts from what could have been a simple two-toned design, but the overall Zenfone style is leagues ahead of the rubbished often dished up by other manufacturers at this price point.
At 10.6mm thick at its thickest point, there’s no doubting that the Zenfone 5 is a chubby device. The ergonomic curves actually make the handset comfortable to hold, helping to hide some of the thickness, but visually there’s no mistaking the center bulge. Had this device been a higher-end product, no doubt Asus would have made an effort to slim it down.

One thing I found particularly interesting about the Zenfone 5 is that the back cover is removable, but there’s no removable battery found beneath. Under the thick plastic shell you’ll find two micro-SIM card slots and a microSD card slot, and that’s it: the battery is fully sealed. I have no problem with non-removable batteries, though I wonder why Asus didn’t choose to use ports in the body rather than having an entirely removable back cover.

The right edge of the Zenfone 5 is where you’ll find the physical hardware buttons for powering on the display and adjusting the volume. The positioning is just right for a device of this size, and both buttons provide a satisfying clicky feel when you press them. The bottom edge contains the micro-USB 2.0 charging port, and the 3.5mm audio jack is along the top edge.
On the rear of the device, towards the bottom, Asus has placed the main speaker behind a grill. The particular speaker used is one of the weakest I’ve heard, barely producing enough volume to hear a ringtone in a busy room. Having the device rest on a table display-up will naturally amplify the sound, but you’ll be disappointed when you’re holding the Zenfone in your hand.

sunny kumar

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog tech point india. I’m CEO/Founder of sks likers. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.