ASUS set to launch its latest flagship Zenfone 5Z on July 4 in India: Specifications and Price Expectations

ASUS has started sending out media invites for its much awaited Zenfone 5Z Flagship smartphone. The smartphone is marketed with a tag line of "Flagship Redefined". The smartphone will be exclusively available on Flipkart .  The device is said to be running on Qualcomm's powerful Snapdragon 845 Chipset with Artificial Intelligence Engine, the same processor which powers mighty OnePlus 6 . 

ASUS Zenfone 5Z

What is known about device:

Apart from powerful processor, the device is known to be sporting a 6.2 inch Full HD+ display i.e. 2246x1080 resolution, with extremely thin bezels and having a notch as per latest trend. The display is protected by 2.5D curved Corning Gorilla Glass. The body is entirely covered with Glass, and is likely to attract more customers for its aesthetic appeal. 

In global market the device has three variants for RAM/Storage viz. 4 GB/64 GB , 6 GB/128 GB and 8 GB/256 GB. It is not known as of now about what variants will see the light of Indian markets. 

On the camera department ASUS is banking on with AIE engine of Snapdragon 845 which is utilized in imaging department as the device is also promoted with tagline "AI Cameras that Think for you". By now you might have already guessed that the device comes with Dual Cameras at rear. One Primary 16 MP sensor with f/1.7 aperture supported by 13 MP dual pixel sensor with f/1.8 aperture. The camera is also loaded with PDAF, OIS and LED flash support.  On front there is an 8 MP camera with f/2.0 aperture.

The device runs on ASUS ZenUI5 on top of Android Oreo and comes with a plenty of apps pre-installed. This is one thing which takes the device a step backwards to pre Zenfone Max Pro M1 era, where first thing to complain about ASUS devices was its own UI and bloatware apps. The ASUS Zenfone 5Z comes with 3300 mAH battery with AI and scheduled charging support for battery protection.

Price Expectations: As per the specifications and design language of the device it certainly comes in league of Flagship devices of today and expected to bear a starting price tag of 31000 Rs to 33000 Rs. 

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ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M1 Review: The battery and performance you need

ASUS has launched its latest phone, Zenfone Max Pro M1 a couple of months ago. The Max Pro M1 is one of the most talked about phone from the company in recent times, thanks to its advanced processor, design aesthetics and battery prowess. The specification sheet of the device puts it into a pool of some  of the most valued smartphones in market, but does it live up to the expectations let's find out.

Specifications and Price: 

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is available in two variants namely 3GB / 32GB for Rs.10,999 and the 4GB / 64GB for Rs. 12,999 exclusively on Flipkart. 

Under the hood the device runs on Snapdragon 636 (one of the latest and fastest processors from Qualcomm) with Adreno 509 GPU. The device comes with two variants 3 GB/32 GB and 4 GB/64 GB. 

The device comes with a dual camera setup at rear featuring a 13 MP sensor with f/2.2 wide aperture and 5 MP camera for depth sensing which enables bookeh effect feature of the phone. On the front the phone sports a 8 MP camera at front for selfies. Both the cameras are supported by flash lights. 

The phone comes with a finger print sensor at back, 5000 mAh strong battery, and usual connectivity options. The device comes with a dedicated slot for SD card, along with slots for two nano SIM cards.

On the display part, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 comes with 5.99 inch FHD+ display (1080 x 2160) , the screen comes with 18:9 aspect ratio (no notch here). 

Build and Design:

The Zenfone Max Pro M1 comes with unibody metallic body, on the front almost all the space is covered by the display, thanks to narrow bezels. The curved edges makes it easier to hold in hand and make a grip, however the metallic device feels little slippery when using via one hand. A phone cover should fix the issue for those who think they are prone to drop their phones. 

The left edge of the phone hosts the slot for SIMs and memory card, while the power button and volume rockers are placed on the right edge of the phone. The feedback from physical buttons is good and we didn't faced any issue using the same.

Top edge just hosts a noise cancellation mic, while the bottom edge is home to 3.5 mm jack, a mic, USB charging slot and speaker grill placed left to right. 

Turning the device towards to it rear, and you will spot the dual rear cameras placed vertically (The camera glass has Dual Camera written over it, in case you have not observed that already) just at the top left corner with a round flash light just below the camera setup.  The finger print is placed just above the center of the device. ASUS branding is engraved on the back in grey color, which is hard to notice sometimes.

Overall we are happy with the build quality of the phone, especially with the fact that ASUS has managed to put a 5000 mAh battery in these dimensions and keeping the weight in check (though it feels a bit heavy than other devices, but that can be managed and doesn't feel difference when used the device for 3-4 days). 

Camera:

Camera has been the USP of ASUS Zenfones , Zenfone Max Pro M1 doesn't disappoint here, the autofocus is quick, there is no notice able shutter lag, the colors are vivid in bright light and photos have details even in low lights. The bookeh mode is fine, but user cannot play with focus areas after the shot is taken.

The camera app comes with a lot of filters and modes such as Auto, candle light, beach, snow, flowers etc. There is beautify option as well in built.

Below are few samples taken from the phone for you to judge. (Click on pictures to enlarge)

Performance:

We divide performance into three parts, the tasking ability, the software and the battery. As far as tasking ability goes, the device doesn't give much reasons to complain except the fact that the finger print sensor was found to be bit slow than what we have seen in other devices and sometimes the extra smooth touch display would not recognize the touch. The touch issue was not very prominent but yes in our 4-5 days of usage we observed this more than a couple of times. 

On software side, ASUS has really done a good job to ditch its Zen UI and provide users with stock Android. The device runs on Android Oreo and is expected to receive updates for Android P. The multitasking is good, multimedia consumption experience is excellent. The gaming experience as well is good. 

Now comes the favorite part and USP of the device the phone manages to give you a proper 2 days backup on normal usage. Average users can expect at least 1.5 days backup without needing to plug in the charger. Battery fall down graph was also pretty stead in our usage, except for the times when we used the device for gaming (Asphalt 8). 

Verdict:

If I am looking for a device in 10 to 13K price range, I would go for Zenfone Max Pro M1 for its Battery, performance, camera and stock android experience. Which means I am willing to accept the slow finger print sensor (in hope of an update which could fix it) and intermittent display issue we encountered for the otherwise balanced device.

Update:

ASUS has listened to the user's feedback and rolled out a new update on 14th June, 2018. This update resolves the slow finger print sensor issue. The response time for unlocking the device via fingerprint has certainly improved along with camera performance especially on depth shots. 

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ASUS launches Zenfone Max Pro M1 launched, comes with Snapdragon 636, 5000 mAh battery, Pure Android Oreo

ASUS has once again upped its ante against competitors with the launch of Zenfone Max Pro M1. The device is so far one of the best from ASUS if we go by the specifications, features and price of the phone. To give you an idea about how lethal this can be to the competitors just think about it that it bugs down likes of Redmi Note 5 Pro, Redmi Mi A1, Honor 7x. To top that the device comes with a plethora of launch offers the most prominent one from Flipkart itself which gives you do anything with your phone Guarantee at just Rs 49 instead of Rs 999/-

ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M1

AVAILABILITY & PRICING:

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1) will be available in two variants namely 3GB / 32GB for Rs.10,999 and the 4GB / 64GB for Rs. 12,999 from May 3, 2018 exclusively on Flipkart. 

About the device
The ZenFone Max Pro packs a massive 5000mAh battery, a 15.2 cms (5.99) FHD+ Full View display and a dual-camera system into an amazingly compact metal body. It is powered by the fast and energy-efficient Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 636 Mobile Platform, with Adreno™ 509 graphics for enhanced responsiveness and outstanding gaming performance. The smartphone is also ASUS’ first smartphone to offer a pure, stock version of Android – and the latest version Android 8.1. The smartphone packs in high-end audio components comprising an NXP Smart Amp, a 5 Magnet Speaker and a passive amplifier accessory ‘The Max Box’, for unmatched audio experience in its segment.

ZenFone Max Pro (M1) smartphone is also the first smartphone to be co-marketed and distributed online under the recently announced partnership between ASUS and Flipkart, India’s largest e-commerce marketplace.

Commenting on the launch, Ajay Yadav, VP, Flipkart said, “Flipkart has been at the forefront of driving innovation and growing the adoption of smartphones in India.  With the strategic partnership with ASUS, we are now expanding our efforts in redefining the market by launching smartphones that are ‘made for India’. Backed by our deep understanding of what customers are looking for, the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is a complete package of cutting edge technology and great specs at a compelling price.”

Larry Paulson, President & Vice President, Qualcomm India joined Mr. Shen on stage to add, “Qualcomm Technologies shares the ASUS commitment to exceptional design and quality, With the launch of ZenFone Max Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 636 Mobile Platform, ASUS has brought together an ideal balance of exceptional battery life, outstanding performance and consumer value.” 

The smartphone’s exquisite design features a stylish aluminum-alloy body and 2.5D-curved display glass, and is available in two stunning finishes: Deepsea Black, and Gray

At the heart of the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is an advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Mobile Platform, which combines smooth, responsive performance with superb battery life, and a powerful Adreno 509 GPU that delivers enhanced mobile gaming and browsing performance. The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) handles any task easily, with performance to spare.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Mobile Platform is an advanced 14nm 64-bit octa-core system-on-chip (SoC) with up to 4GB RAM, and which delivers over (up to) 40%-higher CPU performance and 10%-higher graphics performance than the Snapdragon 630 Mobile Platform, while maintaining excellent battery life. With its improved performance, the Adreno 509 GPU supports lifelike visuals and more efficient rendering of advanced 3D graphics.

Stock Android 8.1

The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is the first ASUS smartphone to ship with pure Android™ Oreo™, the latest version of the beautiful Android user interface that delivers an intuitive experience and helps the user do stuff faster, improve their productivity, and simply lets them have more fun with their phone.

Battery power

The hallmark of the ZenFone Max Series is the huge battery capacity, designed for serious travelers and those who need maximum battery endurance. The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) has a high-capacity, high-density 5000mAh battery — the most powerful in the ZenFone Max Series — that's custom-crafted to pack maximum performance into minimum space. 

With so much power on tap, users can browse more, game more, stream more — and talk as much as they want without worrying about finding a power outlet. The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) offers users up to 20 hours of YouTube video playback, up to 42 hours of 3G talk time and up to 28 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing. On a single charge, users can enjoy playing more: for example, up to 45 rounds of Mobile Legends, or up to 2 seasons of Games of Thrones.

All this power is backed up with lightning-fast charge times: ZenFone Max Pro can charge its 5000mAh battery from 0% to 100% in just 2 hours and 42 minutes, compared to some rival products with a 4000mAh battery that need well over 3 hours. 

Display

The 15.2 cms (5.99) Full View FHD+ (1080 x 2160) display in the ZenFone Max Pro features stunning 450cd/m2 brightness, class leading 1500:1 contrast ratio and an 85% NTSC color gamut to provide users an magnificent visual experience. The ultrawide 18:9 aspect ratio and slim bezels provide a greatly expanded viewing area that makes viewing photos and watching widescreen videos incredibly immersive, and when browsing the web there's less need for scrolling. Multitasking is also easier, as two apps fit comfortably side-by-side on the screen. 

For powerful, immersive high-quality sound, the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) features a five-magnet speaker driven by an NXP smart amplifier that delivers higher volume with lower distortion. Compared to single-magnet speaker performance, the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) delivers 41% louder sound, 14% better low-frequency response and 12% less distortion. When coupled with Max Box, the volume can increase up to 2X louder.

Dual rear cameras

The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) has an advanced dual-camera system that takes mobile photography to new heights. The rear camera focuses on the subject in less than the blink of an eye, and has a high-resolution 13MP sensor with a high-quality, f/2.2 wide-aperture lens that captures clearer photos, every time.

The secondary 5MP rear camera is a dedicated depth-sensing camera for more accurate bokeh effect in portraits and close-ups, putting the subject in sharp focus while progressively blurring the background for a gentle yet powerful effect that really makes the subject stand out.

ZenFone Max Pro (M1) shoots video at up to 4K UHD resolution, allowing users to just point, shoot and share their memories, all captured with incredible levels of detail.

The 8MP front camera enables the most indulgent selfies, with soft-light LED flash and a beautification feature that enables shots with removal of blemishes, balance facial features, enhance skin tone and more. 

Premium all-metal design with three slots (two SIM slots and an expandable storage slot)

The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is built to last using solid metal, with a slim and light 180g body that's precision-crafted to give it a luxurious feel without being bulky. The slim and elegant size and 2.5D-curved front edges make the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) exceptionally comfortable to hold, with significantly less bulk than a standard 6-inch phone. The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is available in two stunning finishes to match the user's style: Deepsea Black and Meteor Silver.

The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) comes with two SIM slots supporting 4G LTE, and an additional microSD slot to expand storage by up to 2TB. Its convenient triple-slot tray lets users install two SIMs and a microSD card in one easy step.

The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is easier to use and more convenient than ever, with a new face unlock feature that lets users unlock the phone simply by looking at it — the perfect solution for messy or gloved fingers. In addition, ZenFone Max Pro (M1) sports a rear fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone in an instant.

Special Launch Day Offers

The new Asus Zenfone Max Pro (M1) launches in India with several unique offers to sweeten the deal. Flipkart launches 'Complete Mobile Protection', India's end to end post sale assurance at a special introductory price of Rs. 49 in partnership with Asus. It offers comprehensive coverage and ultimate convenience to the customer with doorstep pick up and drop service.

 In addition, there is an extra Rs. 1000 off over regular exchange of models and to spread buying cost a special no cost EMI, upto 12 months on all credit cards and Bajaj Finserv Limited.

Vodafone Offer

The Vodafone offer on ZenFone Max Pro M1 is unique and offers benefits up to Rs.3200. Offers include, Free additional data, Free Red Sheild Device security plan for 2 years and weekly telecom and non-telecom offers for youth customers.

Vodafone Offer Details are as follows.

Prepaid:

⦁ 10GB additional Data Free per month for 12 months (Rs.199 Plan and above)

⦁ Weekly telco and non telco discount offers for Youth Consumers

Postpaid:

⦁ 10GB additional Data Free per month for 12 months (Red 399 Plan and above)

⦁ Red Shield – Device Security Insurance Plan Free for 2 Years (Red 499 Plan and above)

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ASUS ranked as one Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for the Computers category

• ASUS receives Fortune's World’s Most Admired Companies ranking for the Computers category
• Fortune conducted a worldwide survey of 1500 candidates and selected ASUS as one of the leading companies
• This is the third time ASUS has been recognized with honors from Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies survey

ASUS today announced its honourable recognition as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies. The company has been ranked as a leading enterprise in the Computers category, reaffirming its leading position in the industry as a strong brand that continues to deliver excellent products and services.

Survey Method:

Fortune collaborated with its partner Korn Ferry on this survey of corporate reputation. Beginning with a universe of about 1500 candidates, the 1000 largest US companies were ranked by revenue, along with non-US companies in Fortune's Global 500 database that have revenues of $10 billion or more. The highest-revenue companies in each industry were then selected, totalling 680 in 29 countries. The top-rated companies were picked from that pool of 680; the executives who voted work at the companies in that group.

To determine the best-regarded companies in 52 industries, Korn Ferry asked executives, directors, and analysts to rate enterprises in their own industry on nine criteria, from investment value and quality of management and products to social responsibility and ability to attract talent. A company’s score must rank in the top half of its industry survey to be listed.

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ASUS Zenfone Zoom S Review

ASUS Zenfone series phones are spread across the spectrum of smarphone scores. Few of the initial devices were breakthrough in their respective segment (Zenfone5, Zenfone2, Zenfone 4.5 etc) , some of the devices didn't worked out for the brand (ASUS Zenfone Selfie, ASUS Zenfone 4 Selfie pro). 

In 3 years, ASUS has worked a lot in terms of the device's design language, features, bloat wares etc. ASUS Zenfone Zoom  was result of these efforts that brought 3X zoom in a phone. The device was a bit bulky and lacked in few aspects. ASUS Zenfone Zoom S overcomes most of these hiccups but is it still good enough to compete with other flagships? Let's find out.

Build and Design:

ASUS Zenfone Zoom S is comes with a metallic unibody as is the norm now a days for mid-range and premium smartphones. The device sports a 5.5 inch display and is rounded from the edges which makes it quite ergonomic to hold the edges, however it feels slippery from the back as is the case with most of the metallic back phones. 

Volume rockers and power button are placed on right edge of the phone which works as expected and placed well within reach when phone is held in one hand. 

On top there is nothing but a noise cancellation mic, while on the bottom the device sports speaker grill, USB Type C slot, and 3.5 mm audio jack. On the left edge there is a hybrid SIM tray. 

Turning the phone towards back , Finger print sensor is placed on the back as most of other phones from the company, sensor was fast and accurate during our usage. Dual cameras sit on the top left of the phone supported by dual LED flash lights. Towards the bottom ASUS branding can be seen engraved center aligned to the horizontal width.

Bottom Edge

Rear View

Camera:

As the name suggests ASUS Zenfone Zoom S camera comes with optical zoom capability (2.3X), there are many implementations of dual camera setup which includes RGB+Monochrome, Depth+Auto, ASUS has implemented secondary camera for zoom which adds 2.3x zoom. Both rear cameras are 12MP cameras. The primary camera comes with SONY IMX362 sensor with f/1.7 aperture. The camera also comes with 4-axis OIS, dual pixel autofocus.

Camera no doubt is the highlight of the phone, Auto mode works well for most of  the situations, the images captured are crisp and clear. Phone works well in low light, optical zoom upto 2.3x works fine which can be further zoomed upto 12x digitally however zooming in digitally doesn't work really well. Secondary camera enables you to take portrait shots as well. Below are few of the shots taken by the phone.

Auto Mode

Night Mode

Auto Mode

HDR Mode

Artificial Light (Auto Mode)

Artificial Light (Auto Mode)

 Display and UI:

5.5 inch AMOLED display is good and bright, which can be viewed from different angles and in sunlight as well. There is a blue light filter as well which can be activated when you are reading at night. 

On the UI part, ASUS has done a good job in removing the infamous bloat-wares from the device and there are fewer applications pre-installed on the phone. The phone is running on ASUS Zen UI based on Android 7.0 Nougat. There are still few apps which can irritate the users as there is no option to un-install them however these can be disabled. 

Performance:

The phone runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset which is proven in many flagship devices, the processor is supported by 4 GB of RAM. We didn't faced any issues while using the phone in terms of performance. The phone is quite responsive when multitasking or putting it through resource intensive tasks. In our usage the device didn't get heated while playing light games for more than 15 minutes however in resource intensive games as NFS, Injustice 2 etc the temperature rises a bit. Good thing is it doesn't become unbearable while playing.

Bottom line:

The ASUS Zenfone Zoom S is priced at 25,999/- as of now on Flipkart. The camera of the device is quite impressive along with performance and battery backup. However when looked at its massive 5000 mAH battery, it seems like its a feat to put a battery of that size into a slim device. Overall the device is one of the best Zenfones from the company.

Having said that if you are looking for a decent device with focus on Camera, recently launched Honor View 10 looks more promising with price of 4K more than ASUS Zenfone Zoom S.

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Asus Zenfone 4 selfie Pro review: Stylish selfie expert or overpriced player in the race?

Asus has launched a plethora of devices under Zenfone 4 series this year and one of such devices is the Zenfone 4 Selfie  Pro. As the name suggests this device has its USP in the selfie camera or should we call cameras as the device comes with dual selfie camera. The Zenfone 4 Pro selfie is priced at Rs 23,999/- . So does the device justify the price tag or its an overpriced player in arena of 'Selfie Experts' ? Let's find out.

Specifications at a glance:

The zenfone Selfie pro is powered by time tested Octa-core Snapdragon 625 with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The Zenfone 4 Selfie pro comes with 5.5 inch Full HD AMOLED display which has brightness of 500nits and clor gamut that's greater than 100% of NTSC color space as claimed by company. The display is crisp and can handle any type of content with ease. Even in outdoors on bright sunny day the display is readable and bright enough. The Zenfone 4 Selfie pro comes with a 76.7% body to screen ratio, however competitors in similar price segment are coming up with full view display now.

The phone comes with a finger print sensor on the front which is claimed to unlock phone in 0.2 seconds. We can say that finger print sensor is fast and accurate and we didn't faced any issues while using the device.  Zenfone 4 Selfie pro comes with 3000 mAh strong battery with Fast charging support. The charger supplied with device has a rating of 10W (5V/2A) rating. 

On camera department the Rear camera is a 16MP Sony IMX351 Sensor, which supports 4K video recording and comes with ASUS own SuperPixel Engine. On Front there are are two cameras for selfie , the first one features Sony IMX362 dual pixel image sensor that is said to be equivalent of 24 MP resolution camera. The 24 MP DuoPixel camera technology uses the information captured by the sensor to intelligently create one 24 MP photo. The second sensor is used to widen your frame area, i.e. it expands your view to upto 120 degrees which is best suited for group selfies.

Design:

The Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro is a sleek and stylish device which feels premium when held in hand. The device sports a rectangular metal unibody design with rounded corners. On the front of the device 2.5 D corning gorilla glass protects the 5.5 inch display. On top of the display there are two selfie cameras to the right of the ear piece and array of sensors to the left of ear piece. On the left edge of the device there is a SIM tray slot which can be ejected using the pin. The SIM tray can hold 2 Nano SIM cards and a micro SD card (upto 2 TB is supported). On the right side of the device you get volume rockers on the top and power button just above the middle of the edge.

Bottom of the device houses speaker grill, micro USB slot, mic and 3.5 mm audio jack. On the top edge there is just another mic (probably noise cancellation one). Turning the device on back, Antenna lines are visible on the top and bottom of the back panel. The Rear camera is sitting in middle horizontally and towards the top vertically with a flash light placed just the left of the Camera unit. In the middle of the back ASUS branding is visible.

Camera:

The frond camera works well in normal mode where there is enough light. The images are sharp and colors are natural. Sometimes images are overexposed when you are using front camera in sunlight. The low light performance is mediocre and images become bit noisy or blurry. 

There is a portrait mode as well in front camera which works pretty well. In group selfie mode the secondary 5 MP camera comes into the play and increases your view area. In view finder one can observe that switching to group selfie mode the edges resembles that of fish eye mode. The selfie camera is also capable of shooting 4K videos which will be useful for Vloggers specially. 

The back 16 MP camera does its job as expected and doesn't disappoint. The images from rear camera are detailed and clear in bright lit areas however in low light the images are grainy and not something we were hoping for with this camera. The images loose detail as soon as the light source is diminished. The autofocus of the camera works fine and quickly locks the focus on object in frame. The image processing is quite good and images are rendered in real time without any noticeable lag.

Below are few samples from the camera.

Low Light (Rear Camera)

Artificial Light (Rear Camera)

Day light (Rear Camera)

Group Selfie Mode (front camera)

Normal Mode (Front Camera)

OS and Apps:

The Zenfone 4 Selfie pro runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat with its own ZenUI 4.0 skin on the top. Thankfully Asus has listened to our pleas and this device is as neat as you would want in terms of applications. The only app on board are the required minimal set of apps to get started without any bloatware. The UI experience is fluidic and smooth. We didn't noticed any lag while opening multiple apps. In settings we have an Asus customized settings option where in you can enable twin apps feature for accessing two accounts on apps like Facebook and Instagram.

Final Verdict:

This selfie expert has great build quality and hardware strength. The phone has got most of the things on the right side. We are happy that Asus has not compromised on the hardware or quality in this device. The camera features are in line with the competition, however the competitors are offering features like full view display at lower or similar price. If you are looking for a decent camera phone with smooth UI experience then you can opt for this phone. For other uses there are still options in market at lower price. 

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Top 10 reasons the ZenFone AR is the next big thing

The ASUS ZenFone AR is built from the ground up for augmented reality. There’s a lot to love about this cutting-edge smartphone, but let’s run down the biggest reasons why you should consider picking one up.

1. Tango Technology - Augmented Reality

Tango AR

Tango is the augmented reality system by Google which marries depth-sensing and motion-tracking camera technology. With the right apps, virtual objects can inhabit the space around you in fun, informative, and creative ways. For example, you could size up furniture for your living room, or chase monsters through your kitchen. It’s a brand new world of possibilities with augmented reality and Tango.

2. Daydream Technology - Virtual Reality

VR with Daydream view support

The ZenFone AR is the first Android phone to include both Tango and Daydream support in the same device. With the Daydream View headset, you can enjoy your own personal cinema filling your whole field of view, or dive into immersive games with the help of the included controller. The growing library of Daydream apps means you’ll always have new experiences right around the corner.

3. Next-generation camera

While the TriCam system combines every technology required for fluid virtual reality and augmented reality, the primary 23 megapixel camera can take some incredible shots. It has a large f/2.0 aperture, perfect for shooting in low-light. It can capture video in razor-sharp 4K, complete with optical and electronic image stabilization.

4.       Lightning-fast autofocus

ASUS has been carefully refining its autofocus system over the course of several generations. TriTech consists of three mechanisms working seamlessly with one another. First, there’s traditional object-tracking focus. Then, there’s laser autofocus, which can detect the distance of subjects out to 1.5 meters, even in low light. Finally, phase detection autofocus is specialized at capturing subjects in motion. All of that comes together for a lock in under 0.03 seconds.

5.       Incredible processing power

Thanks to the custom-tailored Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, the ZenFone AR is able to construct vibrant 3D worlds on the fly. This requires not only an impressive amount of sheer processing power power, but energy efficiency, too. We are working with a smartphone, after all, which needs to be able to carry on with usual functions the rest of the day.

 6.       Mind-blowing sound

The finely tuned SonicMaster 3.0 engine produces premium audio in any circumstance. A new 5-magnet speaker design can churn out music louder than ever without distorting or damaging the hardware. Advanced signal processing by way of the NXP Smart AMP can handle audio at up to four times CD quality. Whether you’re in VR, or just relaxing with some tunes, the ZenFone AR will not disappoint.

7.       A beautiful display

When using the ZenFone AR with the Daydream View headset, the screen will be quite close to your eyes. ASUS has made this display exceptionally sharp to maximize immersion. At 5.7 inches, your full field of view will be taken over. The Super AMOLED 2560 x 1440 WQHD screen will produce details at the sharpest definition and with the deepest colors.

8.       Premium construction

The ZenFone AR pushes boundaries, and it feels built for the task. With a burnished leather rear and precision-milled metal frame, you’ll enjoy a true feeling of luxury every time you take the ZenFone AR out of your pocket. During day-to-day use, the Gorilla Glass 4 cover will amply protect the screen. Overall, the fine craftsmanship at play will ensure this phone ages gracefully.

9.       Biggest RAM ever in a smartphone

The ZenFone AR manages to pack in 8 GB of RAM. You can read more about how RAM works and why it’s important here, but the bottom line is that having 8 GB of it in the ZenFone AR ensures it will be able to handle intensive processing tasks of any kind, not just those that have to do with augmented reality and virtual reality.

10.   Cutting edge uses of AR technology

Last but not the least, the augmented reality or AR goes beyond VR in some key respects, enabling users to integrate real and virtual scenes — in effect, allowing you to try on products before you buy. Imagine buying furniture that you often have trouble visualizing in your home. Asian augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) startup iStaging lets you arrange furniture and appliances in your living space. By integrating the product images in your designated space, thus giving you a concrete visualization of potential purchases.

Bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, augmented reality (AR) app enables students and teachers to visualize 3D models in the real environment, in real time, and at scale desired. AR Solar System, inspiring young kids to understanding the enormity and complexity of their universe. Anatomy 4D helps to discover a world of knowledge about your own amazing hardware. Zenfone AR opens up to plethora of opportunities for everyone irrespective of age.

The ZenFone AR is an absolute feat of engineering. Dig into more details on the ZenFone AR product page.

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ASUS Zenfone AR launched in India for Rs 49,999/- , with impressive tech embedded in it.

ASUS has announced launch of ASUS Zenfone AR the world's first Tango and Daydream enabled phone which opens a new dimension for use of smartphones. The phone is a result of co-operation of ASUS with Google's Tango and Daydream team, and Qualcomm which improvised its Snapdragon 820 series to come up with Snapdragon 821 enabling smoother and Accurate AR , VR experience.

The device comes with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB internal storage to support resource extensive applications which makes sense with AR focused tech in the phone.

ASUS Zenfone AR

The device in itself is a tech marvel considering the fact that we have a finished end consumer product and not any prototype. ASUS has stood apart from the crowd on many occasions be it the first phone with 4 GB RAM or first phone with a 3x optical zoom. But what we liked most about Zenfone AR is that it packs so much in its compact body. Unlike Zenfone Zoom which was too bulky to be used as a primary phone, the Zenfone AR is quite compact with just 4.8mm thickness on edges and less than 8mm thick at its thickest point. 

Notice the Geyser and Shower shown on big screen is added using AR

Smartphones have changed the way we look at our phones and use them in our day to day life, this transition has come in last 10 years. But today with launch of Zenfone AR, I truly believe that it is going to add more dimensions to mobile usage. We recently discussed about different usecases of using an AR enabled phone.

TriCam System

The device packs in 3 camera on rear with the primary being 23 MP sensor for capturing vivid details. The other two sensors are there to sense depth and motion. The launch event also had live demo of the AR capabilities of the smart phone where in we were shown the future of buying a car with the BMW app , where in user can Augment the car on the phone in real environment and inspect and customize various features as if done in a physical car. Another demo was done by Pune based Renewate demoed their app, which was again very cool as using this app you can plan the interiors, furniture, fittings of your house by using AR.

The Asus ZenFone AR has a 5.7-inch WQHD (2K) (1440 x 2560) display. This large size and high resolution screen makes it ideal for VR apps and games when used with Daydream View, immersing users in incredible VR worlds that appear detailed and lifelike. Super AMOLED technology enables deep blacks and high contrast, further enhancing image quality and 3D effects.

With ZenFone AR and Daydream View, users can explore new worlds with apps like Street View and Fantastic Beasts, kick back in a personal VR cinema with YouTube VR and Netflix, and get in the game with Gunjack 2, Need for Speed and more.

ZenFone AR is designed with the latest, top-of-the-line components to provide high-quality AR and VR experiences. This cutting-edge hardware also makes ZenFone AR one of the most powerful smartphones available.

ZenFone AR features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor that has been specially optimized for the demanding, real-time calculations of AR. ASUS worked closely with Qualcomm Technologies and Google engineers to help develop methods for efficiently distributing computer-vision workloads, as well as rapidly processing movement and positioning instructions with Tango to deliver smooth, immersive, and compelling AR experiences. It also features the desktop-class Qualcomm Adreno 530 graphics-processing unit (GPU) to deliver supercharged graphics performance and handle the graphical demands of Tango and Daydream applications with ease.

ZenFone AR is the world's first smartphone with 8GB of RAM, enabling it to handle the demands of AR and VR with ease. It also helps with heavy multitasking, allowing users to keep dozens of apps open simultaneously, and instantly switch among them. ZenFone AR also includes 128GB of fast UFS 2.0 storage, enabling users to store a large library of apps, games, videos, photos, and music, and open them quickly.

ZenFone AR is backed by a 3,300mAh battery pack with Quick Charge 3.0 - fastest, most efficient charging technology by Qualcomm to date. This technology enables 60% battery charge in only 45 mins.

 Flipkart is offering INR 2500/- off on Google Daydream View VR Headset along with purchase of ZenFone AR. Additionally, the consumer can avail no cost EMI offer upto 9 months. Every Jio and Zenfone AT user will get up to 100GB additional 4G data and complimentary Jio Prime membership. The user can avail the additional 4G data in the form of one additional 10GB data voucher per recharge or Rs 309 or above, for a maximum of 10 recharges till March’18. This data is over and above the benefits of the pack.

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