Camera and Internal Storage
The rear panel of the device flaunts an 8 MP primary camera that arrives with the capability of recording FHD 1080p videos. This camera is accompanied with a 2 MP front-facing sensor that can shoot HD 720p videos and gorgeous selfies. Further, the presence of LED flash and auto focus along with the primary camera makes it possible to render enhanced low-light performance. There are two options of internal storage space – 8 GB and 16 GB that is acceptable and there is the ability to extend the memory capacity up to 64 GB using a micro SD card. There are many Android offerings in the mid-range segment with 8 GB of storage capacity, but the inclusion of 16 GB is pretty good.
Processor and Battery
Processor employed in the Zenfone 5 is an Intel Atom Z2560 dual-core chipset that ticks at 1.6 GHz. This processor is aided with PowerVRSGX 544 MP2 GPU clocked at 400 MHz and 2 GB of RAM. The chipset uses the Hyper Threading technology that helps it execute two instructions in each cycle making it faster. The chipset is based on the 32 nm manufacturing processor and it still lags behind some of the handsets that are based on the newer 28 nm process making it less competitive in terms of performance. Battery capacity in the handset is 2,110 mAh that is rated to deliver up to 18.5 hours of talk time and up to 353 hours of standby time on 3G usage. In our time with the device, the backup was average. Battery drained pretty fast when we engaged in graphic intensive gaming.
Display and Features
The display is 5 inches in size with a HD screen resolution of 1280×720 pixels and a pixel density of 294 pixels per inch. Further, the 10 point multi-touch screen is layered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection that makes it capable of withstanding scratches and damage to some extent. Also, the IPS panel will help it render good viewing angles and appropriate color reproduction and brightness. The dual SIM smartphone runs on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and we can expect it to get upgraded to Android 4.4.2 KitKat. In terms of connectivity, the device has 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS with aGPS aspects for the users to stay connected all the time.
Comparison
The Asus Zenfone 5 will compete with the likes of Xolo X910, Spice Pinnacle Stylus Mi-550 and Lenovo P780 in terms of specifications and pricing.
Key Specs
What we Like
Good battery
What We Don’t Like
Battery drains quite fast while playing high end games.
Price and Conclusion
The Asus Zenfone 5 believed to be priced in the sub Rs 15,000 price range appears to have impressive specifications. However, we need to wait to know the final official pricing that will be announced at the time of launch. The device is competent enough to render a smoother multi-tasking experience with its large RAM and capable processor combination.
