Finally dishing out my review for the Asus Zenfone 2. I did a Zenfone 2 first impression post and at that point I’ve been enamored with this phone. So now here’s a second serving this time trying my hardest to justify why you should get this phone.

Also the unit I have with me is the Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML which is like the valedictorian for the batch of Zenfone 2s that came out this month. If you take my word for it, then go get this one, promise you’ll be happy with the device and not look at other smartphones that have been released this May.

Asus Zenfone 2 Key features

• 5.5-inch IPS capacity touchscreen with 1080p resolution and 403ppi density, Gorilla Glass 3 protection
• Intel Atom Z3560 chipset with a 1.8GHz quad-core processor, PowerVR G6430 GPU
• 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and a microSD slot for further expansion
• Dual-SIM, Dual Call capability
• LTE Cat.4, NFC, Bluetooth; GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot; microUSB 2.0 port, MHL, USB host
• 13MP main camera with dual-LED dual-tone LED flash, 1080p@30fps video recording; 5MP front camera
• 3,000mAh battery, fast charging to 60% in 40 minutes
• Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box with Asus ZenUI overlay
• Nice build quality, sleek looking back cover

Design and Build

I think Asus has a winner with the way they’ve designed not just the Zenfone 2 but the older Zenfones. It’s sleek and slim for something that boasts of a 5.5 inch screen. I got the grey unit which I immediately covered up with a jelly cover; so no more scratches. The Gorilla Glass 3 works like a dream; I haven’t even considered getting those cheap-o screen protectors they sell in Metrowalk or in the bridgeway in Robinsons Galleria. Nu-uh. The screen itself is great (more on that later) and I wouldn’t complain about it not going over the “edge”.

The curves on this smartphone also helps in handling/ gripping the phone while alternatively working twice as good when you place the phone flat on your hand.

For something so incredibly powerfully, the Asus Zenfone 2 is also incredible lightweight. The balance works well for geeks like me who have butterfingers once in a while. The speakers, while at the bottom, dish out good sound quality thanks to the design.

GRAPHICS

I’m totally convinced that for a 15k phone, the Asus Zenfone 2 packs a punch when it comes to gaming and it’s graphics. This new phone works well with most games including the heavy hitters like Marvel Future Fight, Warner’s Injustice and Mortal Kombat X; but where it really shines brightly are in Gameloft games such as Nova 3 and Gangstar 4 aka Gangstar Vegas.

I’ve also tried opening several of the games concurrently and there was never a dull moment, no lag time and no skipping on the frames/ frame rate. That’s something I appreciate because a lot of the lanky smartphones that are out in the market right now tend to conk out when you have 2 or 3 games up and running.

Also Disney’s new Infinity game “Toy Box” that spews a lot of beautiful sprites and could be a big  ”ankle-breaker” for some phones…

CAMERA

Here’s where I would like to shut people up who constantly say that the Zenfone 2′s camera is horrendous. It’s not OK? It’s a finely done piece of machinery that delivers beautiful photos and more importantly makes you look better regardless of how ugly you are inside!

First up, we have the ASUS developed PixelMaster technology working hard inside every Zenfone 2 unit. With the way pictures come out, I don’t even think that PixelMaster is a software, it’s a symphony of software, hardware and design that churns out beautiful photos. That’s how I see it.  Also thanks to the PixelMaster, I hardly bring my camera to events as I’m pretty OK with my phone.

I’m also happy with the variety of shooting modes available for Zenfone 2′s 13mp rear camera and 5 megapixel front-facing camera. The “Beautification” mode helps make your selfies look better while the “Low Light” mode definitely lets you take clearer pictures even with bad lighting conditions. 

ZEN UI

As a blogger I’m always faced with situations where I need to snap photos on the fly or be able to text immediately while covering an event. The Asus Zenfone 2 does that for me and more. The new function, Zenmotion, gives me access to the camera by drawing a “C” on the locked screen and I go directly to the camera function. Same goes for browsing (W)as well as for texting (S).

At this point in my write up I also want to remind readers that I am doing this from a “geek lifestyler” point of view and not as a tech. I’m writing this review to give geeks like myself a good idea on the phone’s powers and capabilities.

For the price tag of 14,995 pesos, the Asus Zenfone 2 is definitely THE essential smartphone for the 21st century Geek.

Next part I’ll be reviewing more of the internal workings of the Zenfone 2.