ASUS unveiled its new flagship smartphone in Las Vegas at CES 2015, introducing the powerful new ASUS ZenFone 2 Android handset.
The new ASUS ZenFone 2 comes with a set of impressive specifications on board, including a 64-bit Intel Atom processor that will power two versions of the handset: one clocked at 1.8GHz, and the other clocked at 2.3GHz. Moreover, the ZenFone 2 comes as the first smartphone to boast a whopping 4GB of RAM, which should deliver impressive power. In fact, ASUS claims that its new flagship will provide seven times faster gaming performance compared to its predecessor.
The ZenFone 2 further sports a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display with a pixel density of 403 pixels per inch (ppi) and an impressively-thin bezel of just 3.3mm, maximizing the screen real estate.
"ASUS ZenFone 2 has a stunning, all-new design that employs iconic Zen design elements, offering a luxe brushed-metal finish and distinctive, elegant concentric circle detailing. Including a graceful curved case that tapers to an incredibly thin 3.9 mm at the edges lends ZenFone 2 a bold yet elegant look with intuitive volume control with Rear Key," ASUS touts. "Featuring a 5.5-inch FULL HD IPS display with a 403ppi pixel density, the display has a slight 3.3 mm bezel, giving ZenFone 2 a remarkable 72% screen-to-body ratio for a maximized viewing experience."
The new ZenFone 2 also comes with an improved rear camera, in the form of a 13-megapixel PixelMaster shooter with an f/2.0 aperture lens and zero shutter lag. ASUS also touts an "industry-leading" low light mode that increases brightness up to 400 percent without requiring flash. The smartphone further features a 5-megapixel front shooter that offers a "selfie Panorama" mode, able to capture a 140-degree field of view.
"ZenFone 2 comes with a 13 MP PixelMaster camera and an f/2.0 aperture lens to capture stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag. This industry-leading low-light mode employs pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400% brighter photos at night, or in low-light scenes, without the need for a flash. When a flash is preferred, ZenFone 2 is equipped with a Real Tone Flash to ensure warm skin tones and accurate color."
A powerful 3,000 mAh battery will keep things up and running, providing a full day usage, according to ASUS. The ZenFone 2 also supports fast-charge technology, charging up to 60 percent in under 40 minutes.
In terms of software, the new ASUS ZenFone 2 runs Android 5.0 Lollipop with ASUS' own user interface on top. ZenUI will allow users to control the launcher, themes, icons, fonts, and more, aiming to be the "first fully-customizable UI" so that users can personalize their experience to best suit their tastes and needs. The new ZenUI also features a new ZenMotion gesture control system, which aims to provide easier access to common features.
Furthermore, the new ZenUI also aims to increase security, bringing two new features to the table: Trend Micro Security and SnapView. The first one is built into the ZenUI browser for extra security while surfing the web, while the second allows users to separate their business and personal matters and manage the privacy settings of files and apps.
ASUS has yet to offer an exact launch date for the ZenFone 2, but said that the handset will be available in a range of color options at a starting price of $200 (surely on contract).
