News & Reviews:   ASUS Malaysia online store

Thanks to the GFX Benchmark database, we have some details about an upcoming ASUS ZenFone model. The device with the model number ASUS X002 was recently found in the database with a MediaTek processor. This marks a shift from the usual Intel processors found inside all the ZenFone models to date namely the ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6. Tech specs include a 64-bit quad-core Mediatek MT6732 processor along with Mali-T670 GPU, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage which is expandable up to 32GB and a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. An 8MP rear camera at the back seems to confirm that it is a ZenFone 5 variant but this one also comes with a 5MP front camera marking it possibly as a selfie camera (other ZenFones pack in a 2MP front camera). It also supports a single SIM card slot and 4G LTE connectivity. It is expected in CES 2015 next year with a Malaysia release a few months later, sometime around April. No Malaysia release dates or pricing yet but we expect a drop in price considering the MediaTek processor.

Wanted to buy an ASUS ZenFone smartphone but got put off by distributors and sellers offering it at non-retail pricing? Well, ASUS Malaysia now have another option with their soft launch of the ASUS Store (http://store.asus.com/my). Designed to serve all the ZenFone smartphone buyers here in Malaysia, the site offers the ASUS ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6 at the retail pricing of RM299, RM519 and RM699 respectively. Unlike other online stores, the devices for sale here are not going to be sold in batches. Instead, you can add them to your shopping cart at any time (sort of like a pre-order) and expect to get it within the next 1 ~ 2 working days. For East Malaysians the wait is extended by a day to 1 ~ 3 working days. So far, the number of colours available to choose from are limited but new colours like Yellow and Purple are expected soon. Also, there is no mention of the other ASUS ZenFone range of devices like the ZenFone 5 LTE or ZenFone 4 A450CG but we assume these should be added soon.