News & Reviews:   ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML

ASUS Malaysia recently teased that a new ZenFone smartphone could be coming to Computex 2015 with the hint that it is the front of the phone. Incidentally, it shows a front camera and dual LED flash, which when combined with the spaces in the teaser image, could mean that this will be the ASUS ZenFone Selfie. No tech specs or features yet, but we assume that since the standard front camera is 5MP already, this version will either be 8MP or 13MP. The rear camera will likely be the same 13MP PixelMaster camera while the screen looks to be the same 5.5-inch size. Since most selfie takers tend to be the younger crowd we assume that this display will be in 720p HD and perhaps a full HD 1080p resolution for the richer crowd. Other tech specs will likely be the same 2.3GHz Intel Atom processor and 4GB RAM in the current ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML smartphone. No specific Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, but we expect it to be soon as even the ASUS Malaysia Facebook page is showing the teaser image above.

Truth be told, quite a few of us have been asking ASUS Malaysia when they'll be selling the 4GB RAM versions of the ASUS ZenFone 2, and now you can get it online at the Malaysian ASUS Store. Both the 32GB storage and 64GB storage versions are available but colours are limited to Gold and Red for now. This new ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML features tech specs that include a very fast 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom processor, the aforementioned 4GB RAM, either 32GB or 64GB storage and a 5.5-inch full HD display in a compact body the size of the ZenFone 5. For now, do check out our unboxing and hands-on videos of this ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML below and stay tuned for the full review and more.

How do you improve on a good smartphone like the ASUS ZenFone? You add on more useful  features and make it prettier than before, or at least that's how it seems with the ASUS ZenFone 2. We managed to do some hands-on time with the new and improved ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551MLsmartphone with tech specs that includes a 64-bit Intel processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage and a 5.5-inch full HD display. Apart from these features the new ZenFone 2 moved the power button to the top, volume controls to the back along with a brushed metal-like backplate. Check out our hands-on video of the ZenFone 2 in this article.

The ASUS ZenFone 2 is shaping up to be the flagship killer smartphone of 2015 and we managed to get our hands on the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML packing in tech specs that include 4GB RAM, 32GB storage and more. Priced at RM1099, we did an unboxing video to see what else comes in the box. While there aren't that many surprises it does offer a good bundle for the price. Check it out for yourself in the ZenFone 2 ZE551ML unboxing video in this article.

Initially it was thought that the most premium version of the ASUS ZenFone 2 would pack in 4GB of RAM and 64GB worth of storage. However, a version with 128GB storage has appeared in India. While it bears the same ZenFone 2 ZE551ML model number it looks to pack in 128GB of storage for 29999 INR (RM1683). Considering the recent leaked Malaysia pricing for the ASUS ZenFone 2 we expect this version to go for about RM1599 or so. No news yet if we'll be seeing this version come 9 May 2015 or any exact Malaysia release dates. Other tech specs like the 2.3GHz Intel Atom Z3580 processor, 4GB RAM, 5.5-inch full HD 1920 x 1280 pixel resolution display are expected to remain the same though. 

With the upcoming ASUS ZenFone 2 launch in Malaysia just 9 days away, it seems that we could know which models and at what pricing we'll be getting them for Malaysia. The folks at MDROID were able to get in on a dealer-only event announcing both the models and pricing. Turns out, Malaysia will be getting the 5-inch display ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE500CL for RM599 (which isn't a bad thing considering it's recent performance). Check out the full pricing which is inclusive of the 6% GST below:

• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE500CL - 1.6GHz Z2560, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5-inch 1280 x 720 HD display = RM599
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 1.8GHz Z3560, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = RM899
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 2.3GHz Z3580, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = RM1099
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 2.3GHz Z3580, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = RM1299

From current teasers released by ASUS Malaysia it also appears that other ASUS accessories could also be on display and for sale come this 9 May 2015. This will likely include the ASUS ZenPower range of powerbanks along with the new ASUS ZenFone 2 2-colour Fusion and patterned Illusion covers. We also expect other accessories like the ASUS ZenFlash and Lolliflash to make an appearance along with perhaps the ASUS ZenWatch. No news on Malaysia pricing for these accessories yet though, but stay tuned as we'll be on site at the upcoming #IncredibleZenDay on 9 May 2015.

Asides from the obvious tech spec and hardware improvements that the ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphones have over the previous iteration, the new ZenFone 2 smartphones include improved features like a PixelMaster 2.0 camera, 64-bit 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 processor, updated 4G LTE connectivity up to 250Mbps rather than standard Cat4 150Mbps, a dual-colour LED flash and a 5MP wide-angle front camera with selfie panorama. Unseen hardware additions include 5 3D laser antennas for better signals,  802.11ac WiFi and 5 satellite connectivity systems to enhance location. The new 13MP ZenFone 2 rear camera also sports a new Toshiba BSI high sensitivity sensor, 5P elements Largan Lens with F2.0 Large Aperture, Blue Glass IR filter and 75 degree wide FOV. The new 5MP ZenFone 2 front camera on the other hand goes for an OmniVision BSI high sensitivity sensor, 4P elements lens, F2.0 Large Aperture and wide angle lens. 

While we've already had some hands-on time with the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE550ML, this time around we managed to try out the red ZenFone 2 ZE551ML along with some gaming and even VR (Virtual Reality). As per the previous ZenFone series, low-light performance is definitely better than before with clearer images but the new additions to hardware also ensure that all the enhancements get done quickly and smoothly. The Super HDR mode in particular gets even faster autofocus than before with better backlight performance. Retaining the same rounded back with concentric circle design on the lower front panel as before the standard ZenFone 2 now comes with a brushed metal back in either black, gold, red, silver or white.  While it is still plastic, the shiny back cover is attractive enough to get a second glance or two so even if you don't get the new fusion or illusion pattern back covers, the standard covers still look and feel awesome.

After months of build-up ASUS have launched the ASUS ZenFone 2 for the Southeast Asian region which includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Philipines, Vietnam and Thailand. We managed to catch the festivities early and ASUS made it a really big "Search for Incredible" from start till end. While local pricing and Malaysia release dates are still set for the Malaysia launch on 9 May 2015 they revealed rapidly rising rankings for mobile devices in the region, achieving number 1 or top 3 in the notebook, tablet and smartphone industries. The new ASUS ZenFone 2 in particual offers various new future proofing tech specs and features like a 64-bit Intel Atom processor, 4GB RAM, a 5.5-inch display, 4G LTE connectivity and more. They also revealed that Indonesia will be getting 4 versions from the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE550ML 2GB RAM to the range-topping ZE551ML with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Malaysia is likely to see similar variants as well (else there may be a repeat of last year's commotion) but check out the pricing and tech specs for yourself below:

• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE550ML - 1.8GHz Z3560, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 5.5-inch 1280 x 720 HD display = IDR2699000 (RM756)
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 1.8GHz Z3560, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = IDR2999000 (RM839)
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 2.3GHz Z3580, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = IDR3999000 (RM1119)
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 2.3GHz Z3580, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = IDR4499000 (RM1259)

As we've been reporting all along, the ASUS ZenFone 2 is not coming to Malaysia in April 2015. In an official email, ASUS Malaysia has announced that the ASUS ZenFone 2 will be launched in Malaysia on 9 May 2015 at KL Live. If you want to be there at the launch, you can even register but only 1000 places are available. No news yet on which models would be available at the time but we expect even the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML with 4GB RAM to make an appearance as it is already available at third party sellers. We also expect other ASUS products to be available like the ASUS ZenFlash or ASUS ZenPower bank. No news on pricing yet but we think that the if ASUS wants to make a killing they're going to offer the ZE551ML with 4GB RAM at RM1099 inclusive of 6% GST (the original pricing was at around RM1049). Go check out the ASUS #IncredibleZenDay site to register.