News & Reviews:   ASUS ZenFone 2

The ASUS ZenFone 2 is really making waves as an affordable yet performance-level smartphone. It turns out that it also has a tool to make the transfer from your old smartphone easier, allowing you to transfer stuff like contacts, calender and bookmark data to your new ASUS ZenFone 2. While it has a whole bunch of different smartphones to choose from like Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Lenovo and LG, it seems that this is the perfect tool for those who previously got an ASUS ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 or ZenFone 6 to transfer your data over. Personally, I did it with my ASUS PadFone S as the list of models available is both comprehensive and up-to-date. The transfer is done via bluetooth though, so make sure your phone supports bluetooth if you intend to use the Data Transfer tool for your new ASUS ZenFone 2.

The trend for thin metal-body smartphones continues as companies chase the coveted title of "World's thinnest smartphone". The title isn't just about making the device as thin as possible, as a balance must be met where these super-thin devices must be both strong and functional. The vivo X5Max once held this title with a 4.75mm thin body but the Malaysian version of the device only comes in at 5.08mm thin. While this is still very thin does this version manage to retain functional features and sturdy construction at the same time? We find out in our review of the Malaysian version of the vivo X5Max below.

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.

It looks like the supply shortage that plagued the ASUS ZenFone range of smartphones last year is thankfully a thing of the past as Dynamics Distribution Sdn Bhd have announced that new units of the ASUS ZenFone 2 will be available on 12 May 2015 at all authorized ASUS resellers. The first to get their hands on an ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphone were about 1500 ZenFans at the recent ASUS Malaysia #IncredibleZenDay launch last Saturday. DirectD have already announced that all ASUS ZenFone 2 variants will be available at certain branches today but if you're looking for a nearby ASUS Reseller you can contact ASUS Malaysia or Dynamics Distribution via their Facebook pages directly. Pricing looks to be the same as previously mentioned starting from RM599 to RM1299. Incidentally, all 4GB RAM version ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphones are also available here in Malaysia and remains the most affordable 4GB RAM smartphone in Malaysia for now.

The ASUS ZenFone 2 #IncredibleZenDay launch has just happened, confirming earlier rumours about pricing, tech specs and variants for the ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphones available for Malaysia. These include the lowest-end 5-inch display ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE550CL for RM599 and the highest-end ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage for RM1299. 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 ZE550ML - 1.8GHz Z3560, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 5.5-inch 1280 x 720 HD display = RM74
• 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

The ASUS ZenFone 2 #IncredibleZenDay launch has just happened, confirming earlier rumours about pricing, tech specs and variants for the ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphones available for Malaysia. These include the lowest-end 5-inch display ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE550CL for RM599 and the highest-end ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage for RM1299. 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 ZE550ML - 1.8GHz Z3560, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 5.5-inch 1280 x 720 HD display = RM74
• 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

The upcoming ASUS ZenFone 2 launch in Malaysia on 9 May 2015 at KL Live may well be as incredible as ASUS says it will be. While registration has been closed to 1500 lucky ZenFans, the first 100 who queue up early for the 11.00am start will win brand new ASUS ZenPower powerbanks for free. Those looking to buy the 64-bit Intel Atom powered ASUS ZenFone 2 can also get it on the same day with numerous lucky draws and activities planned for the event. In addition, each activity has awesome prizes and giveaways which include what appears to be an ASUS ZenWatch or ASUS VivoWatch, ASUS laptop and ASUS ZenFone smartphones. Cute ZenPillows will also be given away along with many other products. The recent regional launch in Indonesia saw many other accessories being sold such as the 2-colour Fusion backplates, Illusion patterned backplates, flip covers, ASUS ZenFlash, ASUS LolliFlash and ASUS ZenEar headsets. With just 2 days away from the #IncredibleZenDay stay tuned for further developments as we'll be on hand covering the action.

The upcoming ASUS ZenFone 2 launch in Malaysia on 9 May 2015 at KL Live may well be as incredible as ASUS says it will be. While registration has been closed to 1500 lucky ZenFans, the first 100 who queue up early for the 11.00am start will win brand new ASUS ZenPower powerbanks for free. Those looking to buy the 64-bit Intel Atom powered ASUS ZenFone 2 can also get it on the same day with numerous lucky draws and activities planned for the event. In addition, each activity has awesome prizes and giveaways which include what appears to be an ASUS ZenWatch or ASUS VivoWatch, ASUS laptop and ASUS ZenFone smartphones. Cute ZenPillows will also be given away along with many other products. The recent regional launch in Indonesia saw many other accessories being sold such as the 2-colour Fusion backplates, Illusion patterned backplates, flip covers, ASUS ZenFlash, ASUS LolliFlash and ASUS ZenEar headsets. With just 2 days away from the #IncredibleZenDay stay tuned for further developments as we'll be on hand covering the action.

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.