News & Reviews:   ASUS ZenFone 2

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. 

It seems that the ASUS ZenFone 2 is being joined in the 4GB RAM club as Lenovo have just announced their Lenovo K80, another smartphone with 4GB RAM. The similarities don't just stop there though as the K80 is powered by a 64-bit 1.2Ghz Intel Atom processor and has a 5.5-inch full HD 1080p display. Other tech specs include 64GB of storage, a 4000 mAh battery, 13MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Android Lollipop. It measures in at 8.5mm thin and like the ZenFone 2 range, it will also have a version packing 2GB of RAM with 32GB storage. Pricing for the 4GB RAM Lenovo K80 is expected to be 1799 CNY (RM1040) with options for black, red and silver. The plastic back definitely doesn't look as good but for this pricing and feature set, the Lenovo K80 should make a very attractive device, especially for the price hunters out there. No Malaysia release dates yet but it will be released in China from 30 April 2015.

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.

The ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML remains the only smartphone in the world to have 4GB of RAM and while it isn't the top-notch version packing in 64GB of storage, the 32GB storage version is available in Malaysia from RM1377. Coming courtesy of third party sellers like DirectD and SatuGadgetDotCom, this version of the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML offers tech specs like a 64-bit Intel Atom processor, 5.5-inch full HD display, dual SIM 4G LTE and ZenFone's pretty metallic design. We've already noted that the ZenFone 2 comes with many new features like double tap to wake, a manual mode for the camera and the ZenMotion gesture shortcuts from the standby screen but there could be more. Just bear in mind that these ZenFone 2 smartphones are likely international versions and therefore may not be able to get over-the-air updates when the official Malaysia version gets released (this happened before with the first ASUS ZenFone smartphones). We can't confirm this just yet though but we'll know more in just a few more weeks as we're going directly to the regional launch on 21 April 2015. No news yet on specific Malaysia release dates or pricing but considering that the initial price was at 8990 NT$ (RM1049) with 6% GST this could become RM1112 when it does come officially to Malaysia. 

With the ASUS ZenFone 2 all set for it's usual regional launch on 21 April 2015 we managed to score some hands-on time with the ZenFone 2 at the recent DirectD Gadget Mega Store grand opening. This revealed some interesting features including that we'll see the ZenFone 2 packing Android 5.0 and some other interesting camera features. These include a selfie panorama mode for the front camera, and a manual and super resolution mode for the rear camera. There is also a new ZenMotion feature which not only will allow you to double tap on the screen to wake it up or suspend it but also to draw gestures on it for quick shortcuts in standby mode. We're sure there's more than just those features but we'll be able to tell you more about these and others in the next few weeks so stay tuned.

ASUS recently sent out invitations for the launch of the ASUS ZenFone 2 range of smartphones. Like the original ASUS ZenFone range before it, it seems that the ZenFone 2 will be seeing a regional launch on 21 April 2015. While so many new smartphones have already been announced the ZenFone 2 remains the only smartphone in the world with a version packing in 4GB of RAM. Other tech specs look to be equally impressive with a 64-bit Intel processor, 4G LTE, 5.5-inch display, brushed metal design, rear controls and a better PixelMaster camera that allows you to see what others can't see. Pricing details have already been announced with the 5-inch display version with the model number ZE550CL, 2GB RAM and 16GB storage at just 4990 NT$ (RM582).

The 5.5-inch -display ZE550ML will come with a 720p display, 2GB RAM and 16GB storage at 5990 NT$ (RM699) while the ZE551ML 32GB storage version with a 1080p display is priced at 6990 NT$ (RM815). The most premium 5.5-inch 1080p display ZE551ML with 4GB RAM, NFC and 32GB storage version will go at 8990 NT$ (RM1049) and the version with 64GB storage will go for 9990 NT$ (RM1167). No exact Malaysia release dates or pricing yet but expect the recent 6% GST to raise prices somewhat. We also expect other ASUS Zen products to appear like the ZenFlash but it hasn't been confirmed yet if we will also see the ZenFone Zoom. Stay tuned as we'll be going over to cover it directly.

DirectD is one of the better known third-party mobile device sellers and retailers in Malaysia. This is due to their often lower than average prices and early (before official release) inventory of the latest smartphones, tablets, mobile devices and more. Recently, they held the grand opening for their latest DirectD Gadget Mega Store here in Petaling Jaya. Featuring 18000 square feet and lots of nearby parking space, DirectD say that they have the largest mobile phone shop in Malaysia yet. While there are more than 300 smartphones and tablets and 1000 or so accessories available at a time, the store also has the latest devices on display, a dedicated service center with comfortable waiting area and telco center for both new subscribers and bill payment. These telcos include DiGi, Maxis, U Mobile and YES with plans to add more soon. In addition, free WiFi is available throughout the store. Individual buyers can also opt to pay via installment plan or credit card while wholesale buyers are also welcome with no minimum order required. The DirectD Gadget Mega Store will be open from 9.00am to 9.30pm everyday. Here are some of the highlights and promotions available;

• located at Lot 11, Jln 51A/219, PJ (next to Mazda service Centre, same row with Avon and Hong Leong bank, along side Federal Highway)
• a snap post & win contest!
• the first 50 or so customers were able to buy a power bank at just RM1 or phone at RM10 or bid for a smartphone starting from RM10!
• those who came could also buy 1 and get free 1 original Lumia 530 smartphone
• "I am a member" membership program with redemption prizes and other benefits
• "I am a dealer" dealership program