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.

ASUS are doing quite well with their new ZenFone range of smartphones and seem to be filling up every niche they can with the recent introduction of the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE (A500KL) and 4.5-inch display ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG). Now, rumours are saying that a 5.5-inch display ZenFone could be coming, perhaps to be called the ASUS ZenFone 5 A550CG? Rumours indicate that it would come with the next processor refresh for the ASUS ZenFone range, perhaps powered by Intel SoFIA processors. We expect some tech specs to remain the same such as 2GB of RAM, 16GB storage, 4.5-inch display with 720 x 1280 pixel resolution, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and 2110 mAh battery. No Malaysia release dates or pricing yet but rumours indicate that it could come during CES 2015. Right now, ASUS seem to be filling up the niches according to screen size and connectivity, but so far they have no Selfie centric offerings just yet. An ASUS ZenFone smartphone with a 5MP front camera doesn't sound too far fetched though but with all of these rumours, do remember to take them with a pinch of salt.

We've covered the arrival of a 4.5-inch display version for the ASUS ZenFone 4 recently and now ASUS Malaysia has officially confirmed the availability of the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) smartphone. While retaining most of the tech specs from the original ASUS ZenFone 4, the key differences include a 4.5-inch display with 854 x 480 pixel resolution, an 8MP PixelMaster rear camera, 8GB of storage and a larger 1750 mAh battery. Another welcome feature includes Android 4.4 KitKat right out of the box while other features such as a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 layer on the screen and Dual SIM support remain the same. The larger 8MP rear camera now means that this ZenFone 4 has the Low-light feature so you can take great pictures even in the dark. The ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) should be available at all major stores and authorized distributors at a price of RM369. We'll let you know more as soon as we get a review unit so stay tuned for further developments.

Dynamics Distribution, main distributor of the ASUS ZenFone products recently confirmed tech specs for the newly released ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) and yes, it sports a 4.5-inch display with 8MP rear camera (still no LED flash though). It will come in Black, Blue and White with a retail price of RM369. Another notable feature is that it will come with Android 4.4 KitKat right out of the box. No news yet on when stock for the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) might be available, but we expect it to already be around here in Malaysia, if in limited quantities. Check out the full tech specs list of the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) below:

• 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB storage + microSD + 5GB ASUS Web Storage
• 4.5-inch display (480 x 854 pixel resolution)
• 8MP rear camera (no LED flash) + VGA front camera
• supports Dual-SIM, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
• Android 4.4 KitKat

The ASUS ZenFone range of smartphones are selling quite well here in Malaysia, which could be the reason why they may be bringing in new models for it. This includes the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE (A500KL) and the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG). The major differences in these two new models is that the ZenFone 4 (A450CG) will sport a 4.5-inch display while the ZenFone 5 (A500KL) will have 4G LTE connectivity. Still no word from ASUS Malaysia on the exact tech specs for these smartphones but it could have tech specs that include an 8MP rear camera, 8GB storage, larger 1740 mAh battery and weigh in at 134g as opposed to the 115g of the ASUS ZenFone 4. Based on direct distributors, it seems that the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) is already available in the Malaysian market but the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE has yet to be officially available.