News & Reviews:   ASUS ZenFone 4

The ASUS ZenFone range of smartphones are really making a big impact with their mix of well balanced design, great tech specs and features at very affordable pricing. The ASUS ZenFone 5 (A501CG) is the entry-level to midrange version of the smartphone and in our view is probably one of the most versatile smartphones in the Malaysian market. To find out why we think this is the ZenFone that can do everything check out our full review of the ASUS ZenFone 5 (A501CG) in this article.

The Android 4.4 KitKat update for the ASUS ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6 is now available for download. Do note that ASUS Malaysia will be releasing the update in batches so if you haven't received the update notification yet, wait a while and it should be available soon. To update go to Settings > About > System Update > Check for update. As before, the update is supposed to be available for original ASUS Malaysia sets so do make sure which version you have first.

ASUS Malaysia recently announced that they would hold a roadshow for various ASUS products that would include the ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), ASUS Transformer Book T100 and ASUS ZenFone smartphones at Centre Court in Mid Valley Megamall from 20 august 2014 to 24 August 2014. The roadshow would include various activities and the chance to redeem ASUS Zen Owl premiums and freebies. In addition, the first 50 customers in the queue on 23 to 24 August will get the chance to purchase certain ASUS products (ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), ASUS Transformer Book T100, etc.) at just RM1 or get free ASUS accessories. Lucky draw winners who Like the ASUS Facebook Page and fill out the Zen Owl Survey Form may also win either an ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG) tablet or ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) smartphone. Check out the full promo in this article.

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.

The Nokia XL is the bigger brother in the range of Nokia X smartphones designed to bring the Windows Phone experience to the masses through an Android smartphone. As such, it features a simplified interface and Nokia's tough Lumia polycarbonate design that should make it great for everyone to use. The main question here is, does it deliver for you? Read our full review on the Nokia XL below to find out.

ASUS Malaysia is currently holding a free giveaway for official ASUS ZenFone 4 bumper cases. The first wave has 200 cases and each case should give your ASUS ZenFone 4 a bit more protection from drops, shocks and scratches. Each case is worth RM49 and there is an additional Mystery Gift for ZenFone 4 owners. To participate follow the instructions below:

1. Take a selfie (be creative!) with a ZenFone 4 box or ZenFone 4 logo
2. Post this selfie on your Facebook Wall with #zenfone4 and #asusmalaysia
3. Print screen that post and send it to [email protected]

ASUS Malaysia has managed to bring in the 2GB version of the ASUS ZenFone 5 smartphone for Malaysia at the same price of RM599. Previously, the ASUS ZenFone 5 smartphone slated for Malaysia was the version with 1GB RAM and a lower speed processor but after some wrangling with ASUS HQ, ASUS Malaysia managed to get the higher-end version to us. At RM599, the new ZenFone 5 brings a faster 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z2560 processor and 2GB of RAM to users while other high-end tech specs and features like the 8MP PixelMaster rear camera, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protected display and 5-element lens remains the same. For more information on where you can get your new ASUS ZenFone 5 smartphone, please contact the ASUS Malaysia Facebook page. ASUS Malaysia are now working on getting the ASUS ZenFone 6 to market soon and we're waiting for the review unit for the new ASUS ZenFone 5, but for now, do check out our ASUS ZenFone 4 review.

ASUS has recently announced the global release for the ASUS PadFone X, which was earlier tied to AT&T in the US. Looking much like a PadFone Infinity, the PadFone X has tech specs which include a 5-inch smartphone combo with an 8.9-inch tablet. Other tech specs for the PadFone X include a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, full HD display resolution, microSD support, a 13MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, 1MP front camera for the tablet and 2300 mAh battery. The tablet gets a 4990 mAh battery while the smartphone can also support certain 3G and 4G LTE bands.