News & Reviews:   ASUS ZenFone 5 update

While ASUS Malaysia have yet to make any announcements, it seems that the 16GB version of the ASUS ZenFone 5 (A501CG) smartphone may soon get a price drop down to RM519. Originally retailing for RM599 for the 1GB RAM version, this price-cut version not only offers 2GB of RAM but also the aforementioned 16GB of storage instead of the 8GB of storage space it started out with. Other tech specs and features remain the same and are listed below. While we got this information from local distributors, there is still no news yet on availability, which ASUS Malaysia will no doubt come out with soon. For now, check out the tech specs below and stay tuned for further developments.

• ASUS ZenFone 5 (A510CG)
• 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z2560 processor
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB storage + up to 64GB microSD
• 5-inch display (720 x 1280 pixel resolution, Corning Gorilla Glass 3)
• 8MP rear camera (Sony BSI sensor, f/2.0, LED flash, 5-element lens)
• Supports Dual SIM, 3G, WiFi, GPS, ASUS ZenUI
• Android 4.3 (upgradeable to Android 4.4 KitKat)
• RM519

ASUS Malaysia recently released a Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) update for the ASUS ZenFone 5 smartphone. While it isn't the Android 4.4 KitKat update everyone is waiting for, this 30MB download offers a number of bug fixes and improvements to the existing firmware. This includes better audio quality, compatibility, stability and power efficiency. A new feature is that you can now activate the flashlight via the Flip cover. ASUS Malaysia go on to say that the update is only applicable for those who purchased the ASUS ZenFone 5 original set perhaps because the imported or AP sets don't have the same firmware. In any case, you can download the FOTA update numbered 1.15.40.35_20140715_3835 by opening About>System Update in the Settings.