We've been waiting for the ASUS ZenFone Zoom for a while now and it looks like the rollout has begun with the official release of the ASUS ZenFone Zoom ZX551ML in Taiwan. So far, 2 versions have been released at 13990 TWD (RM1809) for the 64GB storage version with a 2.3GHz Intel Atom Z3580 processor while the 128GB storage and 2.5GHz Intel Atom Z3590 processor version is going for 15990 TWD (RM2067). A new addition looks to be an artificial back as well which you can see on the ASUS Taiwan site.

Our initial hands-on pics of the ZenFone Zoom had it with plastic back but the rounded metal frame and all the other features remain the same. These include the signature 13MP rear camera with 3X optical zoom, laser auto focus, optical image stabilization and dual LED flash. Other tech specs include a 5.5.5-inch FHD display, 4GB RAM, Android Lollipop, 4G LTE and a 3000 mAh battery. No specific Malaysia release dates yet but earlier reports have the ZenFone Zoom coming to Malaysia this month with the ZenFone Max.

Not too long ago, cameraphones were rather expensive devices that provided excellent camera performance and features while being a smartphone at the same time. They usually had larger than average or phablet-sized displays which when coupled with their more powerful cameras usually resulted in having rather poor battery life. However, times are changing and we now have smartphones like the ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser ZE550KL which not only offers a 13MP PixelMaster camera and laser autofocus but also a 5.5-inch display for just RM799. Is it the affordable energy efficient cameraphone phablet for Malaysia's masses? We find out in our review of the ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser ZE550KL below.

Asides from the ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser series, ASUS Malaysia recently held a media briefing that revealed a roadmap of coming ZenFones for 2015. This includes the ASUS ZenFone 2 Deluxe Special Edition, ASUS ZenFone Zoom and ASUS ZenFone Max. The ASUS ZenFone 2 Deluxe Special Edition will feature all the highest-end tech specs including a 64-bit Intel Atom processor, 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. ASUS will also include a 128GB microSD card as part of the package for a still unknown price tag sometime in November 2015. The ZenFone Zoom on the other hand offers a 3x optical zoom without any telescoping lens while the ZenFone Max will pack in a 5000 mAh battery, both with expected Malaysia release dates in December 2015. No pricing details yet, but we expect the ZenFone Deluxe Special Edition and ZenFone Zoom to range from at least RM1000 and above. While the battery is massive, the other tech specs on the ZenFone Max are decidedly midrange indicating a price tag of around RM799 or RM899 for the ZenFone Max. Stay tuned the next couple of months for more information.

At the recent ASUS ZenFestival in India, ASUS announced a ZenFone with a massive 5000 mAh battery called the ASUS ZenFone Max. Unlike some of the other new announcements, the ZenFone Max goes for a design more like the original ZenFone range with no volume controls on the backplate. It does offer a metallic frame though along with physical capacitive keys below the 5.5-inch display. It also comes with the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 4 along with a Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB RAM, 13MP PixelMaster camera with laser autofocus and dual-tone LED flash along with a 5MP front camera. It should have Dual SIM 4G LTE connectivity as well. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details for the ZenFone Max yet but it is expected sometime in October 2015. Asides from the battery and cameras, other features are decidedly entry-level to midrange so we expect a price tag of below RM1K, perhaps around RM799 to RM899 but we should know more in the next few months.