ASUS just teased the ROG phone aka ZenFone gaming phone

June 1, 2018 Categories: Ares, Computex, Gaming, News, ROG Phone, ZS572KL by 0 Comments

Can you feel it? Computex 2018 is nearly here and the excitement is building thanks to recent ASUS teasers. This particular teaser is special to us because it’s featuring this mystery gaming phone. Thankfully the teaser doesn’t leave a lot to imagination and it seems quite clear that it’s the ROG phone.

ASUS  says “COMING SOON”, June 4th, 2018 from Republic of Gamers. If you have any doubts, ASUS CEO Jerry Shen admitted during a recent interview that you can “expect” a gaming phone from the company. It looks like Shen can finally spill the beans soon.

In this teaser, it’s clear that the ZenFone gaming phone features front facing dual speakers. I also looks to feature the same design that you have come to expect from the ROG brand with the black and red accents.

There is a lot more in this teaser though. Our best guess is that it’s showing two different accessories or docks. It would appear that the ROG phone sits in these gamepads which likely have the traditional analogue sticks. ASUS has already developed and released their own Xbox like controllers in the past so they have the experience and knowledge of designs for such an accessory.

We expect top end hardware, along with a 5.7-inch display. The display technology is an interesting discussion because AMOLED is quality, but is lacking the same high refresh rate possibilities that LCD displays can provide. Typically a high refresh rate trumps all else, so we would be surprised to see an AMOLED display on this phone. Also expect a sizeable battery.

[source: ASUS ROG Twitter]

ZenFone 5 gets a 90 overall score from DXOMark camera review

May 28, 2018 Categories: News, Review, Zenfone 5 by 0 Comments

ASUS has been promoting their camera love starting heavily last year with the ZenFone 4 series. We love photo is one of the oft used ASUS marketing slogans for the ZenFone series.

The website DXOMark is largely considered the top authority when it comes to scoring/rating/reviewing mobile phone cameras. Certainly in the past we’ve seen Google touting (bragging) about their DXOMark scores in the past.

So now ASUS can do a bit of bragging because their ZenFone 5 scored an overall 90, with a 93 for photo and a 86 for video. In terms of the mid range mobile phones on the market, the ZenFone 5 is right at the top of class for the price. Consider too that the iPhone 8 scores a 92, just two above the ZenFone 5.

One major consideration here too is what software version that DXOMark testing the ZenFone 5 under. We’ve seen many times in the past when big websites do a review/critique of a mobile phone prior to a software update that improves camera performance. ASUS especially tends to roll out numerous camera performance improvements just after the release date. So keep this in mind depending on when you are reading this. ASUS may have improved the cameras beyond what the DXOMark website rated it under.

This is the first time for a ZenFone to be listed on DXOMark so this can certainly help ASUS and their photocentric ways.

Breaking down the DXOMark review into more detail, they were fond of the focus and bright light condition qualities of the camera performance. They found as the lighting conditions dimmed, the cameras struggle a bit more. Video wise DXOMark didn’t divulge too many specifics in terms of their 86 rating.

“Excellent mid range option…”
     – DXOMark.com

[source: DXOMark]

US pre orders start for ZenFone 5Q at $299 USD

May 28, 2018 Categories: Shopping and Deals, US, ZC600KL, Zenfone 5 Lite, ZenFone 5Q by 0 Comments

ASUS is quickly starting pre orders in the US for the ZenFone 5Q at $299 USD from Amazon. If you don’t like a notch, this model will suit you just fine! Other markets know this model as the ZenFone 5 Lite or the ZenFone 5 Selfie or the ZenFone 5 Selfie Pro. Yep, all the same model!

What makes the ZenFone 5Q different than the ZenFone 5 and 5Z is that it’s more selfie orientated with the primary to best camera on the front as opposed to the rear.

Specs wise, the ZenFone 5Q model heading to the US comes with the following:

  • Snapdragon 630 @ 2.2GHz
  • 4GB RAM
  • 64GB storage
  • 6-inch display
  • 2160 x 1080 resolution
  • quad-camera

One question this leads up to ask is about the ZenFone 5 and whether ASUS will bump up that release in the US and make it by summer. The release date on this pre order says July but that’s not exactly believable at least based on prior experience.

Software update improves camera performance for ZenFone Max Pro

May 27, 2018 Categories: Firmware Updates, News, Software Updates, ZB601KL, ZB602KL, ZenFone Max Pro, Zenfone Max Pro M1 by 0 Comments

ASUS is showing to be quite reliable when it comes to dealing with software related issues or ZenFone issues. You may find some complaints about finger print reader slowness which has since been resolved via a software update. Additionally, that previous update did list camera performance improvements as well.

So today we see yet another ZenFone Max Pro software update which puts “Improve Camera performance” at the top of fixes. It doesn’t specify if it improves front camera performance but given the complaints out there, we would be surprised if this update wasn’t specific to the front camera. Hopefully there are some users out there who will provide some feedback about what improvements can be seen with this update.

If you don’t get an over the air update notification, connect to wifi and go into system settings and manually check for update.

Details:

ZenFone Max Pro ZB601KL_ WW_14.2016.1804.305
ZenFone Max Pro ZB602KL_ WW_14.2016.1804.305

(India model is ZB601KL)
(All other models are ZB602KL)

Release Notes:

1. Improve Camera performance.
2. Privacy Setting update.
3. Add GPS location icon into QuickSetting.

[source: ASUS – ZB601KL / ZB602KL]

 

ePrice publishes unofficial ZenFone 5Z price and release date schedule

May 23, 2018 Categories: News, Release Date, Rumors and Leaks, Shopping and Deals, Zenfone 5z by 0 Comments

Certain website have more reliable information than others. When it comes to Taiwan websites that have relationships with ASUS, ePrice.com.tw is one of those more reliable sources. The subject today is the ZenFone 5Z price and release date. Please be mindful these are unofficial prices and dates but consider them quite possible.

ZenFone 5Z Release Date

  • Pre orders start June 1st
  • Sales start on June 11th

ZenFone 5Z Price in Taiwan

  • 6GB/64GB – 14,990
  • 6GB/128GB – 16,990

ASUS so far in the Asian markets is setting their sights on Xiaomi. Matching specs with an even better price appears to be ASUS’ strategy. The 5Z model has the best cameras available and sports a Qualcomm S845 processor.

[source: ePrice]

« Newer Entries
Older Entries »