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Asus ZenFone 2 Performance Sneak Peek With Intel Z3580 Inside
MojoKid writes: Asus just finally made their ZenFone 2 available for sale in the US. It's an Intel-powered smartphone running Android Lollipop that's compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile, and other cellular networks that utilize GSM technology, like Straight Talk, MetroPCS, and Cricket Wireless among others.The device is packing a quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 (2.3GHz) with PowerVR G6430 graphics and 4GB of RAM, along with Intel 7262 and Intel 2230 modem tech, a 5.5" Full HD screen, a 13MP rear camera, dual-SIM support and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The high-end model can be had for only $299, unlocked. A $199 version with 2GB of RAM and a slightly slower Intel Atom Z3560 is also available. In the benchmarks, the Zenfone 2 offers competent though middling performance but considering Asus has priced the ZenFone 2 so aggressively, it's sure to grab some attention at retail with consumers looking for a contract-free commitment.
Does the Zenfone have enough performance to get the job done in the real world? Sure.
Does the Zenfone win every benchmark? Nope.
Will the Zenfone be obsolete in 2 years? Yup.
Will the S6 and the iPhone 6 ALSO be obsolete in 2 years while at the same time costing a buttload more upfront? Yup.
And that's why the Zenfone is the winner.
AntiFA: An abbreviation for Anti First Amendment.
Still like my old slide out LG Mach keyboard... gonna miss that...
You have the right to remain sentient. If you give up the right to remain sentient, you will be elected to public office
The Zenfone 2 came out months ago and there have been tons of benchmarks out for it for a while now.
Try benchmarking and reviewing something new. Also, stop spamming articles from your site here.
So can I install normal windows x86 on this thing and use x86 programs, games, etc...? I can run linux In a VM on my android phones with good performance, would love to run full windows.
FTA: "It remains to be seen [...] how long the ZenFone 2’s battery will last, but we should have all of that data shortly."
Ahem. Yes. That is one of my biggest questions about this phone, and the other is what you are supposed to do with it, given that the Android app stores' content tends to be geared toward ARM.
Boy, some people just refuse to let go of legacy processors...
I am interested to see if projects like this ( http://linuxonandroid.org/ ) embrase the new line of Intel android phones.
I would have thought most (all?) of those apps were compiled for ARM.
With PowerVR G6430 graphics
The worst of the worst for driver quality and developer access. Nothing's really changed from the GMA500 days.
Intel or Apple?
Apple will go in a lot easier - your friends WILL help - but getting it out is a nightmare.
Intel - a bit harder to go in - your friends will unknow you - but getting it out is simple.
I'm going to make the case that your obsolence argument is invalid.
iOS 8.3 still supports the iPhone 4s, which was released in 2011, 4 years ago. (I know there are locked-in android models where manufacturers have denied devices updates, though.) A two year old phone isn't even obsolete by capability anymore either. Nearly any app will work on a model made in 2013.
Ditching your phone just because the battery doesn't hold a charge is a bit shortsighted... the batteries are cheap, and service can be had every hundred feet in a lot of malls. If my iPhone 5 battery needs replacement it'll cost me all of $20, installed. The most expensive service you can buy in a local repair shop for my phone is $89, parts and labour included. That's a full screen replacement without having to send the thing away.
So I question the idea that a phone has a 2 year lifespan.
For probably 75-80% of your TYPICAL smart phone user, the mid tier devices will be all they would ever need, but, most consumers fall for the slick marketing, hype and got to keep up with the Jones' attitude and will go on the hook (even under an overpriced contract) for a flagship device. I did the numbers when I bought my last phone almost a year ago. I had been off contract for over a year with straight talk, with zero issue or coverage problems. At the time the S5 had been out and the OnePlus was just out (late May '14). I went ahead and bought a $299.00 Huawei Mate2. It's a mid tier device, 6" screen, 720p, snapdragon 400. It was the BATTERY size that sold me, 4,000mAH. I ran the numbers between it and the S5, and in a 24 month period (typical USA contract), I save over 84 dollars per month buying outright, than on a contract. The problem with the device manufacturers now, is lack of INNOVATION. They release a new device every 6-9 months with marginal speed increases or tighter pixel densities, or (shudder) higher megapixel cameras. And with them come HIGHER prices. But, if you run the same apps on my snapdragon 400 device, with these snapdragon 80x devices (general apps, not high intensity games), you will find both devices run them adequately for everyday use. Then why are people willing to shell out year after year for overpriced devices, that the apps can't really benefit from? Because in my opinion, they are suckers. Also, it's in the best interest of both the carriers & manufacturers to NOT offer software updates to the devices, when, they can push them into a new device every 12 months, and, simply extend the contract. You keep them locked in for life. I hope these "sell for cost" or mid tier devices flood the markets. It will require the "big boys" to change their market ideas to compete. They will have to drop the price on their devices, or lose market share. More competition is good for the consumer. When the manufacturing cost of a smartphone, with marketing, research, advertising is less than 200 dollars, but yet they will retail them for 700, 800 or more, consumers are being ripped off. That's why I will stick with a good quality mid tier device. It's your money...do what you want, but I'd prefer value, over bright shiny new flashy things.
How long has the OP been waiting for this GSM smartphone to come to the US?
I have had the Zenfone 2 for about a month. Mine is a ze500cl, so it 'only' has a dual core processor. Performance is excellent, the screen is very responsive. The ze550ml, which is probably the model reviewed, is 0.5" bigger, has a better camera and dual SIM. I would wholeheartedly recommend the 500 model if you want to save a few dollars, but as the 550 model is only a little more most people would be well advised to go for the 550. I can't imagine many people would find any advantage in the 4Gb RAM model to jusitfy the extra cost, based on my experience with the ze550cl with less cores and 2Gb or RAM. Worth noting, you can download the OS from the ASUS website, something that some might find interesting.