Asus has formally announced the new Zenfone series in India with three new smartphones. Asus ZenFone series was first announced in the Consumer Electronics Show 2014 in January. The ZenFone series consists of three Dual-SIM models – ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6. The company has launched the Zenfone 4 at Rs 5,999 MRP, Zenfone 5 at Rs 9,999 MRP and Zenfone 6 at Rs 16,999.
Though Asus has lost couple of months in the process, the ZenFone series would be yet another competitor in the crowded smartphone market of India.
Asus ZenFone 4 offers a 4-inch display with 480×800 pixel resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 technology for protection. The ZenFone 4 is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Intel Atom Z2520 mobile chipset which is paired with 1 GB RAM. It comes with 8 GB storage options. Both the models come with 64 GB micro SD card slot. The ZenFone 4 offers 5 megapixel auto focus rear camera that can record Panorama shots. It can also shoot full HD videos. In the front, it has a VGA camera. Though it lacks FM Radio, ZenFone 4 packs support for WiFi, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS support. The only pain point of this device is mere 1200 mAh battery. Not to forget, this is a Dual-SIM smartphone with dual Stand-by feature and support for one 3G SIM.
The ZenFone 5 has a 5-inch IPS display with 1280×720 pixel resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The ZenFone 4 is powered by a dual-core 2 GHz Intel Atom Z2580 mobile chipset paired with 1 GB RAM and is being offered in 8 GB or 16 GB storage options. One can add up to a 64 GB micro SD card in its memory slot. At the back is 8 megapixel camera with Autofocus and LED Flash. People can use it to capture decent quality images and even record 1080p videos. Asus has placed a 2 megapixel camera in its front for video chats. ZenFone 5 also offers WiFi, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS support. No FM Radio support here too. This dual-SIM smartphone offers dual Stand-by feature and supports one 3G enabled SIM card. ASUS has packed 2110 mAh battery inside the ZenFone 5.
Top of the line ZenFone 6 has a 6-inch IPS display with 1280×720 pixel resolution and constructed using the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 technology. Internal hardware remains the same as the ZenFone 5. At the back is a 13 megapixel camera with AutoFocus and LED flash. Of course one can record full HD videos and good images. In the front is 2 megapixel camera for video calling. Asus has armed it with a 3300 mAh battery that should offer longer run time. Just like other two phones, even this device offers dual-SIM with Dual Standby support.
ASUS is priced the Zenfone 6 at Rs 16,999.
All three devices would be upgradable to the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. Since all three are dual-SIM options, Asus will have to be really careful and offer competitive pricing in order to lure more customers.