[Smartphone] Asus unveils ZenFone 2

Asus today unveiled ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML), the flagship smartphone in the new-generation ZenFone family. With a gorgeous all-new ergonomic design, a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display, 13/5 MP PixelMaster cameras, a 1.8/2.3 GHz 64-bit Intel Atom processor with 2/4 GB RAM and 4G/LTE connectivity, it delivers powerful all-round performance.

The much-anticipated device premieres many evolved features including a new version of ASUS ZenUI — which has the world's first fully-customizable interface, and Trend Micro security software for safe web browsing.

"The passion behind the design of ZenFone 2 is our never-ending desire to empower luxury for everyone,"

said Asus Chairman Jonney Shih,

"We have drawn on our considerable engineering expertise and experience with our popular ZenFone to create a smartphone that embodies this ambition. That device is the incredible new ZenFone 2 — luxury that everyone can enjoy."

It has a stunning, all-new design employing iconic Asus design elements that echo the spirit of Zen, with a luxurious brushed-metal finish and distinctive concentric-circle detailing. The device introduces new and evolved aesthetic refinements, including a graceful curved case that tapers to an incredibly thin 3.9 mm at the edges to lend it a bold yet elegant look. This curvature provides exceptional comfort and a secure grip, and intuitive control and convenience is further enhanced by the rear-mounted volume control key — ideally-positioned for the user's index finger.

It has an incredibly sharp and vivid 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display with a 403 ppi pixel density, and a wide 178-degree viewing angle, ensuring lifelike photos and videos and great-looking apps. Asus TruVivid technology enhances display performance even more with bright, brilliant colors. The display has an ultra-narrow 3.3 mm bezel, giving the device a remarkable 72% screen-to-body ratio for a maximized viewing experience, and is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for superior resistance to damage and fingerprints. An anti-fingerprint coating reduces friction by 30%, giving a luxuriously-smooth feel to touch gestures.

The device is available in five unique colors that, together with the beauty and customizability of Asus ZenUI, result in a smartphone that is truly personal, both inside and out. Its color portfolio includes Osmium Black, Sheer Gold, Glacier Gray, Glamor Red and Ceramic White. Special Transfusion and Illusion covers are available that give users even more choices to match their own unique style.

It has a 13 MP PixelMaster camera with an f/2.0 wide-aperture lens to capture stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag. This industry-leading Low Light mode employs pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400% brighter photos at night, or in low-light scenes, without the need for a flash. When a flash is preferred, it is equipped with a Real Tone flash to ensure warm skin tones and accurate color.

The camera also has Backlight (HDR) mode to let users capture vivid, evenly-exposed photos in challenging backlit scenes such as sunset portraits. By using pixel-enhancing technology to increase contrast by up to 400%, HDR mode ensures that foreground subjects are free of shadows and stand out clearly.

For those seeking fine-grained control over camera settings like ISO, shutter speed and more, Manual mode offers users a DSLR-like experience right on their smartphone.

It is also equipped with a 5 MP front-facing camera with a wide, 85-degree field of view perfectly engineered for taking selfies with real-time beautification. For those wanting to capture a group of friends, or include scenery in their selfie, ZenUI Selfie Panorama mode captures panoramic selfies with up to a 140-degree field of view.

The device is powered by 1.8/2.3 GHz 64-bit Intel Atom processor Z3580, and has 4 GB RAM to deliver up to seven times faster gaming performance than its predecessor. A 60 ms touch response time ensures lag-free input, and OpenGL 3.0 provides incredible gaming performance.

It has built-in 4G/LTE connectivity for blazingly-fast data speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s plus 802.11ac Wi-Fi, ensuring stutter-free streaming of video and music as well as a smooth all-round mobile experience. Dual-SIM capacity with Dual Active technology makes it the perfect travel or business companion, allowing users to have two active phone lines on their device so they can keep in touch from anywhere.

Users will spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the device with its high-capacity, 3000 mAh battery that provides more than a full day of use on a single charge. Fast-charge technology enables recharges to 60% battery level in only 39 minutes.

Freedom, connection, and expression form the foundation for ZenUI mobile user interface. This latest version offers a simpler and smarter user experience, with a stylish new layout that utilizes white space for a cleaner design, and which places information front and center for a simpler, smarter user experience. ZenUI has many great new features — including ZenMotion, SnapView, Trend Micro security and ZenUI Instant Updates — that enhance usability; ensure security and privacy; and deliver a seamless user experience.

ZenMotion is a collection of intuitive touch gestures, each providing a new way of interacting with ZenUI, and allowing quick and easy access to frequently-used features such as One Hand mode or Do It Later.

SnapView is a security feature that ensures privacy for apps, photos, and files. It lets users easily keep their personal and business information separate.

Trend Micro security is integrated with the ZenUI browser for the total mobile web browsing security.

ZenUI Instant Updates is a seamless new method of keeping ZenUI apps up-to-date. With ZenUI Instant Updates, ASUS app developers can make updates available immediately, avoiding delays between app releases and ensuring the best experience for the users.

Its prices start from $199 (2 GB RAM/16 GB ROM), VAT excluded. Specifications, price and availability may vary by country.