Finally, the wait is over! After creating a massive buzz at CES 2015, Asus finally launched its much-awaited camera-centric mega smartphone in India. Regarded as the most expensive smartphone by Asus, The ZenFone Zoom comes with that rarest of features on a smartphone: A 3X optical zoom accompanied with its 13-megapixel camera. Priced at Rs 37,999, it will be available exclusively via Flipkart and registered outlets from February onward. Asus has also announced a ZenFlash and tripod bundle that can be paired with the Zenfone Zoom, which will be available at Rs 39,999. With this pricing, Asus at last managed to enter the niche category of smartphones.
CameraWhile having the very first look at the phone, ZenFone Zoom looks like any other Asus phone, but one needs to turn it around to see and experience the real beauty of this magnificent smartphone. The rear of the phone in itself is an indicator of its camera's high-end abilities. Claimed as the thinnest, the aluminum body measures 5.5mm at its thinnest point, extending out to a touch less than 12mm, due to the camera lens which is being stored inside a Lumia-style camera hump. The large camera module at the back houses a 13 megapixel sensor and a 3x optical zoom mechanism. In addition to offering a 3x zoom feature, the camera has optical image stabilization, a 10-mirror, four-piece camera lens produced by Hoya, laser autofocus, and a color temperature flash unit.
Unlike its competitors, the 10x optical zoom-enabled Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom and Galaxy K Zoom, the ZenFone Zoom has zoom lens that don't protrude out, all the zooming be it in or out takes place internally, making the smartphone look sleek, stylish and easy to hold. The front camera is of 5 MP and f/2.0 aperture which enables ZenFone Zoom to click panorama selfie.
The phone has Pixel master software with different modes like Backlight, beautification and object removal. It also has an advanced Manual mode for experienced photographers.
The biggest disappointment is that despite all the above features, the video recording is limited to 1080p at 60 fps. The camera doesn't support 4K video recording and is a major let down! BatteryThe ZenFone comes packed with a 3000 mAh non-removable lithium-polymer battery. Asus claims that its BoostMaster technology for turbo-speed charging can take the battery level in the ZenFone Zoom from 0 to 60 per cent in just 39 minutes.
Design and DisplayAsus has laid a special emphasis when it comes to the designing of Asus ZenFone Zoom. The overall look and feel of the phone is spectacular. It is a 5.5″ phone with a full HD display and Gorilla glass 4 protection. The display has good viewing angles and it appears vibrant with good levels of brightness.
The front panel of the phone consists of on-screen buttons.
The headphone jack is on the top and microUSB port is placed right at the bottom.
The phone carries a Volume Rocker and Power button on the right side panel plus a dedicated camera shutter button and also a video recording button at the lower end of the right side.
Meanwhile, the left side panel of the phone has been left totally vacant.
Asus ZenFone Zoom is made of metal and plastic, the metal gives the phone an elegant look and also provides solidity to the device. It has rounded edges which make Asus ZenFone Zoom, a comfortable hold.
However, the main surprise lies at the back panel of the phone. It is made of plastic with an overlapping of leather on it, which gives it an extremely refined and classy look.
It is removable with the micro SIM card slot and non-removable battery underneath. The back panel is as stylish as it could get. While there is a slight hump at the back, but the phone has been designed in such a way that the bump goes unnoticed, making the phone less bulky.
BuildIt uses intel's Quad-core 64-bit Atom chipset and 4 GB RAM. Internal storage is huge at 128 GB and an option of microSD slot. The rear camera on which the phone is focused is a 13 MP, a f/2.7 shooter with 10 element HOYA lens. The camera has 3X optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
When it comes to the softwares, Asus ZenFone Zoom runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop OS, wrapped under ZenUI. Adding to this, Asus has also promised a software upgrade to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which will arrive sometime later this year. In terms of connectivity, there are various options available which include Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth, 4G LTE and GPS.
The ZenFone Zoom comes in two solid colors - Black and White. ConclusionDespite Asus Zenfone Zoom being the most expensive ZenFone in its series, but this splendid smartphone did manage to capture our hearts. Leaving aside the software and videography glitch, this camera- centric smartphone is a decent buy. In the due course of time can only we judge the true potential of camera-studded smartphone but at the moment, the ultra sleek and stylish Asus ZenFone Zoom is all set to lock horns with its competitors in the market!
Quick Specs review of ASUS ZenFone Zoom
Processor: PC - Grade 64-bit Z3590 Intel Super Quad-core CPU 2.5 GHz
Operating System: ASUS ZenUI under Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Display: 5.5-inch with 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution and 403ppi pixel density IPS display with 400cd/m2 brightness and full-screen lamination
Scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 4 with anti-fingerprint coating.
Cameras: Rear: 13MP, f/2.7 aperture, 10P HOYA lens, 3X optical zoom/12X total zoom, with 4 stop optical image stabilization (OIS), laser auto-focus and dual-color Real Tone flash
Front: 5MP, f/2.0-aperture, wide-angle 88-degree lens with Pano Selfie
Pixel Master features include Low Light mode, Backlight (Super HDR) mode, Beautification mode, Professional (manual-settings) mode
Memory: LPDDR34GB RAM
Storage: 128GB ROM Micro SD card slot (up to 128GB expandable)
Wireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth® 4.0
Battery: 3000mAh non-removable lithium-polymer
Colors: PURE LEATHER BACK with Pure Black, Ceramic White color
Weight: 185g
