Just when you think ASUS is done wowing us with their Zenfone series, in comes the ASUS Zenfone 5Z which is currently the flagship device for the line. Featuring a powerful Snapdragon 845 processor and an AI-powered set of dual cameras, the ASUS Zenfone 5Z is a testament to how far ASUS can push innovation. Here are our initial thoughts on this incredible phone:
Design & Construction
The ASUS Zenfone 5Z is housed in a slim aluminum body that’s both light and durable at the same time: giving the phone a total weight of just 155g. The front and back panels are covered in glass, with the rear bearing a sand-blasted circular pattern that creates a captivating effect when struck by light. The 5Z has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and surprisingly, has an earphone jack at the bottom even if it’s already using a USB Type-C port for charging.
So far, the only noticeable downside is that the back panel can get dirty pretty quickly. The free bumper case included in the packaging helps to improve your grip on the phone, but even with a clear case, it diminishes the back panel’s design.
Display
Though only equipped with a notched IPS LCD touchscreen, the ASUS Zenfone 5Z display still possesses impressive qualities. The 6.2” screen has FHD+ resolution at 1080 x 2246 pixels, with a relatively high 402ppi pixel density. This helps the Zenfone 5Z deliver an immersive experience when playing games or watching videos. Text and images appear sharp, with additional AI support that automatically sets color temperature and keeps the screen on when you’re looking at it.
Camera
Among the first things I’ve tested as soon as I got my hands on the ASUS Zenfone 5Z was its camera, and boy was I totally lovestruck with it! Much like what ASUS did on the ROG Phone, the Zenfone 5Z’s main shooter consists of a modest set of lenses because the chipset is doing most of the work when it comes to the image processing. It has a 12MP+8MP dual rear camera and an 8MP front camera that both have impressive AI enhancements that helps users take stunning pictures with just one click! The AI scene detection automatically sets the perfect color balance and exposure value, enabling even beginners to be able to take professional-looking photos. Unlike other phones that use AI enhancements, with the ASUS Zenfone 5Z , there’s no need to toggle the feature on and off: it’s always there, so you don’t forget to turn it on.
Another incredibly useful feature is the integration of the Google lens feature that detects text when taking pictures of documents. This helps users select and copy text from images instead of having to type it manually. It also directly runs the detected text through the Google search engine.
Performance
Given that it’s powered by the latest processor Qualcomm has so far, there’s no doubt that the ASUS Zenfone 5Z can deliver superior performance. Its chipset is also paired with an Adreno 630 GPU which enables it to process graphics faster. The unit we tested runs on an Android 8.0 OS and is a 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage variant which scored a total of 271616 on Antutu Benchmark. This places the ASUS Zenfone 5Z at 12th place, just below the Pocophone F1 in terms of overall performance.
The Zenfone 5Z has a 3,300mAh battery which that’s roughly average compared to other members of the Zenfone line. Depending on use, it can last the whole day. Its BoostMaster technology makes up for the battery capacity, as it allows the unit to be charged faster and helps in prolonging the battery’s lifespan.
So far, we are pretty impressed at what this phone is capable of. There’s still so much to unlock with the ASUS Zenfone 5Z, so stay tuned for our full review! The ASUS Zenfone 5Z currently retails at Php 29,995 and is available nationwide in authorized ASUS distributors.
Also read: ASUS ZenFone 5Z Review