Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KG Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview and Introduction

The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KG, released in October 2015, made its mark as an affordable yet feature-packed smartphone. It was one of the iterations of Asus’s Zenfone series, known for balancing price with performance. Despite its discontinuation, the Zenfone 2 Laser remains a topic of discussion for smartphone enthusiasts who appreciate its laser autofocus camera and solid build quality.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KG is ergonomic, fitting comfortably in hand with dimensions of 143.7 x 71.5 x 10.5 mm and weighing just 140 grams. The device sports a dual SIM capability, housed within a robust body available in multiple colors, including Black, Ceramic White, Silver, Sheer Gold, and Glamour Red. The back panel is subtly curved, enabling users to grip the phone securely. Though primarily made of plastic, the Zenfone 2 Laser carries a premium feel, aided by the Gorilla Glass 4 protection on the screen.

Display Features

The 5.0-inch TFT display provides a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, with a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. While not Full HD, this resolution is adequate for everyday tasks, offering clarity and vividness that satisfy most users. The screen-to-body ratio stands at 67.1%, which, while not impressive by today's standards, was fairly standard during its release era. The Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection ensures that the screen is safeguarded against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KG is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 chipset with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 306 GPU. This configuration, complimented by 2GB of RAM, offered satisfactory performance for general usage, media consumption, and light multitasking. The device originally launched with Android 5.0 Lollipop, which is upgradeable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and the ZenUI skin from Asus adds additional customization and usability features.

Camera Capabilities

The Zenfone 2 Laser’s photography capabilities are marked by its rear 8 MP primary camera with an f/2.0 aperture and laser autofocus. This innovation sets it apart, especially in its price range, by improving focus speed and accuracy, even in low light conditions. Additional features include Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR. The camera can record videos at 1080p@30fps, providing decent video quality for daily usage. The 5 MP front camera, complete with autofocus, allows for satisfactory selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The device comes equipped with a removable Li-Ion 2040 mAh battery, which provides adequate power for a device of its specs. Considering its relatively modest hardware demands, the battery life is sufficient for a full day of moderate usage, including calls, browsing, and app usage. The ability to replace the battery is an advantageous feature, offering prolonged lifespan for the device.

Storage and Memory

Storage-wise, the Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KG offers configurations of either 8GB or 16GB internal storage, which is expandable via a dedicated microSDXC slot. This flexibility ensures that users who require more storage for photos, apps, and media can expand beyond the internal limits. The 2GB of RAM at the time of its release was standard for mid-range devices in its category and price point.

Connectivity and Additional Features

This smartphone supports GSM / HSPA technologies without 4G LTE, which could be a deal-breaker for those needing faster network speeds. It includes Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot capabilities, and GPS with GLONASS support. The absence of NFC can be considered a limitation in today’s payment and data exchange environments. However, it includes an FM radio and microUSB 2.0 for connectivity.

Audio and Sound Quality

Asus included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack in the Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KG, supporting traditional wired headphones. The audio output is decent, making it suitable for calls and media consumption. However, audiophiles might find the sound quality basic compared to modern devices with advanced audio hardware and software integration.

Sensors and Miscellaneous Features

The phone is equipped with standard sensors like an accelerometer and a compass. While functional, the absence of advanced sensors such as a gyroscope or fingerprint scanner aligns with its positioning as a budget device. These limitations might impact certain users interested in more modern tech features.

Market Position and Price

When launched, the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KG was priced at about 200 EUR, placing it in the budget to lower mid-range category. This pricing strategy allowed Asus to target cost-conscious consumers seeking a device with balanced features and performance.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KG serves as a testament to Asus’s commitment to delivering feature-rich smartphones that remain budget-friendly. With its distinguished laser autofocus camera, solid build, and efficient hardware, it provided significant value to consumers during its time. Although it may not compete directly with newer phones in terms of performance or features, it continues to hold a nostalgic place among tech enthusiasts and serves as an example of budget innovation in the mid-2010s smartphone market.