Comprehensive Review Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE600KL – Specs Prices & More

Overview of Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE600KL

The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE600KL is a smartphone that was launched by Asus in late 2015 and was released in January 2016. It is a device that aimed to offer a balance of performance, design, and affordability. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a topic of interest for technology enthusiasts and is a testament to Asus's innovation in the mid-range smartphone segment.

Design and Build

The Zenfone 2 Laser features dimensions of 164.6 x 84 x 10.6 mm and weighs 190 g, making it a large device but still manageable for those who prefer phablet-sized screens. The phone is designed to accommodate dual SIM cards (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), which is attractive to users who wish to separate personal and professional communications. The materials used offer robustness suitable for daily use, while the overall aesthetic, available in Glacier Gray, Sheer Gold, and Glamour Red, caters to different style preferences.

Display

The device boasts a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi. This screen size provides a broad display area for media consumption and productivity tasks. Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection is employed to ensure durability and resistance to scratches and impact, making it an ideal choice for users looking for a durable and lasting display.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 chipset, the Zenfone 2 Laser is equipped with an octa-core CPU (4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) and an Adreno 405 GPU. This setup offers sufficient power for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Depending on the variant, the device comes with either 2GB RAM accompanied by 16GB of internal storage, or 3GB RAM paired with 32GB of internal storage. The presence of a dedicated microSDXC slot further allows expansion of storage capacity, meeting the demands of users with extensive media or application libraries.

Camera

The main camera of the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser is a 13 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture and laser autofocus, which enhances the focus speed and accuracy, especially in low-light conditions. Additional camera features include a dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR. Video recording is supported at 1080p@30fps and 720p@60fps, providing flexibility for capturing a range of video content. The selfie camera is a 5 MP unit with an f/2.0 aperture, adequate for personal photography and video calls.

Battery and Connectivity

The device is powered by a removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery, which is a crucial benefit for users who prefer the option of carrying spare batteries or replacing the battery when it degrades. Connectivity options for the Zenfone 2 Laser include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and EDR is available for wireless audio and file transfers. Additionally, GPS, GLONASS, and BDS provide comprehensive location tracking services. Unfortunately, NFC and FM radio are not included, which might be a downside for some users.

Software

Initially shipped with Android 5.0 Lollipop, the device is upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, offering access to more recent software features and improved performance. The company's proprietary ZenUI interface is layered over Android, adding unique customization options and user experience enhancements that distinguish Asus devices from their competitors.

Network and Connectivity

The phone supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, with a broad range of band compatibility that ensures excellent connectivity in various regions. The maximum data speeds are up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps on HSPA and 150/50 Mbps on LTE Cat4. These capabilities make the Zenfone 2 Laser suitable for users needing reliable and fast mobile internet connections.

Additional Features

Sensors embedded in the device include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, which support a multitude of functions and applications. The loudspeaker system employs dual speakers, enhancing media playback sound quality. There is also a standard 3.5mm audio jack to connect headphones or external speakers.

Final Thoughts

The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE600KL offers a blend of features and performance tailored for the mid-range market. While it has been discontinued, its design, camera capabilities, and upgradable software leave a lasting impression of a well-rounded device. Its affordability, combined with expandable storage and dual SIM capability, make it a valuable option for those looking for a reliable smartphone without the premium price tag.