Comprehensive Insight Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML Specs Features & Pricing

Overview of the Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML

The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML was released in March 2015, marking it as a notable mid-range smartphone during its time. While it has since been discontinued, its technological features and design aspects still capture the interest of many smartphone enthusiasts. This article provides an in-depth look at the phone's specifications and design, alongside a discussion of its performance and usability.

Design and Build

The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML measures 152.5 x 77.2 x 10.9 mm and weighs 170 g. Designed for those who prefer a robust yet elegant device, this phone provides a substantial feel without being overly bulky. Although the device has been discontinued, it was available in three different colors: Osmium Black, Glamor Red, and Ceramic White.

One of the standout design features is the placement of the volume controls on the back of the device, a design element borrowed from LG's smartphones, which offers a unique aesthetic and practicality in avoiding accidental presses while holding the phone.

Display

The Zenfone 2 boasts a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a density of approximately 267 pixels per inch (ppi). Although not full HD, the screen offers vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring durability against accidental scratches and drops.

Performance and Software

Powered by an Intel Atom Z3560 quad-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, the Zenfone 2 delivers satisfactory day-to-day performance. The 2GB of RAM ensures that most apps run smoothly, although the phone may struggle with heavy multitasking or graphically intense games. The PowerVR G6430 GPU further supports the device's capacity to handle graphic-centric tasks.

The device originally shipped with Android 5.0 Lollipop but was upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Asus's ZenUI overlay offers an array of customization options to enhance the user experience, although some users may find it somewhat bloated with pre-installed apps.

Camera Capabilities

The Zenfone 2 ZE550ML is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera, featuring an aperture of f/2.0. It offers autofocus and is supported by a dual-LED dual-tone flash. The camera is capable of capturing 1080p videos at 30 frames per second. Camera features include panorama and HDR modes, allowing users to experiment with various shooting conditions.

The front camera is a 5 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture, which is adequate for selfies and video calls. While the camera setup was competitive at the time of its release, it may not compete with today's high-end devices.

Network and Connectivity

The Zenfone 2 supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring good compatibility with mobile networks worldwide. It's capable of 4G LTE speeds, specifically LTE Cat4 standards, offering download speeds up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps.

In terms of connectivity, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with GLONASS for location services, and a microUSB 2.0 port. However, it's worth noting that the device does not offer NFC capabilities, which might be a limitation for users who rely heavily on features like contactless payments. Additionally, it includes FM radio and a 3.5 mm headphone jack for audio enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery provides adequate power for a full day's use under normal circumstances. Users who engage in heavy usage may need to recharge during the day, but the device supports fast charging, which is a convenient feature for quickly replenishing the battery.

Storage

The phone comes with 16GB of internal storage, a limitation by today's standards, especially for users who install many apps or store large media files. Fortunately, the Zenfone 2 includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for significant expansion of storage, which is a crucial feature for many users.

Additional Features

The phone is equipped with essential sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors support various functionalities and applications. Moreover, it maintains the standard dual SIM functionality (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), which is beneficial for users who manage multiple phone numbers or travel frequently.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML, while no longer in production, was a formidable competitor in the mid-range smartphone market during its time. It offered a solid build, a satisfactory performance with its Intel processor, and ample features for the typical user. Its unique aesthetic design and expandable storage choice were significant selling points. However, in today's context, its network speed, RAM, and camera specs may feel outdated compared to newer models, yet it's a reliable choice for those seeking a classic Android experience.