ASUS Zenfone 3 Laser ZC551KL Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Asus Zenfone 3 Laser ZC551KL

The Asus Zenfone 3 Laser ZC551KL is a smartphone that marked a significant step in Asus's lineup, particularly in their approach to enhancing camera performance. Released in August 2016, the device was designed to appeal to photography enthusiasts and multimedia consumers with a focus on laser autofocus and a robust display.

Design and Build

The Asus Zenfone 3 Laser features a sleek and elegant aluminum body design, measuring 149 x 76 x 7.9 mm and weighing just 150 g. Its dimensions and weight make it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. The phone sports a hybrid dual SIM slot, which supports micro-SIM cards, with dual stand-by functionality. This flexibility allows users to manage personal and work life more efficiently or expand storage through the microSDXC card slot.

Display Quality

At the forefront of the Zenfone 3 Laser's features is its 5.5-inch IPS LCD display. It boasts a full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, with a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. This results in crisp visuals and vibrant colors. The screen-to-body ratio is about 73.6%, which maximizes viewing comfort without unnecessary bulk. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring durability and resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Zenfone 3 Laser is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 chipset. It's an octa-core processor with a clock speed of 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53, complemented by an Adreno 505 GPU. This combination provides decent performance for daily tasks and casual gaming, although it may not satisfy heavy users or those seeking top-notch gaming performance.

The device was initially released with Android 6.1 Marshmallow but is upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo. This transition brings improvements in usability, battery optimization, and additional features that enhance the user experience. The user interface is intuitive, offering customization and enhanced functionality without overwhelming the user.

Memory and Storage

The Zenfone 3 Laser offers two variants based on memory and storage capacity: one with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, and a more robust model with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The availability of a microSDXC slot provides an option to expand storage further, albeit using the shared SIM slot. This flexibility ensures users have sufficient space for apps, photos, and media files according to their needs and usage patterns.

Camera Capabilities

Camera performance is a key highlight of the Zenfone 3 Laser. The main camera is a 13 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture, featuring laser autofocus for fast and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. It supports Dual-LED dual-tone flash, and modes like panorama and HDR enhance the creative possibilities for users. The camera is capable of capturing 1080p videos at 30fps, benefiting from gyro-EIS for smoother videos.

The 8 MP front camera, with an f/2.0 aperture, supports wide-angle selfies. This allows for clear and detailed self-portraits, making the device a reliable option for social media enthusiasts and those who frequently indulge in video calls.

Battery Life

The Zenfone 3 Laser is equipped with a 3000 mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery. This capacity provides a balanced power supply, capable of lasting for a full day of moderate use. Battery management enhancements within Android Oreo also help in maintaining efficiency, ensuring users are not left without power before the day ends.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, making it suitable for global use. With 4G LTE support, the phone ensures high-speed internet connectivity, permitting fast download and upload speeds.

Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP, EDR, and LE support, GPS with GLONASS and BDS, and an FM radio. It lacks NFC support, but its range of connectivity options suffices for most everyday needs. Data transfer and charging are facilitated through a microUSB 2.0 port.

Additional Features and Sensors

The Zenfone 3 Laser sports a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, delivering fast and secure access to the device. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the phone's interactivity capabilities.

Color Options and Pricing

The Zenfone 3 Laser was available in color options like Sand Gold and Glacier Silver, offering aesthetic choices to suit personal tastes. At launch, the pricing hovered around 160 EUR, making it a competitive option in its segment considering the features it offered.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 3 Laser ZC551KL represents a thoughtful blend of style and functionality. While it may not offer the raw processing power or feature set of high-end flagships, its focus on camera technology, elegant design, and decent performance for everyday tasks make it a compelling choice for casual users and photography enthusiasts alike. Its ability to balance the core aspects of a smartphone at an affordable price point continues to resonate with users seeking value without compromise.