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Unveiling the Asus Zenfone 3 ZE520KL Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2016, August
Camera
16MP
Battery
2600mAh
Processor
Snapdragon 625
Screen
5.2"
Storage
32GB/64GB , microSDXC
Ram
3/4GB RAM
Operating System
Android 6.1, up to 7, ZenUI 3

Design and Build Quality

The Asus Zenfone 3 ZE520KL is crafted with elegance and functionality in mind. With dimensions of 146.9 x 74 x 7.7 mm and a weight of just 144 grams, it offers a comfortable hold and sleek look. The device features a glass front and back protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel while safeguarding against scratches and accidental drops.

Display

Sporting a 5.2-inch Super IPS+ display, the Zenfone 3 provides vibrant colors and sharp details. It boasts a Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 424 ppi. This results in an impressive visual experience, whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming. The screen-to-body ratio stands at about 68.6%, offering a balance between display size and device compactness.

Performance and Software

The Zenfone 3 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 chipset, built on the 14 nm process. It houses an Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 506 GPU, providing efficient performance and satisfactory graphics handling. The device originally runs on Android 6.1 Marshmallow but is upgradable to Android 7 Nougat with ZenUI 3, enhancing user experience with its array of customization options.

Memory and Storage

Available in two variants, the Zenfone 3 offers 32GB of internal storage paired with 3GB RAM, or 64GB of storage coupled with 4GB RAM. It supports microSDXC cards using a shared SIM slot, allowing users to expand storage depending on their needs. This flexibility ensures you have ample space for apps, media, and files, catering to both light and moderate users.

Camera Capabilities

With a 16 MP rear camera featuring an aperture of f/2.0, the Zenfone 3 excels in capturing detailed and vibrant photos. It is equipped with phase detection autofocus, Laser AF, and a 4-axis optical image stabilization to minimize blurriness. Features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR further enhance photo quality in various lighting conditions. For video enthusiasts, the device supports 4K recording at 30fps and Full HD 1080p at 60fps.

Selfie Camera

The front camera, an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture, is ideal for selfies and video calls. It captures crisp images and supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, ensuring quality video conferencing and vlogging potential.

Battery Life

The Zenfone 3 is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery. While not the largest capacity in its class, it is optimized to provide a full day of use under average usage conditions, thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 625 chipset.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring reliable connectivity across a range of networks. It accommodates Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM/Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), providing the option for users to use two SIM cards or one SIM card and a microSD card simultaneously.

Connectivity options are robust, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support. While it lacks NFC capabilities, it includes FM radio with RDS for traditional media consumption.

Additional Features

Security is enhanced with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accompanied by an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass for improved interactive experiences. The presence of a 3.5mm audio jack and loudspeaker adds to the solid multimedia capabilities of the device.

Color Variants and Pricing

Available in Sapphire Black, Moonlight White, and Shimmer Gold, the Zenfone 3 offers style choices for differing tastes. At its launch, the price was set around 280 EUR, placing it in the mid-range market segment.

Conclusion

Though discontinued, the Asus Zenfone 3 ZE520KL remains a relevant choice for those seeking a reliable smartphone with commendable performance and aesthetic appeal. Its balance of features caters well to users who appreciate design, display quality, and camera functionality without overwhelming their budget.

Key Features of Asus Zenfone 3 ZE520KL

  • Network Technology: Supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE
  • Display: 5.2 inches Super IPS+ with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection
  • Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (~424 ppi density)
  • Operating System: Android 6.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7 (Nougat) with ZenUI 3
  • Processor: Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625, Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
  • Memory: Up to 64GB internal with 4GB RAM and expandable via microSDXC
  • Main Camera: 16 MP with features like PDAF, Laser AF, 4-axis OIS, and dual LED flash
  • Front Camera: 8 MP with 1080p video capability
  • Security: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor
  • Battery: 2600 mAh Li-Ion non-removable
  • Connectivity: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG support, and dual SIM capability
  • Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack and loudspeaker
  • Colors Available: Sapphire Black, Moonlight White, Shimmer Gold

Disadvantages of Asus Zenfone 3 ZE520KL

  • Discontinued model, limiting official support or availability of replacements.
  • Non-removable battery with a modest capacity of 2600 mAh, which may require frequent charging.
  • Uses a hybrid SIM slot, meaning you must choose between a second SIM or microSD expansion.
  • No NFC support, which can limit mobile payment options and other connectivity features.
  • Screen-to-body ratio of approximately 68.6% is lower compared to more modern designs.
  • Android operating system is only upgradable to Nougat (version 7), limiting access to newer software features and security updates.
  • Powered by Snapdragon 625, which while efficient, may not meet performance needs for intensive applications by today's standards.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 - Taiwan
4G bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Taiwan
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps (Global) or LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps (TW/HK/SG/PH)
Launch
Announced 2016, July. Released 2016, August
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 146.9 x 74 x 7.7 mm (5.78 x 2.91 x 0.30 in)
Weight 144 g (5.08 oz)
SIM Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM/ Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type Super IPS+
Size 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~68.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 6.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7 (Nougat), ZenUI 3
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm)
CPU Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU Adreno 506
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF, Laser AF, 4-axis OIS
Features Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Video 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.0
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC No
Radio FM radio, RDS
USB USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable
Misc
Colors Sapphire Black, Moonlight White, Shimmer Gold
Models Z017DB, Z017D, Z017DA, Z017DC, ZE520KL, ZA520KL
Price About 280 EUR

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