Price and specifications of Asus Zenfone 3 ZE552KL advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction

The Asus Zenfone 3 ZE552KL was a remarkable release in 2016 and was celebrated for its fusion of a sleek design and robust performance at a competitive price point. This article delves into the various features and specifications of this device, examining its body construction, display technology, internal hardware, camera capabilities, sound system, and battery life, while also considering its value proposition and limitations.

Design and Build

Asus Zenfone 3 is crafted with elegance, featuring a glass front and back facilitated with Gorilla Glass 3 protection, encased in an aluminum frame, providing a premium feel. The dimensions of the device are 152.6 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm, and it weighs 155 grams, offering a well-balanced feel when held. The hybrid dual SIM tray supports Nano-SIM and Micro-SIM in a dual standby configuration, offering flexibility for users who require multiple network connections.

Display

The device boasts a 5.5-inch Super IPS+ display, with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. This results in a sharp 401 ppi pixel density which ensures crisp and vibrant visuals. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, making it resistant to everyday scratches and minor drops. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 70.6%, providing ample screen space for media consumption and multitasking.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat with Asus's ZenUI 3, the Zenfone 3 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 chipset. Built on a 14nm process, this octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor balances performance and power efficiency. Accompanied by the Adreno 506 GPU, it ensures smooth graphics performance and can handle moderate gaming demands with ease. It comes with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM, and storage options of 32GB or 64GB which are further expandable via microSDXC, though it uses a shared SIM slot.

Camera

One of the highlights of the Asus Zenfone 3 is its camera system. The main camera is a 16 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture, coupled with PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) and Laser Autofocus for precise and rapid focusing. The camera benefits from 3-axis Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to help capture stable and clear images in low-light conditions. This camera setup supports 4K video recording at 30fps, and it comes with features like Dual-LED dual-tone flash, Panorama, and HDR for enhanced photography versatility. The 8 MP front-facing camera, with an f/2.0 aperture, supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, ensuring decent quality selfies and video calls.

Sound

The multimedia experience on the Zenfone 3 is enhanced by a well-balanced loudspeaker and the inclusion of a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. The audio quality is robust, meeting user expectations for music and voice calls, whether via loudspeaker or headphones.

Connectivity and Other Features

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards and Wi-Fi Direct for establishing quicker direct connections. Bluetooth 4.2 offers a reliable wireless connection for peripherals, while GPS and GLONASS provide accurate location tracking. Despite lacking NFC, it excels with a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support. The inclusion of an FM radio adds a traditional media consumption option. Security is bolstered by a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, while other sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass enhance functionality.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 3000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, the Zenfone 3 delivers respectable endurance. Based on tests, it offers an endurance rating of 74 hours, which translates to sustained use over a full day involving a mix of tasks like browsing, calling, and video playback without frequent recharges.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 3 ZE552KL stands as a compelling choice from 2016, illustrating a balanced blend of design, performance, and functionality. While it may not compete with contemporary giants in terms of sheer power, its elegance and user-centric features make it a device worth considering. With its discontinued status, collectors and users interested in retro-tech will find its holistic experience and historical significance appealing.