Price and specifications of Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG (2014) advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG

The Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG, released in mid-2014, is a notable entry into the mid-range smartphone market by Asus. Embodying a balance of budget-friendly pricing and respectable specifications, it was designed to appeal to a wide range of users looking for a reliable yet affordable device. In this article, we will explore the features, design, and specifications of the Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG to understand what made it stand out during its time.

Design and Build Quality

At a glance, the Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG showcases a compact and ergonomic design, featuring dimensions of 136.8 x 67.9 x 11.3 mm and weighing 134 grams. This gives it a solid feel in hand without being too heavy for everyday use. The build quality reflects Asus's attention to detail, with a subtle modern aesthetic suitable for various preferences. The device was made available in multiple colors: Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Cherry Red, Sky Blue, and Solar Yellow, offering options for personalization. Its front is dominated by a 4.5-inch display, complemented by smooth edges and a sturdy back panel.

Display

The Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG features a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 218 ppi. While not the highest resolution in its category, the display delivers decent clarity and color accuracy, suitable for regular usage such as browsing, multimedia consumption, and casual gaming. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides added durability, resisting scratches and minor impacts to preserve screen integrity over time.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG is powered by an Intel Atom Z2520 dual-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz, paired with 1 GB of RAM. The Intel Atom series, known for its energy-efficient architecture, offers adequate performance for daily tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light multitasking. The PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU handles graphic-intensive tasks, allowing for smooth video playback and casual gaming experiences.

The device comes with 8GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card slot for those needing additional space for apps, media, and documents.

Camera Capabilities

In terms of photography, the Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG is equipped with an 8 MP main camera featuring an f/2.0 aperture, autofocus, and an LED flash. It offers decent performance in well-lit environments, suitable for capturing everyday moments. Special features like panorama mode enhance the versatility of the camera for creative photography. On the video front, the camera supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.

The front-facing VGA camera is basic, primarily intended for video calls rather than detailed selfies.

Battery Life

The smartphone is powered by a Li-Po 1750 mAh removable battery. While modest by modern standards, it provides sufficient power for a day's use, especially given the efficiency of the Intel Atom processor and the display's resolution. The removal capability of the battery was a common feature at the time, allowing users to easily replace the battery as needed.

Software and User Interface

Initially running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG was upgradable to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. This upgrade offered enhancements in user interface design and additional features to improve user experience. The device also came with Asus's ZenUI, which added unique customizations over the standard Android experience, providing a user-friendly and intuitive navigation setup.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The connectivity options of the Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG include GSM and HSPA network support, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and EDR, making it suitable for wireless communication and data exchange. The inclusion of GPS, GLONASS positioning ensures reliable location-based services, which are essential for navigation and location-based apps.

Despite lacking NFC, the device includes a 3.5mm audio jack and FM radio, catering to audio enthusiasts and radio listeners. The microUSB 2.0 port also supports OTG functionality, allowing for connection with external devices like flash drives.

Market Position and Conclusion

During its release, the Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG was priced at approximately 100 EUR, placing it within the budget segment while offering features and performance typical of higher-tier phones. Its combination of a well-built design, reliable performance, and decent camera capabilities made it a popular choice for users seeking value for their money without sacrificing essential smartphone functionalities.

In conclusion, the Asus Zenfone 4 A450CG represents a strategic entry by Asus into the mid-range market, balancing affordability with performance and features that catered well to the needs of the users at that time. Although it has since been discontinued, its legacy lives on in the positive reception it garnered and the foundation it set for future Asus smartphone developments.