Explore Asus Zenfone 4 Pro ZS551KL Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Asus Zenfone 4 Pro ZS551KL

The Asus Zenfone 4 Pro ZS551KL stands out as a key player in the mid-range smartphone market. Released in October 2017, this device offered a significant improvement in specifications and design compared to its predecessors. The phone captured attention with its powerful hardware, elegant design, and advanced camera capabilities.

Design and Build

The Zenfone 4 Pro showcases a premium design with a glass front and back, both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring durability against scratches and minor drops. It features an aluminum frame that provides robustness while maintaining a lightweight feel at 175 grams. The device’s dimensions are 156.9 x 75.6 x 7.6 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand.

Display

The smartphone features a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This translates to a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED technology. The screen-to-body ratio is around 70.3%, providing an immersive visual experience for users who enjoy media consumption.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipset. The octa-core CPU, comprising four high-performance Kryo cores clocked at 2.45 GHz and four energy-efficient cores clocked at 1.9 GHz, ensures seamless multitasking and efficient power consumption. The GPU, Adreno 540, enhances the device's capability to handle demanding graphics and gaming applications.

Memory and Storage

The Zenfone 4 Pro comes with two internal storage options: 64GB and 128GB, both paired with 6GB of RAM. These configurations are sufficient for storing apps, media files, and executing tasks without noticeable lag. Additionally, storage can be expanded via a microSDXC card, using the shared SIM slot, allowing flexibility for users needing more capacity.

Camera Capabilities

Asus made significant strides in the camera department. The phone features a dual-camera setup, consisting of a 12 MP wide lens with dual pixel PDAF and a 16 MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom. This setup is complemented by features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes. Video recording capabilities extend up to 4K at 30fps. For selfies, the device is equipped with an 8 MP front-facing camera, supporting HDR and 1080p video recording.

Battery Life

The Zenfone 4 Pro is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3600 mAh battery, which supports 18W fast charging. Asus claims the battery can reach 50% charge in just 32 minutes. The battery life is robust, offering up to 27 hours and 30 minutes of talk time on 3G networks, making it reliable for day-to-day usage without frequent recharging.

Software and User Experience

Originally, the Zenfone 4 Pro ran on Android 7.1.1 Nougat but is upgradable to Android 8 Oreo, layered with Asus's ZenUI 4. The interface provides a customizable and user-friendly experience with enhancements in speed and reduced bloatware compared to previous versions.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports multiple network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring wide compatibility with global carriers. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C, and an infrared port. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for audiophiles.

Sound and Audio Quality

The Zenfone 4 Pro is equipped with dual speakers, delivering a stereo sound experience that is both loud and clear. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack provides versatility for users who prefer wired audio devices.

Pricing and Availability

Upon release, the Asus Zenfone 4 Pro was priced at approximately 350 EUR. It comes in two color variants, Moonlight White and Pure Black, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 4 Pro ZS551KL remains a capable smartphone for users seeking a balance of performance, design, and camera quality. While it may no longer compete with the flagships of the current generation, its features at the time of release made it a strong contender in the mid-range market. It is particularly suitable for users who value camera capabilities and robust build quality in a smartphone.