Design and Build
The Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie ZB553KL is designed to attract users looking for style blended with functionality. Measuring 155.7 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm and weighing just 144 grams, this smartphone strikes a balance between a comfortable grip and portability. Its slim profile makes it easy to handle and operate with one hand.
Display
Featuring a 5.5-inch IPS LCD, the display supports a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, translating to approximately 267 pixels per inch. While not the most high-definition screen by today’s standards, it offers vibrant colors and decent clarity. Perfect for everyday activities such as browsing the web, engaging with social media, and watching videos.
Performance
Under the hood, the Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie ZB553KL runs on the Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 chipset with an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Adreno 505 GPU. Combined with 3GB of RAM, the performance is smooth for general use, including multitasking. However, heavy applications and high-end games may experience lag, given its modest processing power.
Storage
The device offers 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC card slot. This ensures users have ample space to store photos, videos, and applications without worrying about running out of space quickly.
Camera
One of the highlights of the Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie is its camera capabilities. It features a single rear camera of 13 MP with Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF), LED flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities. It can record videos at 1080p@30fps, providing decent recording quality for most content creators.
The front-facing camera also stands at 13 MP with an f/2.0 aperture, accompanied by an LED flash for enhanced selfies, especially in low-light conditions. This is where the phone earns its "Selfie" name, ensuring users capture detailed selfies with ease.
Battery Life
Equipped with a non-removable 3000 mAh Li-Ion battery, the Zenfone 4 Selfie can comfortably last a full day with moderate usage, such as browsing, calling, and texting. However, power users may need to charge it more frequently.
Software
Initially shipped with Android 7.0 Nougat, the device is upgradable to Android 8.1 Oreo with ZenUI 5. Asus’s custom UI adds several features to enhance user experience, including better multitasking controls and enhanced security features.
Connectivity
As far as connectivity goes, this model supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks with download speeds up to HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS and BDS, FM Radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support. However, it lacks NFC capabilities which might be a downside for those who rely on contactless payment systems.
Additional Features
The smartphone also incorporates a range of sensors, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, providing a comprehensive user experience for security and navigation.
Price and Availability
First announced in September 2017, the device was released in November of the same year and is available in several color options, including Deepsea Black, Rose Pink, and Sunlight Gold. Its price is approximately 150 EUR, which is reasonable given its set of features and market segment.
Conclusion
The Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie ZB553KL stands out in the crowded mid-range market, particularly for users who prioritize a balance of photography features and day-to-day performance. Although it may not satisfy those seeking top-tier performance and display specifications, it offers acceptable functionality, stylish design, and the appeal of enhanced selfie-taking capabilities in an affordable package.