Asus Zenfone 4 ZE554KL Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices & ProsCons

Design and Build Quality

The Asus Zenfone 4 ZE554KL is a well-crafted piece of technology, boasting an elegant design that combines both form and function. The device measures 155.4 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm and weighs 165 grams, providing a comfortable grip without feeling too bulky. The use of Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back panels adds a layer of durability, while the aluminum frame contributes to its sleek and professional appearance. This hybrid dual-SIM smartphone supports Nano-SIM cards and features a dual stand-by capacity, making it versatile for users who require the flexibility of managing multiple numbers.

Display Features

Sporting a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, the Zenfone 4 offers a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of around 401 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 71.4%, providing ample screen space for multimedia consumption while maintaining a manageable device size. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 ensures that the screen is protected against daily wear and tear.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Asus Zenfone 4 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset. The 14 nm architecture of the processor ensures energy efficiency and effective performance. The CPU setup includes an octa-core processor with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and four additional Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.8 GHz. Additionally, the Adreno 508 GPU guarantees smooth graphics performance for casual gaming and multimedia tasks. The device is available in two variants: one with 4GB of RAM and another with 6GB, both coupled with 64GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card using the shared SIM slot.

Software and User Interface

Initially shipping with Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), the Zenfone 4 features Asus's custom skin, ZenUI 4. The user interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with several customization options allowing users to tailor their experience according to personal preferences. ZenUI emphasizes efficiency and ease of use, incorporating features such as Twin Apps, which allows users to run two instances of the same app for greater multitasking capabilities.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-camera setup that the Zenfone 4 offers. The primary camera includes a 12 MP wide lens with an f/1.8 aperture, dual-pixel PDAF, and optical image stabilization, ensuring detailed and sharp photos even in low-light conditions. The secondary 8 MP ultrawide lens captures expansive shots, perfect for landscapes or group photos. Video recording options include 4K at 30fps, providing high-quality recording capabilities. On the front, the device features an 8 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture for selfies and video calls. The front camera supports features like HDR and panoramic shots, and records video at 1080p@30fps.

Battery and Charging

A 3300 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery powers the Zenfone 4. While not the largest battery on the market, it is sufficient to last a full day under regular usage conditions. The device supports 18W wired charging, allowing the battery to be recharged quickly.

Network and Connectivity

The Asus Zenfone 4 is equipped with comprehensive network support, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE bands, ensuring seamless connectivity across a variety of networks. LTE Cat12 support offers download speeds up to 600 Mbps, benefiting those in urban areas with fast network services. Other connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, EDR, and LE, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support. GPS capabilities are enhanced with GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO support for accurate location tracking.

Audio and Multimedia

The Zenfone 4's audio capabilities include dual speakers for stereo sound, providing an immersive audio experience for media consumption. A 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories. Additionally, the device supports FM radio for those who enjoy broadcasting media.

Additional Features

Security features include a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure device unlocking. The range of sensors incorporated within the device includes accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, and compass sensors, enhancing the device's overall functionality and enabling various applications to make use of these capabilities.

Availability and Price

Released in October 2017, the Asus Zenfone 4 is available in three different color options: Moonlight White, Mint Green, and Midnight Black, offering users a choice based on personal taste. Pricing for the device is typically around 350 EUR, placing it in the mid-range segment of the smartphone market. Given the features offered, the Zenfone 4 presents a competitive option within this price bracket.

Conclusion

Overall, the Asus Zenfone 4 ZE554KL is a well-rounded smartphone offering a mixture of performance, aesthetic design, and practical features. It's suited for users seeking a reliable device with solid camera capabilities and a customizable user interface. Its competitive pricing makes it accessible to a wide audience without compromising the quality and features users expect from a modern smartphone.