With the widespread decline in Internet prices and the advent of smartphones, some companies that made a name for themselves in the production of computer components have switched some of their capacity to the production of smart phones, in the hope of conquering this sector. The well-known Asus brand followed the same path. Smartphone 5, or ZenFone 5, as the developers called it, is a representative of the first line, with the 5 in the name indicating the screen diagonal. The first generation of Asus smartphones has only 3 models - with a 4, 5, 6 inch screen. Accordingly, the ZenFone 4 - ZenFone 6 models.
Distinctive features of Zen…
Any smartphone user will say that Android “weighs” about 2 gigabytes, and if the device has a player and a camera (and what modern device doesn’t have them?), you can’t do without a memory card. The Asus smartphone did not argue with this - support for memory cards up to 64 GB is available in any model, but in addition, there are 16 (!!!) GB of internal memory on board - 4 of them are occupied by system applications, and the rest of the space is available to the user. If we take a DVD disc for comparison, the user will be able to download about 3 full discs of music. This is if we consider model 5, with which we started this review. In the second generation lines, the size of the declared memory only becomes larger. And although the first generation is labeled as a budget option, the appearance of ZenFone 5 looks very stylish.
Asus quality played an important role here. Tight fitting of parts, good selection of colors - all this can be attributed to the advantages. It should be noted that the “fingers” still remain on the phone, but can be easily removed. From the Zen design, the device also received a decorative metal plate at the bottom of the front panel, which has a relief pattern of circles. The lock and volume buttons, located on the left side panel, repeat this pattern. The volume button, like in most modern models, is solid and operates on the principle of a rocker.
"Two" is not a diagonal. This generation
The 2nd generation Asus smartphone did not receive 2 inches, as one would expect. The screen is still 5 inches, but the resolution, memory capacity and some other characteristics have even more than doubled. The new Zen has 4 GB of RAM, 32 (and in older variations 64) GB of user memory, and you can also use external cards. The socket at the bottom of the front cover and the lock button remained in place, on which, as in the first generations, a pattern of circles was applied. But the rocker button was... on the back panel. Thus, the rear panel has a slightly recessed camera (13 megapixels), a slightly lower flash (it has become two-color), and even lower - a standard rocker.
Below them, like the first models, are the Asus and Intel logos and the model name. The new model received a 4-core processor and a screen with support for up to FullHD with dimensions up to 1920x1080. The software already includes Android 5, on top of which our own ZenUI development is installed.
Taiwanese tech giant ASUS has released a stable version of the Android 12 operating system for its 2021 flagship smartphones. For now, the update is only available for ASUS ZenFone 8 and the Flip version. Gaming models ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 5s will begin to be updated in 2022.
The Android 12 update is rolling out over the air, but not for everyone yet. Owners of ASUS ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Flip with model numbers ZS590KS and ZS672KS, respectively, can now install the new version of the operating system.
Moreover, to update your smartphone you need to have a certain version of the software installed. In the case of the standard edition - 31.1004.0404.73, and with the Flip version - 31.1004.0404.61. The new firmware version is numbered WW-30.12.112.72 and WW-30.13.35.8, respectively.
The update brings a fresh security patch to the operating system, removes support for SIP calls and the quick settings layout in the screen parameters. The ASUS Safeguard function has been replaced by Emergency SOS. The developers also redesigned the mobile device manager, dialer, contacts, file manager, clock, voice recorder and other system applications.
The notification panel, quick settings menu and volume scale are adapted to the design of the Android 12 operating system. In addition, it is now possible to monitor which applications have access to geolocation, camera and microphone.
If you are an ASUS ZenFone 8 or ZenFone 8 Flip user with the model numbers listed above and the latest software version, you don't have to wait for the over-the-air update. The company on its official website offers to download firmware packages to install the Android 12 operating system manually. The size is approximately 3 GB. You can download files here and here.
Let us remind you that ASUS ZenFone 8, together with the Flip version, was presented at the end of spring of this year and went on sale with the ZenUI shell, which is based on the Android 11 operating system. Both flagships are equipped with a 5-nanometer single-chip Snapdragon 888 system.
The standard model has compact dimensions. It received a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED Full HD+ display with support for a 120 Hz refresh rate. The smartphone also boasts a main camera with a resolution of 64 MP + 12 MP with optical stabilization, stereo speakers, a 12-megapixel front camera and a 4000 mAh battery.
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ASUS ZenFone 8 Flip has several differences, and the key ones relate to the cameras and screen. Firstly, the smartphone is equipped with a folding main camera, which manages to serve as a front camera. The resolution is 64 MP + 12 MP + 8 MP. Added a telephoto lens with 3x zoom. Secondly, the display lost support for 120 Hz (there is only 90 Hz), but the diagonal has grown to 6.67 inches. The battery capacity was 5000 mAh.
External data and equipment
The Asus smartphone, whether the first generation or the second, despite the increase in performance, characteristics and other parameters, still remains a “heavyweight” in physical terms. The 5-inch screen, as some reviews say, occupies only 70% of the front side. At the same time, the boat-shaped body does not make the phone smaller when viewed from the side. At the widest part the thickness reaches 11 mm. And the most serious disadvantage that can alienate the buyer is that the Asus smartphone does not have a removable battery. And this shortcoming of the first generation was not corrected in the second. It has a removable back cover, slots for a micro-SIM (smaller SIM card) and memory cards, but there is no way to replace the battery. Another disadvantage is the weight of the device. Similar models from other brands are superior in weight.
The equipment of the device is completely in the Asus style - there are even headphones in the box with the phone. As with other smart phones, the cable for connecting to a computer is standard - MicroUSB on one side, standard 2.0 on the other. The charger is a separate unit, which is connected to the same 2.0. One of the features of phones from this brand is the ability to fast charge, and the proprietary device can charge the battery up to 60% in less than an hour.
Review of ASUS ZenUI and Zen applications
As you know, today all Android devices from ASUS come with the proprietary ZenUI graphical shell. We mention this in almost every review. But it so happens that there is still no review of ZenUI itself on the blog. We decided to correct this omission, and devoted this review to reviewing the latest version of the ASUS proprietary graphical shell using the example of the ZenFone 2 smartphone.
Desktops
In ASUS ZenFone 2, the main screen is represented by a 5x4 grid, which is optimal for this screen.
However, its size can be changed. Arrangement of icons according to the selected grid.
Double tapping on the screen turns off the display. If you want to see a preview of all desktops, you need to pinch with two fingers.
Miniatures of desktops, their location can be changed.
Animation of turning tables. You can change the scrolling animation by choosing from eight preset modes.
Just hold your finger on the screen and get quick access to the main screen menu.
Here you can quickly change the design of your desktops. For example, by installing “live wallpaper” or another set of icons.
A large number of different options for desktop backgrounds. Can be customized to suit every taste.
In the system settings, it is easy to change the grid and appearance of folders, define access parameters for notifications for applications, and set a password for launching applications.
Choose the right font or color for labels? It's also possible.
Application menu
Applications can be sorted by intelligently selected folders, frequency of use, hide some of them, or choose sorting between all applications and downloaded ones.
Lock screen
At the top of the lock screen there are widgets and shortcuts for quickly calling the camera, applications for calls, SMS. Information from What's Next is also displayed here.
Applications and widgets
You can change the display color by selecting one of the preset profiles or applying manual settings. Using the built-in Splendid
You can vary the color mode between warm and cool tones, and also increase the brightness of the picture.
You can customize a new notification panel that displays 4 quick-launch app icons and 12 other function icons. This panel opens after a double swipe - a single swipe opens standard notifications.
In pre-installed themes, you can change fonts and general style, and set different wallpapers.
Gesture support has been implemented to quickly launch applications by touching and moving. By drawing a squiggle in a certain way, for example, “W”, you can open the application even from a locked screen. You can zoom out to make it easier to work with one hand.
Due to the fact that there is no Google search bar on desktops, more useful space is displayed on the display. In this screenshot, the design theme was changed from standard to “Autumn”: not only the desktop has changed, but also the icons and font.
MyASUS
. The application is designed to communicate with 24/7 support. It also provides information about new products and displays the addresses of nearby service points. With the utility, you can quickly register your product by simply taking a photo of it, and gain access to services such as repair status inquiries, a customer support hotline, and instructions for use.
The startup manager allows you to disable startup of selected programs without superuser rights.
File Manager. It already integrates ASUS WebStorage cloud storage, as well as services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. The manager supports file exchange with computers on the local network without installing additional programs.
ZenLink
- 4 applications in total - designed to connect to other devices. Share Link is used to exchange photos, videos and other materials stored on your smartphone with other devices. Party Link allows you to transfer photos or videos to several other devices at once. PC Link allows you to use your smartphone as a presentation remote control. And Remote Link is designed for connecting to a computer.
SuperNote
— note-taking with support for handwriting, various templates and cloud synchronization. You can also add photos to your note.
In What's Next
upcoming events and meetings, missed calls and SMS from important contacts, weather information are displayed. The most important events are displayed on the lock screen, home screen and notification area.
Using ASUS MiniMovie
You can make a slideshow from selected photos. It is possible to add text and music to the video.
And about the weather: the most detailed information.
«Do it later
» allows you to create a reminder to call back or save interesting content.
Using the instant messaging platform Omlet
You can share messages with device owners who also support Omlet chat.
In the ASUS Support
» provides information about system maintenance and current news related to shell updates. There is also an extensive guide to working with the system and applications, but it is not translated into Russian.
«Kids mode
» allows you to configure access to a limited range of selected applications, as well as set a time limit for using your smartphone.
The keyboard has several themes and supports continuous typing and punctuation by holding your finger on the desired letter.
The keyboard has its own dictionary and predictive input system, as well as many different settings, thanks to which you can change both the appearance of the keyboard (for example, by setting a background image) and customize the way you interact with text.
Another innovation in ZenUI is notification control. The volume button on the smartphone is responsible for the appearance of a menu in which you can select one of several notification methods. This section configures information about which notifications and calls ZenFone 2 will signal.
Working with SIM cards
In addition, the shell is optimized for working with two SIM cards: when a second SIM card is connected, a call button is added. In the SMS sending mode, two buttons responsible for sending from a particular SIM card are similarly displayed.
Music
You can adjust the sound using the built-in equalizer, but its capabilities are inferior to external applications for playing music/video.
The music application can play music by albums, artists and folders. Integration with the cloud has been implemented - you can listen to music directly from there.
Gallery
The Gallery displays all the images on your smartphone, sorted by album. You can change the sorting if you wish. Photos can be edited using preset menu tools.
Accessories
There are several functional accessories for ASUS Zenfone 2.
The branded Zenfone 2 View Cover Deluxe case, which protects against shocks and scratches, is installed instead of the back cover, has built-in NFC and a round window through which a number of notifications are reflected: time, weather, missed calls, photos - you can start working with all these applications without opening the case.
Zenfone 2 offers an unusual docking station consisting of two halves, as well as a lightweight external battery with a capacity of 10,050 mAh - ASUS ZenPower. And Zenfone 2 will definitely work in conjunction with the ASUS ZenWatch. In addition, photography enthusiasts can purchase external flashes ZenFlash and LolliFlash.
Autonomy
You can choose from four presented battery consumption modes or customize your own energy saving scenario. Additionally, you can configure a schedule for switching to different modes.
It clearly shows which applications put the most strain on your battery.
Camera
In addition to preset shooting modes with automatic parameters (you can change the depth of field in the frame, remove unnecessary objects from the picture, shoot in the dark), there is also a manual mode.
To get high-quality photos at dusk, you can use the HDR mode. To improve the quality of night shots, there is a special night mode. Super Resolution mode increases image resolution and produces more detailed photos. Manual settings offer many options for changing shooting parameters.
Finally
The ASUS ZenUI interface is easy to learn, functional and equipped with numerous tools for visual “sharpening” to the user’s needs.
Perhaps not all pre-installed applications are suitable for you specifically, but you can always hide unnecessary programs, leaving only the most necessary for yourself. Among the disadvantages of the shell, one point can be highlighted that is relevant for the Russian user: part of the help menu (as well as some elements “in the depths” of the interface) have not received full localization.
User opinions
What do users say about Asus smartphones? Reviews are generally positive. Of course, the weight of the device is often mentioned. An obvious advantage is the camera, both in the first and second generation models. Interesting opinions about the price. The quality is no worse than top models, while the price is much lower. An obvious advantage is the ability to find a case. Although opinions on the need for it are divided - some about the back cover, which does not respond to “fingers”, but at the same time there is a general soiling.
The opinions of the fair half of humanity about Asus smartphones are interesting. The reviews are all positive, although sometimes they note a non-removable battery and one or two days of operation without charging.
The photo above is to close the topic of reviews. As the review says, it was filmed “in low light conditions” with night mode. Not every digital point-and-shoot camera can take pictures of this quality.
