[Getting Started] Asus Zenfone 2: High-end at an affordable price

The Zenfone 2 will undoubtedly been one of the surprises of the CES 2015. Asus consecration which can now boast of having entered the big league regarding the world of smartphones.

Indeed, if you had asked me advice it a few months ago, I never thought in my shortlist include Asus brand to consider. The Zenfone 2 yet managed to position themselves on the 5 fundamental points that will guide your choice:

Design
Performance
Autonomy
Price
User experience

Features

First, before entering the strictly speaking grip, let's review the characteristics of Zenfone 2.

Intel Atom Z3, Quad-Core 2.3GHz.
Screen 5.5-inch Full HD (1920 × 1080) | IPS panel & Gorilla
Android 5.0 Lollipop
4GB of RAM
Micro SIM Dual
Battery 3000mAh
Front Camera: 5MP | Back camera: 13MP
170g

It will be available from mid-April in black, red, gold or silver at a price of 349 €. Asus proposes a powerful smartphone at a competitive price.

First impressions

If the design of this Zenfone 2 is very good, it does not shine by its originality. Some people swear see HTC M9, I personally thought instinctively the LG G3. One can hardly blame him this choice: it is a design that works and rendering its hull Metallic brushed finish is the best effect. A button on the back this will help to modulate the volume as the latest LG models. They decided against by not pushing the copy button to put the "power" in the center. What will be a shame, because unlike the G2 or G3, you are not able to reach when holding it with one hand. The Zenfone 2 therefore has only one button on top.

The front is made up to 72% of a beautiful full HD screen. By reflex, still half-convinced he grabbed an LG G3 by mistake, I double-tap on the screen to wake it up. Surprise: it works! The screen lights up. Originality = zero, but since it is a handy feature (and just excuse the difficulty of reaching the one-handed power button), we will forgive him presto.

At this stage of the test, two new elements come hit you. 1. The quality of the screen and 2. The response of the device. Indeed, for a proposed unit to a mid-range price, you clearly have an upscale feel.

Persistent impression when you become familiar with the user interface and the overcoat ZenUI proposed by Asus. I have often been able to speak on this subject, but on an Android phone, the quality of the overlay will play almost as important as the rest of the criteria. That of Asus's just nice: minimalist, efficient, pretty. Even Asus preloaded applications will be sympathetic (where I tend to disappear as quickly those offered by most manufacturers). I think of "What's Next" which is a simple application that will broadly resemble what Google Now, but adding information from your calendar and your VIP contacts (SMS, etc.).

Add to this a very good camera and a battery that lasts the day without too many problems.

Last first impression

In the end, if this Asus Zenfone 2 is nothing extraordinary in absolute ... with characteristics and features close to many high-end smartphones, it has the advantage of being available at a midrange price (€ 349) very attractive. This Asus has therefore encroach on land environments AND high-end offering excellent quality / price ratio in the smartphone premium appearance. He also had the intelligence to pick the right and left ideas from other manufacturers to offer a mash-up very attractive.

We will keep this phone for a few days: the opportunity for you to ask questions so that we can complete this first grip.