Asus ZenFone 2 with 5.5 inch 1080p display, 4 GB RAM, 13 MP Camera announced for $199

As expected, ASUS has just announced its next iteration to the successful Zenfone devices, at CES 2015.

Here is all you need to know about the ASUS Zenfone 2. It is powered by a 64 bit 2.3 GHz Quad Core Intel Atom Processor (Z3580) and comes with a whopping 4 GB of RAM, making it the first smartphone to feature 4 GB RAM.

There is another variant which comes with 2 GB of RAM, and a 1.3 Ghz Quad Core processor (Z3560). The Zenfone 2 features a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display with a pixel density of 403ppi IPS and a wide 178-degree viewing angle. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

The phablet will run on Android 5.0 Lollipop with a newer version of ASUS ZenUI on top. It includes a slew of new features including ZenMotion, SnapView, Trend Micro Security and ZenUI Instant Updates.

•  ZenMotion is a collection of intuitive touch gestures, each providing a new way of interacting with ZenUI, and allowing quick and easy access to frequently-used features such as One Hand mode or Do It Later.

•  SnapView is a security feature that ensures privacy for apps, photos, and files. SnapView lets users easily keep their personal and business information separate.

•  Trend Micro security is integrated with the ZenUI browser for the total mobile web browsing security.

•  ZenUI Instant Updates is a seamless new method of keeping ZenUI apps up to date. With ZenUI Instant Updates, ASUS app developers can make updates available immediately, avoiding delays between app releases and ensuring the best experience for ZenFone 2 users.

The graphics will be handled by a PowerVR Series 6 – G6430 GPU, which supports OpenGL 3.0. The phablet has 3 storage options, 16GB/32GB/64GB which can be expanded upto 64GB using a micro SD card. Users will also get free 5GB Cloud Storage at ASUS WebStorage 5GB (lifetime).

The rear camera sees a major upgrade from 8 Megapixels on the Zenfone 5 and 6, to a 13 Megapixel snapper on the Zenfone 2.It has an f/2.0-aperture, 5-element, auto-focus lens with dual-color Real Tone flash and supports various PixelMaster features including Low Light mode using pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400% brighter photos with flash turned off, Backlight (HDR) mode, Enhanced Beautification mode, Manual mode and Zero shutter lag.

The front camera is a 5 Megapixels shooter with an wide-angle (85-degree) lens,  f/2.0-aperture, and supports Selfie Panorama.

The device is backed by a 3000mAh battery, with Fast-charging technology, which charges to 60% in just 39 minutes.

ASUS Zenfone Specifications at a glance:

The Zenfone 2 has a ultra-thin Ergonomic Arc design with a luxe brushed-metal finish and a distinctive, elegant concentric circle detailing. It has a rear mounted volume control key, placed just below the rear camera. that tapers to an incredibly thin 3.9 mm at the edges lends ZenFone 2 a bold yet elegant look with intuitive volume control with Rear Key.  The bezel is just 3.3 mm bezel, giving the phablet a 72% screen-to-body ratio.

The Zenfone 2 comes in 5 colours: Osmium Black, Sheer Gold, Glacier Gray, Glamor Red and Ceramic White. ASUS has announced that the phablet will have two official accessories: A Special Transfusion cover and an Illusion cover.

The Zenfone 2 has been priced at $199, and will be available from March 2015.