With the Zenfone 2 fast approaching its announced “March” (CES 2015 announcement) availability, it seems we Filipinos are getting more excited for the next generation of this hit smartphone. We dug further in the difference of the two Zenfone 2 models (ZE550ML and ZE551ML) coming out and check out what we found.
| Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML | Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML | |
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Display Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Glass protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | HD 720 x 1280 pixels | FHD 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 267 ppi | 403ppi |
| Processor | Intel Atom Z3560 1.83GHz | Intel Atom Z3580 2.33GHz |
| GPU | PowerVR G6430 | PowerVR G6430 |
| RAM | 2GB DDR3L | 4GB DDR3L |
| Storage | 16GB /32GB | 32GB / 64GB |
| Expandable Storage | microSD up to 64GB | microSD up to 64GB |
| Mobile Internet | Cat 4. LTE 150Mbps | Cat 4. LTE 150Mbps |
| SIM | Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM |
| WiFi | 802.11 ac, WiFi Direct | 802.11ac, WiFi Direct |
| Bluetooth Version | 4 | 4 |
| NFC | N/A | Yes |
| Navigation | GPS & GLONASS | GPS &GLONASS |
| Rear Camera | 13MP, Dual LED True Tone Flash | 13MP, Dual LED True Tone Flash |
| Front Camera | 5MP wide angle | 5MP wide angle |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer 3,000mAh | Li-Polymer 3,000mAh |
| OS | Android 5.0 with Zen UI | Android 5.0 with Zen UI |
| Back Cover | Matte Finish | Metallic Brush Finish |
Physical wise between the ZE550ML and ZE551ML is the back cover. The ZE550ML will sport the original Zenfone matte finish while the ZE551ML will have the marketed metallic brush finish coating. You can see this in various unboxing videos during the CES 2015 ASUS event, the Zenfone 2 featured have two kinds of back covers.
ZE551ML Snapshot from TechHive first impression video
ZE550ML Snapshot from Newgadgets.de first impressions
ZE550ML Snapshot from TechVideo
Based on international pricing announced, the entry level Zenfone 2 which is the ZE550ML will start at $199 (Php8,945). While the high end version of the Zenfone 2 ZE551ML will be at $299 (Php13,455). The price difference of $100 is a bit big, but the trade off of having Full HD screen, upgraded 4GB RAM, NFC, brush metal finish body and a faster processor makes it worth it in our opinion. But of course knowing the Philippines, expect the price to spike up due to various taxes and the famous customs tax, which will be around 10-15% in our estimate.
But with the prices less than Php15,000 pesos, local smartphone brands will have another competition in pricing with the Zenfone 2’s flagship worthy specifications. Definitely exciting to see how the local smartphone industry will progress with phones getting more competitive every quarter
So if you were to pick your Zenfone 2, what will you get? HD version or Full HD version?
Note : All prices are directly converted with $1 = Php45.00
