CES 2015 – Asus Launches ZenFone 2 – The Luxury Smartphone Everyone Can Enjoy

Asus has revealed two new smartphones at CES 2015 – a high-end luxury handset alongside a device targeted at camera aficionados.

The ZenFone 2 is Asus’s new flagship smartphone, sporting an all-new design and powerful 64-bit 2.3 GHz Intel Atom processor alongside 4GB of RAM. An Intel LTE-Advanced modem also provides 4G/LTE connectivity, and the device is powered by a 3000mAh battery which features fast-charge technology for dramatically-reduced recharge times, with Asus saying it can charge to from 0 to 60 percent battery in just 39 minutes.

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The 5.5in FullHD 430ppi screen forms part of a brushed-metal body that weighs just 170g and is just 3.9mm thin at the edges, with the volume control keys moved to the rear of the phone for easier access.

The ZenFone 2 comes with a 13MP PixelMaster rear and 5MP front camera, both of which come equipped with an f/2.0 aperture to capture highly-detailed images.

As for software, the device runs Android 5.0 Lollipop, and also features Asus’s ZenUI mobile interface, which features detailed customisation tools to offer a wide range of stylistic and usage preferences.

It will come in three versions, offering 16, 32 and 64GB of internal storage respectively, and will be available in the US from March for $199, with a UK release date still to be confirmed.

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Alongside the ZenFone 2, Asus also revealed the ZenFone Zoom (pictured right), a super-thin smartphone with advanced camera capabilities.

The ZenFone Zoom is the world’s thinnest smartphone to feature a 13MP camera with a 3X optical zoom. Its rear camera features a 10-element lens design with up to a 12X digital zoom for even finer close-up detail, and also comes with an optical image stabilizer (OIS) for shake-free photos, combined with a laser auto-focus which promises sharp images every time.

The device also offers a Manual mode for advanced photographers, which allows the user professional-grade manual control of ISO settings, shutter speed and more, meaning they will always get the image they desire.

The ZenFone Zoom will cost $399 on its US release in March, with a UK release again yet to be confirmed.

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