ASUS unveils its new Zenfone 2 series smartphones

ASUS has just announced the availability of their new Zenfone 2 series that consists of 3 models with 5 different SKUs. Three of them are currently available for pre-order now from 14 to 17 April 2015,10pm (SGT). They are as follows:-

• ZE551ML (2GB/32GB), S$349

This version of the ZE551ML is powered by the quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor (1.8GHz) and is paired with the PowerVR G6430 graphics engine. This is the same processor used in the ASUS Memo Pad 8 (ME581CL) tablet, the company's most premium 8-inch tablet. This Zenfone 2 variant comes with 2GB of memory and boasts of 32GB of onboard storage. The 5.5-inch, Android 5.0-based phone support microSD card expansion storage, up to 64GB in capacity. Following the tradition of Zenfone series, it will have dual SIM support - up to 4G on the first SIM slot, but only 2G on the secondary SIM.

• ZE550ML (2GB/16GB), S$299

The phone spots the same processor as the early version of the ZE551ML; however, its storage capacity maxes out at 16GB. Fret not as it supports microSD cards of up to 64GB. Like the ZE551ML, this will also feature dual SIM slots.

• ZE500CL (2GB/16GB), S$249

This is the entry-level Zenfone 2 that allows you to enjoy the ASUS ZenUI in all its 5" glory. It's powered by a dual-core Intel Atom Z2560 processor.

The following stores are taking pre-orders:-

• ASUS brand stores
  
  Only ASUS brand stores at Funan, Vivocity and Sim Lim Square are taking pre-orders now.
• ASUS online store
• Challenger Funan
• Challenger online store

The collection period, from the physical stores of both ASUS and Challenger, is from 18 April onwards. Pre-orders from the ASUS online store will be delivered on the same date too. According to the Challenger online store, unfortunately delivery service isn't offered for the pre-ordered devices through their e-store.

Saving up the best for last, there are two more ZE551ML SKUs that will only be available from May this year. These are powered by a speedier 2.3GHz quad-core 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 processor with PowerVR G6340 GPU cores. Most importantly and perhaps most anticipated is that these two SKU will come with 4GB of memory; however, their onboard eMMC storage capacity differs. One has 64GB and the other, 32GB. Their respective suggested retail prices are S$499 and S$429 respectively.

We're not quite sure why ASUS hasn't created another SKU for this top tier model and instead lumped it with the currently available ZE551ML that sports 2GB RAM, 32GB storage and slower processor at S$349. All we can say is please check and counter check the exact model and SKU you will purchase, especially if you're doing the transaction online.

The Zenfone 2 series was first unveiled in CES early this year and we're glad that it's finally out to give some much needed competition in the mainstream smartphone arena.

To accompany the new phone, ASUS has also launched a whole slew of accessories for it. Hit this link to check out its companion products!

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