Asus ZenFone 2 Laser review, price, specs & update: coming to the US for $199

• comments
• 
• 

Major smartphone manufacturers are now facing stiff competition with the launch of budget phones such as the Asus ZenFone 2 Laser. This device features a number of upgrades and tradeoffs from its predecessor the Asus ZenFone 2 which launched earlier this year in the US.

According to ZDNet, the ZenFone 2 Laser is available unlocked and can be fitted with two sims simultaneously. Priced at a mere $199 for the 32GB variant and $249 for the 64GB, consumers can save hundreds of dollars without being tied to a specific carrier or plan.

For consumers who need more file space, the device also accepts microSD cards of up to 128GB, says Technology News Extra.

One of its major improvements is its built-in camera. Its name gives a clue on this upgrade.

Slash Gear says the new ZenFone 2's 13MP auto-focus camera is now laser-assisted, making it easier for users to take sharp images. The camera is also able to readjust optimal settings from shooting in the dark to the bright outdoors almost instantly.

Its ability to focus is also impressive, constantly refocusing whenever the device is moved around. The ZenFone 2 Laser also comes with a 5MP camera at the front says Technology News Extra.

ZD Net says the new variant of the ZenFone packs a lot of power and speed under the hood as well. It comes built-in with a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 with 3GB of RAM.

­It should be noted that this is different from the earlier variant of the ZenFone 2 which features an Intel processor, according to the same report by Slash Gear.

On a single charge, the detachable 3000mAh battery assures a standby time of several days. The number of usage hours varies depending on what apps are running, if the device is connecting to the Internet, screen brightness and so on.

A Slash Gear review says it does come with a customizable power saver mode, allowing users to conserve on battery life.

DPolice says the Asus smartphone also comes with an "auto-start manager" feature which offers users the ability to prevent apps from loading when the phone boots up. This can help make the device load quicker but users are advised to use the feature cautiously as it can trigger "unpredictable behaviors" such as receiving additional notifications.

Weighing 170 grams with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen and a Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display, the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser may not look impressive on the outside but its specifications and low price make it a phone to consider for consumers who are looking beyond flagships.