ASUS Zenfone 5 performs really well and aesthetically amazing, but can the camera be reliable enough?
There are basically 3 features I always look for before getting a brand new phone. These are the Camera feature, Aesthetics and Performance, next to those are the other features the phone have. Buying a cellular phone should always be thought about first for it is something that you would be using for long period of time.
My phones usually lasts for 2 to 3 years or even more, if I love it so much. I have own different kinds of units before and was able to really compare one to another. This time, I was able to get my hands on this new ASUS Zenfone 5. As announced the Zenfone 5 Series are considered as the most Intelligent ZenFones to date, the series includes the ZenFone 5Z and ZenFone 5, together with the ZenFone 5Q – the world’s first true quad camera smartphone!
This isn’t the first time I owned an Asus Zenfone, remember my ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser, ASUS Zenfone Selfie and Asus Zenfone Zoom?
The 2018 ZenFone 5 series salutes the first generation ZenFone 5, as it is geared towards championing mobile photography anew. With the ZenFone 5Z and ZenFone 5 bearing the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera technology that can think for its users; as well as with ZenFone 5Q bringing its own photography advancements, mobile photography will surely never be the same again.
Before jumping in to the Zenfone 5 phones performance let me first give you the specs and its comparisons to its fone sibling.
ASUS ZENFONE 5 AESTHETICS
I do not have any objections about the aesthetics of the new Zenfone series because I could honestly say that it is built with total quality. And hey it was just flawless! I really love the over all aesthetics of it that I could even placed it side by side to a more expensive unit.
Both the ZenFone 5 and 5Z have that signature construction which dates back to the ZenFone 3 of 2016. On their front and rear are beautiful yet strong Gorilla Glass panels that have “2.5D” contoured edges. With ASUS’ signature concentric circle pattern etched into their rear panels, they exude exquisite elegance and are a pleasure to hold, and behold.
ASUS ZENFONE 5 PERFORMANCE
ZenFone 5 features an exquisitely crafted design, an amazing dual-camera system, and is powered by the latest Snapdragon 636 Mobile Platform. For an instant blast of extra power, the exclusive ASUS AI Boost — available on both ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 5Z — optimizes performance for games and other demanding tasks. I like how it quickly responses to the touch and can easily load applications. I am a multitasker and having this kind of phone to assist me would be ideal to even make my tasks easier.
Despite the fact that all three models across the generations share almost identical physical dimensions, it is remarkable that the ZenFone 5 has now managed to fit a 6.2 inch display into a smaller frame as its 5.5-inch predecessors, thanks to it high screen- to-body ratio display. The ZenFone 5 and 5Z feature a gorgeous 6.2 inch, 19:9 aspect ratio Super IPS+ display with a FHD+ (2246 x 1080) resolution.
Hence when watching videos or movies, the display automatically scales up to exclude the notch. I love that I am given a wider viewing option with this phone. Also, the key status icons have been neatly placed in the spaces beside the notch, freeing up display space.
ASUS ZENFONE 5 CAMERA
Both ZenFone 5 and 5Z have three cameras, 2 at the rear and 1 at front.
Rear Camera:
- A 120-degree wide angle, F2.2, 8-megapixel camera that can capture wide landscapes
- A highly light sensitive main camera with the latest, top-of-the-line, 12 megapixel Sony flagship IMX363 sensor that has large 1.4 micron pixels and a wide F1.8 aperture lens.
*These are supplemented with a Color Correction Sensor and LED flash that are neatly packed into a single round window in the chassis.
Front Camera – An 8-megapixel, F2.0 selfie camera
The three cameras of the ZenFone 5 or 5Z have a single mission: to harness the power of AI to create images that their users find the most attractive.
Asus Zenfone 5 Camera Test
To fully test the camera of the phone, I decided to bring the unit in some of my activities for a week and took some snaps in different situations. The series of photos you would be seeing are taken using the ASUS ZenFone 5 (not unless mentioned). The photos were not processed and was just converted to a lower resolution for faster loading here in the site. Also I added watermarks on the photo as well.
This photo was taken around 2pm on a broad daylight around TriNoma, boarding at a bus on our way to One esplanade. You can actually see how detailed the photo was from the foreground and even the clouds at the background. I also like the rich colors of the photo. I guess the phone camera really works well when used in a well lighted situation.
So, here is a selfie shot using the front camera of ASUS Zenfone 5. I love that it even capture the details of my beard. Using the Depth Effect of the phone can also create a nice bokeh. Though there was a little washed out area at the side which you can basically adjust when photo is being taken.
This is a sample photo taken before sunset in Manila Bay area. The phone easily captures the full form of the sun and gives enough drama with its low and high lighted areas.
On the same evening, we decided to walk a bit more a found this beautiful scene. Here’s another night shot along Manila Bay area. Can you see how the ASUS Zenfone 5 easily capture the horizon? Amazing!
A few days later I used the phone at Harry Styles Concert in SM MOA Arena. The next photo was taken while I am on the road around SM MOA area. I guess taking photo in a moving vehicle isn’t really a bad option to do.
From the walkway, I took another selfie and test how the front camera works on a well lighted place in the evening. I am happy that it didn’t fail me this time.
While inside the concert ground, I decided to take some snaps using my Asus Zenfone 5. Unfortunately, it didn’t even go at par with my other phone. I think the different lights sources inside SM MOA ARENA confuses the phone a bit giving me a not so crisp image. You wouldn’t even recognize Harry Styles in this photo.
Here is another thing about using the Depth effect. I took a selfie and switch on the Depth Effect to at least give me a nice bokeh at the back, and highlight my food and myself as well. Unfortunately, the camera also blurred the food and only focuses on my face. I guess the Depth Effect function prioritizes more the head shot.
But taking it outside, I have no doubts that this phone satisfy my taste. I love how the wide angle camera works that it can give me image space for a single shot. It actually elevates my photos.
And talking about how intelligent this camera is, it can easily detect the subject you are taking and automatically adjust the settings of the camera. Giving me a finer output for each image I’ve taken on a well lighted place. Notice the icon on the corner of the phone, a flower icon appears when I was taking this flower shot. (first image taken using Iphone 8+)
And finally closing this blog with one of the best Selfie shot i’ve taken using the ASUS ZenFone 5. This was shot on a cloudy day. Look at that bokeh and details. Simply amazing!
FINAL VERDICT
ASUS Zenfone 5 is priced at Php 19,995 and is a mid-range phone unit that is aesthetically amazing, performs satisfactory and with camera features that can stand side-by-side with a more expensive and popular phone units. It is light weight and can perfectly fit in your pocket. The touch controls might come a bit annoying at first but once mastered eventually become easier to navigate. Also, knowing that it is android phone makes it easier to customize. Though there are still a lot of limitations that I felt needed to be address like the low camera resolution of only 12 megapixels (max), the light distribution on a night mode as well as the bokeh effect distribution on a selfie shot. I really love its wide angle lens that is even incomparable to my Iphone 8+ unit, plus the amazing selfie photos I could create on a well lighted place. With that said, is it worth enough to invest on this phone unit? If it answers what you are looking for and you are not affected by some of its limitations, I suggest for you to go get the new ASUS ZenFone 5.
For more information on ASUS, the ZenFone 5 series, and other incredible products from ASUS, tune in to the ASUS Philippines Facebook Page and the ZenTalk Philippines Forum.
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