Second Look: ASUS ZenFone 5 Second Impressions, Specs, Antutu Benchmark, Price

I already did a First Impressions post about the ASUS ZenFone 5 last February when they made the announcement during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. However, my observations were limited as we were not allowed to test the unit since it was still an Engineering Unit, meaning it’s still under testing stages. Last Saturday, the ZenFone 5 lineup was launched locally and units were already sold out on launch day! For the benefit of those who haven’t purchased a ZenFone 5 yet, let me share with you my “Second Impressions” of the phone with sample photos taken by its cameras.

ASUS ZENFONE 5 SPECS:

OS:Android 8.0 Oreo with ZenUI 5
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Octa-Core processor | Adreno 509
Display: 6.2" Full HD+ IPS Display, 2.5D Curved Glass
Wireless Connections:LTE-A, Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11, A-GPS, GLONASS
Memory:64 GB Internal Storage expandable with a Micro SD Card up to 2TB, up to 4GB RAM
Connectors:USB Type-C
Cameras:12 Megapixels Sony IMX363+ 8 Megapixels f/1.8 (Main Cameras), 8 Megapixels f/2.0 120 degrees wide-angle (Front)
SIM Card Slots:2x Nano SIM Cards required
Battery:3,300 mAh
SRP:P19,995.00

THE UNBOXING

ASUS Zenfone 5

The packaging of the ZenFone 5 is no different from its predecessor, the ZenFone 4. It includes the phone, a pair of earphones, Type-C USB Cable, USB Charging Head, extra earbuds, and a Silicon Case.

SECOND IMPRESSIONS (HARDWARE)

ASUS Zenfone 5

How does it feel to hold the ZenFone 5 after 2 months? It felt good! It’s not tall like the ZenFone 5Q I reviewed weeks ago so it was easier to hold and use with one hand. In my days of usage I have fooled a few people into thinking I’m using my iPhone X. I had to tell them it was a ZenFone 5 and were impressed that it looked like an iPhone, in a good way.

ASUS Zenfone 5

Screen was bright and crisp and I’ve been watching videos on it since Day 1 of using it. No, I’m not disturbed by the notch (I’m an iPhone X user) and I don’t think you should too. Speakers are loud and clear, which I sorta complained with the ZenFone 5Q.

ASUS Zenfone 5

I finally get to use Antutu Benchmark on the ZenFone 5 which was not allowed last February. I’m not quite impressed with the score that I got but I heard someone else got 143,000 on his unit. I might have to do a hard reset after posting this and check if I can get a better score. Even with the “low score” it registered, it was able to play Tekken 5 and PUBG Mobile smoothly. In my full review next week I’ll post videos of their gameplay performance.

SECOND IMPRESSIONS (SOFTWARE)

ASUS Zenfone 5

The ZenFone 5 is filled with A.I. features which I noticed is en vogue in current smartphone models. I haven’t really observed on these but will review it extensively for next week’s post. Android 8.0 Oreo is smooth as butter as expected.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: CAMERA

ASUS Zenfone 5

The ZenFone 5’s cameras are also equipped with A.I. Honestly, I don’t really notice it since I did nothing but take photos. So far, I got really good results. Check out the sample photos I’ve taken:

ASUS Zenfone 5

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ASUS Zenfone 5

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ASUS Zenfone 5

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ASUS Zenfone 5

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ASUS Zenfone 5

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ASUS Zenfone 5

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ASUS Zenfone 5

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I’ve already considered to buy a ZenFone 5Q but the ASUS ZenFone 5 is a much better choice, especially that their prices are not too far from each other. In my next post, I will focus on the phone’s A.I. features and other things I haven’t noticed in the past few days of usage.

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