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The Asus Zenfone 2 is now available in Malaysia

AirylMay 11, 2015

Asus’s Zenfone 2 has proven itself to be a staggering success. The tech world can’t get enough of the device with it’s unique design, amazing specs and affordable price tag. Now, Asus has decided to further expand their dominance by officially releasing four variants of the much anticipated device in Malaysia during their Incredible ZenDay Event.

Four variants of the Zenfone 2 were launched, the top of the range ZE551ML, the slightly lower specced and cheaper ZE551ML (no, you’re not seeing things, they’ve both got the same model name), the even more mid-range ZE550ML (creative naming scheme here) and the most affordable and lowest specced of the bunch, the ZE500CL (give the guy who named this one a promotion).

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The top of the line ZE551ML has a 2.3GHz Intel Atom Z3580 processor, along with the world dividing 4GB RAM, a choice of either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, a 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS FHD display, a 13MP rear camera with Asus’s PixelMaster technology, a 5MP front camera and a 3000mAh battery.

The lower-end ZE551ML is powered by a slightly slower 1.8GHz Intel Atom Z3560 processor, with a lesser 2GB of RAM, only 32GB of internal storage, the same 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD IPS display, the same 13MP PixelMaster rear camera and 5MP camera front camera, and the exact same 3000mAh battery.

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The third variant, the ZE550ML, has the same 1.8GHz Intel Atom Z3560 processor as the lower-end ZE551ML, 2GB of RAM, an even lower 16GB of internal storage, a pixel stretching 5.5-inch 1280 x 720 HD IPS display, the same camera combination as the other two higher-end Zenfone 2 and, once again, a 3000mAh battery.

Finally, the lowest-end of the bunch, the ZE500CL. Unlike the rest, this one has a 1.6GHz Z2560 processor, with 2GB RAM, only 8GB of internal storage, a 5.5-inch 1280 x 720 HD IPS display, a lowly 8MP rear camera with Asus’s PixelMaster technology, a 2MP front camera, and a smaller (at least compared to the rest) 2500mAh battery.

The high-end ZE551ML will cost RM1299 ($362) for the 64GB model and RM1099 ($306) for the 32GB model, the lower-end ZE551ML will sell for RM899 ($251), the ZE550ML will go for RM749 ($209), and finally, the lowest end ZE500CL will retail for a lowly RM599 ($167).

What do you think about Asus’s line-up of devices? Are the Zenfone 2 variants an impressive value for money? Does the naming scheme confuse you? Will you be getting a Zenfone 2 as your next device? Tell us in the comments below.

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About the author
Airyl
Enjoying life as a student, gently flowing in the stream known as life. Likes playing the piano, isn't very good at it. Likes playing games, is good at it. Constantly sleepy. Also does some tech stuff, but who cares about that?

- Marius Cirsta
  May 11, 2015
  It’s decent, has a good price and comes from a reputable maker. My father has an Intel powered Asus tablet which works rather well and receives regular updates ( including to major new Android versions ).

Demetrio
May 11, 2015
Just 5″ Display for ZE500CL version … and id looses dual SIM capabilities!!!

Marius Cirsta
May 11, 2015
I really, really don’t want a 5.5 inch screen for now… I might give in but I haven’t for now. A phone screen is still small even at 5.5 but it makes the phone uncomfortable to hold in your hand, pocket.
Since the 5 inch one has too low specs I’m not interested.
I’m also afraid of fakes where the 5.5 inch model is concerend. I’m sure some might find a way to fake the SW to report tot specs if both phones look exactly the same on the outside. I can just imagine the confusion when selling these on Ali for instance …
To be honest though there were different flash sizes available with the same model number for phones but that was a much smaller difference I’d say.
Well maybe I’ll get the Zenphone 3…
- Fred
  May 11, 2015
  No disrespect, but I am tired of this kind of comments/judgment about the screen size.
  You might not like the 5.5 screens, it does not mean that your own opinion/experience should be a summary of the overall opinion of everyone. You don’ t like it, ok. This is you only. Me I prefer 5.5. 6 is too big for me. 5 is too small IMO.
  Matter of fact these people, the brands, don’t build a screen size based on luck, they got studies and consumers survey before deciding which screen they will go with.
  Survey indicate that countries in development prefer 5.5 or 6 due to the lack of various devices in the household.
  Long story short: there is a Zenphone 2 with 5 inch screen 😉
  - Marius Cirsta
    May 11, 2015
    I just said I really, really don’t want a 5.5 inch screen and see no real advantage to it. Those extra 0.5 inches don’t help much and it makes me feel like I’m holding a brick…
    Opinions differ of course and this is my own, you and the people that like 5.5 inch phones can get one and praise them, I’ve nothing against that there’s certainly a ton of models to choose from.
    Sure right not 6inch is too small but maybe it will be just fine in a few months and then what ? Will we talk on 7inch tablets ?
    Yes I can get a 5 inch Zenphone 2 but it has much lower specs and I want the same specs as the 5.5 version so as I’ve said I’m patiently waiting for Zenphone 3 and looking at 5 inch alternatives which have higher end specs.
    The reason you see me and a lot of other people complaining is that everyone moved to 5.5 on the high end and there’s very litte choice for a medium/high end phone with a 5 inch screen.
    - Airyl
      May 11, 2015
Fred
May 11, 2015
It is funny how Asus reduce the size of the bezels on theirs marketing pics.
G'n'T
May 11, 2015