Asus ZenFone 2

“The Asus ZenFone 2 is, by far, the most powerful phone you can get for $299 unlocked. Its camera, especially, puts the Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 and the OnePlus One to shame. The 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM for multitasking, and dual SIM capability all mean that it would make a terrific traveling companion, and it works on both AT&T's and T-Mobile's networks. Aesthetic bias is the hardest part of a review. The ZenFone 2 is just too big, too heavy, and its screen is too dim, compared with the slim, attractive One Touch Idol 3. I also don't care for the overbearing Android skin, or the oppressive amount of bloatware. The Asus ZenFone 2 is a truly impressive piece of engineering and an amazing value for its price. But the Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 is the phone I would rather carry.”

“For a $200 to $300 smartphone, the ZenFone 2 makes a strong case against more expensive 5.5-inch devices, especially from a design and performance standpoint. The device itself is physically quite large, though no less difficult to grip and use. It's tough not to like the arched metallic back and the 4 GB RAM should appease users who are hooked on frequently installing applications just to try them while improving device longevity. The 4G and dual-SIM support will also appeal to international users who prefer a more established brand like Asus instead of rising Chinese brands like Xiaomi or Huawei.Caveats include a backlight that is notably weaker than on competing models and the below average battery life. Granted, 6 hours of constant WiFi use is probably sufficient for most users, but the lack of a removable battery doesn't help it, either. These few major downsides make the similarly-priced OnePlus One an easier recommendation for those who don't see any short-term or long-term benefits of 4 GB RAM.”

“The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML stands before us after the rigorous battery of tests, having proven itself as the smartphone it was advertised to be - a balanced midrange offering that is easy on your wallet. Its good looks and solid build are complemented by proficient hardware, but the smartphone is not without its shortcomings.”

“Asus is smart for attacking the entry-level segment of the market, as opposed to breaking into the high-end, which means tangling against some of the juggernauts floating about right now. Spending an intimate amount of time with the Zenfone 2, we’re confident that this is the kind of phone that grows on you over time. Initially, the design didn’t particularly win us over, but the more we use the phone and absorb all of its rich features, that’s when we truly realize its potential.Factoring its $199/$299 outright pricing, that’s undoubtedly a competitive offering that’s taking it straight to the hearts of its competitors – a cautious, yet necessary move for them to garner interest from consumers. Great savings can be enjoyed by picking up the 16GB variant, but the 64GB one is particularly alluring, as it also boasts a better processor and double the RAM. Comparing it to the Alcatel Onetouch Idol 3, the Zenfone 2 can’t compete in the areas of design and display, but Asus certainly takes the cake in the software experience.”