(Read: Asus Zenfone Selfie 3GB RAM variant available for Rs 17,999)
Now most of the users are addicted to selfies. Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that Oxford Dictionary declared it the word of the year in 2013. Smartphone manufacturers are also aware of the importance of the front camera, that is why they are introducing such products whose USP is selfie feature. Recently launched Micromax Canvas Selfie and InFocus M530 are part of this strategy.
Now let’s talk about the Zenfone Selfie device introduced by Asus. This device has a laser autofocus system which we also saw in Asus Zenfone 2 Laser. The selfie device has a better front camera and it is also better in terms of specifications. Does it have anything to attract selfie lovers? We will try to find out.
Look and design
The design of the Asus Zenfone Selfie smartphone is largely based on the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser. With a distinctive shape, a circle pattern on the top of the device and a volume rocker on the rear, the device is designed to look like a part of the Zenfone series.
The main difference in the design is the unique color variant. Apart from this, the front camera of the selfie smartphone is bigger. This camera is placed in the center and there is a flash and earpiece on both sides of it. This phone has a hybrid-SIM slot, that is, the SIM slot can be used as a microSD card slot. However, you will be able to use only one of the two. We have already said that this feature limits you to a great extent.
The 5.5-inch (1080×1920 pixels) screen on the Asus ZenFone Selfie is sharp, bright and extremely detailed. It is excellent in terms of viewing angles, sunlight legibility and colour reproduction.
Specifications and software
The Asus Zenfone Selfie is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset which is common for devices priced under Rs 15,000. The review unit we received had 3GB of RAM and 32GB of inbuilt storage. Another variant of the device is available for Rs 15,999 which comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of inbuilt storage.
At first glance, this Asus device seems a bit expensive, especially when compared to handsets like the Yu Yureka Plus that are available for less. However, keep in mind that Asus is charging you for premium camera technology.
Other specifications include 4G support on both SIMs, Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection, microSD card (up to 64GB) and 3000mAh battery. This device is not a top-notch device, but it is completely functional for daily use.
Like other Asus devices, the Zenfone Selfie also comes with a lot of bloatware and Asus tools. While third-party apps can be removed, you can only disable Asus apps and services.
Camera
Asus Zenfone Selfie has a 13-megapixel front camera which is equipped with F/2.2 aperture and 88 degree wide angle view feature. The rear camera also has a 13-megapixel camera. Its lens has F/2.0 aperture and is also present with laser autofocus system. Both the cameras have 5P Largan lens, Toshiba sensor, blue glass filter and dual-tone LED flash.
The rear camera of the Asus Zenfone Selfie is similar to the camera of the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser device and the performance is also similar. Photos taken with the camera in indoor settings are good, but outdoor shots are average and look washed out in daylight. Indoor shots and close shots are good due to laser autofocus and macro focus.
You are more likely to use the front camera for taking selfies, so we limited our testing to this. The pictures were very sharp, detailed and vibrant. Colour reproduction and low light performance were also good. The main drawback of the front camera is the same as the rear camera. The pictures are washed out and there is also a problem of white saturation in them. Generally, it is to be used to take pictures of a person standing close by, in such a case it is a great camera. The front flash is a useful feature.
The camera app on the device is similar to the one on the Zenfone 2 Laser and the interface is well designed. Automatic mode, detailed manual mode, HDR, panorama, smart remove, slow motion, GIF animation and time lapse are some of the notable features. These modes can be used via the front camera as well. Apart from this, there is also an option for selfie panorama.
Performance
For day-to-day use, the Asus Zenfone Selfie is a very capable smartphone, thanks to the Snapdragon 615 chipset on the device. The 3GB of RAM also helps keep the device running smoothly. The interface runs flawlessly. Apps and games load easily and there is no lag or lag. Playing Dead Trigger 2 on the device was great. However, the battery drained very quickly and the back of the device got a little warm. Our test videos also played smoothly.
In benchmark tests, the selfie smartphone has shown better results than other devices powered by Snapdragon 615 processor. Anyway, you are paying for premium camera technology, so its performance seems to be well worth the price.
Battery life is also good. The battery of Asus Zenfone Selfie lasted for 11 hours and 28 minutes in our video loop test. This is slightly less than the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser. The battery of this device easily lasts a day. The selfie smartphone also performed well in terms of call quality.
Our verdict
The Asus Zenfone Selfie is a very affordable and reliable handset with respectable performance and satisfactory software. It doesn’t offer a premium experience but it comes close to it. It looks good and feels good to hold. Asus has now made a name for itself and can use it to increase its market share.
The camera features on this phone are something we usually find in premium smartphones. Features like laser autofocus system, large front camera sensor and front dual tone flash are totally premium for a device priced under Rs 20,000. It is not that there is any shortcoming in the camera but you can expect great pictures from the Asus Zenfone Selfie.
If you are someone who uses a smartphone camera, especially for taking selfies, then the Zenfone Selfie is a great option for you. It is a capable device with excellent rear and front cameras. You won’t be disappointed with it.
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