6 inch Low end ASUS Smartphone spotted in Indonesia

Zenfone 6

According to Techgue.com and POSTEL (Indonesian regulator for smartphone) new ASUS Smartphone have been registered for certification. The ASUS phone with code name ASUS_X014D spesification also leaked on GFXBench.

This possible new smartphone powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 and 1GB RAM. The Full specifications below:

OS	Android 5.1.1
Display	854 x 480, 6.1"
	touchscreen with at least 5 finger gesture support
CPU	quad core CPU @1.2GHz
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (Cortex A7 - ARMv7)
GPU	Qualcomm Adreno ™ 305
	OpenGL API
	OpenGL ES 3.0
Memory	0.9 GB
Storage	3.6 GB
	4.5 GB
Back camera
picture	3 MP (2048 x 1536)
video	FHD (1920 x 1080)
picture	4.7 MP (2560 x 1920)
video	2560 x 1920
picture	4.7 MP (2560 x 1920)
video	FHD (1920 x 1080)

Asus Zenfone Zoom launched in India for Rs 37,999

With 3X optical zoom and 13 MP, ASUS Zenfone Zoom become world's thinnest optical zoom smartphone. ZenFone Zoom using OIS-shake compensation system, the sensor is Panasonic SmartFSI sensor, the size of 1/3 inch, and also uses Fujitsu's independent image processor designed to handle noise.

Asus has finally launched ZenFone Zoom smartphone in India later. The smartphone which focuses on its camera prowess is priced at Rs 37,999 for 128GB memory variant and Asus is bundling portable tripod and flash for Rs 39,999. 

Android Marshmallow beta test starts for the ASUS ZenFone Series

Android 6.0 "Marshmallow" is a version of the Android mobile operating system. First unveiled in May 2015 at Google I/O under the codename "Android 'M'", it was officially released in October 2015.

As we know ASUS already planned their Marshmallow updates for zenfone series including ZenFone 2 ZE551ML and ZE550ML, ZenFone 2 Laser, ZenFone Zoom, for full smartphone that will be update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow can be see Here.

The company is currently looking for people to beta test the Android 6.0 Marshmallow for ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML and ZE550ML), ZenFone 2 Laser (ZE500KL, ZE550KL, and ZE601KL), and ZenFone Zoom (ZX551ML). There are some prerequisites before you can apply, though. First off, you must have ZenFone with TW/Taiwan firmware, and apply via ZenTalk (ASUS official zenfone forum), and provide IMEI+Serial number to ASUS at their beta thread. The beta test program is end at the end of february.

Here is some screenshot from zentalk TW forum

ZenFone Zoom Marshmallow Beta Test

ZenFone 2 Marshmallow Beta Test

ZenFone 2 Laser Marshmallow Beta Test

source: http://www.asus.com/zentalk/tw

TWRP Recovery for ASUS ZenFone Selfie ZD551KL

Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP), is an open-source software custom recovery image for Android-based devices. It provides a touchscreen-enabled interface which allows users to install third-party firmware and backup the current system, which are often unsupported by stock recovery images. Today Asus zenfone blog will teach you How to Install TWRP recovery for ASUS Zenfone Selfie ZD551KL. To install TWRP recovery you need unlock bootloader your zenfone selfie, and this action will void your warranty. DWYOR (Do it with your own risks).

Tools and Files:

1. ADB Installer (Download)
2. ZenFone Selfie Unlock Booloader APK (Download)
3. TWRP Recovery img for ZenFone Selfie CN/WW (Download)

Steps How to Install TWRP for ASUS ZenFone Selfie:

1. Install ADB on your Computer
   
2. Enable USB Debugging on Your ZenFone Selfie (Settings>Developer Options)
3. Copy and Install Unlock Bootloader apk on Your Zenfone Selfie and Run it.
4. Extract TWRP.zip and copy TWRP recovery based on your firmware WW/CN
   
5. Connect your ZenFone Selfie with your computer
6. At TWRP recovery img folder Press shift+right click>open command here
   
7. Check if device connected properly type on command prompt (will show serial number if connected properly) :
adb devices
8. If connected properly type these command in sequence (enter after each line):
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery recoveryZD551KL.img
fastboot oem reboot -recovery
9. Wait for the device restart and entered the recovery 
10. Done

If you want to Root via TWRP:

1. Download SuperSU (Download)
2. Place to SDCard
3. Enter TWRP Recovery and Install

Credit to zezinhocrack at XDA 

Asus Zenfone Zoom launched in Philippines for Php26,995

Asus Philippines has just launched the Zenfone flagship in Cebu during Sinulog Festival, the Asus Zenfone Zoom.

With 3X optical zoom and 13 MP, ASUS Zenfone Zoom become world's thinnest optical zoom smartphone. ZenFone Zoom using OIS-shake compensation system, the sensor is Panasonic SmartFSI sensor, the size of 1/3 inch, and also uses Fujitsu's independent image processor designed to handle noise. Powered with Intel Atom Z3590 quad-core chip with a maximum clock speed of 2.5GHz per core.

The Asus Zenfone Zoom will retail for Php26,995 in Philippines for 128GB version. 

ASUS Malaysia Announces ZenFone Zoom for RM 2,099

On 13th January 2016 ASUS Malaysia invited the press members of the media to see the world up close with ZenFone Zoom at its Zensation event. ZenFone Zoom is the world’s thinnest 3x optical-zoom smartphone with Hoya lens in an innovative 10-element lens arrangement for exceptional clarity and close-ups with up to 12x total magnification. 

With built-in optical image stabilization (OIS) to eliminate shakes and blurred shots, and powered by a high-performance quad-core Intel® Atom™ processor with 4GB RAM for ultra-fast performance, ZenFone Zoom redefines expectations for smartphone photography — packing DSLR-style shooting experiences into a metal unibody that tapers to a mere 5mm, so it slides comfortably into a pocket.

ASUS Malaysia Country Manager, Jimmy Lin said: “With ZenFone 2, we created an incredible and widely-praised smartphone that captures stunning, high-resolution photos in everyday life. Now, with the ASUS ZenFone Zoom, we offer users a smartphone that has not only the look and feel of a DSLR camera, but the advanced features to match. With ASUS ZenFone Zoom, we are putting professional photography within the reach of everyone.” 

With Retail price starts at RM 2,099 and will be available for buyer in the end of January 2016.

[Full Firmware] ASUS Zenfone 5 A501CG/A500CG V3.24.40.87

 

How to OTA update ? (Go to settings>About>System Update>Check for Update)
How to update Manual ? Here
How to update via ADB sideload ? Here 

ZENFONE 5  firmware: 
WW VERSION
Version V3.24.40.87 (WW) 

Description	【Version】 V3.24.40.87_20151222_34(MR13.1) 【Model Name】 A500CG / A501CG 【Release Date】 2016/01/14 【Release Note 】 1.Improve SIM network service stability 2.Improve modem performance 3.Improve Power Saver stability 4.Correct link to different Zentalk website 5.Correct video performance 6.Update Google security policy 7.update APN table 8.enhance the stability of 3G network connectivity

File Size	727,45 (MBytes) 2016.01.14  update
Download from	Global

ZENFONE 5  firmware: 
TW VERSION
Version V3.24.40.87 (TW) 

Description	Version】 V3.24.40.87_20151222_34(MR13.1) 【Model Name】 A500CG / A501CG 【Release Date】 2016/01/14 【Release Note 】 1.Improve SIM network service stability 2.Improve modem performance 3.Improve Power Saver stability 4.Correct link to different Zentalk website 5.Correct video performance 6.Update Google security policy 7.update APN table 8.enhance the stability of 3G network connectivity

File Size	727,45 (MBytes) 2016.01.14  update
Download from	Global

How To Root ASUS ZenFone Go ZC500TG via TWRP

Zenfone Go ZC500TG powered with Mediatek MT6580 Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, became the first Zenfone with Mediatek Processor and Android 5.1. So the root method is different with intel chip Zenfones. Today Asus-zenfone blog will share How to Root ASUS Zenfone Go. This tutorial will wipe/delete your data, so backup first before you do this tutorial. DWYOR (Do it with your own risks). Your Zenfone go will not under warranty anymore if you do this tutorial.

Resources:

1. ADB Installer (Download)
2. Root Files (Download | Mirror)

Steps how to Root ASUS Zenfone Go:

First Step Unlock Bootloader ZenFone Go:

1. Install ADB on Your Computer and follow the instructions
   
2. Go to Settings>Developer Options (If there is no 'Developer Options' on Settings, go to settings>about>build number and tap build number 7 times until 'you're now developer' message appear)
3. Turn On Allow OEM Unlock and USB Debugging
4. Turn Off Zenfone Go
5. Enter bootloader by pressing Volume up + Power
6. Navigate with Volume up and select fastboot by pressing volume down
7. Connect Zenfone GO with PC/Laptop
8. Extract Root File that you download earlier
   
9. Open Command window in Root file folder by Pressing Shift+Right Click -> Open Command Here
10. Check again if your device connected properly or not by type at cmd: fastboot devices
11. If there is serial number of your device, you can proceed to next step otherwise your adb driver is not installed properly
12. To Unlock bootloader Zenfone Go, Type this command at Command Prompt:
fastboot oem unlock
13. Go To zenfone Go screen and press volume up to agree unlock bootloader
14. Wait until return to fastboot, and reboot. if you can't reboot remove the battery and insert again then turn on device.
15. Enter Developer Options and enable oem unlock and usb debugging again.
16. Go to Next Step Installing TWRP

Step Two Installing TWRP on ASUS ZenFone Go:

1. Connect ZenFone Go to laptop/pc then open command prompt again on Go Root Folder.
2. Type: adb reboot bootloader and your zenfone go will enter bootloader again, then select fastboot
3. After enter fastboot mode Type this command at command prompt:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. Then wait until complete
5. Reboot to recovery by holding volume up + down + power to shut it down without removing rom pc and by pressing vol up and power to boot to bootloader and select recovery then you will enter TWRP
6. Proceed to Next Step, Rooting Zenfone Go

Step Three Flashing Root zip to ZenFone Go:

1. Copy UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip to internal storage
2. Reboot to TWRP Recovery
3. Select Install and browse UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip then Swipe to install
4. Wait until complete
5. Your ZenFone Go is now Rooted

ASUS Live Specifications and Antutu Benchmark

Recently, ASUS introduced their new budget smartphone ASUS Live. There is no 'Zenfone' name on it but if we look at the specifications it's similar with ASUS Zenfone Go. With the strength of the  MediaTek MT6580 Quad-Core 1.3GHz processor, although it is lower. It is equivalent to the Intel Atom Z2560 processor 1.6GHz on ZenFone 5, which points out that almost the same amount that has it. The advantages of using MediaTek is less heat and do not eat too much battery Intel, including compatibility with the App. The different beetween ASUS Zenfone Go and ASUS Live is the phone design. ASUS Live has a colorful bezel.

Key Specifications of ASUS Live:

• The operating system Android 5.1 (Lollipop) covered over with ZenUI Launcher.
• Processor MediaTek MT6580 1.3 GHz.
• 2 GB RAM
• Memory, 16 GB, microSD support up to 64GB.
• Screen 5 "(720 × 1280 pixels).
• 8 MP rear camera
• 2 MP front camera
• Support Dual SIM, Dual Standby
• Support for 3G networks
• 2,070 mAh battery
• Size 71 × 144.5 × 9.98 mm.
• Weight 135 g

ASUS Live Antutu Benchmark Score:

[Full Firmware] Zenfone 2 ZE550ML V2.20.40.136

 

How to OTA update ? (Go to settings>About>System Update>Check for Update)
How to update Manual ? Place to Internal Storage>Restart>Click Update
How to update via ADB sideload ? Here 

Download only FOTA Files Here
 

ZENFONE 2 ZE550ML Z008 firmware: 
WW VERSION
Version WW-2.20.40.136  (WW) 
 

Description

Release Note ASUS ZenFone 2=ZE550ML (Z008B/Z008C/Z008D) software Image: 2.20.40.136 for WW SKU only* Improvement Item: Update ASUS ZenUI Launcher App For more information please refer to: TW：http://www.asus.com/zentalk/tw/ReleaseNotes WW：http://www.asus.com/zentalk/ReleaseNotes CN：http://zentalk.asus.com.cn/ReleaseNotes Steps of Update: 1. Check software version of your device** 2. Download device software and Update SOP (From “Manual” Item) 3. Only apply to same SKU update, Example: WW->WW, CN->CN, . 4. Software update cannot transfer the software SKU and downgrade the software version. 5. Wrong SKU may cause update failure, please update the same SKU version only. *How to know the device model? Path: Settings->About-> Model number Example: ASUS_T00I **How to know the device software version? Path: Settings->About-> software information->Build number ***System upgrade may cause part of data missing, please buckup your important data before system upgrading.

File Size	1.13 GB                                                2015.01.07  update
Download from	Global

[Full Firmware] Zenfone 2 ZE551ML V2.20.40.160

 

How to OTA update ? (Go to settings>About>System Update>Check for Update)
How to update Manual ? Place to Internal Storage>Restart>Click Update
How to update via ADB sideload ? Here 

Download only FOTA Files Here
 

ZENFONE 2 ZE551ML Z00A firmware: 
WW VERSION
Version V2.20.40.160 (WW)
 

Description

Release Note ASUS ZenFone 2=ZE551ML(Z00AD/Z00ADA/Z00ADB/Z00ADC) software Image: 2.20.40.160 for WW SKU only* Improvement Item: Update ASUS ZenUI Launcher App For more information please refer to: TW：http://www.asus.com/zentalk/tw/ReleaseNotes WW：http://www.asus.com/zentalk/ReleaseNotes CN：http://zentalk.asus.com.cn/ReleaseNotes Steps of Update: 1. Check software version of your device** 2. Download device software and Update SOP (From “Manual” Item) 3. Only apply to same SKU update, Example: WW->WW, CN->CN, . 4. Software update cannot transfer the software SKU and downgrade the software version. 5. Wrong SKU may cause update failure, please update the same SKU version only. *How to know the device model? Path: Settings->About-> Model number Example: ASUS_T00I **How to know the device software version? Path: Settings->About-> software information->Build number ***System upgrade may cause part of data missing, please buckup your important data before system upgrading.

File Size	1.13GB                                                                2015.12.31 update
Download from	Global

ASUS ZenFone Zoom Camera Comparison vs Sony Xperia Z5, LG G4, Samsung Galaxy Note 5, iPhone 6S, and HTC M9

Today Asus Zenfone Blog will share about ZenFone zoom camera versus another flagship.  ASUS Zenfone Zoom which become world's thinnest optical zoom smartphone versus  Sony Z5, LG G4, Samsung Galaxy Note 5, iPhone 6S, and HTC M9 which is better? you decide..

These photos taken in same environment and condition. These photos taken by Nanako0625 from mobile01 forum.

Smartphone	Specifications	Features
LG G4	16 MP, f/1.8, 28 mm, laser autofocus, OIS, LED flash	1/2.6" sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, panorama, HDR
Samsung Galaxy Note 5	16 MP, f/1.9, 28mm, OIS, autofocus, LED flash	1/2.6" sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, panorama, HDR
HTC M9	20 MP, f/2.2, 28mm, autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash	1/2.4" sensor size, 1.2 µm pixel size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, HDR, panorama
ASUS Zenfone Zoom	13 MP, laser autofocus, 3x optical zoom, OIS, dual-LED (dual tone) flash	Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, panorama, HDR
Apple iPhone 6S	12 MP, f/2.2, 29mm, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash	1/3" sensor size, 1.22 µm pixel size, geo-tagging, simultaneous 4K video and 8MP image recording, touch focus, face/smile detection, HDR (photo/panorama)
Sony Xperia Z5	23 MP, f/2.0, 24mm, phase detection autofocus, LED flash	1/2.3" sensor size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR, panorama

Camera Comparison:

Auto Mode:                                                                                                

ASUS Zenfone Zoom

Sony Xperia Z5

LG G4

HTC M9

iPhone 6S

Close Object:                                                                                             

ASUS Zenfone Zoom

Sony Xperia Z5

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

HTC M9

LG G4

iPhone 6S

Indoor:                                                                                                    

ASUS Zenfone Zoom

Sony Xperia Z5

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

HTC M9

iPhone 6S

LG G4

Low Light:                                                                                                  

ASUS Zenfone Zoom

LG G4

HTC M9

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

iPhone 6S

Sony Xperia Z5

HDR:                                                                                                        

ASUS Zenfone Zoom

LG G4

iPhone 6S

HTC M9

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Sony Xperia Z5

Credit to Nanako0625 from mobile01