Tech Review : ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE500KL Laser

I have to admit that I've always been an Apple girl. However, the curious spirit in me has always wonder what life is like in the Android world as I have friends who have also been raving about it and they've been extremely loyal with their own line of gadgets too.

Finally, my opportunity came when I got hold of the very pretty and sleek ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser which is one of the newest model in the market retailing for only Php. 7,295. It runs in Android Lolipop 5.0 operating system which you can link to your Google account. I have to admit that I actually had to read the operating manual to ensure that I'm doing the set-up right. For a moment there, I felt like a techie newbie who's threading carefully as I scroll through the various screens and as I check out the applications available. Getting the hang of it though was easy as navigating around is pretty user-friendly.



Now, let me backtrack a bit and allow you to get a closer look at this beautiful phone. I love how the lock screen shows you the most important things -- the date, time, weather, the camera button, call button and message button. After all, those are the most essential functions of any mobile phone. Being someone with serious OCD, I love the clean, minimalist feel of the wallpaper which, of course, you can customize based on your taste.

Unlocking the screen is easy, all you have to do is to swipe up. Tadaaahhh this leads you to your home screen. Again, very clean interface with the important functions in one line at the bottom part of the screen. If you want to see more, just press those tiny boxes at the lower middle part.

By doing that, you will see this. All your applications arranged by category. I tell you, this is every organized person's dream. I'm totally loving what I see! Anyway, noticed that the display is extra clear? In addition to that, the screen has been made with extra strength that is sure to withstand all those heart-stopping falls and slips. Made with Corning Gorilla 4 Glass which give really vibrant color display, anti-fingerprint coating and and is stronger too. This is so perfect for parents with young kids who are prone to running around while playing with your phones and for those who might have the tendency to just drop your phone without warning. Of course, I would still recommend putting on some screen protector for an additional layer but at least the Gorilla Glass can be your first line of protection.

Now, let's look at the back case. There are 7 colors available and I'm so lucky to get the gold one! I really love the classy, sleek look. This time, take a closer look at that silver oblong button. It actually is a multi-use button first to adjust the volume while taking a call or to press the shutter button when taking a selfie. I love how the placement of this button was so well-thought-out as it helps avoid uncomfortable fumbling which would lead to blurry photos or accidentally dropping the phone.

After admiring the external features, let's look at some of the cool features of the ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE500KL Laser, shall we?

1) Beautiful camera quality -- powered with 8MP aperture (rear camera) and 5MP aperture (front camera) with 0.03 second laser auto-focus function and dual color flash. You're assured of getting bright and sharp photos despite the lack of light or too much of it. Above is a photo of Shangri-la Singapore's Christmas Tree which was taking with dim lobby light. Notice that you can still see every details of the photo and it doesn't get grainy which I love love love. I also didn't edit any of the photos taken using the phone to show you how it is raw.

2) Awesome wide angle panorama shot -- Admittedly, I find the photo too narrow vertically but taking a panorama shot was so easy as it has captured every detail with no blurry or jagged spots. Not bad!

3) Multiple photo features -- Regardless if you have zero experience in photo editing or in photography, you'll surely be able to get good shots every time. Remove red spots, blemishes, add a bit of blush or make your eyes bigger with the Beautification mode. I enjoyed playing around with this function for the first few days of having the phone. There's also a Photo Collage function for you to put together a nice story-telling photo for all your biggest milestones and trips. Want to bring your photo to life? Turn on the GIF function for quick photo loops.

4) Kids Mode -- We probably have experienced this. Your little one has somehow managed to get hold of your phone and they started sending out garbled messages, taking a million selfies and deleting your precious files and photos. The Kids Mode will allow you to manage which applications your kids can only have access of.

5) ZenMotion -- We know that time is gold and we shouldn't waste any moment of it. The ZenMotion allows you to access your camera, browser, calendar, dialer or even your email application with just one quick swipe. For example, write "C" using your finger on the screen and your camera will immediately open within seconds. "W" is used to open your browser, "e" for your email application and "V" to make a call. These are just come of the quick functions you can do.

Accessories included in the box : USB cable, charger, earphones

It has been a week since I've had the ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser and I have to admit that I have yet to get use of it plus learn all the tricks and functions available. However, learning how to navigate around has been a breeze and it has been really exciting whenever I discover something new every now and then.

So, will I make the switch? That will be answered.. soon. *wink*