ASUS Zenfone 2 - Best bang for the buck smartphone?

The ASUS Zenfone 2 is evaluated as a budget smartphone that tries to punch above its weight with compelling specs for a low price. The video walks through the two available configurations: a 16 GB model with 2 GB RAM and a Z3560 processor for about $200, and a 64 GB model with 4 GB RAM and a Z3580 for about $300. The reviewer highlights notable features such as expandable microSD storage, dual SIM slots, wireless AC, LTE, and a removable back cover though the device is not user replaceable for everything. The hands-on impressions focus on the design and ergonomics, noting a 5.5 inch 1080p IPS display with Gorilla Glass 3, rear camera, and a front-facing 5 MP camera, along with a physical lock button that earns some critique for its awkward placement. Despite strong hardware on paper, the reviewer flags ZenUI as a mixed bag, with robust customization options and smart multitasking features on the upside, and a number of pre-installed apps and some polish issues on the downside. The reviewer goes into depth on ZenUI, describing features such as separate user profiles, kid mode, non-disturb settings, auto start manager, gesture controls, and the ability to tweak saturation and color temperature. They also discuss practical trade-offs, including perceived battery life challenges, occasional device freezes, and a camera that offers strong manual shooting modes but can be slow to launch and produce average auto mode results. The video weighs the pros of affordable high-end-like specs against the cons of bloatware and software quirks, noting the bootloader unlock promise and the inclusion of fast charging as notable positives for a sub-$300 device. In the end, the reviewer concludes that the Zenfone 2 narrowly justifies its price with a strong value proposition, while still acknowledging room for improvement in software polish, battery endurance, and camera performance. The video closes with a practical takeaway for potential buyers: the Zenfone 2 represents a bold, cost-effective option in the Android landscape, capable of delivering strong performance for its price, especially after potential rooting and ROM exploration by enthusiasts. It emphasizes that buyers should weigh the hardware strengths against the software compromises and pre-installed apps. The conclusion suggests that ASUS has created a competitive device that challenges higher-priced phones, while warnings about software experience and battery life temper the enthusiasm for casual users. Viewers are encouraged to consider their priorities when choosing between the $200 and $300 configurations, and to keep an eye on updates that might improve the software experience over time.

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