I had the same experience with the Zenfone2. Went absolutely wonky after a year. Unless the build quality and user experience improves, its a firm no to ASUS.
Care to elaborate? ZP2 used an Intel Atom chip, and I wasn't really that impressed with it on Android (I tried a ZenPad 8). These use QC SOCs, so maybe that will make for a better experience.
The main reason I won't buy an Asus phone again is the hardware issues. Zenfone 2 was swarmed with random problems, ghost touches being the most awful. It would randomly become unusable for whole minutes. This is a systemic problem a lot of people had, it wasn't just about a bad unit I got.
Then there's the software side. Granted, Intel dropped support for x86 Android but they did support it up to 5.1 and Asus never updated it's 5.0 OS to 5.1. Their lack of communication was outstanding and when they did promise a timeframe they failed on it, not even apologizing about it or saying what problems they had or what was the actual development status.
Maybe they sorted it all out? They might've improved on hardware quality but software wise they're irredeemable broken.
It's a nasty world in tech when even Intel can instantly kill an entire product lineup, like what it did to Atom. That meant Zenfone owners were stuck with a dead platform with no way out except to buy new devices.
Actually that's how it is with Android as a while. Qualcomm may show better support than bottom feeders like Mediatek but once they stop writing closed source drivers for a new Android release, you're out of luck.
I have the exact opposite experience with a ZP2 Deluxe: I bought it for less than 250 euros, and it works very well. Sure, it originally has Android 5.1 and Asus took much time to release the upgrade to 6.0.1, and I don't know if it will ever receive 7.x, but hey - this is the norm on Android world. The only complain I have is screen brightness, which should be better managed: it is too bright in dark condition, and too dark under sunlight.
WOW! I've had the Zenfone 3, the 5.2 inches and I've already pre-ordered the Zenfone 3 zoom since all I've had is an incredible experience with the Asus Zenfone! For day 1 eveything has gone well with no problems at all, random upgrades even though I haven't had any problems and just yesterday I got an update for it for Android 7. Can't wait for the Zenfone 3 Zoom! Sorry about your problems, they sound like mine with the LG G4 overheating, rebooting until finally they refunded my money this was the phone i got before the zenphone.
I did have a Zenfone 2 but it got so buggy that i had to change my phone. The camera stopped working, the phone crashed when i got a notification on the lock screen and it had a lot of other minor issues
The zenfone ar looks good except for the relatively puny battery. Samsung is going to work to put something matching these specs-- of course that is presuming Asus releases it outside the Chinese market.
Then people will buy the Honor 6X instead. The base Honor 6X has the same specs as the Zenfone 3 Zoom, except the supersize battery, and will sell for 250USD.
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
18 Comments
Back to Article
baka_toroi - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
After my awful experience with the Zenfone 2 I don't think I'll buy an Asus phone ever again, no matter the specs.MananDedhia - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
I had the same experience with the Zenfone2. Went absolutely wonky after a year. Unless the build quality and user experience improves, its a firm no to ASUS.MonkeyPaw - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
Care to elaborate? ZP2 used an Intel Atom chip, and I wasn't really that impressed with it on Android (I tried a ZenPad 8). These use QC SOCs, so maybe that will make for a better experience.baka_toroi - Saturday, January 7, 2017 - link
Asus is not a company anybody can trust.The main reason I won't buy an Asus phone again is the hardware issues. Zenfone 2 was swarmed with random problems, ghost touches being the most awful. It would randomly become unusable for whole minutes. This is a systemic problem a lot of people had, it wasn't just about a bad unit I got.
Then there's the software side. Granted, Intel dropped support for x86 Android but they did support it up to 5.1 and Asus never updated it's 5.0 OS to 5.1. Their lack of communication was outstanding and when they did promise a timeframe they failed on it, not even apologizing about it or saying what problems they had or what was the actual development status.
Maybe they sorted it all out? They might've improved on hardware quality but software wise they're irredeemable broken.
serendip - Sunday, January 8, 2017 - link
It's a nasty world in tech when even Intel can instantly kill an entire product lineup, like what it did to Atom. That meant Zenfone owners were stuck with a dead platform with no way out except to buy new devices.Actually that's how it is with Android as a while. Qualcomm may show better support than bottom feeders like Mediatek but once they stop writing closed source drivers for a new Android release, you're out of luck.
shodanshok - Monday, January 9, 2017 - link
I have the exact opposite experience with a ZP2 Deluxe: I bought it for less than 250 euros, and it works very well. Sure, it originally has Android 5.1 and Asus took much time to release the upgrade to 6.0.1, and I don't know if it will ever receive 7.x, but hey - this is the norm on Android world. The only complain I have is screen brightness, which should be better managed: it is too bright in dark condition, and too dark under sunlight.dan333 - Tuesday, March 21, 2017 - link
WOW! I've had the Zenfone 3, the 5.2 inches and I've already pre-ordered the Zenfone 3 zoom since all I've had is an incredible experience with the Asus Zenfone! For day 1 eveything has gone well with no problems at all, random upgrades even though I haven't had any problems and just yesterday I got an update for it for Android 7. Can't wait for the Zenfone 3 Zoom! Sorry about your problems, they sound like mine with the LG G4 overheating, rebooting until finally they refunded my money this was the phone i got before the zenphone.drajitshnew - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
Please elaboratenegusp - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
I assume they didn't wipe the cache or do any sort of decent cleaning, and the phone inevitably slowed to a crawl, especially under the Zen UI.WJMazepas - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
I did have a Zenfone 2 but it got so buggy that i had to change my phone.The camera stopped working, the phone crashed when i got a notification on the lock screen and it had a lot of other minor issues
baka_toroi - Saturday, January 7, 2017 - link
http://www.anandtech.com/comments/0//529154drajitshnew - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
The zenfone ar looks good except for the relatively puny battery. Samsung is going to work to put something matching these specs-- of course that is presuming Asus releases it outside the Chinese market.negusp - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
A puny battery? Nah, It's actually a fairly respectable size even for the specs.Battery life will probably be somewhat similar to the OP3T. Better than my Nexus 5 at least.
FozzyofAus - Thursday, May 18, 2017 - link
Here's hoping the Samsung Note8 has both Tango and Google Daydream support on release.I wish they'd keep the removable battery (like my Note 2 and Note 4 have), although appears to be too much to dream.
zodiacfml - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
Pricing will be out of touch again. I reckon, the Zenfone 3 Zoom will cost as a One Plus 3.serendip - Saturday, January 7, 2017 - link
As usual, Asus charge a lot for mid range specs, especially when there are flagship level phones like the One Plus 3 that cost the same.UtilityMax - Monday, January 9, 2017 - link
Then people will buy the Honor 6X instead. The base Honor 6X has the same specs as the Zenfone 3 Zoom, except the supersize battery, and will sell for 250USD.Danvelopment - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
The AR looks good, I was thinking the Zoom was going to use the optical 3x they had on their older model but sadly it's just a cheap iPhone clone.My girlfriend has a Zenfone Selfie and it's an excellent device.
I use a Le Max 2 and love it, so hopefully Le Eco releases an AR phone (or the Zenfone AR is reasonably priced).