The Asus Zenfone 5z, released as a compact flagship, now finds itself competing with newer budget options like the Acer Liquid S162E4. While the Zenfone 5z originally aimed for premium pricing, its current market position makes a direct comparison to the Acer device relevant for budget-conscious consumers seeking a balance of features and performance. This comparison will dissect the core differences between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845-powered Zenfone 5z and the Mediatek MT6765-equipped Acer Liquid S162E4.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Asus Zenfone 5z is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 845 chipset, built on a 10nm process, delivers significantly faster CPU and GPU performance compared to the Acer Liquid S162E4’s Mediatek MT6765. While the Acer offers a potentially lower price, the performance gap is substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - B version, C version |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - B version, C version |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - A version |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 25 | 2018, February. Released 2018, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 153 x 75.7 x 7.9 mm (6.02 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2246 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 96.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 630 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, PDAF, 4-axis OIS
8 MP, f/2.0, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, no AF |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 1080p | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | v5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Midnight Blue, Meteor Silver |
| Models | ZL.H01SI.001 | Z01RD |
| Price | - | About 500 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 266590 (v7)
GeekBench: 9030 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Acer Acerone Liquid S162E4
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer longer software support (depending on Acer's update policy)
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Inferior camera capabilities
- Likely lower build quality
Asus Zenfone 5z ZS620KL
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 845
- Faster charging with 18W Quick Charge
- Better camera image processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Older device, potentially limited software updates
- Smaller battery capacity (potentially)
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications for the Acer Liquid S162E4 are unavailable. However, given its market segment, it likely features a standard LCD panel. The Asus Zenfone 5z, while not boasting the latest display tech, offers a solid viewing experience. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Snapdragon 845’s Adreno 630 GPU can handle more complex graphics and smoother animations, resulting in a more fluid visual experience. The Zenfone 5z’s display benefits from the chipset’s ability to quickly render frames.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Acer Liquid S162E4 are limited. The Asus Zenfone 5z, however, is known for its capable dual-camera system. While sensor sizes aren't specified, the Snapdragon 845’s image signal processor (ISP) provides superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The Zenfone 5z’s ISP can also handle more complex computational photography features. The Acer’s Mediatek chipset will likely struggle to match the Zenfone’s image processing prowess, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference between these devices is the chipset. The Asus Zenfone 5z’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm) features a custom Kryo 385 CPU architecture with 4x2.7 GHz Gold and 4x1.7 GHz Silver cores. This is a significant leap over the Acer Liquid S162E4’s Mediatek MT6765 (12nm) which utilizes 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Snapdragon 845’s smaller 10nm fabrication process allows for higher transistor density and improved thermal efficiency, meaning sustained performance is higher and throttling is less likely. The Kryo cores are also architecturally superior to the Cortex-A53 cores, offering better single-core and multi-core performance. Gamers and power users will overwhelmingly benefit from the Zenfone 5z.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Acer Liquid S162E4 is unknown. The Asus Zenfone 5z supports 18W Quick Charge, allowing for faster charging times. While the Snapdragon 845 is more powerful, its 10nm process contributes to better power efficiency compared to the Mediatek MT6765’s 12nm process. This means the Zenfone 5z, even with a potentially similar battery capacity, could offer comparable or even better battery life due to its more efficient chipset. The 18W charging further mitigates any potential battery life concerns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Acerone Liquid S162E4 if you need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Asus Zenfone 5z ZS620KL if you prioritize smoother multitasking, gaming, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more. The Zenfone 5z offers a flagship-level experience at a mid-range price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6765 in the Acer Liquid S162E4 struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6765 is a budget-oriented chipset and will likely struggle with demanding games. Expect lower frame rates, graphical settings compromises, and potential stuttering. The Snapdragon 845 in the Zenfone 5z is far better equipped to handle modern gaming.
❓ Is the Asus Zenfone 5z still receiving software updates?
Software update support for the Zenfone 5z is limited, as it is an older device. While it likely received Android 10, further major Android version updates are unlikely. However, security patches may still be available. Check Asus’s official support website for the latest information.
❓ How much does the Snapdragon 845 outperform the Mediatek MT6765 in real-world usage?
The Snapdragon 845 offers roughly 50-70% higher CPU and GPU performance compared to the Mediatek MT6765. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The difference is particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
