The Asus Zenfone 2 series offered incredible value back in its day, but with two models – the standard Zenfone 2 and the Zenfone 2 Deluxe – choosing between them could be tricky. This comparison dives deep into the differences to help you understand which phone was the better pick.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Zenfone 2 Deluxe generally edges out the standard Zenfone 2 thanks to its potential for a faster chipset (Z3590 option) and more RAM. Both offer excellent battery life and a similar design, making the Deluxe a slightly more compelling choice for those prioritizing performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 18, 19, 28 - Taiwan | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 18, 19, 28 - Taiwan |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4+ 250/50 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps (Special Edition) | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 38, 39, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, September | 2015, January. Released 2015, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 152.5 x 77.2 x 10.9 mm (6.00 x 3.04 x 0.43 in) | 152.5 x 77.2 x 10.9 mm (6.00 x 3.04 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.3 GHzQuad-core 1.8 GHzQuad-core 2.5 GHz | Quad-core 2.3 GHz (4 GB RAM model)Quad-core 1.8 GHz (2 GB RAM model) |
| Chipset | Intel Atom Z3580Intel Atom Z3560Intel Atom Z3590 | Intel Atom Z3580 (4 GB RAM model)Intel Atom Z3560 (2 GB RAM model) |
| GPU | PowerVR G6430 | PowerVR G6430 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), ZenUI | Android 5.0 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 60% in 40 min | 18W wired, 60% in 40 min |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Pink, PurpleSilver Polygon/Carbon Night (Black) - Special Edition | Osmium Black, Sheer Gold, Glacier Gray, Glamor Red, Ceramic White |
| Models | - | Z00AD, Z00A |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) | 0.35 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 59h
| Endurance rating 59h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 62dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 67dB
|
Voice 62dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 67dB |
| Performance |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1090Basemark X: 12565 |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1090Basemark X: 12565 |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 59h | Endurance rating 59h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 62dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 67dB | Voice 62dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 67dB |
| Performance | Basemark OS II 2.0: 1090Basemark X: 12565 | Basemark OS II 2.0: 1090Basemark X: 12565 |
Asus Zenfone 2 Deluxe ZE551ML
- Potentially faster chipset (Z3590)
- Can be harder to find in good condition
- Price was slightly higher at release
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML
- More readily available used
- Slightly lower price (used)
- Lower potential performance (Z3560 only)
- Limited RAM options
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS display, offering decent sharpness and viewing angles. The Deluxe might have slightly better color accuracy depending on the specific panel used, but the difference is minimal. Screen brightness is adequate for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is generally comparable, with decent detail in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average. The Deluxe might have slightly better image processing due to potential chipset differences, but it's not a significant advantage.
Performance
This is where the biggest differences lie. The Zenfone 2 Deluxe offered three chipset options (Z3580, Z3560, Z3590), while the standard Zenfone 2 had two (Z3580, Z3560). The Z3590 in the Deluxe, paired with 4GB of RAM, provided a noticeable performance boost over the Z3560 and even the 2GB RAM models of the standard Zenfone 2. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the Deluxe.
Battery Life
Both models boast an impressive 3000mAh battery, resulting in an endurance rating of 59 hours. Battery life is a major strength for both phones, easily lasting a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Asus Zenfone 2 Deluxe is ideal for users who want the best possible performance within the Zenfone 2 family, particularly if they can find a model with the Z3590 chipset and 4GB of RAM. The standard Zenfone 2 remains a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize battery life and a familiar Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does the 'Deluxe' in Zenfone 2 Deluxe mean?
The 'Deluxe' designation typically indicated a higher-end configuration within the Zenfone 2 lineup, often featuring a faster processor and more RAM.
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in 2024?
While quite old, they can still be functional for basic tasks. However, consider their age and lack of software updates before purchasing. Newer budget phones offer significantly better performance and features.
