The Asus Zenfone 2 series offered a compelling blend of features and affordability. But with two distinct models – the Zenfone 2 Laser (ZE500KL) and the standard Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) generally wins due to its significantly faster processor (Intel Atom), faster charging, and potentially better camera performance. However, the Zenfone 2 Laser (ZE500KL) might be a more budget-friendly option for users prioritizing affordability over raw power.
| 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 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - Global | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 18, 19, 28 - Taiwan |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 38, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2015, January. Released 2015, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 143.7 x 71.5 x 10.5 mm (5.66 x 2.81 x 0.41 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 | 140 g (4.94 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.3 GHz (4 GB RAM model)Quad-core 1.8 GHz (2 GB RAM model) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) | Intel Atom Z3580 (4 GB RAM model)Intel Atom Z3560 (2 GB RAM model) |
| GPU | Adreno 306 | 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 | 8GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, AF | 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 | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, 60% in 40 min |
| Type | Li-Po 2400 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Ceramic White/Silver/Purple/Aqua Blue/Sheer Gold/Glamour Red | Osmium Black, Sheer Gold, Glacier Gray, Glamor Red, Ceramic White |
| Models | Z00ED | Z00AD, Z00A |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 59h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 62dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 67dB |
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1090Basemark X: 12565 |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 59h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 62dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 67dB |
| Performance | - | Basemark OS II 2.0: 1090Basemark X: 12565 |
Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KL
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Expandable storage (MicroSD)
- Slower processor
- Less powerful camera
- Slower charging
- Plastic build quality
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML
- Faster processor (Intel Atom)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially better camera
- Available with 4GB RAM
- Premium feel (depending on variant)
- More expensive
- Battery life slightly less impressive in heavy use
- Intel Atom can have driver issues in some cases
Display Comparison
Both phones featured a 5.5-inch display, but the Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) often had slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its panel technology. The Laser (ZE500KL) was adequate but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offered decent camera capabilities, the Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) generally produced sharper images with better dynamic range. Low-light performance was also typically better on the ZE551ML. The Laser (ZE500KL) camera was acceptable for casual snapshots.
Performance
The Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) boasts a significant performance advantage thanks to its Intel Atom Z3580 processor (especially the 4GB RAM model). The Snapdragon 410 in the Laser (ZE500KL) is adequate for everyday tasks but struggles with demanding games and multitasking. The 4GB RAM option on the ZE551ML is a huge benefit.
Battery Life
Both models were advertised with impressive endurance ratings (59h). In real-world usage, the Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) with its faster charging (18W) offered a more convenient experience. The Laser (ZE500KL) had slower charging.
Buying Guide
The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KL is ideal for budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML is better suited for users who demand faster performance, quicker charging, and a potentially superior camera experience, especially if they opt for the 4GB RAM variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Zenfone 2 Laser good for gaming?
The Zenfone 2 Laser is suitable for light gaming, but it may struggle with graphically intensive games due to its less powerful processor.
❓ Which Zenfone 2 has more RAM?
The Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) was available with either 2GB or 4GB of RAM, while the Zenfone 2 Laser (ZE500KL) typically came with 2GB.
❓ How does the charging speed compare?
The Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) supports 18W fast charging, allowing it to reach 60% battery capacity in approximately 40 minutes. The Zenfone 2 Laser (ZE500KL) has slower, standard charging.
