The Asus Zenfone series has long been known for offering impressive features at affordable prices. Two popular contenders in this lineup are the Zenfone 2 Laser (ZE500KL) and the Zenfone Go (ZB552KL). But which one reigns supreme in the budget phone arena?
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core processor, but the Zenfone Go generally offers a slightly better overall experience due to its improved display and potentially better camera software. The Laser might have a slight edge in storage options, but the Go's larger screen makes it more appealing for media consumption. It's a close call!
| 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 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - Global | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - Global |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2017, May. Released 2017, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 143.7 x 71.5 x 10.5 mm (5.66 x 2.81 x 0.41 in) | 153.4 x 76.4 x 10.9 mm (6.04 x 3.01 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) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 306 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), ZenUI | Android 6 (Marshmallow), ZenUI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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, AF |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 480 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 16 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 2400 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Ceramic White/Silver/Purple/Aqua Blue/Sheer Gold/Glamour Red | Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Glamor Red, Sheer Gold, Glacier Gray, Silver Blue |
| Models | Z00ED | X007D, X007DA |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KL
- Potentially more RAM options
- Compact size
- Good value for money
- Smaller battery
- Slightly less impressive display
- Camera may be slightly inferior
Asus Zenfone Go ZB552KL
- Larger display for media consumption
- Longer battery life
- Potentially better camera software
- Larger size may not be ideal for everyone
- Performance similar to Laser
Display Comparison
The Zenfone Go boasts a 5.5-inch display compared to the Laser's 5-inch screen. While both are HD (720p), the larger size of the Go's display provides a more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are generally comparable, though the Go's slightly larger size can make it feel more modern.
Camera Comparison
The Zenfone Go often featured improved camera software and potentially a slightly better sensor, resulting in marginally better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both phones typically have a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Video recording capabilities are similar on both.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chipset and a 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU. Performance will be very similar in everyday tasks like browsing and social media. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or demanding gaming capabilities from either phone. RAM configurations varied, with the Laser often having more RAM options.
Battery Life
The Zenfone Go generally has a larger battery capacity (typically 2800mAh vs. the Laser's 2070mAh), leading to longer battery life. This is a significant advantage for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KL is a good choice for users prioritizing storage space and potentially a slightly more compact form factor. The Asus Zenfone Go ZB552KL is better suited for those who value a larger display for watching videos and browsing, and potentially a more refined camera experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in RAM between the Zenfone 2 Laser and Zenfone Go?
The Zenfone 2 Laser often had more RAM options available, sometimes up to 4GB, while the Zenfone Go typically offered 2GB. This could impact multitasking performance.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is particularly well-suited for demanding games. Both are capable of running less intensive games, but performance will be limited by the Snapdragon 410 chipset.
