Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE550KL vs ZE551KL: A Detailed Comparison

The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser series offered incredible value back in its day. But with two similar models – the ZE550KL and ZE551KL – choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The ZE551KL generally edges out the ZE550KL thanks to its slightly faster processor clock speeds. While both offer a great experience for the price, the ZE551KL's improved performance makes it the preferable choice, especially for multitasking and slightly more demanding apps. However, availability and price will be key factors.

PHONES
Phone Names	Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE550KL	Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE551KL

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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - Global	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20
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, September	2015, November. Released 2015, November
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	152.5 x 77.2 x 10.8 mm (6.00 x 3.04 x 0.43 in)	152.4 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)	170.1 g (6.00 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 4	Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 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 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm)Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm)	Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm)
GPU	Adreno 306Adreno 405	Adreno 405
OS	Android 5.0 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), ZenUI	Android 5 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.1 (Marshmallow), ZenUI 2

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM	16GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
	eMMC 4.5	eMMC 4.5

Main Camera
Features	Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR	Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Single	13 MP, f/2.0	13 MP, f/2.0
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	4.1, A2DP, aptX
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Type	Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable	Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable

Misc
Colors	Black, White, Red, Silver, Gold	Silver
Models	Z00LD, Z00LDD	Z00TD
Price	About 220 EUR	About 180 EUR

Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE550KL

Large 5.5-inch display
Decent camera with laser autofocus
Good battery life
Affordable price (if found)

Potentially slower performance depending on chipset variant (410 vs 615)
Older device, limited software updates

Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE551KL

Slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 615 with higher clock speeds)
Good battery life
Decent camera with laser autofocus
Larger community support (potentially)

Older device, limited software updates
Availability may be limited
Performance not flagship-level

Display Comparison

Both models feature a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD). While the panel technology is identical, slight variations in color calibration might exist between units. Expect vibrant colors and decent viewing angles on both.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a 13MP rear camera with laser autofocus and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is generally comparable, with decent detail in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average for the time. The laser autofocus helps with quicker focusing, but don't expect flagship-level camera performance.

Performance

The key difference lies in the chipset. The ZE550KL initially shipped with either a Snapdragon 410 or a Snapdragon 615. The ZE551KL consistently uses the Snapdragon 615. Even more importantly, the ZE551KL boasts slightly higher clock speeds on its Cortex-A53 cores (1.7 GHz vs 1.5 GHz for the 615 in the ZE550KL and 1.2 GHz for the 410). This translates to a noticeable, albeit not massive, performance boost in everyday use and gaming.

Battery Life

Both devices are equipped with a 3000mAh battery. Battery life is generally good, offering a full day of moderate use. The slightly improved performance of the ZE551KL might lead to marginally faster battery drain under heavy load, but the difference is minimal.

Buying Guide

The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE550KL is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize a large screen and decent camera. It's suitable for basic tasks, social media, and casual gaming. The ZE551KL is better suited for users who want a bit more performance for multitasking, smoother app usage, and slightly better gaming experiences, provided you can find one at a reasonable price.