The Asus Zenfone 2 series offered incredible value back in its day. But with two popular models – the Zenfone 2 Laser (ZE550KL) and the Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) – choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZE551ML generally edges out the Laser due to its significantly faster Intel processor and quicker charging. However, the Laser's Snapdragon 615 variant offers a more consistent performance profile. Ultimately, the ZE551ML provides a better overall experience, especially for those prioritizing speed.
| 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, 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 10.8 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 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~70.8% 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) | 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)Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm) | Intel Atom Z3580 (4 GB RAM model)Intel Atom Z3560 (2 GB RAM model) |
| GPU | Adreno 306Adreno 405 | 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 | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, 60% in 40 min |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Red, Silver, Gold | Osmium Black, Sheer Gold, Glacier Gray, Glamor Red, Ceramic White |
| Models | Z00LD, Z00LDD | Z00AD, Z00A |
| Price | About 220 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 ZE550KL
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Consistent performance (Snapdragon 615 variant)
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Slower processor compared to ZE551ML
- No fast charging
- 720p display resolution is lower
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML
- Faster Intel processor
- 18W fast charging
- Slightly better color calibration (potentially)
- 4GB RAM option available
- Can be more difficult to find
- Potentially higher price (if available)
- Intel Atom processors can sometimes have driver issues
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch 720p (HD) IPS display. While the resolution isn't the sharpest by today's standards, the IPS panel provides decent viewing angles and color reproduction. The ZE551ML might have slightly better color calibration, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is comparable, with decent detail in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average on both devices. The ZE551ML might have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful processor.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The ZE551ML boasts an Intel Atom Z3580 (or Z3560) processor, which is noticeably faster than the Snapdragon 410 or 615 found in the Laser. The ZE551ML's quad-core 2.3 GHz (or 1.8 GHz) CPU provides a smoother multitasking experience and quicker app loading times. The Laser's Snapdragon 615 variant (with its octa-core processor) can offer decent performance in some scenarios, but it's generally less consistent.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 3000mAh battery and boast an endurance rating of 59 hours. The ZE551ML's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing it to reach 60% charge in just 40 minutes – a feature absent in the Laser.
Buying Guide
The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE550KL is a good choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize a slightly more consistent performance and don't need the absolute fastest speeds. The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML is ideal for users who want a faster processor, quicker charging, and are willing to spend a bit more (if you can find one in good condition).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Intel Atom processor in the ZE551ML better than the Snapdragon in the Laser?
Generally, yes. The Intel Atom Z3580/Z3560 offers significantly faster performance for most tasks compared to the Snapdragon 410/615 in the Laser.
❓ Are spare parts still available for these phones?
Finding spare parts for these older models can be challenging. Availability varies depending on the component and your location. It's best to check with online retailers and local repair shops.
