The Asus Zenfone series has long been known for offering impressive features at affordable prices. Two popular contenders are the Zenfone 2 Laser and the Zenfone Selfie. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Zenfone Selfie edges out the Laser thanks to its slightly faster processor clock speeds and, crucially, its reputation for exceptional battery life. While both offer great value, the Selfie's camera focus and endurance make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 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, 3 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, September | 2015, June. Released 2015, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 152.5 x 77.2 x 10.8 mm (6.00 x 3.04 x 0.43 in) | 156.5 x 77.2 x 10.8 mm (6.16 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 4, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~68.3% 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 5.0 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), ZenUI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB 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, 28mm (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, 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 |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Red, Silver, Gold | Pure White, Chic Pink, Aqua Blue |
| Models | Z00LD, Z00LDD | Z00UD, Z00UDH, Z00UDC, Z00UDB |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 280 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -92.5dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 63h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 928:1 (nominal), 1.680 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 883Basemark X: 4915 |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -92.5dB |
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 63h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 928:1 (nominal), 1.680 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 65dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
| Performance | - | Basemark OS II 2.0: 883Basemark X: 4915 |
Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE550KL
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Slightly more compact design (potentially)
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Weaker battery life
- Less impressive camera
- Potentially slower chipset variant (Snapdragon 410)
Asus Zenfone Selfie ZD551KL
- Excellent battery life
- Stronger camera performance, especially for selfies
- Slightly faster processor clock speeds
- Good sunlight visibility
- Slightly higher price (potentially)
- Larger size
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch display, likely with similar resolutions (likely 720p or 1080p depending on the specific variant of the Laser). The contrast ratios are reported as 928:1 (nominal) and 1.680 (sunlight) for both, suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. However, the Selfie's display might have slightly better color accuracy due to potential calibration differences.
Camera Comparison
The Zenfone Selfie lives up to its name with a stronger emphasis on camera capabilities. While both offer decent photo and video quality, the Selfie likely has better front-facing camera hardware and software optimization for selfies. The Laser's camera is still capable, but not its primary strength.
Performance
Both devices utilize the Snapdragon 615 chipset, but the Selfie boasts slightly higher clock speeds (4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 vs 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 on the Laser). This translates to marginally better performance in demanding apps and games, though both are adequate for everyday tasks. The Laser's chipset variant (Snapdragon 410) is significantly slower.
Battery Life
The Zenfone Selfie shines in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 63 hours. This is a significant advantage over the Zenfone 2 Laser, which, while decent, doesn't match the Selfie's longevity. This makes the Selfie a better choice for heavy users.
Buying Guide
The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly lower price point and a more compact design. The Zenfone Selfie is ideal for those who heavily value camera performance and long battery life, especially selfie enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Zenfone Selfie has a slight edge due to its slightly faster processor, but neither phone is a powerhouse for demanding games. Both are suitable for casual gaming.
❓ Is the Zenfone 2 Laser still worth buying?
If you find a significantly cheaper deal on the Zenfone 2 Laser, it can still be a decent budget option. However, the Zenfone Selfie offers a more compelling overall package.
