Asus ZenFone 2
Asus Zenfone 2 set to be officially launched in the US Asus

The much expected Asus Zenfone 2, which was showcased at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2015), is now set to be officially launched in the US.

At this point in time, it is worth noting that Asus' original Zenfone series was not launched in the US, despite the fact that these handsets were considered to offer substantial value-for-money by people in other parts of the world.

Nonetheless, according to an Android Authority report that quotes an official media invite sent out by Asus, the Zenfone 2 range of smartphones will be officially launched in North America on 18 May.

Earlier, a factory unlocked variant of Asus Zenfone 2 (bearing model number ZE500CL) was listed as "open for sale" by Amazon US. However, this smartphone comes with no manufacturer warranty unlike an official launch/release, and this device incorporates 2GB RAM and offers 4G-LTE connectivity.

But, buyers are more likely to prefer an officially launched smartphone variant and hence the latest Asus Zenfone 2 US launch gains relevance.

Currently, Asus Zenfone 2 (comprises of smartphones in three variants) is launched in India where the device can be purchased for Rs 13,000 (£150, $204).

Why has the Zenfone 2 generated increased pre-launch hype?

The USP of Asus Zenfone 2 is that a variant of the smartphone series offers buyers a 4GB RAM, along with a pretty intuitive 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 processor. This combo generally allows users to run high-end games and also provides for a comparatively fast computing experience.

Also, with an approximate £150 ($2014) price tag, the Asus Zenfone 2 bearing model number ZE551ML offers comparatively high-end technical specifications that more than complements the smartphone's price tag.

Asus' Zenfone 2 series of smartphones, once officially released in retail stores across US, competes with various currently existing smartphones; out of which a predominant one is the Moto G (2014).

The OnePlus One is also potentially bound to face intense competition from Zenfone 2 smartphones as far as tech-specs and value-for-money offerings are concerned.

Read our technical comparison of Asus Zenfone 2 and Xiaomi's recent Mi 4i global smartphone.

Key technical specifications of Asus' Zenfone 2 series of smartphones

Asus Zenfone 2 comes in three variants viz ZE550ML, ZE551ML and ZE500CL, incorporating the following key hardware aspects:

Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML:

  • 5.5in IPS capacitive display; enclosed within Gorilla Glass 3, having resolution of 1080x1290
  • Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box, with Asus ZenUI on top
  • 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom processor within the 4GB RAM variant and 1.8GHZ quad-core Intel Atom processor within the 2GB variant
  • 13MP rear camera
  • 5MP front camera
  • 2 and 4GB RAM variants available to buyers
  • 16/32/64GB internal storage
  • MicroSD card slot for expansion of internal storage up to 64GB
  • 4G LTE, HSPA, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi and microUSB connectivity
  • Fixed 3,000 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery

Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML:

  • 5.5in IPS capacitive display, enclosed within Gorilla Glass 3, having resolutions of 720x1280
  • Android 5.0, with Asus ZenUI on top
  • 1.8GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor
  • 13MP rear camera
  • 5MP front camera
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16GB internal storage
  • MicroSD card slot for expansion of internal storage up to 64GB
  • 4G LTE, HSPA, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi and microUSB connectivity
  • Fixed 3,000 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery.

Asus Zenfone 2 ZE500CL:

    • 5in IPS capacitive display; enclosed within Gorilla Glass 3, having resolution of 720x1280
    • Android 5.0 Lollipop, with Asus ZenUI on top
    • 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2560 processor
    • 8MP rear camera
    • 2MP front camera
    • 2GB RAM
    • 16GB internal storage
    • MicroSD card slot for expansion of internal storage up to 64GB
    • 4G LTE, HSPA, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi and microUSB connectivity
    • Fixed 2,500 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery.

As of now, a 128GB internal storage variant of Asus Zenfone 2 (model number ZE551ML) has been launched in India and will soon be available to buy online for a price of Rs 30,000 (£311, $471).

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