Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML vs OnePlus One: Technical comparison of the value-for-money smartphones

The recently released Asus Zenfone 2, which captured eyeballs due to its value-for-money nature and its three variants, caters to the requirements of users with varying budgets.

Technology enthusiasts have been talking about the Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML, which has been priced at $219 (£147). The handset is a mid-range device and offers technical specifications that complement its price tag.

While the Zenfone 2 draws comparison to other smartphones offering value-for-money, a prominent device in this category is the OnePlus One (released last year) that even today finds preference among users around the world.

Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML vs OnePlus One

Display

Asus Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) incorporates a comparatively bigger 5.5in IPS display with capacitive touchscreen and is protected by the Gorilla Glass 3 screen protector. This display has resolutions of 1080x1920 pixels; along with pixel density of approximately 403 PPI.

In contrast, OnePlus One also features an identical 5.5in screen along with resolutions of 1080x1920 pixels and pixel density of approximately 401 PPI. Like the Zenfone 2, the One is also protected by the Gorilla Glass 3 display protector.

Both the smartphones boast multitouch and 16 million colours.

While comparing the display of the two device, both the Asus Zenfone 2 and OnePlus One draw level as they offer a decent display to watch videos.

Hardware

The Zenfone 2 is driven by a 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom processor that varies based on the RAM configuration (Zenfone 2 is available in both 2GB as well as 4GB RAM variants). The 2GB RAM edition incorporates a relatively inferior 1.8GHz quad-core Intel Atom processor, while the 4GB RAM variant runs on a 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom processor.

On the other hand, OnePlus One is driven by a 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor; the smartphone also features 3GB RAM onboard.

The One emerges a clear winner here, as it offers comparatively faster computing speed due to its Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC, which is superior in comparison to the Intel Atom processor.

Memory

The Asus Zenfone 2 lets users choose between the 2GB and 4GB RAM variants, and also comes in three internal storage editions viz 16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants. The internal storage on the 16GB and 32GB variants can be expanded up to 64GB with the help of an external MicroSD card slot.

The OnePlus One lets users choose between a 16GB and 64GB internal storage variant having 3GB RAM by default. One lopsided aspect here is that the smartphone's internal storage area is fixed and there is no provision for expansion via external MicroSD card.

Hence, the Zenfone 2 tops OnePlus One as the former provides for more user content storage.

Camera

Asus' Zenfone 2 features a 13MP rear camera that comes along with a dual-LED flash and supports geo-tagging of images. The camera supports shooting 1080p videos at 30 frames per second (FPS). The handset also features a 5MP front camera.

The OnePlus One also sports a 13MP rear camera featuring dual-LED flash with image geo-tagging capabilities. The snapper supports shooting of 1080p videos at 60 FPS, 2160p videos at 30 FPS, 2160p (DCI) videos at 24 FPS and 720p videos at 120 FPS. The handset also features a 5MP front camera.

Battery

The Zenfone 2 packs in a fixed 3,000 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery, whereas the One incorporates a fixed 3100 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery which offers comparatively more talktime on 3G networks than the Zenfone 2.

Software

Asus' Zenfone 2 runs the more recent Android 5.0 (Lollipop) operating system with ZenUI on top, whereas the OnePlus One runs CyanogenMod 11S, which is built on Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating platform.

The Zenfone, with its latest Android experience is the clear winner here.

Price comparison

The OnePlus One is available in the UK for £294.16. In India, OnePlus can be purchased for INR 21,998 (£220). The device is also available online and can be purchased on Tuesday, without an invite.

Asus Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) is currently available for purchase online in Europe for €349 ($376, £254), and in the US for $219. In India, a 32GB variant of Asus Zenfone 2 Z3551ML is available for INR 19,000.

Recently, a 128GB internal storage variant of Asus Zenfone 2 (model number ZE551ML) was launched in India and will soon be available to buy online for INR 30,000.