Its name may be more than a mouthful, but the ZenFone 2 Deluxe Special Edition is here. Many of you have been waiting eagerly for this device because it is the granddaddy of the ZenFone 2 family. Let’s take a quick look at what’s inside.
Packaging – Who doesn’t love carbon fiber?
Before we roll out the red carpet, I wanted to compliment our design team on the packaging. It has a smooth carbon fiber wrapping and the ZenFone 2 Deluxe logo is stamped on the top along with words Special Edition on the angled corner. When we open up the packaging, we have the phone, charging adapter, extra back cover, and documentation. The team did a great job with this and it gives a really nice experience.
Hardware – More storage and more back covers!
Let’s get into the phone, shall we? In terms of the upgrades, the Special Edition features an extra 64GB of onboard storage (for a total of 128GB), that means you can take up to an extra 45,000 pictures! Also, everyone’s been asking about back covers, and how much they loved the Deluxe’s 3D back cover that changed from purple, to blue, and then teal. This time, the Special Edition offers TWO exclusive back covers! One has a sleek carbon-fiber styling that gives it that extra tough look. The other is a faceted style, like the Deluxe’s, but instead comes in a smooth and shiny metallic silver. It feels great in the hand and isn’t slippery.
Software – Red and Black is hot.
ZenUI has been revamped with a new look and it is SLICK. To go along with the red trim of the Special Edition, unique icons, wallpaper, and notification menu was created to complete the package. Each icon is outlined in red against a 3D-looking black disk and the application folders mimic the style. Note: Settings menu, dialer have stock ZenUI theme.
It’s a ZenFone 2, but special-er!
The original ZenFone 2 is still a great device for everyone because of the value it brings. And like the original, this Special Edition inherits the Dual-SIMs, 4GBs of RAM and the Intel® Atom™ Z3580 processor. What makes this device so awesome though is the updated styling, exclusive back covers, and twice the space for more of your games, pictures, videos, and data. For specs and where to buy links check it out below:
| ZE551ML-23-4G128G-SE | |
|---|---|
| OS | Android Lollipop 5.0 |
| Processor | Intel® Atom™ Quad Core Z3580 (2.3GHz), Power VR G6430, with OpenGL 3.0 support |
| Storage | 128GB with Micro SD Card slot support up to 64GB |
| RAM | LPDDR3 4GB RAM |
| Display | 1080x1920 FHD IPS (403 ppi) with Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh, non-removable battery |
| Camera | 13MP Camera f/2.0 aperature, dual-flash LED 5MP front-facing, wide-angle camera with f/2.0 aperature |
| Connectivity | 802.11ac, BT 4.0 |
| Cellular and Wireless Bands | GSM/EDGE: 850, 900,1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz WCDMA: Band 1/2/4/5/8 FDD-LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/17/20 |
| Network Compatibility | GSM Networks including AT&T, T-Mobile and providers utilizing GSM networks such as Straight Talk, MetroPCS, and Cricket Wireless |
| SIM Card | Dual micro-SIM - Primary SIM - 2G/3G/4G - Secondary SIM - 2G |
| Price | $399 |
| Where to Buy | - ASUS Store - Newegg - B&H - Amazon |
