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 |
That is SO hot.
I think I cried when I saw it.
SO DID I FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS THOUGH
Is it OK for you that your article was copied without stating the source?
http://www.asus.com/zentalk/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=55008&extra=&page=1
As much as I would love my article to be linked to other sites, I can’t control everyone! I think it’s awesome that people like it and want to post it elsewhere. If they can give me credit, that’d be wonderful though! 🙂
So you don’t care about your intellectual property?
This guy is using your work as his own.
But never mind. I just wanted to let you know about it.
I can understand why citing your source is beneficial for me, but I think it was done with good intentions and it’s on an ASUS property (ZenTalk). We’re all here to share knowledge, so it’s okay! 🙂
Hi khangThai,
Just a clarificatory statement, I made the post in zentalk and never categorically claimed it as my own but merely a copy paste of this article. Citing you and this link had not been included on the initial posting and apologies for that, but I acknowledge your link and name on the succeeding post on the same thread mentioned above by roadrunner.
Respectfully,
Spyboss888
It’s all good, and I believe you did it with good intentions! If you stay active over there, please do link me when you can 🙂 Thanks for being a great part of the community!
Correction I never claimed read again. Nice try making rumors around.
Just calm down and stop being a pleb. He’s distributing information. That’s it. What’s up your butt
It only has 4gb Ram. Won’t try it. Also carriers are not allowing people to bring their own equipment to them.
Hey Alex, what do you mean it ONLY has 4GB of RAM? That’s more than most phones out there! And this is an unlocked device, so you can take it to AT&T, T-Mobile or any other GSM carrier and buy a pre-paid plan and insert the SIM. But hey, to each their own.
I’ve tried to do that with T-Mobile, boost mobile, Sprint,and AT&T. They refuse to make their Sims work with an unlocked phone.
First, sprint and T-mobile/At&T are CDMA and GSM, respectively. Phones won’t work on the same network. This phone is purely GSM. What carrier are you currently using? If you’re currently a Sprint customer, you’d need to ask them to release your number when you’re at a T-mobile/AT&T location, and then you can pay for a pre-paid GSM SIM. Then you just stick it in your phone and it should work. Carriers are becoming device agnostic, especially with all these unlocked phones becoming more popular. For instance, how would people who purchase Nexus devices from the Google Play store be able to use them on different carriers? They do it buy purchasing a pre-paid plan, a SIM and then sticking it into their SIM card slot.
I’ll try asking for a gsm sim. I’m with boost and they won’t activate a sim for my unlocked Samsung galaxy note.
Boost mobile is a CDMA carrier using Sprint’s network. This phone won’t work with it. You need to get your number ported over to another GSM carrier, like MetroPCS, T-Mo, or AT&T.
Starting to make sense, eh? Haha Yeah… Who wants to try a garbage phone with 4GB of Ram? Pish Posh.
@Nick Pelmonter = BRAVO!!!!!!
Thinking this Kid might just need to speak to Mommy & Daddy, before he gets too anxious
for something an adult “with credit” needs to sign for. By then…8GB will be the norm.
@Khang Thai = You’re gonna have to start practicing, dodging TROLLS 🙂
BTW: Great Article
Hi Alex I bought a unlocked zenfone 2 and went to Tmobile and got a sim card and services so it can be done unless they changed their policy. If I were you I would call Tmobile customer support or go to their website someone at the store may be jerking you around.
Consumer cellular, an AARP recommend carrier wants you to bring your own favorite phone even though they have some to sell very inexpensive too. You can get their SIM cards for $10 at Target.
Their plans are extremely low priced with a further discount for AARP members. Nilsson rates them #1 in consumer satisfaction. I’m getting my own Zenphone and join them next month! 2 phones, unlimited talk & text with 3 GB of data for $89.50 (AARP discount) and no contract. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
By the way, if you buy a SIM card at Target, Consumer Cellular will credit you back $10 on your first bill. Otherwise, call them and they will send you a SIM card by mail for free with free activation.
Do the dual sims operate simultaneously? I have two phones (work and personal). The older generation dual sim phones only allowed one sim to ring through with calls or texts at a time. I don’t want to miss improtant personal calls/texts while I’m working on my work number… I’m all over this if both my numbers can ring/text through to my phone at any time.
The SIMs will operate simultaneously, meaning, you’ll be able to receive calls on both SIMs. However, only SIM1 supports data. My fiancee can call, text through both, but MMS needs to go through SIM1. So she’ll run her work line there and then SIM2 will be her personal.
Does it work with Tracfone?
Hi Ruby,
If Tracfone gives you a GSM SIM, then it should!
I’ve had the deluxe model for about 2 months now. Best and fastest phone I’ve ever had. Pictures are really good considering. 4gb is a lot for a phone and their are only a few others out that match that. Many competed don’t even have that. All my co-workers are jealous when I show them what it can do and tell them that I got it for just over $300 brand new on eBay. Sure beats $700 for a new Samsung or iPhone. I steal have my s3 though. Lol. Great article! #TeamAsus #TeamZenphone2
Thank you so much Erv!
This article and comments are a joke right? 2 changeable back cover.
Red and Black interface?
Are you guys kidding?
Hey Pav, what do you mean?
Sorry for the lack of being tech savvy on this one, but does this phone work on the US Verizon network? I can’t switch carriers, but I’d love to buy this phone to replace my Samsung Galaxy S3. Yes, I know – I’m living in the Land of the Lost.
No worries! We’re all here to learn! Unfortunately, the ZenFone family uses a GSM provider like AT&T and T-Mobile. Maybe someday we’ll make a CDMA version that works on Verizon!
I had the zen fone2,and loved it.. If anyone needs a cheap but reliable carrier I recommend Cricket wireless. All I did was take my SIM card out of my POS…MOTO G and install it in the Zen fone2 didn’t even have to call or vist a dealer.. My only problem was the screen broke from a 3ft fall, with a case on it.. I’ve never had a screen brake so easily.. Hope the special edition is more durable.
Bad Ass! However, in today’s market $400.00 might be a little much.
Does this phone work on Verizon?
Sorry, no… Just GSM networks!
The real important issue is how loud is it. I can barrely hear my phone and it’s a real pain using in in the outside world or in a vehicle
YES – MAKE A CDMA A.S.A.P! Verizon – best network coverage in US hands down.
I wish they would realize that there best marketing in the US would be to get this on Verizon. I would buy this in a heartbeat if it was on a network that is worth its salt.
I found this article by following a link in an email. The email indicated that the battery for this phone is removable. However the specs cited in your article state the following,
“Battery 3,000 mAh, non-removable battery”
So is the battery removable or not?
Thanks!
Hi there! The ZenFone 2 Deluxe Special Edition (whew!) has a non-removable battery. The phone WITH the removable battery is our ZenFone 2 Laser.
So the dual sims, do those have to be the same Company or not? I have a phone through at&the and another through t-mobile. Can I run them both at the same time, on the same phone?
They don’t have to be from the same company! 🙂 just put the SIM that you want to run data from into SIM 1.
So when you say , “run data”, does that refer to all Cellular data? So, if someone tries to send me a picture or video to my SIM2, it won’t go? If so, that would mean that SIM2 was basically only good for calls and SMS text messaging, yes?
Absolutely correct.
Khang Thai – Tell me the expected battery life of the ZenFone 2 Special Edition. I am eager to get mine this next week and have not heard much about that.
The battery life will be comparable to the regular ZenFone 2. Remember, battery life will be affected by your usage scenario, so if you’re in an area with consistently great reception, and you’re a light to moderate user, you could easily get 1.5 days of battery life and maybe 4-5 hours of Screen On Time. Currently, I get about 2-3 hours of Screen On Time, but in my area, T-mobile isn’t that strong.
Do you know if there will ever be any plans for these phones to unlock VoLte and band 12. Much of the aera where i live the only signal that reaches is band 12 for tmobile. I would hope plans are made for this since att plans to pick up band 12 as well. Definatly would pick one of these up if it became unlocked on them.
Hi Dash, there hasn’t been any official word regarding band 12. I understand that this frequency is important for T-mobile users. I’ll check in with HQ 🙂
hi evry one iv had my zenfon ze551ml deluxe 4gb ram 32gb in sd 128gb from ebay and it come from taiwan yer i no theres my mistake, so iv it for a month and have had nothing but trouble with it never have i got a new phone jam packed with so meany BUGS all ready dune tow factory resets to much to meanstion. one update wich fixed old problems but was very cyend to lode me with new one good job asus it is so slow on internet but your adamant that its got 4gb ram so far all iv got is 4gb off ramit up your asus you say but its so cheap pretty expensive paper wait so far is anyone else getting the same BS
Hi Carl,
The ZE551ML ZenFone 2 Deluxe is an awesome device and I’m sorry that you’re having so many issues with it. Can you let us know what you are experiencing in terms of bugs? I don’t seem to run into any issues. Wi-fi slow? Check your ISP…what is your download/upload speed? Download the app Speedtest.net and see what your results are.
Can the theme be downloaded on Zenfone 2 Laser? Thank you.
[…] Source MyZen […]
may I know this phone already launch in Malaysia??
which branch can I go to get this phone??
tq
[…] l’a rĂ©vĂ©lĂ© myZen , l’ un des panneaux arrière offre une texture en fibres de carbone, tandis que […]
Do any of the ZenFones support NFC?
Thanks
Can the 3D polygon back cover be changed? Are back covers with colours Purple and Blue available for purchase? If Yes please provide a Link for Purchase!
Can the 3D polygon back cover be changed? Are back covers with colours Purple and Blue available for purchase? If Yes please provide a Link for Purchase!
wow very cool design and its features, I want to have it