Asus ZenFone 6 on time replaced the fifth model. The camera that caused the criticism and battery life are completely fixed. Before us is a decent gadget, devoid of obvious flaws, but having many advantages. Stylish look, not the most top-notch, but actual filling, thoughtful software. ZenFone 6 is a device you can fall in love with.
Design
The appearance of the device is respectful. It is not full of unusual elements, on the contrary, it is deliberately strict, but very cute. It fits into the hand like a glove, does not slip out, the center of gravity is perfectly matched. Thanks to the thin 6 ”frames, the device is not bulky.
The smartphone on the front side has a six-inch IPS screen. It is reliably protected by the latest generation of Gorilla Glass 3. From above, the designers placed in the center a thin silver speaker grid, the Asus logo. On the right is a 1.2 megapixel camera for selfie and video calls, an event sensor. Left - proximity sensors, lighting. Under the screen there are 3 familiar touch buttons, they, unfortunately, are not highlighted. A milled metal insert with a rainbow effect stands out below.
The back panel, rounded to the side ends, is decorated with a distinguished Asus logo “for metal”. The cover is polycarbonate. Although not glossy, wet fingerprints are noticeable. In the upper half, in the center, a large peephole of a 12.6 megapixel camera and an LED flash peek out. The smartphone runs on an Intel processor, as evidenced by a proprietary sticker. From below, a speaker grill spreads along the entire length. The back cover opens tight.
Function buttons and connectors
On the right side of Asus ZenFone 6, the developers decided to make the volume rocker and the power off / lock key. The left side is not involved in useful features. An additional microphone and a headset jack (3.5 mm) are mounted on top of the smartphone. At the bottom there is a highly sensitive main microphone and a service MicroUSB connector. Under the cover are 2 slots for micro sim cards, 1 slot for an SD card.
Screen
The 6 ”display is equipped with an IPS matrix with a small pixel size (320 dpi). Resolution: 1280x720 pixels (HD). These are not record values, but the picture quality is excellent. But such a screen saves battery power. New matrix manufacturing technology eliminates air gap. The colors as a result are conveyed very juicy, at large angles. Image is not inverted.
Testing
After the acquisition of the model, hundreds of professionals and thousands of fans conducted many tests on the performance of the Asus ZenFone 6. Reviews are the most enthusiastic. According to the popular AnTuTu program, the performance rating is “excellent” with values over 23,000 points. For work and games, speed is enough.
The benchmark "Epic Citadel" shows high graphics performance: average FPS = 59-60.
3dMark Ice Storm test:
- standard 720 = 8031;
- ultimate = 7236;
- extreme = 4624.
Technical specifications Asus ZenFone 6
The Android 4.3 operating system was originally installed with a future update to 4.4. Asus releases regular updates. The Intel Z2580 Atom processor is dual-core. It operates at a frequency of 2000 Hz. RAM: 2GB. Space for files, programs: 8 or 16GB + SD card. The 400M PowerVR GPU SGX 544MP2 is also dual-core.
Asus ZenFone 6 is available, depending on the country of destination, with 8 and 16 GB of memory. Only Asus ZenFone 6 16gb is officially delivered to Russia, Ukraine, the CIS. We continue the review by checking the battery. Its capacity is 3300 mAh. The design is not removable.
The GPS module quickly finds and tenaciously holds satellites, including the Russian Glonass system. Cold start 15-30 sec. It is enough to purchase a special holder, and the smartphone turns into an excellent navigator. Glass almost does not glare, the picture is not inverted at an angle.
The Asus ZenFone 6 smartphone has the following built-in:
- sensitive accelerometer;
- orientation sensor (already calibrated);
- excellent gyroscope;
- sound sensor;
- proximity sensor;
- light sensor;
- a real compass based on a magnetic sensor.
Gaming Performance
In productive racing simulators, graphics demonstrate aerobatics. Not a hint of slowdowns, the picture is smooth. The accelerometer and gyroscope work out "excellent", fixing the slightest displacement of the smartphone body. It is in these games that users want to play.
Dynamic shooters, fighters also show live graphics. It is unlikely that there are games that can overload the Asus ZenFone 6. Asus has demonstrated that a high-performance system can be built on the basis of only a dual-core processor and not the most powerful graphics chip. The specific Intel Atom architecture, 2 gigabytes of RAM, high-quality components, regularly updated software make a positive contribution.
There are also flaws in Asus ZenFone 6. Reviews indicate that if you play for a long time, the device heats up significantly. This fact does not affect work. Also, users complain about the difficulties with installing the popular game "GTA SA".
Multimedia
The six-inch Asus ZenFone 6 display is a godsend for moviegoers. The smartphone easily pulls movies in HD, Full HD formats with high bitrate sound. It’s comfortable to watch videos thanks to the combination of a productive processor and a matrix without an air gap.
The speaker is not a trump card of the Asus ZenFone 6. Reviews speak of the inability to produce a loud, rich sound. For a home disco is not good. At maximum volume, wheezing is heard. It is recommended to use the “Sound Tuning Wizard” application to optimally configure the speaker for specific tasks:
- record;
- speech;
- music;
- film;
- games.
However, for a speakerphone, a ringtone, watching videos, it is enough. It is more pleasant to listen to music through branded headphones.
Camera
Without exaggeration, the main built-in 12.6 megapixel camera with autofocus produces some of the best quality shots among smartphones of the same price category. Captures excellent FullHD video. Autofocus is fast. The photo program will delight you with many presets for a variety of shooting modes. Even a child, choosing the appropriate mode, will catch a good frame on the Asus ZenFone 6. A review of the photos taken leads to the idea that top-end smartphones have not just equaled, but have surpassed compact digital cameras in video quality.
Provides panoramic shooting, timer, mode in low light. You can make thumbnails, highlight in the frame, a simple photo montage. The Depth of Field feature allows you to highlight the foreground and blur the background. "Improvement" will make the photo more contrast, sharp. From several frames you can make GIF animation.
The front camera 1.2 MP other tasks. She is able to capture her beloved, make a video call, chat on Skype and other programs that broadcast streaming video.
Working hours
The battery capacity of 3300 mAh is far from record. Already produced models of more than 5000 mAh. But such a capacity allows you to maintain parity between size / weight and working time. With moderate use (calls, SMS, Skype, the Internet, reading, a few games and movies), the Asus ZenFone 6 mobile phone lives for two days without recharging. In saving mode and minimum calls - 2.5-3 days. If you continuously play resource-intensive games, the charge will last for 3-4 hours. Watching movies (including online in HD format) - up to 10 hours. Talk time - 32-34 hours.
Asus ZenFone 6: a review of the software shell
The device is not naked Android. It is complemented by the Asus Zen Ui signature shell. The interface is convenient. There is a classic menu with desktops, programs, widgets. Additionally, on the desktops, you can create folders with programs. Moreover, the folder looks like thumbnails with the files placed in it (up to four). Redesigned notification menu. It is more informative, colorful, convenient. The upper part is occupied by frequently used applications (flashlight, calculator, memory cleaning, notes). Below are utilities (Wi-Fi, GPS, screen brightness, and others).
Installed a whole bunch of branded programs from Asus. A gallery with a non-standard interface, a calendar, notes, a mirror (one-click displays your own image through the front camera), the inclusion of power-saving mode, mail, quick screen settings and a dozen others.
Convenient function of switching to control mode with one hand. The menu moves to the right (left) under the thumb manipulation. In fact, the size of the display is reduced. You can choose the resolution of 4.3 ”, 4.5” or 4.7 ”. Reduced icons do not cause problems, since the response is very accurate.
The Asus ZenFone 6 cell phone is endowed with the “Work with Gloves” feature. This mode is very useful for Russian winters. Touching gloves is determined in 80% of cases. Compared to other devices - a step forward.
Call menu redesigned. Right in it you can choose which SIM card to call. When making a call, the central panel is occupied by the subscriber’s photo, number and 9 icons with useful functions (speakerphone, call recording, reset, notes, etc.).
Reviews: Pros
- Large screen with high-quality image. Responsive sensor. Juicy bright colors. Convenient management. It is convenient to read books, magazines in pdf, watch videos, pictures.
- Two sim cards.
- Nice design. High-quality assembly, there are no backlashes.
- Intuitive proprietary shell.
- Tenacious battery. With normal use, holds 3-4 days.
- Nice camera. The ability to quickly shoot.
- High performance, not typical for 2 core processors with a frequency of 2 Hz.
- You can work with gloves.
- 6 hours in navigator mode without recharging. Quickly finds satellites. Hybrid GPS-Glonass system.
Reviews: Cons
- The sizes, weight do not allow to carry comfortably in pockets.
- The back cover slides, it opens tight, making it difficult to access the memory card and two SIM cards. With frequent opening, a gap appears in the area of the headset. The case near the camera heats up under load.
- The Intel Atom processor consumes more power than its competitors, while delivering better performance.
- The speaker volume is not enough. The call is weak.
- No OTG support. It is impossible to connect to a computer as a flash drive.
- Some menu items forgot to translate.
Conclusion
ZenFone 6 leaves the impression of a holistic device. Each element is thought out. If the screen is not the most top resolution, then only to increase the operating time. 2 cores in combination with high-quality components work better than some devices with 16 cores. The Intel Atom architecture helps the graphics chip , providing smooth playback of "heavy" games and videos. The camera is quite capable of replacing budget cameras. You quickly get used to the software shell, and you don’t want to switch to the standard one. Of the minuses: the external speaker pumped up a bit, and I would like a more powerful battery, there are no new-fangled NFC, LTE, five-gigahertz Wi-Fi range. Overall rating - a strong five in the middle price category. The price of Asus ZenFone 6 is from 9990 rubles (16 GB).