Asus ZenFone 3 Laser

amazon Asus ZenFone 3 Laser reviews

Design and Build Quality

The Asus ZenFone 3 Laser features a sleek and modern design, which was a significant step up from its predecessor, the ZenFone 2 Laser. The phone is constructed with a metal body that gives it a premium feel, a surprising quality for a device in its price range at the time of release. The metal back has a matte finish that not only looks elegant but also provides a good grip, reducing the likelihood of accidental drops.

The device measures 149 x 76 x 7.9 mm and weighs 150 grams, making it relatively lightweight and easy to handle. The phone’s slim profile and rounded edges contribute to its ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold even for extended periods. The placement of the power and volume buttons on the right side of the device is intuitive, and they offer good tactile feedback.

On the front of the device, the ZenFone 3 Laser sports a 5.5-inch display with relatively thin bezels on the sides. The top bezel houses the front-facing camera, earpiece, and sensors, while the bottom bezel contains the capacitive navigation buttons, which are unfortunately not backlit, making them hard to see in low-light conditions.

The rear of the device is where you’ll find the standout feature: the laser autofocus module, which is positioned next to the camera lens. Below the camera setup, there’s a fingerprint sensor, which is rectangular in shape and slightly recessed, making it easy to locate by touch. The sensor is quick and responsive, unlocking the device in a fraction of a second.

The bottom of the device features a microUSB port for charging and data transfer, flanked by a single speaker grille. The inclusion of a microUSB port instead of the more modern USB-C standard was a point of criticism at the time, as many competitors were already transitioning to USB-C. The top edge of the device houses a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that has become increasingly rare in newer smartphones but remains essential for many users.

Overall, the design and build quality of the Asus ZenFone 3 Laser are impressive for a mid-range device. The metal construction, slim profile, and ergonomic design make it a pleasure to use, even if it lacks some of the modern design elements found in more recent smartphones.

Display

The Asus ZenFone 3 Laser is equipped with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. The Full HD resolution was standard for mid-range devices at the time, offering a good balance between sharpness and battery efficiency.

The display on the ZenFone 3 Laser is bright and vibrant, with good color reproduction and viewing angles. The IPS panel ensures that colors remain accurate even when viewed from different angles, making it suitable for watching videos and playing games. The display is also sufficiently bright for outdoor use, though direct sunlight can cause some glare and make the screen harder to read.

One of the standout features of the display is the inclusion of 2.5D curved glass, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the device but also makes swiping and navigating the screen feel more natural. The glass is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which provides a reasonable level of durability against scratches and minor drops, though it isn’t as robust as the latest versions of Gorilla Glass found on more modern devices.

The touchscreen is responsive and accurate, with multi-touch support for up to 10 fingers. This makes it ideal for gaming and other touch-intensive applications. Asus also includes a feature called “Bluelight Filter” in the display settings, which reduces blue light emission to reduce eye strain during prolonged use, especially at night.

However, while the display is generally good, it isn’t without its drawbacks. The contrast levels are decent but not as deep as those found on AMOLED panels, which means blacks appear more like dark grays. Additionally, the color accuracy, while good, could be better calibrated out of the box, as colors can sometimes appear slightly oversaturated.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the display on the Asus ZenFone 3 Laser offers a good viewing experience for its price range. It’s sharp, bright, and large enough to enjoy media content, making it one of the better displays available in mid-range smartphones from its era.

Performance

Under the hood, the Asus ZenFone 3 Laser is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor, an octa-core chipset clocked at 1.4 GHz. This is paired with either 2 GB or 4 GB of RAM, depending on the variant, and the device comes with 32 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card up to 256 GB.

The Snapdragon 430 is a budget-oriented chipset, and while it is not a powerhouse by any means, it offers sufficient performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. The octa-core architecture allows for decent multitasking, especially on the 4 GB RAM variant, though the 2 GB variant may struggle with more demanding applications.

In terms of real-world performance, the ZenFone 3 Laser handles basic tasks with ease. Apps open relatively quickly, and the user interface feels smooth during general navigation. However, when pushing the device with more intensive tasks like gaming or heavy multitasking, the limitations of the Snapdragon 430 become apparent. Games like “Asphalt 8” and “Modern Combat 5” are playable but require lower graphics settings to maintain smooth gameplay. More demanding titles or prolonged gaming sessions may result in noticeable frame drops and occasional stuttering.

The Adreno 505 GPU handles graphics duties and is adequate for mid-range gaming. It can handle casual games and older 3D titles without much trouble, but it struggles with more graphically intensive games, especially those that have been released in the years following the phone’s launch.

Benchmark results reflect the phone’s mid-range performance. On AnTuTu, the ZenFone 3 Laser scores around 43,000 to 45,000 points, placing it firmly in the budget-to-mid-range category. While this may not seem impressive by today’s standards, it was competitive in its price range at the time of release.

One area where the ZenFone 3 Laser excels is in heat management. The metal body does a good job of dissipating heat, and even during extended gaming sessions or heavy usage, the device remains comfortably cool to the touch. This is a testament to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 430 and the design of the device.

Overall, the performance of the Asus ZenFone 3 Laser is adequate for most users who require a smartphone for basic tasks and casual use. It is not designed for power users or heavy gamers, but it holds its own in the mid-range segment, offering a smooth and reliable experience for its target audience.

Software

The Asus ZenFone 3 Laser runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box, with Asus’s custom ZenUI 3.0 skin layered on top. ZenUI is known for its heavy customization and added features, which can be a double-edged sword depending on user preference.

ZenUI 3.0 brings a host of additional features and customization options that differentiate it from stock Android. The interface is visually distinct, with colorful icons, custom fonts, and a variety of themes that allow users to personalize their device. The launcher offers extensive options for customization, including icon packs, scroll effects, and grid sizes, giving users control over the look and feel of their home screen.

One of the standout features of ZenUI is the “ZenMotion” gesture control. This feature allows users to quickly access apps and functions by drawing specific gestures on the screen while the device is off. For example, drawing a “C” on the screen can open the camera, while drawing an “M” can launch the messaging app. These gestures are customizable, adding a layer of convenience for users who prefer shortcuts.

Another useful feature is “Game Genie,” a gaming enhancement tool that offers in-game features such as a screen recorder, performance booster, and a “Do Not Disturb” mode to prevent interruptions during gameplay. Game Genie is a thoughtful addition for gamers, providing tools to enhance the gaming experience.

Asus also includes a range of pre-installed apps, known as “bloatware,” which has been a point of contention for many users. While some of these apps, such as “Mobile Manager” for system optimization and “ZenFit” for health tracking, are useful, others may be redundant or unnecessary for some users. Fortunately, most of these apps can be disabled or uninstalled if not needed.

ZenUI 3.0 also introduces a feature called “SnapView,” which allows users to create a separate, password-protected workspace for private apps and files. This feature is particularly useful for users who share their device with others or want to keep their work and personal data separate.

Despite the rich feature set, ZenUI has its drawbacks. The heavy customization can sometimes lead to a cluttered and overwhelming interface, especially for users who prefer the simplicity of stock Android. Additionally, the layer of customization can sometimes impact the overall performance of the device, causing occasional lags and slowdowns, especially on the lower RAM variant. The software can also feel a bit bloated due to the number of pre-installed apps, some of which might never be used by the average user.

One of the major criticisms of the ZenFone 3 Laser at launch was its use of Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, as Android 7.0 Nougat had already been released. Although Asus did eventually roll out the Nougat update for the ZenFone 3 Laser, the update cycle was slow, and the device did not receive as many software updates as some of its competitors. This lack of timely updates could be a concern for users who prioritize having the latest security patches and features.

Despite these drawbacks, ZenUI 3.0 does offer a good deal of functionality and customization for users who enjoy tweaking their device to suit their preferences. The software experience is generally smooth, and the added features, such as gesture controls and Game Genie, are welcome additions that enhance the overall usability of the device.

Camera

One of the key selling points of the Asus ZenFone 3 Laser is its camera, particularly the laser autofocus system that promises quick and accurate focusing. The phone is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture, a dual-LED (dual-tone) flash, and, of course, the laser autofocus system. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture, designed for selfies and video calls.

Rear Camera

The 13 MP rear camera on the ZenFone 3 Laser is capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. The images produced are generally sharp, with good color reproduction and contrast. The laser autofocus system works as advertised, allowing the camera to lock focus quickly, even in challenging conditions. This makes it easier to capture fast-moving subjects or take photos in low light where traditional contrast-detection autofocus systems might struggle.

The camera app offers a variety of shooting modes, including Auto, Manual, HDR, Beautification, Super Resolution, Low Light, and more. The Manual mode, in particular, is a highlight, allowing users to adjust settings such as ISO, white balance, shutter speed, and focus, giving more control to photography enthusiasts. The Super Resolution mode stitches multiple images together to create a single high-resolution photo, which can be useful for capturing intricate details, although it requires a steady hand to avoid motion blur.

In good lighting, the camera performs well, capturing detailed and vibrant images. However, in low-light conditions, the camera’s performance starts to decline. While the laser autofocus helps with focusing in low light, the images tend to be noisy, and the detail level drops significantly. The Low Light mode helps to some extent by reducing the resolution to 3 MP and increasing the exposure time, but it doesn’t completely solve the issue.

HDR mode is effective at balancing out highlights and shadows in high-contrast scenes, but it can sometimes over-process the image, leading to an unnatural look. The dual-LED flash is useful for illuminating subjects in the dark, but like most smartphone flashes, it has a limited range and can create harsh lighting.

Front Camera

The 8 MP front camera on the ZenFone 3 Laser is capable of taking decent selfies, especially in well-lit environments. The Beautification mode offers a range of options to smooth skin, enhance eyes, and adjust facial features, which can be fun to play around with, though the results can sometimes look artificial if overused.

The front camera also supports HDR, which helps in situations where the background is much brighter than the subject, such as when taking selfies against a bright sky or a window. The quality of the front camera is adequate for video calls and social media posts, but like the rear camera, it struggles in low-light conditions, where noise becomes more prominent, and the image quality drops.

Video Recording

The Asus ZenFone 3 Laser can record video at up to 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. The video quality is decent, with good color accuracy and detail in well-lit environments. The laser autofocus system helps maintain focus on moving subjects, which is a plus for video recording.

However, the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) means that videos can be shaky, especially when recorded while moving. The electronic image stabilization (EIS) available in the camera app helps to some extent, but it’s not as effective as OIS, particularly in low-light conditions or when there’s a lot of movement.

Overall, the camera performance of the Asus ZenFone 3 Laser is solid for a mid-range device. The laser autofocus system is a standout feature that sets it apart from competitors in its price range. While the camera isn’t without its limitations, particularly in low-light situations, it offers a good balance of features and performance for the price.

Battery Life

The Asus ZenFone 3 Laser is equipped with a non-removable 3000 mAh battery, which is fairly standard for a device of its size and specifications. Given the mid-range hardware and the efficiency of the Snapdragon 430 processor, the battery life on this device is quite respectable.

In everyday use, the ZenFone 3 Laser can easily last a full day on a single charge with moderate usage, including activities like web browsing, social media, watching videos, and occasional gaming. With lighter usage, it is possible to stretch the battery life to a day and a half or even two days. However, heavy users, particularly those who engage in gaming or extensive multimedia use, might find themselves reaching for the charger by the end of the day.

The phone supports standard 5V/2A charging, which is not as fast as the Quick Charge technology found in more premium devices. As a result, charging the battery from 0% to 100% takes around two to two and a half hours, which is relatively slow by modern standards. Unfortunately, the use of a microUSB port instead of USB-C also means that charging and data transfer speeds are not as fast or convenient as they could be.

The ZenFone 3 Laser includes a power-saving mode, which can be activated to extend battery life when the battery is running low. This mode reduces background activity, lowers screen brightness, and limits performance to conserve energy. There is also an “Ultra Power Saving Mode” that further restricts functionality to only essential apps like calls and messaging, which can be useful in emergency situations where you need to prolong battery life as much as possible.

Overall, the battery life of the Asus ZenFone 3 Laser is adequate for most users. It provides enough juice to get through a typical day of usage, and the power-saving modes offer flexibility for extending battery life when needed. However, the lack of fast charging and the use of a microUSB port are notable drawbacks in this department.

Connectivity and Audio

The Asus ZenFone 3 Laser offers a range of connectivity options that were standard for its time. The device supports 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G networks, ensuring good network compatibility in most regions. It also supports dual SIM functionality, with a hybrid SIM slot that can accommodate either two SIM cards or one SIM card and one microSD card for expandable storage.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the ZenFone 3 Laser includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, which supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. While the lack of Wi-Fi ac support might be disappointing for users with high-speed internet connections, the Wi-Fi performance is generally reliable and stable. The device also features Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless audio and data transfer, GPS for location services, and FM radio, which remains a popular feature in many regions.

The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature, especially for users who prefer wired headphones or have invested in high-quality audio gear. The audio output through the headphone jack is clear and offers decent sound quality, though it may not satisfy audiophiles who demand the highest fidelity.

The single speaker located at the bottom of the device is loud enough for casual media consumption and hands-free calls, but it lacks depth and richness. The speaker can also become distorted at higher volumes, so it’s best suited for occasional use rather than prolonged listening sessions.

The ZenFone 3 Laser also includes a range of sensors, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhance the overall user experience by enabling features like screen rotation, step counting, and navigation.

One area where the ZenFone 3 Laser falls short is in the lack of NFC support. While NFC is not a must-have feature for everyone, it is useful for mobile payments, quick file transfers, and pairing with certain accessories. The absence of NFC might be a deal-breaker for users who rely on mobile payment systems like Google Pay.

Overall, the connectivity and audio features of the Asus ZenFone 3 Laser are satisfactory for a mid-range device. While it lacks some modern connectivity options like NFC and Wi-Fi ac, it covers the basics well and provides a reliable experience for most users.

where can you get a Asus ZenFone 3 Laser online

ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser 5.5-inch Glacier Silver [ZC551KL] Laser auto-focus, 13MP Rear / 8MP Front camera, IPS FHD display, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage: Buy it now

ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser 5″ Factory Unlocked Phone – 32 GB – Gold (U.S Warranty): Buy it now