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Asus ZenFone 3 review

7.9/10 AVG.
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Asus ZenFone 3
Asus ZenFone 3
Asus ZenFone 3
Asus ZenFone 3
Asus ZenFone 3
Asus ZenFone 3
...


7.9/10
Informr score
The Asus ZenFone 3 currently has an Informr score of 7.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 8 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Bright, detailed display
  • Excellent camera
  • Ample storage
  • Dual SIM or microSD support
  • All-day battery life
  • Quick Charge 3.0

What's bad

  • Confusing variants
  • No NFC support
  • Slow Wi-Fi speeds
  • Resolution too low for optimal VR use

The mid-tier mobile market is particularly competitive in the past year. Despite this, the Asus ZenFone 3 hopes to make a splash. While the ZenFone 2 received great reviews, this brand is still relatively new to the mobile market.

Does their latest release have what it takes to keep users happy? Reviews are in and we’re bringing you the good and the bad on the ZenFone 3!

NOTE: Before we get started, it’s important to note the sheer army of variations available for the ZenFone 3. For this summary, we’re focusing on the standard model. The entire ZenFone 3 series is a bit confusing and specs differ greatly between each. If you're not sure which is best for you, the link above offers an easy way to compare the different models before researching!

The glass and metal design of the ZenFone 3 had many reviewers speaking with nostalgia of the Samsung Galaxy S6. While it’s not the freshest design in 2016, reviewers had no complaints. Android Pit said, “In general, the ZenFone 3 is a seductive smartphone but it’s not original. Its top of the range design will please the public.”

The rear-mounted fingerprint scanner stood out to reviewers--both for its unusual rectangle shape and the multi-function options available in the software. It will also take pictures, launch apps or perform other tasks.

The 5.5-inch 1080p Super IPS+ panel on the front of the phone received rave reviews. PC Advisor UK noted, “It's bright (up to 600 nits) and clear (with a full-HD resolution of 1920x1080, 401ppi), with rich colours and strong viewing angles.” The only complaint found was that the resolution was low for VR use. While a few reviewers mentioned color accuracy, software features make it simple to tweak colors to your liking.

The phone’s eight-core Snapdragon 625 processor is far from the top of the benchmark lists. However, performance reviews were good as well. Even during heavy gaming, reviewers made no mention of lag or stuttering. A few reviewers noted slightly higher temperatures during extended use.

The phone initially shipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Updates to 7.0 Nougat are available, so be sure to check for updates if you purchase this phone. Regardless of the Android version, you’ll also find Asus’ ZenUI skin. Reviewers had no problems with the visual aspects of the skin. However, many complained about the notifications created by the pre-installed bloatware.

With 64GB of memory, you’ll have plenty of room to store your media or install apps even with the bloatware. Should you need more space, you’ll must choose between dual SIM functionality and microSD expansion.

One of the most touted features by Asus turned out to be a reviewer favorite as well. The 16MP rear camera blew reviewers away with its point-and-shoot simplicity. Phase detection autofocus, optical image stabilization and a larger f/2.0 aperture made for consistent shooting in a variety of lighting and action scenarios.

Mobile Syrup tried the phone for two weeks and said, “In my ideal world, I point, click and the photo comes out looking great. The Zenfone 3 delivers on that dream.” They were just as fond of the 8MP front-facing lens, saying, “Like the rear-facing camera, the selfies were of the same great quality, even managing to make the beautification mode common to Androids look a little more realistic than most.”

With a 3,000mAh battery and Quick Charge 3.0 support, reviews indicate the phone offers a great experience with little worry about topping off throughout the day. Should you need to, a full charge only takes 1.5 hours.

The only concerns mentioned in reviews were a lack of NFC and slow Wi-Fi speeds. While speeds were not slow enough to prevent video streaming or other important functions, transferring large files over Wi-Fi might take longer than expected.

Overall, reviews were positive. They even loved the price. VR Zone summed up opinions well, saying, “Stylish and powerful, the ZenFone 3 comes highly recommended for users on a budget.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2 GHz
Processor
Processor
2 GHz
5.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.5"
16+ MP
Camera
Camera
16+ MP
3000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


AndroidPIT
AndroidPIT

Last year, Asus succeeded in surprising me with the ZenFone 2. This year, it’s still the case. The ZenFone 3 is an accomplished smartphone that will please the public. The Taiwanese manufacturer has succeeded in achieving the higher standard that they wanted to reach this year. The phone has m...

- Pierre Vitré, AndroidPIT
Make Use Of
Make Use Of

If you can put up with the look and feel of ZenUI, this is phone is an amazing value. However, if you’re really committed to having the newest version of Android and just can’t stand ZenUI, you should hold off.

- Riley J. Dennis, Make Use Of
Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck

Asus has created a designer piece with its ZenFone 3. The mid-range smartphone looks considerably more expensive than it actually is.

- Manuel Masiero, Notebookcheck
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

The ZenFone 3 is a good all-round mid-range phone with decent performance and some nice extras under £300, but also a fair amount of bloatware. It's quite an update on the ZenFone 2, and definitely worth considering as an upgrade.

- Marie Brewis, Tech Advisor
Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

The Zenfone 3 is far from a flawless device — it looks outdated and bland, it’s got a skin filled with bloatware and its performance is nothing to write home about. However, in the areas where it excels, it truly makes its mark.

- Rose Behar, Mobile Syrup


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Asus ZenFone 3 user manual here.


Asus backs up the ZenFone 3 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your ZenFone 3 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Asus support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Asus's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
5.5"

The Asus ZenFone 3's screen size is 5.5 inches with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution.

Processor
2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 Octa core 2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow (Update Available: 8.0 Oreo) operating system (OS).

Camera
16+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 16+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
64 GB

Internal memory is 64 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3000 mAh battery.

ZenFone 3 Specs

Overview
Release Date July 12, 2016
Regions Available Canada
Operating System Android 6.0 Marshmallow (Update Available: 8.0 Oreo)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 Octa core 2 GHz
Internal Storage 64 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.493 W/kg
Body: 1.46 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Headset, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared Yes
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
16+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, Exposure, HDR, Time lapse mode, Slow motion recording
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Panorama, HDR
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels
Pixel Density 401 pixels
Size 5.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating Yes
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Glove touch, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Sapphire Black, Moonlight White, Shimmer Gold
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.3 x 7.7 x 0.8 cm (6 x 3 x 0.3 in)
Weight 155 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):

Additional Sensors: Fingerprint sensor
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Asus ZenFone 3 Reviews
Where to buy Asus ZenFone 3
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