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Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe
Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe
Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe
...


7.4/10
Informr score
The Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe currently has an Informr score of 7.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 10 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Vibrant AMOLED screen
  • All-day battery life
  • Quick Charge 3.0
  • Massive storage
  • microSD or dual SIM support

What's bad

  • Slow, finicky camera
  • Poor camera performance in low light
  • Performance concerns
  • Bloated UI
  • Minor build quality issues

As the big brother to the Asus ZenFone 3, the Deluxe offers an impressive array of improvements over the base model. The spec list puts it on par with best of 2016’s mid-tier phones. But does this all line up to make for a great experience?

Reviews for this much-touted release are rolling. Keep reading to see what everyone is saying!

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 Deluxe 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 seamless all-metal design of the ZenFone 3 Deluxe uses exclusive tricks to hide the antenna lines and create a solid appearance. Unfortunately, the design featured little else to make reviewers excited. Many called the design bland and boring. Also, despite the obvious effort to wrangle the phone’s size, PC Magazine said, “For the most part you'll need to use the phone with two hands, despite the fact that it's relatively thin and the bezel is practically non-existent.”

On the rear cover, you’ll find a rectangular fingerprint scanner. While it can launch the camera, answer calls and perform other common functions, reviewers had a few issues. NDTV noted, “The sensor works well in terms of authenticating you, but its awkward shape causes occasional failed attempts if your finger isn’t aligned well.”

The 5.7-inch 1080p display is the first AMOLED screen for Asus. Reviewers loved it. NDTV said, “Colours are nicely saturated and brightness is very good. You also have an option to tweak the colours and the colour temperature in the Settings app.” Tech 2 noted, “The viewing angles are great and the display maintains brightness even at the steepest of angles which is commendable.”

Performance reviews were hit or miss. The phone offers two processor options: the Snapdragon 820 or 821. Both options see similar review concerns. While pairing the processors with 6GB of RAM should offer beastly performance, many reviewers experienced small delays and stutters. CNet said, “While the diagnostic benchmark scores were pretty good actual day-to-day performance can be laggy.” Tech 2 experienced similar issues, saying, “It is blazing fast! In a side-by-side comparison it opened apps faster than the OnePlus 3, but it general usage, it could not maintain that momentum and showcased micro-stutters, in short, not buttery smooth as I expected it to be.”

This might be caused in part by Asus’ choice of Android skin. Though the phone runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, their ZenUI makes significant changes and additions to the stock Android experience. NDTV said, “As we’ve stated countless times, ZenUI simply feels too cluttered, and might be overwhelming for first-time Asus users. We appreciate the amount of customisation available but it also feels a bit unnecessary.” Many reviewers attributed much of this to the slowness and delays experienced during daily use.

Depending on the model you choose, you’ll find either 64GB or an insane 256GB of internal storage. Both offer more than enough for average users. If that’s still not enough space, you can use a microSD card up to 2TB in capacity. However, this means you can’t take advantage of the dual SIM feature.

Unfortunately, camera reviews weren’t much better. While a 23MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, phase detection autofocus and laser-assisted focus sounds great on paper, it didn't wow reviewers in real-world use. ChipChick put the camera through its paces and declared, “Photos taken outdoors in adequate light came out fine, but low-light photos and photos taken indoors struggled with blurriness. The camera is also slower than average when it comes to snapping photos.” Other reviewers noticed this slowness both in response times and shutter times—often complaining of blurry photos of action shots.

Opinions get better for battery life. Most reviewers had no trouble making it a full day on the 3,000mAh battery. Thanks to an USB Type-C charger and Quick Charge 3.0 support, the phone also tops off from empty in just over an hour.

Ultimately, reviews were slightly down on the Zenfone 3 Deluxe—though few failed to recommend it without some qualifications. ChipChick offered a good summary, saying, “The Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe is a solid smartphone that manages to pack in a large display without feeling clunky. It’s also got lots of pep and performance underneath. However, if photography is important to you, its camera isn’t going to satisfy.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.4 GHz
5.7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.7"
23+ MP, f/2
Camera
Camera
23+ MP, f/2
3000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

This special edition ZenFone 3 Deluxe is priced at Rs. 62,999, which makes it a good flagship contender. It’s also the only Android option to offer this much onboard storage plus the ability to expand it further. With streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video now supporting offline view...

- Roydon Cerejo, Gadgets 360
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

Asus has crafted a very good smartphone with the ZenFone 3 Deluxe. Here we have a phone with an all-aluminum construction, decent display, an extremely fast processing package, good cameras, 64GB of expandable storage, and a ton more for just $499 completely unlocked.

- Joe M., PhoneArena
Android Police
Android Police

The ASUS ZenFone 3 Deluxe isn't a terrible phone, but it's extremely hard to recommend over its competitors. While its specs are decent, its software and camera drag it down. The price is also a problem; it is lower than most flagships' from larger companies, but other phones offer justification for...

- Richard Gao, Android Police
Cnet
Cnet

he Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe has a luxurious build that's overshadowed by bloatware and poor performance -- you're better off with the OnePlus 3T or a cheaper ZenFone 3.

- Aloysius Low, Cnet
tech2
tech2

l Asus’s first flagship offering falls short of the competition. While the top-of-the-line specifications look great on paper, it’s the software experience that is either lacking, or gets in your way. I noticed how the software felt unnecessarily bloated. It seems to have taken away what...

- Sheldon Pinto, tech2


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


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


If your ZenFone 3 Deluxe 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
5.7"

The Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe's screen size is 5.7 inches with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.4 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Quad core 2.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

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

Camera
23+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 23+ MP, f/2 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. Asus's performance ratings are 1800 minutes, 504 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

ZenFone 3 Deluxe Specs

Overview
Release Date September 26, 2016
Regions Available USA
Operating System Android 6.0 Marshmallow (Update Available: 8.0 Oreo)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Quad core 2.4 GHz
Internal Storage 64 GB
RAM 6 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.97 W/kg
Body: 1.19 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
23+ Megapixels, f/2
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Panorama, Self-timer, White balance
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
HDR
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels
Pixel Density 386 pixels
Size 5.7 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, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, Glove touch
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 433 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 504 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1800 minutes
Standby Time Up to 16 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Glacier Silver, Titanium Gray, Shimmer Gold
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.6 x 7.7 x 0.4 cm (6.1 x 3 x 0.2 in)
Weight 160 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 Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe Reviews
Where to buy Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe
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