As they always say, happiness is, peeling the protective transparent sticker off a new gadget. Or when you unbox a newly bought gadget. For me, it is the same too. I'm always really excited when it comes to owning a new gadget because I can get to explore and see how it will complement my lifestyle. Recently, I've been trying and using a new gadget which I'm going to review in this post and share my thoughts with you guys. And the gadget is none other than a new phone, the new ASUS ZenFone 2!

I was at the launch event weeks back and it is the biggest launch event that ASUS has done in Singapore with a total of over 500 guests. Everyone was really impressed by what ASUS has to offer and I'm really glad I'm able to try out their new phone and able to share it with you all! Well, that's something I like to do anyway, to share stuff with you guys haha. ;)




The new ASUS ZenFone 2 is the 2nd Generation ASUS ZenFone device that is aimed to “Empower Luxury for Everyone”. And I had it with me as I explore one of Singapore's oldest estates, Tiong Bahru the other day. Capturing pictures with the phone along the way.




The model of ASUS ZenFone 2 that I'm using is ZE551ML, it is the flagship 5.5-inch Full-HD model that comes in 3 different versions in terms of specs to suit our own preference. I like how it has a sleek look with the ASUS trademark concentric-circle design and metallic hairline finish for the phone, it then makes it look and feel good when we are using it.




Many of us are pretty particular about phone screen size nowadays and the phone has a 5.5-inch Full HD screen in a 5-inch phone body, which is prefect for users who wants to have a big and clear screen.
And the next thing that we are worried about is how fast will the phone be? We wouldn't want a laggy phone isn't it? The good thing is that ASUS ZenFone 2 comes with the 4GB RAM, which is the first in Singapore. It provides us with “monster performance” allowing us to have smoother multi-tasking and gaming experience. So off I go, ready to snap photos around Tiong Bahru!





I started walking around to explore the estate with my ASUS ZenFone 2, capturing pictures of streamline modern and local straits settlements shop-house architecture. Although the area is already a hipster spot, I still love the charm that it possess.




The camera of the phone comes with the PixelMaster camera technology, that allows us to capture superb images which are up to 4x brighter and with better contrast. I'll show you all the raw photos taken with the phone later!
Being out the whole day, another thing that I'll be worried about is the battery life of the phone since I'm using it intensively. I guess it's not just me but almost everyone else, if not why we always bother carrying a portable charger out? I was told that the ZenFone 2 is equipped with BoostMaster Fast Charging technology that allows us to charge up to 60% in 39 mins. So with that, we do not need to spend so much time on charging with our portable charger when we are out with the ZenFone 2. Wonderful! ;)





The ZE551ML model comes in hairline metallic finish in Black, Gold, Silver and Red. I'm currently using the one in Silver and I also like how there is a rear keys for volume control! It comes in really handy and accessible when we are in a call. The rear keys can also be used to take photos! Perfect for selfies so we won't have any hard time pressing the capture button!




Look at how sleek and beautiful the phone looks!




I love the camera of the phone because it has a lot of different modes and functions to use! Capturing photos with it has no lag time (I guess because it is powered by a 64-bit 2.3GHz Super Quad-Core Intel processor which balances brilliant performance with great power efficiency) and I'm going to show you all the RAW images that I took with the phone below!




Near Eng Watt Street and this building are pretty iconic with many people capturing it when they are around the estate. I'm using the camera's HDR Mode. Please note that to show you all the true quality of the photos, all the photos that I mentioned that was taken using the ASUS ZenFone 2 is raw images, without any post treatment done to them.




With the camera's Auto Mode.




HDR Mode. Love how the HDR brings all the small little details to life.




Please tell me this neighbourhood is perfect for photo taking? Fascinated by the lines and architecture design. With HDR Mode again.




Using the Manual Mode when taking the greenery, the result turns out to be crisp and sharp.




Took this photo with the HDR Mode while I was walking, and turns out that it is still so sharp!
The photo isn't straight as I was moving when capturing but it turns out clear still.




Trying another mode, which is the Super Resolution Mode! Even when zooming in to far away objects, it can be clear too!





Super Resolution Mode again, as I take this from afar!




How can I not take a picture with one of the notable feature, spiral staircases! Taken in HDR mode!




Panorama Mode shot of the street of the estate.




After using it for half day, I find how the ZenUI such as ZenMotion and SnapView are very useful for daily use. The ZenFone 2 has fully customisable settings, so we can modify our device to our liking and depending on your preference.




I really love the HDR mode, so I went on to capture even more pictures with the same mode!







Look at how sharp and clear it is!




Omg super nostalgic upon seeing these old types of letterbox! Super vintage!




Rounded balconies, flat rooftops and spiral staircases - Welcome to Tiong Bahru.







Another random Panorama shot before leaving.




And when the night falls, I tried out the Low Light Mode. Pretty!







To top it up, the ZenFone 2 is a Dual-Sim, Dual-Active 4G LTE device which allows us to have 2 SIM cards on the device! Not just that, but both SIM cards can be active at the same time, so no calls are missed. A feature that is useful for me too!
Especially when you have your own business or sideline, and you need a separate number, this is a really good feature. Or when you're travelling overseas and you want to get their data SIM card overseas, you can easily add in without much hassle.





In short, I find that the specs of ASUS ZenFone 2 is comparable to other high-end smartphone brands in terms of design, performance, camera, yet is less than half of the price. Giving the consumers a smart and easy choice to make.




I really had a great time exploring Tiong Bahru with my ASUS ZenFone 2.
For those who are interested, the ASUS ZenFone 2 is now available for pre-order at http://bit.ly/1KDfj73!

The ASUS ZenFone 2 will be available in stores from 16th May 2015 at all ASUS Authorised Dealers, ASUS Brand Stores, ASUS Online Store, M1 and StarHub. The 4GB/64GB will be available in Singtel and its exclusive retailers.

You can also find out more about the prices of other models at Asus Online Store.


Have fun and enjoy peeling the protective transparent sticker off a new gadget! ;)