The Asus Zenfone 5Z was a flagship killer when it launched in 2018, offering premium specs at a competitive price. But with technology constantly evolving, is it still a good phone in 2023?
This comprehensive review will dive deep into the Zenfone 5Z’s strengths and weaknesses, considering its performance, camera, battery life, software, and overall value proposition. We’ll compare it to newer devices and analyze if it can still hold its own in today’s saturated smartphone market.
Still a Performance Powerhouse?
The Zenfone 5Z boasted a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor at its launch, making it one of the fastest phones available at the time. This processor, coupled with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, ensured smooth multitasking and an excellent gaming experience.
How does it compare in 2023?
While the Snapdragon 845 is no longer the top-tier chipset, it still holds its own against many mid-range processors released in 2023. It can handle most everyday tasks with ease, including browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, demanding games like Fortnite or Call of Duty: Mobile may experience occasional frame drops or require lower settings for smooth gameplay.
Performance Summary:
- Still good for everyday use: Browsing, social media, light gaming perform smoothly.
- May struggle with demanding games: Expect lower frame rates or settings for top-tier mobile games.
A Versatile Camera Experience
The Zenfone 5Z featured a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 12MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 8MP secondary sensor for capturing wide-angle shots. It also boasted a 8MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
Camera Quality:
- Main sensor: Excellent image quality in daylight, delivering good detail and accurate colors.
- Wide-angle lens: Great for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos.
- Low light performance: While decent, not as strong as newer phones with dedicated night modes.
Software Features:
- AI Scene Detection: Automatically adjusts camera settings for optimal results in different scenes.
- Portrait Mode: Creates professional-looking depth-of-field effects for blurring backgrounds.
- 4K Video Recording: Capture high-quality videos at 30fps.
Overall, the Zenfone 5Z’s camera is still capable of capturing decent photos and videos. However, newer phones offer improved low-light performance, AI enhancements, and more versatile shooting modes.
A Long-Lasting Battery with Quick Charging
The Zenfone 5Z packed a 3300mAh battery, which provided decent battery life for average usage. It also supported Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology, allowing for rapid charging.
Battery Life:
- Average usage: Expected to last a full day on a single charge.
- Heavy usage: May require charging before the end of the day with intensive gaming or video streaming.
- Quick Charge 3.0: Recharges the battery quickly, allowing for a significant top-up in a short time.
While the battery life is adequate, newer phones offer larger batteries and faster charging speeds.
Software and Updates
The Zenfone 5Z shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo and was later updated to Android 9.0 Pie. Asus also provided regular security updates.
Software Updates:
- Android 9.0 Pie: Offers newer features and improvements over Oreo.
- Security Updates: Received for a considerable period, but may be discontinued now.
The Zenfone 5Z is no longer eligible for the latest Android versions. However, Android 9.0 Pie is still a stable and feature-rich operating system, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Design and Display
The Zenfone 5Z boasted a 6.2-inch full HD+ display with a notch at the top, similar to other flagship phones at the time. The phone featured a metal frame and a glass back, giving it a premium look and feel.
Design:
- Aluminum frame: Provides a sturdy and premium feel.
- Glass back: Susceptible to scratches and fingerprints.
- Display: Good display quality with vivid colors and sharp visuals.
While the design is still visually appealing, it’s not as modern as newer phones with bezel-less displays and more advanced screen technologies.
Overall Value Proposition
The Zenfone 5Z was initially priced competitively, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for flagship-level performance.
Value in 2023:
- Secondhand market: Can be found for a fraction of its original price.
- Performance and features: Still offers decent performance and a solid camera experience.
- Software support: Limited to Android 9.0 Pie, which may be a drawback for some.
For those seeking a budget-friendly phone with decent performance, the Zenfone 5Z can still be a good option. However, it’s essential to consider its limitations in terms of software support, battery life, and camera capabilities compared to newer models.
Is the Asus Zenfone 5Z Still Worth It?
The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown:
- For budget-conscious consumers: The Zenfone 5Z can be an excellent value proposition, offering solid performance at a low price.
- For users prioritizing latest software: The lack of Android 11, 12, or 13 updates may be a dealbreaker.
- For those wanting the best camera: Newer phones offer superior low-light performance and AI enhancements.
Ultimately, the Asus Zenfone 5Z is a solid phone for its time, but it’s no longer a flagship killer in the rapidly evolving smartphone landscape. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest features, you’ll likely be better off with a newer device. However, if you’re on a tight budget and need a decent phone for everyday use, the Zenfone 5Z is still a viable option.
FAQ
1. What are the main pros and cons of the Asus Zenfone 5Z in 2023?
The Asus Zenfone 5Z is a great budget phone with strong performance and a decent camera. Its main advantages include a powerful Snapdragon 845 processor, an excellent display with a high refresh rate, and a versatile dual-camera system. It also boasts a large battery and fast charging capabilities. However, its age does come with some drawbacks. The camera performance lags behind modern smartphones, especially in low-light conditions. The software updates are limited, and the design is starting to feel outdated compared to newer phones.
2. Is the Asus Zenfone 5Z good for gaming?
Yes, the Asus Zenfone 5Z is still a capable gaming phone, even in 2023. Its Snapdragon 845 processor delivers smooth and responsive gaming performance, while the large display and high refresh rate enhance the overall experience. However, keep in mind that newer phones with more powerful processors and dedicated gaming features might offer a better gaming experience.
3. Is the Asus Zenfone 5Z still supported by software updates?
The Asus Zenfone 5Z has received a few software updates since its launch, but it’s no longer receiving major updates like Android versions. It’s important to note that security updates might still be available, but they’ll become less frequent as time passes.
4. How does the battery life of the Asus Zenfone 5Z compare to modern phones?
The Asus Zenfone 5Z has a relatively large battery for its size, and the power-efficient Snapdragon 845 processor helps extend its battery life. You can expect a full day of use from the Zenfone 5Z, but modern phones with optimized processors and larger batteries might offer even better endurance.
5. How much does the Asus Zenfone 5Z cost in 2023?
The Asus Zenfone 5Z is no longer sold new. You can find it on the used market for a very affordable price. This makes it a great value for money, especially considering its powerful specifications.
6. Is the Asus Zenfone 5Z still worth buying in 2023?
The Asus Zenfone 5Z is a great option if you’re looking for a powerful and affordable phone. However, if you need the latest features, better camera performance, or longer software support, a newer phone might be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and priorities.
7. What are some alternative phones to consider instead of the Asus Zenfone 5Z?
There are many great phones available in the market today that offer better features and performance than the Asus Zenfone 5Z. Some popular alternatives include the Google Pixel 6a, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, and the OnePlus Nord N30 5G. These phones offer modern designs, longer software support, and improved camera systems, making them compelling choices.