ASUS Zenfone 2 Deluxe Special Edition Review

Performance and Benchmarks

Running an updated 64-bit Intel Atom Z3590 processor paired with a slightly higher clocking of 2.5GHz, the Special Edition is still a fast performer just like the original Deluxe. Thanks to its 4GB RAM, it handled operations with confidence and switching between resource-intensive apps was an easy task for the handset.

What’s confusing is that while the original Deluxe has a lower Intel Z3580 processor clocked at 2.3GHz, the Special Edition scored lower when we compared benchmark scores. We both used the same versions of the benchmarking apps to ensure that the exact same tests were done on both models.

This might be due to the fact that there were certain hardware changes implemented on the new variant (like a different memory module). This change in hardware may have resulted to variations in its overall performance that yielded lower scores from the tests before. Check out the results after running the benchmarks a couple of times and getting their highest scores. We also compared the scores to the ones from the original Deluxe:

• AnTuTu: 42,906 (from 48,679)
• Quadrant Benchmark: 9,919 (from 11,621)
• Vellamo:  1,368 – Multicore, 1,299 – Metal, 2,942 – Chrome Browser (from 1,502/1,468/3,489, respectively)
• 3DMark: 16,479 (from 20,211)
• PCMark: 5,074 (from 5,618)

Although the benchmarks showed lower scores, the device was still a joy to use for both menial tasks and playing games alike. The handset was responsive and lags were very minimal to none even while rendering graphics-intensive games like the exclusive Asphalt 8.

Connectivity and Call Quality

Just like the other Zenfone 2, the Deluxe Special Edition has a dual-SIM capability with LTE support. While only the first micro-SIM slot supports connectivity up to 4G, the second micro-SIM slot can only handle up to 2G.

LTE connectivity is pretty strong with multiple speed tests on different locations yielding 13Mbps downlink speeds (using Smart LTE postpaid SIM). Calls are clear and crisp on both SIM cards while SMS handling for the dual-SIM functionality is very easy to get used to.

Battery Life

As for battery life nominal tests, we managed to get 11 hours and 21 mintutes from a full charge using our standard video loop test (50% brightness and 0% volume playing a Full HD movie in Airplane mode). Additionally, the Deluxe Special Edition lasted more than an hour longer at 8 hours 20 minutes compared to the Deluxe that only managed to stay up for 7 hours and 8 minutes after running PCMark battery test.

In this aspect, we commend ASUS for being able to stretch the battery life of the Special Edition. After all, the company is positioning this handset to be a gaming device and we all want a battery that can last long if we’re to use it for such tasks.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a smartphone with big storage and at the same time is a capable performer, the Deluxe will be a good choice at Php17,995USD 307INR 25,996EUR 292CNY 2,233. Although if you’re aching to stretch your storage further, the Special Edition is your next bet although it will set you back at Php20,995USD 358INR 30,329EUR 341CNY 2,605. Simply put, that 3K difference will get you an additional 128GB in the form of a microSD card, a pre-loaded Asphalt 8 game with 25,000 credits ready to be used in-game, and a tandem of tesselated and carbon fiber-designed back covers.

The Special Edition gave off lower benchmark scores, but yielded longer working hours which is somewhat a good trade-off considering the speedy performance of both devices. At the end of the day, the Deluxe Special Edition is a great handset to have around and will no doubt handle the tasks you throw its way.

ASUS Zenfone 2 Deluxe Special Edition specs:
5.5-inch Full HD IPS display @ 1920 x 1080 resolution
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
64-bit 2.5GHz Intel Atom Z3590 processor
4GB RAM
128GB internal storage
Expandable up to 128GB via microSD
13MP PixelMaster rear camera with f/2.0 aperture and real-tone flash
5MP front camera with 85-degree field of view
Dual-SIM/dual active
4G LTE, 3G HSPA+
Wi-Fi ac
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
NFC
3,000mAh battery with ASUS BoostMaster fast charging tech
Android 5.0 Lollipop with ZenUI
170g
Purple/White/Blue
Price: Php17,995USD 307INR 25,996EUR 292CNY 2,233

What we liked about it:

• Eye-catching back cover
• Freedom from worrying about storage space
• Ample RAM for task-heavy processes
• Good camera
• LTE support
• NFC support
• Android Lollipop out of the box
• Nice, simple ZenUI
• Longer battery life than Deluxe

What we didn’t like:

• A little bit on the heavy and chunky side
• Non-removable battery
• Lower benchmarks than Deluxe