Earlier this year, during CES 2014, ASUS announced a line of smartphones dubbed the ZenFone. Aimed at delivering the best compromise possible between price, performance and features, the ZenFone line look like competent competitors to the likes of the Moto G and Galaxy Mega devices that aim to provide the same sort of compromise. Fans of ASUS’s Android tablets and well-constructed laptops have long wanted the Taiwanese computer giant to produce their own smartphones and while the ZenFone line might not have been what they had in mind, they’re good all-round devices in general.
ASUS is hoping that consumers feel the same way, as the company’s CFO, David Chang, has predicted that 5 Million of these smartphones will be sold throughout the globe before the end of 2014. That’s a lofty aspiration for a newcomer to the smartphone market, but considering the sector of the market ASUS is aiming for here, we’re quietly confident that they can do such a thing. Coming in 4, 5 and 6-inch versions, the ZenFone devices share a lot of common DNA. The ZenFone 5 and 6 are powered by dual-core Intel Atom processors at 2 Ghz (of the Z2580 variety) and feature 1GB of RAM and an 8-megapixel camera for the 5-inch and a 13-megapixel camera for the 6-inch version. Both devices feature a 720p display and are running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (but KitKat is said to be on its way). While not available just yet, the ZenFone 4 features a more modest Intel Z2520 at 1.2 Ghz a core, a 4-inch 800 x 480 display and a 5-megapixel camera.
Both the ZenFone 5 and 6 are now on sale in Taiwan for 4,990 TWD ($165) and 6,990 TWD ($230), respectively. For those prices, ASUS have a couple of compelling options on their hands, however there is tough competition in Asia. With Xiaomi now selling the RedMi Note – a 5.5-inch device with similar specs – ASUS have their work cut out. There’s no word yet on whether or not these devices will hit other markets, but we’re pretty sure that ASUS doesn’t simply want to keep these to Asia, and Taiwan is always their first launch market so they’re only just getting started.