Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – the new ASUS ZenFone 2 goes up against the new Yu Yuphoria…two devices that have incredibly low prices for the specifications they possess. The ZenFone 2 offers a 64-bit Intel Atom quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage for $300 and the Yuphoria comes with a 64-bit quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage for about $110…madness, pure madness. It makes my job so much harder to pick a proper winner of this comparison – surely the Yuphoria does not have quite the specs of the ZenFone 2, but at only $110, it is hard to pass up the Yuphoria as a decent, everyday device.
The two devices share a few things – they both use the IPS LCD display technology, they both use a 64-bit quad-core processor, both have a microSD card slot to expand their internal memory and both use a 5MP front-facing camera (FFC). They both have the usual suspects – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, a built-in FM Radio, quick ways to charge their batteries and a microUSB port for charging and data transfer, as well as coming with dual-SIM capability.
Please take a deliberate look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another – click on the “View Full Comparison” link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each individual device in greater detail and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.
Specifications
ASUS ZenFone 2
The ASUS ZenFone 2 is a great looking device, although somewhat deceiving with a plastic back that is painted to look metallic…via the LG G3/G4. It also has its volume rocker switch mounted on its back, also via the LG series. You will not be disappointed when you pick it up as the rounded sides gives it a nice feel in your hand.
The ASUS ZenFone 2 features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD Full HD (FHD) display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 403 pixels-per-inch (PPI)…a giant leap ahead of the 294 PPI on the 5-inch HD display on the Yuphoria. The top-of-the-line ZenFone 2 model we are looking at uses a 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 quad-core processor clocked at 2.3GHz and is coupled to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal memory, although, like the Yuphoria, it does offer expansion by way of a microSD card. This compares to the Yuphoria’s 64-bit Snapdragon 410 quad-core processor clocked at 1.2GHz, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage.
The ZenFone 2 main camera is sporting a 13MP sensor, autofocus and a dual-tone LED flash although there is no OIS. The Yuphoria uses an 8MP camera with autofocus and a LED flash. During normal lighting conditions, both devices will do a good job taking pictures. The ZenFone 2 and Yuphoria have the same size FFC – a large 5MP for social selfies and video chatting. Even though the back easily comes off the ZenFone 2, it has a non-removable 3000mAh battery, while the Yuphoria uses a smaller 2230mAh removable battery, although both devices will get you through the day of moderate use…especially the ZenFone 2.
This dual-SIM device is running Android 5.0 Lollipop along with its ZenUI Skin overlay that has followed the Google Material Design look. It also adds NFC capability, which the Yuphoria does not possess. You can find the ASUS ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of memory on Amazon for only $299 and comes in black, silver, gold, or red.
Yu Yuphoria
Yu Televentures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Micromax, a popular Indian manufacturer of smartphones that is starting to gain notoriety outside the country. The Yu Yuphoria is their latest rendition of a quality smartphone at a rock-bottom price. The phone is mostly made of plastic with metal trim that goes around the outside edges, which are nicely rounded. The right side has the power button between the volume up and down buttons – but with the power button lower than the volume buttons, you will eventually get used to the feel.
The Yuphoria comes with a 5-inch IPS LCD HD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and 296 PPI – this goes up against the ZenFone 2’s FHD 5.5-inch display with 403 PPI. Processing on the Yuphoria is performed by a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 quad-core clocked at 1.2GHz with 2GB of RAM and 16GB internal storage, complete with a microSD card slot for expansion up to an additional 32GB. The ZenFone 2 uses a 64-bit Intel Atom quad-core clocked at 2.3GHz with 4GB and 64GB of internal memory, which also has a microSD card slot for 64GB of additional memory.
The main shooter is 8MP with autofocus and an LED flash, and it has a huge metal ring surrounding the lens – this goes up against the 13MP camera in the ZenFone 2 that adds a dual-tone flash. They both have a 5MP FFC for excellent social selfies and video chatting. The Yuphoria has a small, removable 2230mAh battery compared to the much larger 3000mAh non-removable battery in the ZenFone 2. Both batteries will get you through a normal day and both devices have a quick charge feature.
The Yu Yuphoria is a dual-SIM device and sports Pure Wolfson Sound and AAC speakers, although it is a little on the soft side. It is running Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with Cyanogen 12 riding on top. The phone is available in two colors – Buffed Steel and Champagne Gold for approximately $110.
…And The Winner Is…
Summary
Okay, like I said at the beginning, this was a tough decision to make – there is no doubt that the ASUS ZenFone 2 is the top phone in this comparison when it comes to specifications, and that is why I picked it as the winner. The ZenFone 2 has a better display (1080p vs 720p), a better processor, twice as much RAM (4GB vs 2GB), four times as much internal storage (16GB vs 64GB,) a better main camera, a larger battery (3000mAh vs 2230mAh), and it also has available NFC and…all for $299.
While it is true that the Yuphoria is only $110, and is a great bargain, it is lacking in several areas – the display is only 720p, with poor angles and very bad in the sunlight. The Cyanogen 12 OS has a few hiccups in it and even with 2GB of RAM, the Yuphoria just does not run as smooth as the ZenFone 2 – although some of that could be from the Snapdragon 410 running at only 1.2GHz vs the Intel Atom quad core running at 2.3GHz. It does have expandable memory and Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 built-in, but is just not up to the task of overtaking the ZenFone 2.
You would probably be hard-pressed to find another device for $110 that is built this sturdy and has a good FFC, and if money is a huge factor, than you will probably be delighted with the Yuphoria. However, if you can squeeze together $299, the ZenFone 2 is the clear winner.
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