ASUS, once a major player in the smartphone arena, has been somewhat quiet in recent years. However, 2024 marks their return with the ASUS Zenfone 11, aiming to reclaim their spot in the competitive mid-range market. But does it have the substance to stand out? Let's dive into a comprehensive review, examining its key aspects:
{getToc} $title={Table of Contents}Body and Design:
The Zenfone 11 boasts a sleek and modern look, ditching the plasticky feel of its predecessors for a premium glass and metal sandwich construction. The phone is comfortable to hold, thanks to its rounded edges and surprisingly lightweight build. Color options include a classic Midnight Blue, a shimmering Pearl White, and a trendy Aurora Green. While not groundbreaking, the design feels refreshed and appealing, especially for the price point.
Display:
The Zenfone 11 sports a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a crisp FHD+ resolution. Colors are vibrant and punchy, thanks to the AMOLED technology. Brightness levels are ample for outdoor use, while the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations. Overall, the display is a significant upgrade from previous Zenfone models, offering a delightful viewing experience for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption.
Powering the Zenfone 11 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Lite, a slightly toned-down version of the flagship 8 Gen 2 processor. While not pushing the performance boundaries, it's more than capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and even some light gaming. Multitasking is handled smoothly, aided by the generous 8GB of RAM. However, demanding games might cause some frame drops at higher settings. Overall, the performance is respectable for the price, making it a reliable choice for daily use.
Memory and Storage:
The Zenfone 11 comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, which is a decent configuration for most users. The UFS 3.1 storage ensures fast app loading and data transfer speeds. Additionally, the phone offers a microSD card slot for expandable storage, catering to those who need more space for photos, videos, and apps.
OS/Software:
The Zenfone 11 runs on Android 13 with ZenUI 10 on top. ZenUI has seen significant improvements in recent years, offering a cleaner and more streamlined experience compared to earlier iterations. Bloatware is minimal, and the interface is familiar and easy to navigate. ASUS promises timely software updates, which is a plus for long-term usage.
Rear Camera:
The Zenfone 11 features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The main sensor captures decent photos in daylight conditions, with good detail and dynamic range. However, low-light performance suffers from noise and lack of detail. The ultrawide lens is decent for capturing wider landscapes, but suffers from noticeable edge distortion. The macro sensor is a fun addition for capturing close-up shots, but its usefulness is limited. Overall, the camera system is adequate for everyday use, but might not satisfy photography enthusiasts.
Front Camera:
The Zenfone 11 packs a 16MP selfie camera housed in a punch-hole cutout. Photos captured in good lighting conditions are sharp and detailed, with accurate skin tones. However, low-light performance isn't ideal, with noticeable grain and loss of detail. The camera is sufficient for social media selfies and video calls, but might not impress those who prioritize high-quality front-facing photography.
Video Capture:
The Zenfone 11 can record videos up to 4K resolution at 30fps. Video quality is decent in good lighting, but suffers from shaky stabilization and lack of detail in low-light conditions. The microphone captures clear audio, making it suitable for casual video recording.
Battery:
The Zenfone 11 is equipped with a 4300mAh battery, which provides ample power for a full day of moderate usage. Even with heavier usage, the phone easily lasts a full workday, thanks to the efficient processor and AMOLED display. The 30W fast charging allows for quick top-ups when needed, minimizing downtime.
Connectivity:
The Zenfone 11 offers all the usual connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC. Call quality is clear and reliable, making it suitable for everyday communication.
Misc:
The Zenfone 11 also comes with some additional features like an in-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock, and a headphone jack. The fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate.
Price and Verdict:
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ASUS Zenfone 11's price starts at around $350, making it a competitive offering in the mid-range segment. For this price, you get a good-looking phone with a decent display, capable performance, and long-lasting battery life. While the camera system and video capture might not satisfy photography enthusiasts, it's adequate for everyday use.
Pros:
- Sleek and modern design
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Long-lasting battery life
- Clean and bloatware-free software
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Average camera performance in low light
- Limited video capture capabilities
- Not the most powerful processor for demanding games
Overall, the ASUS Zenfone 11 is a solid option for those looking for a well-rounded mid-range phone at a competitive price. It offers a good blend of design, performance, and battery life, making it a suitable choice for everyday users. However, if you prioritize top-notch camera performance or the most powerful processor, you might want to consider other options. Ultimately, the Zenfone 11 is a good comeback for ASUS in the mid-range segment, offering a compelling package at an attractive price point.
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