Early this year, three new models under Zenfone 5 have been released to the public – the Zenfone 5, 5Z, and 5Q. We’ve already discussed the main difference between these three in our previous post, but we’ll be giving you a closer look at the Zenfone 5Q, which we recently got to try (thanks to our friends from ASUS!).
At first glance, Zenfone 5Q’s specs seem to be a toned-down version of the Zenfone 5 and 5Z which are already running on Android Oreo and AI settings. However, at the price of P14,995 (originally P16,995), 5Q has its own advantages over smartphones within the same price range. For starters, it has four cameras which enable users to capture moments artistically within its 18:9 display. It’s also very slim and classy with a shiny back cover and matte edges.
OVERALL LOOK
ASUS Zenfone 5Q with its box
The Zenfone 5Q has no buttons in front. The only thing you’ll see would be the cameras and led flash at the top portion. Its fingerprint scanner can be found at the back, perfectly positioned below the rear camera, where your finger can easily access it for unlocking.
It has a curved glass in front and at the back, with matte finish at the sides. The dark blue color that I got was so glossy, you can use it as a mirror if you don’t have any! It just looks so fragile, but I wouldn’t really consider the glass-like finish as a disadvantage because so far, this has taught me to be extra careful with my phone. It’s something you wouldn’t want to drop or scratch! However, carrying it around without a phone case makes it prone to fingerprint marks and you might end up like me who’s already bringing around a separate cloth just to wipe the phone from time to time.
Zenfone 5Q has a 2160×1080 resolution which enables it to produce vibrant colors which you can turn up or down a notch as you wish. Also, this phone has an audio port – yay!
EVERYTHING THAT KEEPS IT RUNNING
Drop-down menu for settings.
Unlike the Zenfones that got released with it, Zenfone 5Q only runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat with ZenUI 5.0. No problems so far, but it would have a better performance if the OS got upgraded to the latest version. This also comes with a Mobile Manager, Selfie Master, and ZenUI safeguard.
In terms of storage, it has a reasonable space with 64GB internal storage that can be expanded via microSD. It can also run two nano-SIMs, which can be accessed at the left side of the phone. The nano-sim slot blends in well with the design, you wouldn’t even notice it if you don’t look close enough.
CAMERA
Front cam view!
The quad-camera setup is one of the main strengths of this mobile phone. The front cam boasts of a 20MP main and 8MP wide-angle camera, while the rear cam has 15MP and 8MP wide-angle dual cameras with dual-LED flash.
Under bright light, it’s very evident in the photos that you’ll be able to achieve vibrant colors. However, outcome tends to be grainy when taken under low light.
Video camera is okay, but I wouldn’t really recommend using it for long videos. Camera tends to re-focus from time to time so you might miss out on certain details that you want to capture.
SAMPLE PHOTOS:
Outdoor
Moving vehicles
Vibrant colors
Focus on near objects/droplets
Focus on far objects
Selfie photo without edits
AUDIO
Audio is good on both speaker phone and headphones/earphones, although I personally prefer the latter.
BATTERY
The Zenfone 5Q comes with a charger and earphones with extra earbuds.
Battery life is average when it comes to my personal use – heavy on social media and Spotify/Netflix the entire day, with games from time to time. WiFi and/or mobile data are always on, but it can still last one day without charge, since it also comes with a Power Master setting for power saving.
I almost forgot my password, but it’s all good!
Overall, I would consider using one as a personal phone. Security features are also top-notch with face unlock, fingerprint scanner, pin code, and pattern unlock. Currently, the only downside I’ve spotted would be its OS and maybe a bit of work on the camera focus. That’s all! Still delivers for a phone that is currently priced at P14,995! That recent price drop just gave it more advantage.
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
| ZENFONE 5Q | |
| Display | 6-inch Full HD (2160 x 1080) IPS display 80.3% screen-to-body ratio Bluelight filter for eye care Capacitive touch panel with 10 points multi-touch |
| Design | Front and rear 2.5D contoured glass panel 1.79mm slim bezel |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 Mobile Platform with 14nm, 64-bit Octa-core Processor |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno 508 (SDM630) |
| Memory | 4GB RAM / 64 GB ROM |
| Main Rear Camera | 16MP F2.2 aperture Instant camera switching 0.03 seconds phase-detection autofocus |
| Second Rear Camera | 8MP with 120⁰ wide-angle camera 200% wider view |
| AI Photograpy | None |
| Rear LED Flash | Yes |
| Main Front Camera | 20MP Sony IMX376 image sensor with F2.0 aperture Instant cameras switching ASUS SelfieMaster technology |
| Second Front Camera | 8MP with 120⁰ wide-angle camera 200% wider view |
| Front LED Flash | Softlight LED flash |
| OS | Android Nougat New ASUS ZenUI 4.5 |
| Battery | 3300 mAh capacity |
| AI Charging | None |
| Audio | Loud speaker Audio CODEC integrated into PMIC Dual internal microphones with ASUS Noise Reduction |
| SIM Cards | Triple Slots: Dual SIM & one microSD card |
| Radio | FM |
| Fingerprint Scanner | Yes |
| Facial Recognition | Yes |
| Colors | Midnight Black, Moonlight White |
| Weight | 168.3g |
For instant updates and a peek at our latest tech finds, don’t forget to follow Manila Millennial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more details and hassle-free purchasing of ASUS products, visit:
Facebook: ASUS Philippines
Twitter: @ASUSph
Instagram: @asusph
Lazada: ASUS Philippines Official Store