Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom-ZE553KL
Specifications
Secondary Camera: 12 MPix f/1.7 aperture, SONY IMX362 sensor (1/2.55" large sensor size, 1.4 µm large pixel size), Focal Length 25mm, 6p lens, 4K UHD (3840 by 2160) 30 frame per second video recording
Price comparison
Average of 13 scores (from 40 reviews)
Reviews for the Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom-ZE553KL
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
As for the camera, it’s pretty good. Its optical zooming capabilities are not amazing, but it’s a nice feature to have. I just wouldn’t buy the phone solely for that reason. Since the phone’s focus is in large part on its camera, this is pretty disappointing. At the end of the day, it can take some nice pictures, but they won’t compare to those coming from high-end handsets. The battery is arguably the ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom’s best feature, not its camera.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/01/2017
Rating: Total score: 84% performance: 80% display: 85% mobility: 100% workmanship: 90%
Source: Phone Arena Archive.org version
The Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom is a smartphone in an uncomfortable position. None of its big features – neither its dual cameras nor its giant battery – end up really panning out in quite the way Asus clearly hoped, and while they don't utterly disappoint, they're far from the major selling points they were meant to be.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/18/2017
Rating: Total score: 71%
Source: CNet Archive.org version
If you can put up with Asus' terrible bloatware, the Zoom is actually a decent midrange phone with amazing battery life. The dual-camera features are useful, but not really a must-buy. If you want great design and don't need dual-cameras, the original Asus ZenFone 3 ($254.99 at Amazon Marketplace) still feels like the better buy (even though it's a year old).
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/02/2017
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
The $329 ZenFone 3 Zoom sits between the $299 Moto G5 Plus and the $399 ZTE Axon 7 in terms of price. With its gargantuan battery, dual-camera setup with telephoto zoom, and host of unique features, it manages to stand out, which is more than you can say about many phones in the price range. And with its recent update to Android Nougat, the software experience is far better than it was at the beginning.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/05/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tech ARP Archive.org version
ASUS just released a huge-ass Android 7.1.1 Nougat update for the ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom smartphone. Amongst the many updates and upgrades is a new Portrait Mode. Software bokeh may not be new, but the ZenFone 3 Zoom Portrait Mode promises a better looking and more accurate bokeh effect, thanks to the way it uses its dual camera system.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/29/2017
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
The Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom is a really interesting phone. Its performance is similar to that of less-expensive budget phones, its display is on a par with those of handsets costing hundreds more, and it has dual rear cameras with OIS and a 2.3x optical zoom. But the ZenFone 3 Zoom's best feature isn't even the camera; it's the phone's epic battery life. I just wish this phone's software and interface were more up-to-date, both in terms of design and version number.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/28/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The Zenfone 3 Zoom brings high-end camera features to the mid-tier with somewhat mixed results, pairing it with an incredibly competent design and packed feature set. This is one of the best values available in 2017.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/02/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
The Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom is a really interesting phone. Its performance is similar to that of less-expensive budget phones, its display is on a par with those of handsets costing hundreds more, and it has dual rear cameras with OIS and a 2.3x optical zoom. But the ZenFone 3 Zoom's best feature isn't even the camera; it's the phone's epic battery life. I just wish this phone's software and interface were more up-to-date, both in terms of design and version number.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/09/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
The $329 ZenFone 3 Zoom sits between the $299 Moto G5 Plus and $399 ZTE Axon 7 in terms of price. With its gargantuan battery, dual-camera setup with telephoto zoom, and host of unique features, it manages to stand out, which is more than you can say about many phones in the price range. But it's 2017 and Android O is around the corner, so we can't overlook the fact that the Zoom comes running two-year-old software. That's why the G5 Plus remains our Editors' Choice on the more affordable end: It features similar hardware, along with newer software and a greater likelihood of updates, no to mention compatibility with every major US carrier. For $100 more, ZTE's Axon 7 is nearly a year old, but it just received a Nougat update with Daydream support, putting it nearly on par with current flagship phones for nearly half the price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/09/2017
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
To top it all off, the brand took a sudden leap in design, delivering a product that looks far more premium than its price point. There are some minor issues, including bloatware and lacklustre performance, but it still offers an exceptional value and is worth consideration on the strength of its stand-out camera and battery alone.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/09/2017
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Lowyat.net Archive.org version
The Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom is a respectable mid-range smartphone. Its Snapdragon 625 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a whopping 5,000mAh battery is more than enough for an everyday smartphone. Its dual-camera setup also does a decent job, but we’re not quite certain if all of these are worth the ZenFone 3 Zoom’s RM2,099 price tag.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/14/2017
Source: Tech Nave Archive.org version
The ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom ZE553KL finally delivers as the flagship killer that ASUS envisioned the first ASUS ZenFone Zoom to be but with a more balanced processor, enhanced cameras, slim metal body and extremely long battery life. Improving in nearly every aspect from the original ZenFone zoom, it also helps that the ZenFone 3 Zoom ZE553KL is fairly affordable at its current lowest price of RM1888 (the RRP is RM2099) and should give those looking for a performance photography device an excellent cameraphone option compared to today’s flagships (which are all well above RM2K).
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/13/2017
Source: KL Gadget Guy Archive.org version
The ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom is a smartphone that deserves attention and success, the company has already proven the reusability of optical zoom in today's smartphones with the previous device, which has inspired the iPhone 7 Plus' camera setup, and it done an even greater job by combining the best features of the ZenFone 3 and Max into one single device, fixing things that are once broken and doing things that the iPhone 7 Plus' camera can't achieve. For the things that ASUS has offered in the ZenFone 3 Zoom, its RM2,099 price tag no longer feels expensive, because the phone has a battery size and camera that no other can compete within the same price range.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/08/2017
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 90% performance: 90% display: 90% mobility: 100% workmanship: 90%
Source: Tech Nave Archive.org version
After requests from our TechNavers we recently tried out the 4K video recording capabilities of the ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom ZE553KL. Featuring both Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), the ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom also offers up to 12x zoom (5x zoom in video recording mode), a dual rear camera with a dual Pixel camera sensor, 5000 mAh battery and more for just RM2099. The current pricing has dropped somewhat below RM1.9K though, which should make the ZenFone 3 Zoom even more of a flagship killer. You can check out our unboxing and hands-on video previously or see how stable 4K video recording is below.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/03/2017
Source: Tech Nave Archive.org version
After having some fun with the ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom engineering sample we managed to get some time with the ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom ZE553KL production unit which is coming to Malaysia in black for RM2099. We then did an unboxing, hands-on and camera sample showcase video with the ZE553KL.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/28/2017
Source: Yugatech Archive.org version
The ASUS Zenfone 3 Zoom is not the company’s first “zoom” smartphone. In 2015, they released the original Zenfone Zoom, however, it didn’t get enough traction considering the price and competition. After two years, ASUS revived the Zoom lineup with a fairly strong combination of premium build, dual rear cameras, capable specs, and large battery.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/16/2017
Source: Yugatech Archive.org version
We must admit, we already liked the Zenfone 3 Zoom even before we got our hands on it. It’s a heavy-hitter in terms of mobile photography.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/14/2017
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
Overall, the Zenfone 3 Zoom is a mid-range phone with some compelling camera specs and a large battery. We really need to spend more time with it before we can say whether it can capture better photos than competing handsets, and it would be good to know how much the thing costs before giving it two thumbs up. Asus has said it is coming in February, but it's staying quiet on price and availability.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/09/2017
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom intensely focuses on the two areas of the smartphone we really care about – the camera and battery life. Its camera specs either tie or best the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and iPhone 7 Plus, and we’re anxious to see how it fares when we take real life photos.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/09/2017
Source: Hardware Zone Archive.org version
In addition, ASUS is serving up a host of manual controls in its camera app, with options for controlling things like exposure values, ISO, shutter speed, and the focal length. This reminds us of the Pro mode on the Huawei Mate 9, and the two are actually quite similar (Huawei has an extra setting for autofocus mode).
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/08/2017
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
As so much of this phone rests on its optical zoom toting camera, I can't really make too many judgements on it without thoroughly testing it. But the camera specs sound strong, so I do have high hopes. That 5,000 mAh battery is another feature, and I'm wondering how long it could possibly last.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/06/2017
Source: Unbox Archive.org version
That’s pretty much it for this hands-on. No official price has been set for this phone in the Philippines as of yet. From what we can surmise, the pricing for this phone will fall close to the official SRP of the original ZF3, which may result in ASUS officially canning the 5.5-inch ZF3 and replacing it with this model. That’s our take on it anyway. The phone will hit stores worldwide by February.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/03/2017
Foreign Reviews
Source: WinFuture DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/10/2017
Source: Curved DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/07/2017
Source: Canaltech PT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good dual cameras; long battery life; high performance; support USB-C.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/14/2017
Source: Canaltech PT→EN Archive.org version
Negative: Unsupport waterproof; slow charge; sim and microSD are on the same slot; high price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/14/2017
Source: Tutto Android IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/12/2017
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 65% features: 75% display: 83% mobility: 96% ergonomy: 70%
Source: Smartphone e tablet android IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/21/2017
Rating: performance: 80% display: 90% mobility: 90% workmanship: 80%
Source: Giz Blog IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good dual cameras; high autonomy; metal case.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/04/2017
Source: 01Net FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/19/2017
Rating: Total score: 88% performance: 80% mobility: 100%
Source: Top for Phone FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Solid workmanship; elegant design; decent display; nice performance; good connectivity; high autonomy. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/30/2017
Source: Ru.PcMag.com RU→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/15/2017
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: Ferra.ru RU→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/12/2017
Rating: Total score: 82%
Source: Zoom RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good cameras; nice performance; good speakers; long battery life. Negative: No NFC.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/29/2017
Source: Mobile Review RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Decent speakers; long battery life; good dual cameras; nice display. Negative: Slow charge.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/14/2017
Source: Mobile Review RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Decent hardware; good dual cameras; long battery life; good price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/14/2017
Source: Helpix RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good cameras; great built quality; long battery life; nice display.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/12/2017
Source: DGL.ru RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Long battery life; nice design. Negative: Poor cameras.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/02/2017
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: High autonomy; good cameras; solid workmanship.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/05/2017
Source: Pemmzchannel ID→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Excellent cameras; high autonomy; good dual sim; nice display.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/16/2017
Comment
Qualcomm Adreno 506: Integrated graphics card in the Snapdragon 625 SoC and based on the new 500-series architecture with support for Vulkan, OpenGL ES 3.1 + AE (3.2) and UBWC.
Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
625: Mid-range octa-core SoC with eight ARM Cortex-A53 cpu cores at up to 2 GHz, an Adreno 506 GPU, a DDR3L-1866 memory controller and a X9 LTE (Cat 7) modem. Manufactured in the modern 14nm process.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
5.50":
It is a very small display format for smartphones. You should by no means be mis-sighted and you will generally see very little on the screen and only have a small resolution available. In return, the device should be very small and handy.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Asus: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. is a major Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer based in Taipei, founded in 1989. Under the Asus brand name, the company manufactures a wide range of products, including laptops, desktops, motherboards, graphics cards, monitors, smartphones and networking equipment, complete systems and PC components for end users.
Under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand name, ASUS manufactures gaming laptops known by gamers for their powerful specifications, dedicated graphics cards, high refresh rate displays and advanced cooling systems.
Beyond gaming, a wide range of notebooks are offered for different needs and budgets, from ultra-slim and lightweight ultrabooks to versatile 2-in-1 convertibles and budget-friendly options. In 2023, Asus had a 7% global market share of the PC market.
Customer satisfaction with ASUS notebooks concerns performance, the features, and the good price-performance ratio of ASUS notebooks. However, as with any brand, there are occasional reports of problems such as overheating, driver compatibility, or build quality issues.
81.54%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.