Notebookcheck Logo

Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL Smartphone Review

More and more AI. As was the case with some previous generations, for this fifth generation Asus ZenFone, the focus is on the cameras. With AI support for everything possible—even the ringtone—and Corning Gorilla Glass covering both sides, buyers should find themselves holding a high-performance, intelligent and rugged smartphone with a dual camera. Read on to find out what level of performance you can expect of this new ZenFone.
Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL

When it comes to their ZenFone line, Asus has always tried to entice prospective buyers with grandiose promises. In the case of the ZenFone 4, it was the dual camera with a wide-angle lens. For the ZenFone 4 Max, it was long battery life. Our current test device does not have much in common with the 2014 ZenFone 5—instead it harks back to the fourth generation, where the camera was in the foreground. Additionally, numerous AI functions are intended to support users as they operate the smartphone. For example, the display's color temperature adapts to the ambient lighting, and background noises influence the volume of the ringtone.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 636 SoC, supported by an Adreno 509 graphics unit, provides a solid basis for good system performance. The two processors are joined by 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC flash memory for the installation of apps and storage of personal files. But in this price-performance class, the ZenFone 5 has to be able to stand tall in the face of the competition. In this review, we will weigh the Asus phone against several comparable devices, including the Nokia 7 PlusLG's Q7 Plus, the Honor 10Xiaomi's Mi Mix 2 and the BQ Aquaris X2 Pro.

Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL (Zenfone Series)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 8 x 1.8 GHz, Kryo 260
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
, LPDDR4X
Display
6.20 inch 18.7:9, 2246 x 1080 pixel 402 PPI, capacitive, IPS, Corning Gorilla Glass, glossy: yes
Storage
64 GB eMMC Flash, 64 GB 
, 52 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5mm jack, Card Reader: microSD (up to 2 TB, FAT, FAT32, exFAT), 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: acceleration sensor, compass, gyroscope, proximity sensor, USB-C
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.0, GSM (900/1800), 3G WCDMA (1/2/3/4/5/6/8/19), LTE 4G FDD/TDD (1/2/3/4/5/7/8/17/19/20/28/38/39/40/41), Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 7.7 x 153 x 75.7 ( = 0.3 x 6.02 x 2.98 in)
Battery
3300 mAh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Android 8.0 Oreo
Camera
Primary Camera: 12 MPix dual camera 12 MP (f/1.8, 24 mm, 1/2.55", 1.4 µm, PDAF) + 8 MP (f/2.0, 12 mm, 1/4", 1.12 µm), 6p lens
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix f/2.0, 24 mm, 1/4", 1.12 µm
Additional features
Speakers: 1 speaker, Keyboard: onscreen, Keyboard Light: yes, USB power supply, USB Type-C cable, ASUS ZenUI 5, 24 Months Warranty, SAR-value (head): 1.2 W/kg, SAR-value (body): 1.47 W/kg, fanless
Weight
155 g ( = 5.47 oz / 0.34 pounds), Power Supply: 70 g ( = 2.47 oz / 0.15 pounds)
Price
400 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case - Asus smartphone with Gorilla Glass

When you first look at the ZenFone 5, the thing that stands out is how much space is occupied by the display. According to Asus, the display takes up 90% of the face of the smartphone—and it really does feel like no space is lost. Even so, the frame around the display and the rounded bezel seem fairly wide—certainly a few millimeters too thick for the word "bezel-less" to apply.

While both the front and back of the Asus smartphone are dominated by glass, the frame and keys are made of metal. This gives the phone a high-end feel, reinforced by the good manufacturing quality. There are as good as zero gaps in transitions between materials. Asus has overlaid the glass surface with Corning Gorilla Glass for extra stability.

Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL

Size Comparison

158.4 mm / 6.24 inch 75.64 mm / 2.98 inch 9.55 mm / 0.376 inch 186 g0.4101 lbs153 mm / 6.02 inch 75.7 mm / 2.98 inch 7.7 mm / 0.3031 inch 155 g0.3417 lbs150.7 mm / 5.93 inch 72.3 mm / 2.85 inch 8.35 mm / 0.3287 inch 168 g0.3704 lbs150.9 mm / 5.94 inch 74.9 mm / 2.95 inch 8.1 mm / 0.3189 inch 189 g0.4167 lbs149.6 mm / 5.89 inch 71.2 mm / 2.8 inch 7.7 mm / 0.3031 inch 153 g0.3373 lbs143.8 mm / 5.66 inch 69.3 mm / 2.73 inch 8.4 mm / 0.3307 inch 145 g0.3197 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Connectivity - ZenFone 5 with Bluetooth 5.0

The ZenFone 5 2018 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, an Adreno 509 graphics unit, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC flash storage. The internal storage can be expanded by up to 2 TB with a microSD card, but the microSD card blocks the second nanoSIM slot. Alongside a fingerprint reader, users have access to an NFC sensor on the back of the device.

A USB Type C port connects the phone to its power supply and enables cable-based data transfer. The port only offers USB 2.0, but it does support USB OTG, meaning that the phone can act as a USB host and charge external devices. A 3.5mm jack serves to physically connect the ZenFone to external speakers or a headset.

Software - Android smartphone with ZenUI

The ZenFone 5 comes with Android Oreo version 8.0, inclusive of security updates dated from July 1st, 2018. The manufacturer has chosen to equip the phone with their proprietary user interface, the Asus ZenUI 5. This UI has customized visuals and many apps that replace standard Google programs. The phone is still intuitive to operate, even for beginners.

The settings menu has also been redesigned, but offers all the functions users are familiar with on other Android smartphones. In addition, the menu allows for multiple user accounts. A microSD card only enlarges the storage space available for the user's own data; apps cannot be installed on it, and pre-installed programs can only be deactivated (not uninstalled).

Software Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Software Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Software Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Software Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Software Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Software Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Software Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
Software Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL

Communication and GPS - Fast WLAN on the ZenFone 2018

ZenFone 5 users can establish connections over GSM, 3G and LTE networks. The latter supports LTE Cat. 12, which enables download rates of up to 600 MBit/s and upload speeds of up to 150 MBit/s.

For communication over shorter distances, Bluetooth 5.0 and WLAN in the standards a, b, g, n and ac stand at the ready. Connections can be established on both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. In our WLAN test, the Asus smartphone reached download speeds of up to 339 MBit/s and upload speeds of up to 308 MBit/s. These results place the Asus phone in the upper mid-range among the devices on our comparison list. The substantially faster Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 is the clear winner here.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
Adreno 630, SD 845, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
668 MBit/s +117%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
Adreno 512, SD 660, 64 GB eMMC Flash
346 MBit/s +12%
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
Adreno 509, SD 636, 64 GB eMMC Flash
308 MBit/s
Nokia 7 Plus
Adreno 512, SD 660, 64 GB eMMC Flash
307 MBit/s 0%
Honor 10
Mali-G72 MP12, Kirin 970, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
236 MBit/s -23%
LG Q7 Plus
Mali-T860 MP2, MT6750S, 64 GB eMMC Flash
54.5 MBit/s -82%
iperf3 receive AX12
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
Adreno 630, SD 845, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
654 MBit/s +93%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s +11%
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
Adreno 509, SD 636, 64 GB eMMC Flash
339 MBit/s
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
Adreno 512, SD 660, 64 GB eMMC Flash
281 MBit/s -17%
Nokia 7 Plus
Adreno 512, SD 660, 64 GB eMMC Flash
247 MBit/s -27%
Honor 10
Mali-G72 MP12, Kirin 970, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
210 MBit/s -38%
LG Q7 Plus
Mali-T860 MP2, MT6750S, 64 GB eMMC Flash
42.7 MBit/s -87%
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test outdoors
GPS Test outdoors

We used the GPS Test app to determine how accurately the ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL can position itself. Outdoors, the smartphone ascertained its position with an accuracy of up to 3 meters (~10 feet). Establishing a satellite connection was possible indoors as well, although the accuracy reduced to 10 meters (~33 feet).

We compared the Asus ZenFone 5's GPS with that of our Garmin Edge 500 reference device on our mandatory bike ride. Our test showed that the ZenFone frequently positions the user a little away from his or her actual route, and along curves the path is not precisely recorded. The Android smartphone is suited for simple navigation tasks, but applications requiring more accuracy should be carried out with an external GPS.

GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
GPS Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
GPS Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
GPS Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
GPS Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL
GPS Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL

Phone Function and Call Quality - Asus smartphone with clear sound

Telephone Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL

Using the ZenFone 5's telephone app, users have direct access to a number pad and can dial phone numbers from a call list. A second tab provides access to the contact list. During conversations, both participants voices come across clearly and are easy to understand. The volume is loud enough to ensure that the conversation partner is audible in normal environments. Background noise is filtered out reliably.

Cameras - Smartphone with dual camera for poor lighting

Front camera shot
Front camera shot

The ZenFone 5 has a rear 12+8 MP dual camera at its command, as well as a simple 8 MP selfie camera on the front. The latter takes good portrait shots, though the subject looks a little pale. On the positive side, details are captured faithfully, and objects in the background are easily recognizable too. The camera app offers lots of settings options to influence shots, ranging from adjusted skin tones to slimmer cheeks to smoothed blemishes. The camera's AI also remembers preferred settings and learns to adopt them automatically.

The Asus smartphone's main camera takes mediocre photos. Shots with stark differences in brightness or backlighting are especially problematic, as the photos turn out too dark. Finer details are only captured on brightly lit objects; dark surfaces, on the other hand, have poorly-defined edges and a "muddy" structure. In more balanced lighting situations, the camera is able to take more detailed shots. Fine structures are captured well, and lots of details are easily recognizable. Even so, the coloration is influenced by the image's dominant color. In the case of our test photo, for instance, the whole picture looks a little green. In low lighting, the ZenFone 5 2018's camera reproduced our sample image well. The lens does not capture details, but objects remain clearly visible. The settings options in the camera app enable users to employ various color filters and quality settings. There is, however, no professional mode with fine-tuned settings. Users can simply choose between the normal and the wide-angle lens. In addition, Google Lens is directly accessible through the camera app.

The video quality is comparable to that of photos, though there are no settings options for video recording. The good image stabilizer enables the smartphone to record jitter-free videos.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3
ColorChecker Passport
ColorChecker Passport

We used ColorChecker Passport to determine how well the ZenFone 5 ZE620KL reproduces colors. The results show that colors are rendered too light and black tones too dark.

In controlled lighting, the Asus smartphone reproduces our test chart very well. Details and fine structures are rendered in sharp relief and are easily recognizable. However, colors become noticeably pale in the lower corners, even in wide-angle format.

Accessories and Warranty - 24 months warranty on the Android smartphone

The ZenFone 5's box contains just a USB power supply with a matching USB Type C cable. Protective covers designed for the smartphone can be purchased separately from Asus, as can a variety of headsets.

Buyers of the ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL will receive a 24-month warranty from Asus. Please see our Guarantees, Return policies and Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Input Devices and Operation - Lightning fast fingerprint reader

Asus has chosen Google's standard GBoard keyboard for the ZenFone 5. This keyboard enables users to type texts quickly and easily. Each touch is confirmed with a gentle vibration, and input is seamlessly translated into action. The touchscreen reacts very reliably and provides a faint level of friction between the screen and the user's fingertips. This makes drag-and-drop gestures somewhat difficult over a longer period. The position sensor also reacts quickly and adapts the display to the smartphone's screen orientation.

The fingerprint reader is located on the back of the Asus smartphone. It scans fingerprints and reacts almost instantaneously, unlocking the phone faster than would be possible with a pattern or PIN.

Display - 6-inch smartphone with notch

subpixels
subpixels

The Asus ZenFone 5's display consists of a 6.2-inch IPS panel in 18.7:9 format with a resolution of 2246x1080 pixels. With an average brightness of 561 cd/m², the Android smartphone positions itself second on our comparison list. On the other hand, the brightness distribution is only 87% similar across the screen and thus inferior to the competition. Asus has chosen to use PWM to regulate the display brightness. At brightness levels of less than 26%, the display flickers at 2366 Hz. Fortunately, this frequency is quite high and should spare even sensitive users from eye problems or headaches.

559
cd/m²
589
cd/m²
545
cd/m²
580
cd/m²
595
cd/m²
558
cd/m²
555
cd/m²
555
cd/m²
515
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 595 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 561.2 cd/m² Minimum: 5.58 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 595 cd/m²
Contrast: 1102:1 (Black: 0.54 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.2 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 4.7 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
100% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.12
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
IPS, 2246x1080, 6.20
LG Q7 Plus
IPS, 2160x1080, 5.50
Nokia 7 Plus
IPS, 2160x1080, 6.00
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
LTPS, 2160x1080, 5.65
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
IPS, 2160x1080, 5.99
Honor 10
IPS, 2280x1080, 5.84
Screen
-30%
12%
-7%
-3%
15%
Brightness middle
595
431
-28%
458
-23%
675
13%
492
-17%
555
-7%
Brightness
561
419
-25%
463
-17%
650
16%
463
-17%
537
-4%
Brightness Distribution
87
89
2%
92
6%
92
6%
90
3%
94
8%
Black Level *
0.54
0.58
-7%
0.22
59%
0.46
15%
0.59
-9%
0.39
28%
Contrast
1102
743
-33%
2082
89%
1467
33%
834
-24%
1423
29%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.2
6.2
-48%
4
5%
5.9
-40%
2.4
43%
2.3
45%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6
10.1
-68%
7.4
-23%
9.5
-58%
6.2
-3%
6
-0%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.7
6.2
-32%
4.7
-0%
6.6
-40%
4.5
4%
3.9
17%
Gamma
2.12 104%
2.26 97%
2.19 100%
2.36 93%
2.25 98%
2.19 100%
CCT
7577 86%
8064 81%
7425 88%
7846 83%
6395 102%
6212 105%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 2336 Hz ≤ 26 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 2336 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 26 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 2336 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The ZenFone 5's display has a good contrast ratio of 1102:1 and a somewhat high black value of 0.54 cd/m². As a result, colors are clearly distinguished from each other, but black tones exhibit a visible gray cast. Because the ZenFone's AI automatically adapts the color temperature to the surrounding environment, the color temperature is very well-balanced.

CalMAN - color accuracy
CalMAN - color accuracy
CalMAN - color space
CalMAN - color space
CalMAN - grayscale
CalMAN - grayscale
CalMAN - saturation
CalMAN - saturation

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
33.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 18 ms rise
↘ 15.6 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 89 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
52.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 23.6 ms rise
↘ 29.2 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 88 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Outdoors, the ZenFone 5 can be used without any problems. The display surface only faintly reflects objects in the surrounding environment, leaving the display content more visible than on other smartphones. In shady spots, the ZenFone 5's display shows no environmental reflections. As a result, the smartphone is well-suited for outdoor use.

outdoor use
outdoor use

The ZenFone 5's IPS panel has very good viewing angle stability. No matter the angle, colors and content look accurate. Coupled with the fairly unreflective display surface, the good viewing angle stability makes the smartphone usable even from less than ideal vantage points.

viewing angle stability
viewing angle stability
viewing angle stability
viewing angle stability

Performance - Mid-range performance offered by the ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL

The ZenFone 5 offers smooth system performance, achieved by a Snapdragon 636 and an Adreno 509 graphics unit working in tandem. These two processors are joined by 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC flash storage, providing users with a mid-range smartphone that can be used for a wide range of applications.

Our benchmark tests, however, reveal mixed results. While the system performance alone falls in the middle range among our comparison list, the smartphone's graphics performance is low. In everyday use, however, the Asus smartphone functions without any problems. The system runs smoothly, apps start reliably, and processes function seamlessly.

AnTuTu v6 - Total Score (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
125213 Points
LG Q7 Plus
44064 Points -65%
Nokia 7 Plus
117165 Points -6%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
115834 Points -7%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
162183 Points +30%
Honor 10
174272 Points +39%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
93813 Points -25%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (92015 - 125213, n=10)
98051 Points -22%
AnTuTu v7 - Total Score (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
138661 Points
LG Q7 Plus
52855 Points -62%
Nokia 7 Plus
141701 Points +2%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
140875 Points +2%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
266601 Points +92%
Honor 10
205297 Points +48%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
115656 Points -17%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (115565 - 138661, n=11)
118863 Points -14%
PCMark for Android
Work performance score (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
6999 Points
LG Q7 Plus
3969 Points -43%
Nokia 7 Plus
6825 Points -2%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
6332 Points -10%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
9179 Points +31%
Honor 10
8530 Points +22%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
6457 Points -8%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (6040 - 7618, n=11)
6624 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone (10884 - 19297, n=2, last 2 years)
15091 Points +116%
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
6068 Points
LG Q7 Plus
3080 Points -49%
Nokia 7 Plus
6077 Points 0%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
5965 Points -2%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
8078 Points +33%
Honor 10
7046 Points +16%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
5640 Points -7%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (5611 - 6277, n=11)
5833 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points +79%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
2156 Points
LG Q7 Plus
855 Points -60%
Nokia 7 Plus
2369 Points +10%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
2394 Points +11%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
3614 Points +68%
Honor 10
3374 Points +56%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
2044 Points -5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (1734 - 2156, n=10)
1957 Points -9%
Average of class Smartphone (411 - 11438, n=158, last 2 years)
5704 Points +165%
System (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
5348 Points
LG Q7 Plus
1407 Points -74%
Nokia 7 Plus
4976 Points -7%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
5048 Points -6%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
5792 Points +8%
Honor 10
5882 Points +10%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
4628 Points -13%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (4320 - 5348, n=10)
4559 Points -15%
Average of class Smartphone (2376 - 16475, n=158, last 2 years)
9621 Points +80%
Memory (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
2314 Points
LG Q7 Plus
800 Points -65%
Nokia 7 Plus
2503 Points +8%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
2494 Points +8%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
3012 Points +30%
Honor 10
3808 Points +65%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
2208 Points -5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (1236 - 2492, n=10)
1958 Points -15%
Average of class Smartphone (670 - 12306, n=158, last 2 years)
6230 Points +169%
Graphics (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
1605 Points
LG Q7 Plus
631 Points -61%
Nokia 7 Plus
2298 Points +43%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
2279 Points +42%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
7918 Points +393%
Honor 10
4397 Points +174%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
1625 Points +1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (1590 - 1632, n=10)
1608 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone (697 - 58651, n=158, last 2 years)
13900 Points +766%
Web (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
1088 Points
LG Q7 Plus
751 Points -31%
Nokia 7 Plus
1101 Points +1%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
1146 Points +5%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
1234 Points +13%
Honor 10
1316 Points +21%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
1052 Points -3%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (876 - 1088, n=10)
1037 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone (10 - 2145, n=158, last 2 years)
1487 Points +37%
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
1506 Points
LG Q7 Plus
639 Points -58%
Nokia 7 Plus
1646 Points +9%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
1579 Points +5%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
2456 Points +63%
Honor 10
1890 Points +25%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
1330 Points -12%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (1323 - 1506, n=11)
1351 Points -10%
Average of class Smartphone (800 - 9574, n=90, last 2 years)
5063 Points +236%
64 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
5426 Points
LG Q7 Plus
2135 Points -61%
Nokia 7 Plus
5867 Points +8%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
5856 Points +8%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
8937 Points +65%
Honor 10
6610 Points +22%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
4941 Points -9%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (4781 - 5426, n=11)
4960 Points -9%
Average of class Smartphone (2630 - 26990, n=90, last 2 years)
13549 Points +150%
Compute RenderScript Score (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
5041 Points
LG Q7 Plus
2084 Points -59%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
5688 Points +13%
Honor 10
8634 Points +71%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
4501 Points -11%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (4278 - 5041, n=11)
4505 Points -11%
Average of class Smartphone (2053 - 18432, n=70, last 2 years)
10590 Points +110%
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
20404 Points
LG Q7 Plus
9710 Points -52%
Nokia 7 Plus
26610 Points +30%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
26175 Points +28%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
56913 Points +179%
Honor 10
29111 Points +43%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
19873 Points -3%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (19525 - 20404, n=11)
19846 Points -3%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
20722 Points
LG Q7 Plus
9656 Points -53%
Nokia 7 Plus
29333 Points +42%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
29306 Points +41%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
76078 Points +267%
Honor 10
32674 Points +58%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
20908 Points +1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (20610 - 21067, n=11)
20839 Points +1%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
19365 Points
LG Q7 Plus
9903 Points -49%
Nokia 7 Plus
20085 Points +4%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
19050 Points -2%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
30245 Points +56%
Honor 10
21070 Points +9%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
16939 Points -13%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (15766 - 19365, n=11)
17020 Points -12%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
1493 Points
LG Q7 Plus
120 Points -92%
Nokia 7 Plus
2035 Points +36%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
2059 Points +38%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
4540 Points +204%
Honor 10
3358 Points +125%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
1474 Points -1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (1458 - 1493, n=11)
1475 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone (712 - 7285, n=52, last 2 years)
3495 Points +134%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
1329 Points
LG Q7 Plus
96 Points -93%
Nokia 7 Plus
1895 Points +43%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
1938 Points +46%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
6630 Points +399%
Honor 10
3573 Points +169%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
1333 Points 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (1313 - 1353, n=11)
1331 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone (618 - 9451, n=52, last 2 years)
3845 Points +189%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
2626 Points
LG Q7 Plus
1029 Points -61%
Nokia 7 Plus
2734 Points +4%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
2638 Points 0%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
2159 Points -18%
Honor 10
2773 Points +6%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
2337 Points -11%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (1349 - 2626, n=11)
2280 Points -13%
Average of class Smartphone (1093 - 4525, n=52, last 2 years)
2989 Points +14%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
962 Points
LG Q7 Plus
101 Points -90%
Nokia 7 Plus
1332 Points +38%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
1361 Points +41%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
4248 Points +342%
Honor 10
2891 Points +201%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
953 Points -1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (934 - 962, n=11)
950 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone (286 - 7890, n=102, last 2 years)
2665 Points +177%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
814 Points
LG Q7 Plus
80 Points -90%
Nokia 7 Plus
1161 Points +43%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
1196 Points +47%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
5181 Points +536%
Honor 10
2993 Points +268%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
815 Points 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (797 - 818, n=11)
812 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone (240 - 9814, n=102, last 2 years)
2655 Points +226%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
2634 Points
LG Q7 Plus
1031 Points -61%
Nokia 7 Plus
2749 Points +4%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
2628 Points 0%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
2606 Points -1%
Honor 10
2582 Points -2%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
2327 Points -12%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (2251 - 2634, n=11)
2358 Points -10%
Average of class Smartphone (858 - 4679, n=102, last 2 years)
3119 Points +18%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
34 fps
LG Q7 Plus
16 fps -53%
Nokia 7 Plus
48 fps +41%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
51 fps +50%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
60 fps +76%
Honor 10
59 fps +74%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
35 fps +3%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (30 - 40, n=12)
34.3 fps +1%
Average of class Smartphone (22 - 165, n=179, last 2 years)
83.2 fps +145%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
36 fps
LG Q7 Plus
17 fps -53%
Nokia 7 Plus
50 fps +39%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
46 fps +28%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
150 fps +317%
Honor 10
124 fps +244%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
36 fps 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (35 - 36, n=12)
35.6 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone (19 - 791, n=179, last 2 years)
243 fps +575%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
15 fps
LG Q7 Plus
6.8 fps -55%
Nokia 7 Plus
22 fps +47%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
22 fps +47%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
59 fps +293%
Honor 10
50 fps +233%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
15 fps 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (13 - 18, n=12)
15 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone (6.8 - 165, n=180, last 2 years)
71 fps +373%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
16 fps
LG Q7 Plus
7.1 fps -56%
Nokia 7 Plus
23 fps +44%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
23 fps +44%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
74 fps +363%
Honor 10
59 fps +269%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
16 fps 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (16 - 16, n=12)
16 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone (9.2 - 363, n=180, last 2 years)
137.5 fps +759%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
9.8 fps
LG Q7 Plus
4.5 fps -54%
Nokia 7 Plus
15 fps +53%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
14 fps +43%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
55 fps +461%
Honor 10
34 fps +247%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
9.8 fps 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (5.7 - 12, n=12)
9.47 fps -3%
Average of class Smartphone (3.7 - 158, n=180, last 2 years)
59.9 fps +511%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
10 fps
LG Q7 Plus
4.7 fps -53%
Nokia 7 Plus
14 fps +40%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
15 fps +50%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
60 fps +500%
Honor 10
39 fps +290%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
10 fps 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (6.3 - 10, n=12)
9.68 fps -3%
Average of class Smartphone (6.2 - 279, n=180, last 2 years)
96.3 fps +863%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
6 fps
LG Q7 Plus
2.4 fps -60%
Nokia 7 Plus
9.1 fps +52%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
8.6 fps +43%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
34 fps +467%
Honor 10
20 fps +233%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
6 fps 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (5.1 - 7.4, n=12)
5.96 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone (5 - 117, n=180, last 2 years)
42.9 fps +615%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
6.3 fps
LG Q7 Plus
2.5 fps -60%
Nokia 7 Plus
8.3 fps +32%
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
9.1 fps +44%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
35 fps +456%
Honor 10
23 fps +265%
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
6.3 fps 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (6.3 - 6.3, n=12)
6.3 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone (2.9 - 166, n=180, last 2 years)
58.4 fps +827%
Lightmark - 1920x1080 1080p (sort by value)
Nokia 7 Plus
15.07 fps
Basemark ES 3.1 / Metal - offscreen Overall Score (sort by value)
Nokia 7 Plus
349 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (255 - 260, n=2)
258 Points
Average of class Smartphone (177 - 6114, n=61, last 2 years)
2145 Points

Legend

 
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, Qualcomm Adreno 509, 64 GB eMMC Flash
 
LG Q7 Plus Mediatek MT6750S, ARM Mali-T860 MP2, 64 GB eMMC Flash
 
Nokia 7 Plus Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, Qualcomm Adreno 512, 64 GB eMMC Flash
 
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, Qualcomm Adreno 512, 64 GB eMMC Flash
 
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, Qualcomm Adreno 630, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
 
Honor 10 HiSilicon Kirin 970, ARM Mali-G72 MP12, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
 
Motorola Moto Z3 Play Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, Qualcomm Adreno 509, 64 GB UFS 2.0 Flash

In the browser benchmarks, the performance level of the ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL ranks safely in the middle of our comparison list. Surfing goes smoothly on the Asus smartphone. Websites load quickly, and media content is presented without long delays.

JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 414, n=3, last 2 years)
194.9 Points +278%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S (Chrome 66.0.3359.158)
69.8 Points +36%
Honor 10 (Chrome 66)
56.5 Points +10%
Nokia 7 Plus (Chrome 60)
53.9 Points +5%
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL (Chrome 67)
51.5 Points
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro (Chrome 67)
49.4 Points -4%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (44.2 - 51.5, n=11)
45.3 Points -12%
LG Q7 Plus (Chrome 67)
18.69 Points -64%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=202, last 2 years)
33525 Points +244%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S (Chrome 66.0.3359.158)
14491 Points +49%
Honor 10 (Chrome 66)
10965 Points +13%
Nokia 7 Plus (Chrome 60)
10945 Points +12%
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL (Chrome 67)
9746 Points
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro (Chrome 67)
9582 Points -2%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (8163 - 9746, n=12)
8665 Points -11%
LG Q7 Plus (Chrome 67)
3422 Points -65%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
LG Q7 Plus (Chrome 67)
13671 ms * -233%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (4105 - 5066, n=12)
4688 ms * -14%
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL (Chrome 67)
4105 ms *
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro (Chrome 67)
4094 ms * -0%
Nokia 7 Plus (Chrome 60)
3937 ms * +4%
Honor 10 (Chrome 66)
3899 ms * +5%
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S (Chrome 66.0.3359.158)
2868 ms * +30%
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=165, last 2 years)
1653 ms * +60%
WebXPRT 2015 - Overall
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S (Chrome 66.0.3359.158)
228 Points
Honor 10 (Chrome 66)
182 Points
Nokia 7 Plus (Chrome 60)
168 Points
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro (Chrome 67)
159 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (147 - 184, n=8)
158 Points
LG Q7 Plus (Chrome 67)
70 Points

* ... smaller is better

As in the previous benchmarks, the Asus ZenFone 5 2018 positions itself in the middle range between the competition in our storage test. Our test device's access times are above average compared to the competition, and the SD card reader also achieved good read and write rates with our Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 reference memory card.

Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KLLG Q7 PlusNokia 7 PlusBQ Aquaris X2 ProXiaomi Mi Mix 2SHonor 10Average 64 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
-29%
-17%
-20%
78%
96%
-20%
324%
Sequential Read 256KB
286.6
235.9
-18%
283.1
-1%
280.8
-2%
756
164%
828
189%
273 ?(95.6 - 704, n=201)
-5%
1462 ?(215 - 4512, n=211, last 2 years)
410%
Sequential Write 256KB
201.8
186.6
-8%
211.6
5%
204.8
1%
208.1
3%
192.1
-5%
176.8 ?(40 - 274, n=201)
-12%
1074 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=211, last 2 years)
432%
Random Read 4KB
71.2
35.8
-50%
54.7
-23%
51.3
-28%
135.1
90%
145.9
105%
59.1 ?(9.58 - 148.5, n=201)
-17%
241 ?(22.2 - 543, n=211, last 2 years)
238%
Random Write 4KB
83.5
11.91
-86%
19.62
-77%
15.43
-82%
128.4
54%
163
95%
31.7 ?(2.34 - 146.9, n=201)
-62%
265 ?(13 - 709, n=211, last 2 years)
217%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
85.8 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
81.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-5%
82.2
-4%
83.3 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-3%
77.4 ?(21.1 - 107.6, n=144)
-10%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
65.2 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
62.2 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-5%
62.3
-4%
61.1 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-6%
58.3 ?(11.2 - 83.3, n=144)
-11%

Games - Casual games and more with the ZenFone 5

In the ZenFone 5, a Qualcomm Adreno 509 graphics unit is tasked with the reproduction of image content. This GPU can run most Android games smoothly, although sometimes only at medium or low graphics settings. In our test, “Arena of Valor” ran smoothly at high settings, as did the older “Dead Trigger 2” game. The “Asphalt 9” racing game, on the other hand, crashed time and again during start up.

Even over a prolonged gaming period, the touchscreen is comfortable to operate, and the position sensor immediately translates movements into action within the game.

Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor
Dead Trigger 2
Dead Trigger 2

Emissions - Android phone with good speakers

GFXBench Manhatten 3.1
GFXBench Manhatten 3.1

In our tests, we measured the Asus ZenFone 5's surface temperatures at a maximum of 30°C (86°F) in idle mode, and up to 38°C (100.4°F) under load. In the latter case, the Android smartphone felt somewhat warm, but never hot. Even after a prolonged period under heavy load in the GFXBench Manhattan Test, the ZenFone 2018 hardly throttled at all. In everyday use, users of the Asus smartphone should not encounter performance limitations as a result of excessive core temperatures.

Max. Load
 36.5 °C
98 F
36.5 °C
98 F
35.6 °C
96 F
 
 36.8 °C
98 F
36.1 °C
97 F
34.4 °C
94 F
 
 35.9 °C
97 F
35.9 °C
97 F
34.3 °C
94 F
 
Maximum: 36.8 °C = 98 F
Average: 35.8 °C = 96 F
31.9 °C
89 F
34.4 °C
94 F
35.7 °C
96 F
32 °C
90 F
33.7 °C
93 F
38.1 °C
101 F
32.8 °C
91 F
33.5 °C
92 F
35.6 °C
96 F
Maximum: 38.1 °C = 101 F
Average: 34.2 °C = 94 F
Power Supply (max.)  25.9 °C = 79 F | Room Temperature 20.8 °C = 69 F | Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 35.8 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.8 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38.1 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.8 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
heat development - front
heat development - front
heat development - back
heat development - back

Speakers

speaker characteristics
speaker characteristics

The speakers on the ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL have a clear sound and are on par with the speakers found in other devices in this price bracket. The tone spectrum encompasses not just high and mid-tones, but also some bass. The bass does fade away as soon as the tone gets deeper, but some cheaper smartphones lack it entirely.

A 3.5 mm jack enables the user to connect external audio devices. Plugs lock safely into the jack, and audio content is transmitted without any problems.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs203032.32536.135313228.74029.431.35031.533.36327.927.38022.119.41002220.912521.228.416021.536.620020.347.425018.45231517.359.940016.763.25001763.563016.159.480015.867.8100015.873.8125015.372.7160015.873.1200014.975.525001572.9315014.774.9400014.778.150001575.9630015.171.880001561.71000015.462.1125001558.71600016.357.7SPL27.685.5N160.2median 15.8median 63.2Delta210.735.244.432.941.737.232.531.737.339.641.828.335.827.335.926.934.126.7362439.920.944.820.952.219.550.118.554.117.564.817.561.815.769.215.873.816.675.115.874.115.474.115.574.71675.915.8741672.216.374.316.371.916.268.216.456.416.452.128.685.31.161.3median 16.4median 68.22.211hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseAsus Zenfone 5 ZE620KLNokia 7 Plus
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (85.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 22.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 6.4% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 8.6% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (23.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 47% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 44% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 66% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 27% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Nokia 7 Plus audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (85.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 25.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 6.1% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (22.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 39% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 54% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 59% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 35% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery Life - High energy consumption, short battery life

Even though the ZenFone 5 is equipped with an energy-saving Snapdragon 636, according to our measurements, the competition uses less energy. At an average power draw of 4.48 watts in idle mode and a peak power draw of 13.62 watts, the Asus smartphone uses significantly more energy than the other devices on our comparison list.

The 10-watt power supply that comes with the device is hard pressed to provide enough power to charge the smartphone while it is running under heavy load, but in everyday use, the power supply should provide the ZenPhone (2018) ZE620KL with enough energy. With Asus's BoostMaster technology, the Android smartphone is fully charged in around 2.5 hours, and AI-supported charger technology is designed to slow down the battery's aging process.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.02 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 1.75 / 4.48 / 4.5 Watt
Load midlight 7.92 / 13.62 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
3300 mAh
LG Q7 Plus
3000 mAh
Nokia 7 Plus
3800 mAh
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
3100 mAh
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
3400 mAh
Honor 10
3400 mAh
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 636
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
55%
52%
51%
45%
42%
46%
50%
Idle Minimum *
1.75
1
43%
0.65
63%
0.63
64%
0.75
57%
1.12
36%
0.944 ?(0.6 - 1.75, n=12)
46%
0.892 ?(0.42 - 2.37, n=158, last 2 years)
49%
Idle Average *
4.48
1.57
65%
1.76
61%
2.16
52%
2.25
50%
2.26
50%
2.22 ?(1.4 - 4.48, n=12)
50%
1.448 ?(0.69 - 4.26, n=158, last 2 years)
68%
Idle Maximum *
4.5
1.64
64%
1.78
60%
2.18
52%
2.26
50%
2.3
49%
2.54 ?(2 - 4.5, n=12)
44%
1.631 ?(0.79 - 4.45, n=158, last 2 years)
64%
Load Average *
7.92
4.1
48%
4.47
44%
4.48
43%
4.89
38%
5.14
35%
4.51 ?(3.65 - 7.92, n=12)
43%
5.56 ?(2.4 - 16.5, n=158, last 2 years)
30%
Load Maximum *
13.62
6.02
56%
9.13
33%
7.87
42%
9.6
30%
7.89
42%
7.37 ?(5.1 - 13.6, n=12)
46%
8.25 ?(4.32 - 20.8, n=158, last 2 years)
39%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

In our WLAN test, which is designed to simulate everyday use, the ZenFone 5 ran for over eight hours before it needed to be connected to its charger. This result is substantially shorter than the run times we see on other smartphones in this price bracket. The ZenFone's high energy consumption rates make themselves apparent here by shortening the smartphone's battery life.

In around 2.5 hours, the 3300 mAh battery receives a full charge from the quick-charge device that comes with the smartphone.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
8h 17min
Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL
3300 mAh
LG Q7 Plus
3000 mAh
Nokia 7 Plus
3800 mAh
BQ Aquaris X2 Pro
3100 mAh
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
3400 mAh
Honor 10
3400 mAh
Battery Runtime
WiFi v1.3
497
620
25%
672
35%
605
22%
716
44%
663
33%

Pros

+ Bluetooth 5.0
+ clear speaker
+ dual camera's low light performance

Cons

- only USB 2.0
- high energy consumption
- only microSD or dual-SIM possible

Verdict - Good smartphone with minor shortcomings

In Review: Asus ZenFone 5. Test device courtesy of Asus Germany.
In Review: Asus ZenFone 5. Test device courtesy of Asus Germany.

In our tests, the Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL proved to be a good mid-range smartphone with enough system performance for most applications— including some programs with higher performance demands. However, the ZenFone's high energy consumption rates have a significant impact on the battery life, and the fact that some games simply will not start is also frustrating.

The Asus ZenFone 5 has a lot to offer in terms of design and features, but it also has some minor weaknesses.

The Asus smartphone's hardware configuration is somewhat imbalanced. On the one side, the device offers Bluetooth 5.0, NFC and fast WLAN; on the other, it only comes with USB 2.0, and the use of a microSD card blocks the second nanoSIM slot. Prospective buyers will need to take their priorities into account, but in the end, the ZenFone 5 is a well-designed device with a few forgivable weaknesses.

Asus Zenfone 5 ZE620KL - 10/01/2018 v6(old)
Mike Wobker

Chassis
83%
Keyboard
67 / 75 → 89%
Pointing Device
86%
Connectivity
45 / 60 → 75%
Weight
92%
Battery
91%
Display
87%
Games Performance
45 / 63 → 72%
Application Performance
62 / 70 → 89%
Temperature
91%
Noise
100%
Audio
76 / 91 → 83%
Camera
70%
Average
77%
85%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

Read all 1 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Asus ZenFone 5 (2018) ZE620KL Smartphone Review
Mike Wobker, 2018-10- 5 (Update: 2019-02-26)