ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser is the larger variant in ZenFone 3 series sized at 5.5-inch featuring laser autofocus and a metallic design along with 2.5D curved glass. ZenFone 3 series is now focusing on the premium segment rather picking up the highly competitive budget price bracket that is already dominated by the brands like Xiaomi, Lenovo, and LeEco. ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser is priced at ₹18,999. We have shared our hands-on review below.
ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser Specifications
- Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS Display (1920 x 1080 pixels resolution | 401 ppi pixel density) with 2.5D curved glass
- Fingerprint Scanner: Yes, at the back
- Software: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with ASUS ZenUI 3.0
- CPU: 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 octa-core processor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 SoC
- GPU: Adreno 505
- Memory: 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM / 4 GB LPDDR3 RAM
- Storage: 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage, MicroSD support up to 256 GB
- Main Camera: 13 MP f/2.0 laser autofocus, dual-tone LED flash, 1080p @30fps
- Front Camera: 8 MP f/2.0, 1080p @30fps
- Connectivity: Micro USB, 3.5 mm stereo jack, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
- Cellular: 4G LTE, Dual Micro SIM (GSM + GSM), VoLTE-enabled
- Battery: 3,000 mAh Li-Ion (non-removable)
- Dimensions: 149 mm x 76 mm x 7.9 mm
- Weight: 150 grams
- Colors: Sand Gold, Glacier Silver
- Price: ₹18,999
- Warranty: 1 Year Warranty
The ZenFone 3, priced is at ₹21,999, has one of the best cameras and the integrates a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 CPU. On the other hand, we have its cheaper variant, ZenFone 3 Laser that comes with a 13 MP laser autofocus camera and Qualcomm Snapdragon 430. While these are the two major things changed, the design is now fully metal instead of the glass back.
Taking a look at the quick specs, it features a 1.4 GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430, 2 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage, and 3000 mAh battery. There’s another ZenFone 3 Laser variant with 64 GB storage and 4 GB RAM.
The ASUS Zenfone 3 Laser doesn’t feel like it’s a 150-gram device but rather lighter than mentioned. It gives you a very pleasant feel when holding it. Nevertheless, ZenFone 3 Laser is likely to be the lightest of all the ZenFones in the 5.5-inch category. Featuring a brushed aluminum textured design at the back, the display is covered with a fine 2.5D curved Gorilla glass.
I noticed the 5.5-inch display is not a Super IPS+ but just IPS. The battery is slightly upgraded to 3000 mAh, ZenFone 3 used a 2650 mAh battery. So, with larger capacity battery, longer the battery life. Since the battery is made larger, it has gained thickness. ZenFone 3 Laser is 7.9 mm thin which is still considered as thin.
I really liked the design, it fits my hands perfectly, extremely light in weight, feels nice to hold.
There is a 13 MP main camera on the back with laser autofocus and dual-tone LED flash. On the front, there seems to be used the same camera from the ZenFone 3. Both the cameras are capable of capturing 1080p videos at 30fps.
The fingerprint scanner on the back is crazy as fast. It is as fast as the fingerprint scanner I have seen on the Zenfone 3.
The design follows the trails of the Zenfone 3 series, right has power and volume keys, the left has hybrid SIM tray. It supports 4G network and VoLTE. The SIM tray holds 2 SIMs, Micro + Nano both GSM, or one Micro SIM and one MicroSD card (GSM + MicroSD).
On the top, there’s a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a microphone. On the bottom, there’s a microphone, the standard Micro USB and loudspeakers grill. Unlike Zenfone 3 that come with a USB Type-C, the laser variant rather boasts the standard USB port.
On the software side, it comes with ASUS ZenUI 3.0 based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. ZenUI 3.0 is the new interface from ASUS. What’s new in the ZenUI 3.0 is a brand new look, enhanced wallpaper settings, and motion wallpaper effect.
Check out the ASUS ZenFone 3 review.
ZenFone 3 is available at a price of ₹18,999 in two color variants – Sand Gold and Glacier Silver. I would say if you want to buy ZenFone 3 but with less budget on hand, ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser is a good alternative.
