Asus Zenfone 5 (2014)
The manufacturer offers this phone with a 5 inch IPS display, a Intel Atom Z2580 chipset, and 2 GB of RAM.
Explore its secrets, both positive and negative!
Table of Contents
- Asus Zenfone 5 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Asus Zenfone 5 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
Asus Zenfone 5 specifications
| Brand | Asus |
|---|---|
| Name | Zenfone 5 |
| Model | A500CG |
| Release date | 2014 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 5.11 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.83 x 2.87 x 0.41 inch |
| Colors | champagne gold, charcoal black, cherry red, pearl white, twilight purple |
| SIM type | Micro SIM |
The weight of the Asus Zenfone 5 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Intel Atom Z2580 |
| CPU | Dual-core 2 GHz |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544MP2 |
The Asus Zenfone 5 comes with Android OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Many consider PowerVR GPUs to highly compete with other leading mobile GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 2 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If we use our smartphones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32 GB may be sufficient for our needs. We can expand the internal storage of the Zenfone 5 (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 2 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Zenfone 5 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
Compared to modern 4G and 5G networks, 3G networks are much slower. The Zenfone 5 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. We can use Bluetooth to connect our Zenfone 5 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Zenfone 5 has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Po 2110 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Po 2110 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Zenfone 5 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Dual SIM |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Asus phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- microSD slot
- Dual SIM support
- Corning Gorilla Glass shield
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 4G support
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
Updated: June 2, 2024
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.