Asus Zenfone AR is the only high-end implementation and representation of Google’s Tango or a phone that demonstrate how Augmented Reality on a phone could make a difference and add a new dimension to the way we all use our phones.
The Zenfone has the necessary hardware chops to nicely execute AR. And also VR, since it’s one of the few phones that are compliant with Google’s rigid Daydream standard for VR. We went up close with the new Tango phone and here’s what we felt.
Also Read: Asus ZenFone 4 Max Unveiled; Has Dual Rear Cameras, 5000mAh Battery
Asus Zenfone AR Specifications
| Model | Asus Zenfone AR |
| Display | 5.7-Inch, AMOLED, QHD (2K), Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Processor | 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB UFS 2.0 |
| Software | Android Nougat 7.0 with ZenUI 3.0 |
| Primary Camera | 23MP rear camera, 4-axis OIS, Tri-tech AF |
| Secondary Camera | 8MP selfie camera |
| Dimensions and Weight | 158.7 x 77.7 x 9 mm and 170mm |
| Battery | 3300mAh with Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Others | 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB OTG, NFC, 3.5mm, Dual SIM |
| Price | Rs. 49,999 |
Asus Zenfone AR Design and Build
- The Zenfone AR felt slimmer than what we’d expected and the well-balanced weight ensures that it doesn’t feel heavy even while tipping the scale at 170 grams.
- It’s also quite slim and ergonomic for a 5.7-inch display phone. And for a phone that has 4 camera sensors.
- The phone, however, doesn’t exude a premium finish or feel, something you’d expect from a 2017 flagship. The faux leather plastic rear cover is perhaps the one to blame.
Asus Zenfone AR Display
- The 5.7-inch AMOLED display is quite sharp, bright and well calibrated.
- A tempered glass protector was affixed on top on our hands-on unit.
- You can tweak display colors or activate night mode from display settings.
Asus Zenfone AR Augmented Reality feature explained
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- The phone has a lot of preloaded AR apps and games that place objects in the camera viewfinder and lets you interact with them.
- The apps we experienced worked rather well. This is something that indeed could be useful if it goes mainstream (a big if).
- Our reading is that, as of now, the AR features are for fun and not indispensable.
- You can get the basic idea of how this works in the video demo below.
Asus Zenfone AR Performance and Software
- Efficient executing of AR and VR apps takes center stage here and that calls for powerful hardware, and the Zenfone AR doesn’t disappoint in this regards.
- The software on the phone is familiar Zen UI based on Android Nougat.
- The camera hardware includes a 23MP primary camera with laser AF, PDAF and 4-axis OIS. About the same as on Zenfone 3 Deluxe. Of course, we will have to examine it further to reach any sort of verdict, but things look good.
Asus Zenfone AR First Impression
The new Asus high-end phone accomplishes what it set out to do. No matter how fascinating the AR features are, the technology is still in its nascent stages and doesn’t amount to something you can’t live without. And that’s precisely why Asus will have a tough time convincing consumers to shell out the seemingly exorbitant price (Rs. 49,999) for it.
Also Read: Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra A001 FAQ – All Your Questions Answered
