When Asus presented at CES its new ZenFone 2, its price was amounting to approx. $ 200. After some time it turned out that we are talking about a cheaper, simpler version of this model... Unfortunately, we didn't know its full specifications until now.
I am not surprised that Asus would not rush to advertise it, did not promote a cheaper model... ZenFone 2 ZE500CL - that is referred to at the outset - is not as impressive as the model ZE551ML that was shown at CES. That one – for $ 200 - would be an attractive proposition, while its smaller and weaker brother at this price is at most correct.
ZenFone 2 ZE500CL - unlike the one promoted at CES - has a screen size of 5 inches and a resolution of "only" 720p. As a consolation there was left Gorilla Glass 3. The phone also has a slightly older processor - 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z2560, which fortunately has the company of 2 GB of RAM (not bad, but still less than in the original). Usually a smaller phone has also the reduced battery. Unfortunately, this time 3000 mAh shrinks us to 2500. The smaller model doesn't have even the flagship cameras. It has only an 8-megapixel rear and 2 megapixels at the front. The only element that reduction may be welcomed with joy, is the housing. In ZE500CL it measures 148,1x71,5x10,9 mm, weighing 155 g.
This specification does not look bad. We're dealing with a really decent mediocre, but also some kind of marketing setback. If at CES it were not told about the price - it would not be a problem. And so, after awakening appetites, Asus decided to pay us a cold shower.
Source Asus Zenfone Blog
13.04.2026
