Zenfone 2 released in Thailand TODAY

[casualbiker]

As the header says. Official release of the Asus Zenfone 2 is today. Dtac have the 32/4 from 6990baht on a Love and Role deal.. 9,999 without.. And Asus web store has the 64/4 for 11999 baht.

http://www.dtac.co.th/campaign/knockout-sale.html

http://store.asus.com/th

[dddave]

I checked out FORTUNE PLAZA Monday but no Zenphone 2's anywhere. "One week"..."Two week"

Asked about their Zenphone 2 B6990 "Love & Roll" promotion, D-Tac store staff replied: "Ehhhh??...Mai loo!!"

[casualbiker]

Have a look on the website that I linked.. It started Monday.

[casualbiker]

Dtac poster.

[casualbiker]

Advice computer.

[dddave]

Hmmm...That's about US $355 for the 4/64gb, not the same kind of revolutionary bargain the Zenphone-5 was at introduction. Not bad for what you get but in the next few months I expect to see some heavy competition emerge, especially from some premium Chinese manufacturers. There are already several 3/32gb phones with all the bells and whistles for well under US$200.

The Zenphone-2 4/64 will sell at something close to US$299 when released in the USA according to a statement by the President of Asus. It will be interesting to see what the local price shakes down to in the coming months.

[casualbiker]

Still over 10k less than Samsung or iPhone equivalents.. Only downside I see is the weight. It's a pity they couldn't shave 20-30 grams off.

Pretty much EVERYTHING is cheaper in the USA !

It's annoying but there ya go!

Edited May 30, 2015 by casualbiker

[Somtamnication]

Looks nice. Saw some youtube reviews on it. Volume rocker on the back and thickness was an issue. Otherwise, for the price, who needs Samsung?

[wooloomooloo]

Otherwise, for the price, who needs Samsung?

Nail on the head. Get an iPhone instead. Great resale value and top notch functionality in the meantime.

iPhone 6 Plus with bombproof case:

Edited May 30, 2015 by wooloomooloo

[casualbiker]

Wooloomooloo... I know you will find this amazing but SOME PEOPLE don't agree about the iPhones " functionality"

I personally HATE using an iPhone compared to my Android phone, sure they got better in iOS 8 when you had the swipe up function for some settings.. But still not as easy as android.. Oh and let's not forget the price! I just got a Lenovo Vibe Z on a clearance sale @ 5,700b (Google it for specs) pretty similar to the 28,900baht iPhone 6plus.. Actually it's smaller.

[MJKT2014]

Otherwise, for the price, who needs Samsung?

Nail on the head. Get an iPhone instead. Great resale value and top notch functionality in the meantime.

iPhone 6 Plus with bombproof case:

What the heck has this got to do with subject thread? Get back into your Apple fan boy closet please, you are becoming a pest.

[puuchaibaa]

Powerful and good value. Was really looking forward to picking one up but sadly discovered that only one SIM slot is 3G/4G capable. Guess I'll wait another few weeks to see if there's anything comparable that's 3G/4G capable on both slots.

[casualbiker]

Really! Where did you find that information?

[Anthony5]

Powerful and good value. Was really looking forward to picking one up but sadly discovered that only one SIM slot is 3G/4G capable. Guess I'll wait another few weeks to see if there's anything comparable that's 3G/4G capable on both slots.

I think the main purpose for a second sim slot is to have a second number, so what's the big deal it not being 3/4G capable?

[dddave]

Most 4G, dual SIM phones only allow one 4G SIM, other SIM runs at 2G.

[puuchaibaa]

I read about the single 3G/4G sim slot from 3 different reviews. There is a very slight chance the model in Thailand is different. Will find out soon when I talk to sales.

I like to have it on both slots primarily because data speeds at various locations outside BKK can be poor on one carrier but decent on another, and this makes it easy to switch. Another reason is when I hit the full speed limit on one sim I can easily switch to the other.

I had an LG L70 that was 3G capable on both slots, and it was a fairly low end phone. Not sure why manufacturers don't make all of their dual sims high speed capable. Can't be very complicated. The sim slot is solely for identifying you to the carrier, while data is handled directly within the chipset.

[casualbiker]

^^^ can you not change the internet from Sim 1 to Sim 2 . you can on some phones.

[puuchaibaa]

Could do exactly that with the LG L70, but apparently can't do it with the Zenfone 2. Haven't confirmed this yet with the Thai model but I don't expect it to be different.

[lamyai3]

They're here in big numbers now down in mbk and pantip etc. Only seen the 6990 and 11990 bt models on sale though. Dtac has a separate promo on for the 32/4gb model at 9990 bt.

Edited June 4, 2015 by lamyai3

[casualbiker]

I think I would prefer to buy from a proper shop like ADVICE computer or CsC inter

[lamyai3]

Yes, that's where they had the demos available, in CSC at pantip. Also got them in IT city on top floor.

[dddave]

According to this story, there will be no 4/64 Z-2 option offered in the US (3/32 max), thus making the previously announced $299 price not such a great deal.

Does look like US will have screensize choice of 5", 5.5" & 6", RAM/ROM 2/16 up to 3/32. Lower priced models will have lower end processor.

http://www.vinereport.com/article/asus.zenfone.2.release.date.specs.phone.comes.with.snapdragon.processor.three.variations/628.htm

[Somtamnication]

Any feedback from a user?

[dddave]

Quoted B11,000 for Z-2, 4/32 at two MBK shops today, red color only in stock. No 4/64's to be seen.

[Somtamnication]

DTAC has it for 9999 if you buy a monthly package. I know the phone has all the GSMs for Thailand.

Question: I have an AIS sim. This phone is dual sim. Can I have both the AIS and DTAC sim working at the same time?

[dddave]

I believe you could only use the AIS SIM for voice/2G but I would ask at DTAC before buying.

Edited June 11, 2015 by dddave

[SheungWan]

Any feedback from a user?

Here's a review: https://youtu.be/v_vttBfgt04

[Somtamnication]

Thanks. Tons of reviews. I wanted one from a user locally.

[Somtamnication]

Probably the most in-depth review of the Z2.

http://www.xda-developers.com/zenfone-2-review-cheap-fast-big-flawed/

[dddave]

Probably the most in-depth review of the Z2.

http://www.xda-developers.com/zenfone-2-review-cheap-fast-big-flawed/

Interesting read, especially about the inconsistent battery performance.

Also answers the questions about 2nd SIM: 2G voice only

Side note: As of yesterday, June 15, no 4/32's or 4/64's at either MBK or Fortune.

Edited June 16, 2015 by dddave