Zenfone Go ZC500TG Specs

Display Size: 5 Inch IPS LCD Display with 1280 x 720 HD Resolution,Processor: MediaTek MT6580 32 bit Quad CoreRAM: 2 GB LPDDR3Software Version: Android 5.1 Lollipop based Zen UICamera: 8 MP AF Rear cameraSecondary Camera: 2 MP FF CameraInternal Storage:  8GBExternal Storage:  up to 64 GB MicroSD supportBattery: 2070 mAhConnectivity:  3G, HSPA+, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS

Asus Zenfone Go India Hands on Review, Camera and Features [Video]

   

Physical Overview

All new Zenfone models available in multiple variants follow same design language and are primarily differentiated by the display quality and material used for the plastic back cover. Asus Zenfone Go, however is similar to last year Zenfone variants. There is no rear key or top edge placed power button (which is a good thing). Both hardware buttons are placed on the right side edge. The plastic back cover has rubberized matte finish and doesn’t feel cheap. Build quality is pretty solid too.

The display quality also seems good for the price. The 5 inch HD display has average brightness and viewing angles and thus sunlight visibility could be a problem.

Performance and User Interface

Asus Zenfone Go is powered by MediaTek MT6580, which is a quad core Cortex A7 based 32 bit chip paired with 2 GB RAM and 8 GB internal storage. In our initial experience, the chip seemed to struggle handling Android 5.1 Lollipop based Zen UI. There was some UI lag which could worsen over a period of usage. Having said that, it is still too soon to judge the performance as a software update could fix this prior to official launch. The Zen UI comes with several preloaded apps and customization options and has a flat design, which looks good in our opinion.

Camera Overview

The rear 8 MP AF camera has f2.0 lens and seems to be an average performer. Lot of noise was visible in low light shots, but with better lighting you can click some very useable images. On the front a basic 2 MP fixed focus selfie camera is present.

Competition

Zenfone Go will be an ultra affordable device and has several plus points to help it steer in low cost price segment. With presence of extremely competitive handsets like Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime and Yu Yuphoria, the low cost MediaTek chip inside might penalize it.

Common Questions

Here are some answers to common questions, that you might be searching for. Question – How much Internal Storage is free? Answer – Out of 8 GB only 2.7 GB is available at user end. Asus will also launch a 16GB variants. Apps can be transferred to SD card as well. Question – How much RAM is free on first boot? Answer – On first boot, 2GB RAM around 900 MB was free on the hands on prototype. Question – Is USB OTG supported? Answer – Yes, USB OTG is supported Question – Is 4G LTE supported ? Answer – No, 4G LTE is not supported. Question – Are the capacitive keys backlit Answer- No, the capacitive keys are not backlit

Conclusion

Zenfone Go involves a few compromises which could be potential deal breakers for many. However, It has its fair share of merits too and for the right price, it would be easier to look past its limitations.