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Tech giant Asus recently came out with two new devices in Japan running on Android and looking to compete with the likes of Samsung, HTC and yes — even Apple. The Asus ZenFone 5 is a new smartphone that runs on Android and comes with a host of unique features that sets it apart from vanilla Android handsets, while its new ZenWatch brings some style and elegance to the future-thinking Android Wear ecosystem.
ZenFone 5
The Asus ZenFone 5 is somewhat unique in Japan (at least until May of this year) as it can be purchased as a SIM-free device from a number of retailers at an affordable price that doesn’t need to be underwritten by a service provider—leaving you free to choose your poison. Those looking for a “Goldilocks” smartphone (one that’s not too big and not too small) will find its 5-inch display fits comfortably in their hands — somewhere between an iPhone 6 or HTC One on the compact side and an iPhone 6 Plus or Galaxy S5 on the larger end—meaning it’s still easily operated in one hand, though may not be front-pocket suitable (depending on how skinny your jeans are).
On the outside, the high-definition, 1,280-pixel screen is protected by a sturdy and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen (the outer shell itself is a replaceable plastic cover, so these combined eliminate the need for a protective case) while under the hood is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor that powers the Android Kit Kat 4.4.2 operating system. Other features include a rear-facing 8MP video and still camera and a 2MP selfie cam on the front. It ships with up to 32GB of onboard flash memory with an internal slot for a micro-SD card to expand that to an additional 64GB.
What sets the ZenFone 5 apart from others of its ilk, though, is the suite of proprietary software — called ZenUI — designed to amalgamate your online life, your mobile life and your (ahem) real life. While some users may consider it bloatware, it does a have a few nice integrations. Right from the home screen, the What’s Next? feature intelligently alerts you to upcoming appointments, to-dos and even the weather with a simple swipe, plus you can easily add an additional 5GB of free online cloud storage space for sharing mobile photos or other media. And a new display sensitivity setting allows use of the device even while wearing gloves. All-in-all, the Asus ZenFone 5 is a feature-rich and highly customizable phone for its price point in a saturated market. ¥28,900.
ZenWatch
Also from Asus is the recently released ZenWatch (photo below) — a digital timepiece and lifestyle tracker with looks to please not only tech-obsessed fashionistas, but even —dare I say? — Apple fans. A sleek, tanned-leather wristband with stainless steel clasp sets it apart from other more industrial or rubbery devices in the smartwatch market (for now) — and if you’re not a fan of the band, you can swap it for one of your own choosing provided it’s the standard 22-millimeter size. The rectangular, AMOLED 1.63-inch display face is rather large (especially for small wrists), but the stainless steel case sandwiches an inset, rose gold-colored band gives it a distinguished feel. The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen offers sturdy scratch-resistance.
The ZenWatch pairs seamlessly via Bluetooth with any mobile device running Android Wear, as well as its own set of Asus apps that give users a multitude of choices when it comes to displayed watch faces (over 100 of them, all designed for the different moods and personalities of the wearer) and health tracking programs. The case even features a highly accurate heart rate monitor that you access by touching two fingers to the bezel.
Where it shines is the deceptively simple operation. Turn your wrist up to wake the device, swipe left or right, up or down to navigate the screen and access functions, settings and read incoming email or texts (if you’re used to Google’s “card” notifications, you’ll notice the similarity right away). Speak into the highly sensitive watch face mic (à la “OK Google,” Siri or your favourite 1960s TV spy) to launch simple apps like Google Maps, reply to incoming texts (that buzz on your wrist when they arrive), set reminders or even control the tunes playing on your phone without removing it from your pocket.
It’s a stunning watch made all the better by the choice of classic, stitched leather combined with understated, but quality casing materials. The amount of customization—not only for the digital watch face, but also for the different Android Wear apps that can be incorporated with it—make it an early standout for those looking for an actual “smart watch.” Its biggest downside (indeed, probably the biggest negative point for all wearable tech at this stage of the game) has to be the battery, which lasts around 8 hours. It also won’t pair with any Apple devices, so iPhone and iPad users will have to wait—at least until someone figures out how to make that pairing possible.
If you’re already set on getting a smartwatch to pair with your Android device, the Asus ZenWatch will certainly look good on any wrist and probably drum up a few longing glances, compliments and questions — just don’t get caught talking into it like Maxwell Smart. ¥32,180.
© Japan Today
9 Comments
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gaijintraveller
It is also important to mention that an unlocked (SIM free) phone allows the user to use any service provider including MVNOs allowing the user to escape from the exorbitantly priced, auto-renewing 2 year contracts of the virtual monopolies, Docomo, AU, Softbank and Ymobile, which is Softbank under another name.
I have recently dumped Softbank for an MVNO SIM from BIC Camera. This has a one year contract and the penalty for ending the contract early reduces month by month. Similar SIMs are available from Yodabashi, Yamada Denki and so on. I get faster connections than I did with a Softbank iPhone.
I believe the Zenphone 5 also takes two SIMS, so when you travel, you can use your Japanese SIM for WiFi connections only and a locally purchased SIM for use in that country.
Pukey2
gaijintraveller:
I'm thinking of getting a SIM-free smartphone and Bic SIM is my first choice. Are you satisfied with it? Do you really need a SIM for wifi? Are the slower downloading speeds sufficient for everyday stuff like reading email and internet surfing? I was also thinking of this Zenfone, but then I realized Huawei Ascend has slightly better specs.
I've been telling everyone I know abroad that mobile plans are a rip-off here and that's why I haven't taken out a plan or bought a smartphone. Prices are coming down, with these sim cards and unlocked phones, but I still feel Japanese customers are still being left behind. I mean, you actually have to pay for the actual SIM cards!
afanofjapan
Pukey2, the market here offers amazingly good deals for those who know how to take advantage of the system (even with Docomo/SB/AU), but MVNOs make it so you dont need to hunt for bargains. They have been available for years now so you shouldnt have waited so long!
There are now quite a few plans out there offering 1500-2000yen for 1gb data and voice service. If you could forgo voice, its well under 1000yen/month for a basic plan with LTE speeds. Secondhand Docomo smartphones can be bought for 10k or less (or 20-30k if you want a late model high spec phone).
MVNOs typically dont have much English support though (not really all that surprising), so if you dont speak Japanese, get a friend to help you find a good deal (there are websites comparing the companies etc)
James Benedict Matthews
Gaijintraveller:
The Zenfone 5 featured in the article (LTE version with a Snapdragon 400 cpu) is not dual sim. There is an older 3G only model that has an intel atom cpu and that is dual sim. I don't think it is sold directly in Japan, but I bought one (for my daughter) online from Expansys. It is actually slightly more powerful than the Snapdragon one, cheaper (I paid under 20,000 yen) and has the advantage of being dual sim. If you are not bothered about 4G speeds it is a good buy.
This really isn't a new phone, though it has only been officially sold in Japan since last Autumn I believe. The successor is due out this Spring and seems like quite a big upgrade with the same low-cost price. Still, highly recommend the phone - it is unbelievably good considering the price tag. I also have an Asus tablet (the latest Memo Pad 7) and love that too - another real bargain. ASUS are a good company imho.
Alphaape
I'm an HTC user locked into AU, but was looking for a cheaper option for when I travel back and forth out of Japan. This one looks like I should invest into it. The amount you spend for a one time purchase is still far cheaper than roaming charges you get hit with if you travel out of Japan with your "locked" phone.
Can anyone tell me where you can go and physically buy one or do you just have to buy it online?
Jeff Richards
Pukey 2: At first, I used the ZenFone 5 only on Wi-Fi until I adjusted the APN settings to use my SoftBank SIM. It worked just fine on Wi-Fi only for surfing the internet and reading/responding to email. I found it quite quick. No complaints.
James Benedict Matthews: That's correct. The model I had sported only one SIM slot, though the specs do say it's dual-SIM. I asked my contact at Asus Japan about this and she replied that the Japan-model ZenFone 5 with LTE is single-SIM only. And that the 3G ZenFone with dual SIM is the international model and not for sale in Japan.
Alphape: You can walk right into Yodobashi Camera and purchase the phone in person (along with an overpriced data plan) any time. I assume it's the same for Bic, Yamada and Labi as well, but I have personally checked it out at Yodobashi.
Alphaape
@ Jeff Richards: Thanks for the feedback. Looking at Amazaon, the US price is $279 plus S&H (for the LTE model), and lower for the 3G dual sim model as described here. With the yen rate today and the price listed, I would still come out ahead a tad bit. At any rate no need to get a data plan here in Japan can use wifi at home and get a better deal on a sim back in the states for 30 days when I travel.
Pukey2
afanofjapan:
Thank you for the info. I was originally thinking of getting just data, because that's cheap, and I was hopibng to make phone calls using voip. But somehow, I think it's safer to get a phone number too, with SMS capabilities.
Jeff Richards:
The reason I asked was because I assumed all mobiles could access internet through wifi without needing a SIM card. I got a cheap smartphone abroad over 2 years ago and brought it back to Japan. There was no problem using wifi where I bought it, although it did keep cutting when I used my laptop as a hotspot at home. I have a prepaid Softbank phone and I had no problems using that SIM card in the smartphone. But one big problem was that I couldn't get SMS to work properly. There were some methods to deal with this on the internet but I didn't want to play around with it. Anyway, my smartphone (from a not so well-known maker) started misbehaving 3 months later - it freezes frequently and I cannot factory reset it, which means I have to break it before throwing it away as I can't delete any of my personal information. Anyway, the specs aren't that good now, so I would like a new smartphone (from a reputable company this time).
Jeff Richards
Alphaape: That's a much better deal. Just looked at Yodobashi and the price is ¥28,940 (only 1% back in points).
Pukey 2: Yes, that'S right. Mobile handsets with Wi-Fi connectivity do not need a SIM and will work just fine if that's the way you want to use it. Getting SMS working was doubly difficult for me, since I'm actually all Mac. But a little trial and error with the APN settings (and the app Go SMS Pro) and I was able to leave all iDevices at home and use just the ZenFone and ZenWatch. As a replacement for your misbehaving smartphone, at this price it would probably work just great.