CES 2015: Asus Zenfone Zoom is going to make your camera truly obsolete

First world problem when you’re using a smartphone camera – the lack of optical zoom. A problem Asus is solving with the Zenfone Zoom.

Besides stating the obvious, the Android-powered device has zooming capability, magnifying shots up to 3x. From first glance, it’s hard not to notice the similarity to Nokia’s Lumia phone, though the Microsoft-owned smartphone isn’t equipped with optical zoom.

If it isn’t apparent that Asus is paying a lot of attention to imaging features, the next few will make it obvious – the Zenfone Zoom also includes optical image stabilisation (a common feature in most high-end smartphones nowadays) and, wait for it, a laser auto focus that locks on to your subjects with lightning speed. We’re sure there are some subtle differences to what LG has implemented on the earlier LG G3, but we couldn’t be sure since the Zenfone Zoom was locked up tight in a clear case.

READ MORE: Asus Zenfone 2 hands-on

The hardware that powers the Zenfone Zoom isn’t a modest affair either – the rear camera is a 13MP sensor, while the front is a 5MP snapper perfect for the selfie-loving narcissist.

Similar to the earlier announced Asus Zenfone 2, this shutterbug-friendly device comes with a 5.5in full HD display, with the same Android 5.0 Lollipop and ZenUI that’ll interact with your fingers.

The phone also comes with the same 3000mAh battery, and no surprises here – it’s powered by an Intel Atom processor.

Availability for the Zenfone Zoom is locked in for Q2 2015, and it’ll be priced at US$349, a tad higher than the Zenfone 2’s more affordable starting price of US$199.

READ MORE: Stuff at CES 2015 – the biggest news from the greatest tech show on Earth

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