This was posted 10 years 5 months 28 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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ASUS Zenfone 5 From $153 USD (3 Variant),Zenfone 6 (8GB) $247 2GB RAM,16GB Ramos 8" Tab $128@BIC

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BICALL8

Some of you may be interested in getting the low-priced ASUS Zenfone 5 or 6, which is ASUS Taiwan's new cutthroat high-spec low price mobile.

Use the above coupon to get 8% off storewide.

All of these phones are quadband 3G (usable with any network in AUS) and dual SIM. As it's a branded phone from ASUS, you don't have to worry about it being laden with spyware. Probably.
Batteries are non removable. SD card storage is expandable. Upgradable to KitKat.

Prices included Free China Post Registered mail
Edit:
Zenfone 5
Variant 1
ASUS Zenfone 5 Dual SIM 8MP camera. 1GB RAM 8GB ROM CPU Intel Atom Z2560, 1.6GHz
USD$153.63 after using discount coupon.

Variant 2
ASUS Zenfone 5 Dual SIM 8MP camera. 2GB RAM 8GB ROM CPU Intel Atom Z2560, 1.6GHz
USD$171.66 after using discount coupon.

Variant 3
ASUS Zenfone 5 Dual SIM 8MP camera. 2GB RAM 16GB ROM Intel Atom Z2580, 2.0GHz
USD$195.03 after using discount coupon.

ASUS Zenfone 6" Dual SIM 13Mp camera. 2GB RAM 8GB ROM Intel Atom Z2580, 2.0GHz
USD$247.47

Spec
Chipset Intel Atom Z2580
CPU Dual-core 2 GHz
GPU PowerVR SGX544MP2
Display 5 / 6 inch IPS Corning Gorilla Glass 3
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)
720 x 1280 pixels (both models)
microSD, up to 64 GB
2GB RAM, 16GB / 8GB ROM
Upgradable to v4.4.2 (KitKat)
2110 mAh battery / 3300 mAh battery


Here's another bargain (-$11.20 discount)
RAMOS i8C $128.79 (Other sites has this for $140 USD)
Intel Atom Z2520 1.2GHz Dual Core
8 inch Tablet PC
Android 4.2 IPS
Capacitive Touch Screen 1280*800
1GB/16GB
GPS enabled

4300mAh

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closed Comments

  • +1

    very gud price for high spec phone. and dual sim.

    • +21

      I hope it has a spellcheck, you'd need one!

  • How does this fair against the Asus Nexus 7? Because on paper this seems to be EXTREMELY similar, except this is Dual Core not Quad Core. As well as the Sreen Res is at 720p rather than the 2013 Nexus 7 at 1088p.

    What's your overview on this scrimshaw?

    • +4

      The Nexus 7 is much faster. Also note that the Nexus 7 is strictly a tablet and it cannot make calls, even if it is a 3G NExus 7.

      the Zenfone is a… well. Phone.

      • -2

        What about the PadFone 2? How would that fair with this than since it's also a phone? Because the price is quite high as my use is purely for WiFi usage, and so I thought maybe the specs on the Nexus 7 would be higher, as you have also confirmed.

        EDIT: Person who negged me, care to comment why you did that? Because i'm asking a question…

        • +1

          Fonepad? Or PadFone?

          If it's the Catch of the Day Fonepad you are talking about then the Fonepad will a 7 inch device and can be used to make calls like a phone. The CPU speed is slower though and the 1GB of RAM is limiting. Only buy it if you're really after the 7 inch form factor.

        • Definitely Fonepad, sorry. So many products…

    • +6

      Can people stop judging tablets by how many cores it has. It seriously depends on the chip and how greatly optimised the ROM is. More cores does not mean faster.

      • Well said, agree. The first marketing ploy was higher Mhz. the better, which is not always correct. Dual core or Core2 Duo was next, lately Quad & Octa core seems to be the fad. Often these chips are more advanced with improved performance, but the architecture, cache and hyperthreading etc. come into it too. You really need to look at a cross section of benchmarks and real world use on the particular device, how the chip and components are implemented, and the software/skin. Then to balance things out you also need to consider how energy efficient and stable the system is, not just speed alone.

      • yes. we don't judge apples by their cores.

  • +1

    I've read conflicting reviews about this Intel chip. There's a new Zonefone 5 due out soon using Snapdragon. I'd like to get this, but I'm worried about performance and battery life. Would love to have a cheap, mid-range phone for less than $200.

    • Apparently battery life is okay on the Intel version

      Although in Taiwan there are complaints about workmanship (but not heard so much in Chinese forums, but I am not sure). Not sure whether these are true or just people blowing it out of proportions since many waited a long time for stock as it was way more popular than Asus expected and got quite frustrated.

      (Not only that, since Samsung got caught (and fined without Samsung contesting) astro-turfing and faking bad reviews / user experience on competitor products on forums it is very hard to gauge what is true and what is drummed up by people with a secret agenda in Taiwanese tech forums any more.)

    • +1

      There's also the new Redmi Note, with Octa-core Mediatek chip
      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Xiaomi-Singapore/535405486500…

      Selling for $199 in Singapore. Very sweet price but unfortunately as Borat would say….

    • +1

      I just purchased the Zenfone 6 a week ago from a Chinese seller on AliExpress.

      The battery life is INCREDIBLE. I used to last ~8-10 hours on my Galaxy s3, and I'd charge everyday. With the zenfone 6, I'm consistantly hitting 65-70% battery left after a full day of use (12 hours+) which means it could theoretically last for 3 days of use. This is with a 6 inch screen and all. The powersaving option on this phone is incredible (and I'm only using the intermediate power saving option, if you use the maximum the battery goes even further).

      I can't say it's exactly the same for the zenfone 4/5, but I'd say it would be similar unless they made some drastic changes between the models.

      Just be careful if you purchase a Chinese version phone, you need to flash the international ROM (really easy, takes only 10 minutes. Just rename the international ROM which you can download from the Asus website to the chinese file name to trick the phone into installing it.) to get Google Play/Play Store onto the phone.

      • +1

        Can you elaborate on the Rom flashing instructions, just in case the less tech savvy ozbargainers need to flash their device? Thanks angelique

  • Is this the Taiwanese version or the Mainland Chinese version? Does it come with Google Play if it is the Chinese version? (looking at the dual sim I guess it is the Chinese version)

    If it is the Taiwanese version, how da hell did you get stock, people buying on the official Asus website are still waiting delivery (cos Asus majorly underestimated how popular this phone was going to be in Taiwan)

  • +2

    I have been using the zenfone 6 16gb version. for about 3 weeks now, coming from the galaxy note.

    very happy with the phone, dual sim is good,

    build quality is fine.
    screen is excellent. more narrower than i thought.
    love the zen ui
    love the built in phone call recording.

    only negative is the built in battery. its fine now and lasts a fair while.
    the sound, its not very loud, speaker quality not the best, then again most phones are not.

    Got it direct from taiwan asus website, pre-order. due to the delay they gave me back 500twd and a free case.

    super phone for the price.

    • Good mini review.

  • Good price. Considering a zenfone 5 2gb ram version costs about $180 aud in taiwan. Delivery for bic is about 3 weeks plus. I just ordered mine from ebay with free FedEx shipping during the ebay 15% off for $195 AUD.

    • +1

      edit: to be more specific "ASUS Zenfone 5 Dual SIM 8MP camera. 2GB RAM 16GB ROM Intel Atom Z2580, 2.0GHz"

  • +1

    How's this stackup against Moto G? Antutu benchmarks for both Zenfone 5 & 6?

  • Sigh. Couldn't resist. Replacing my Samsung Galaxy Grand…hope it's good!

    What are BuyInCoins like to deal with?

    • They're pretty good, just don't expect your purchase to come through post in under a month. They do everything on their end quickly (when I buy things off them I quickly get a tracking number), it's just getting things from to Cairns takes FOREVER!.

  • I couldn't wait for one of these so I bought Xiaomi Redmi 2 months ago. It's also a very good phone for the money, not quite as good a spec but only $150. Whichever you choose, go with a good dealer on Aliexpress and you're sorted.

    • Xiaomi Redmi is a very well rounded budget phone but I find the battery doesn't last too long when I play Bubble Witch 2 & Candy Crush Saga.

  • My dad is after a Zenfone 5 andi found that the Zenfone 5 has 2 versions: A500 uses Intel Atom Z2560 1.6GHz and A510 uses Intel Atom Z2580 2.0GHz (more expensive). The description from BIC makes me confused, it's listed as A500 model but say Z2580 processor? These phones are available in Taiwan, China and Vietnam.

    • +2

      According to Asus Taiwanese official website, there are 3 versions for Zenfone 5, all come with 2gb ram 8gb|16gb|32gb ROM. Note these are Taiwanese versions.

      Link: http://store.asus.com/index/A12023

      Previously they had 1gb ram and 8gb version is now gone. Howvever, they are still available overseas. They are also available in HK.

      • i know that, but the processor types are different. Z2580 (A510 model) is more expensive

        • +1

          Got it, all the 16|32gb STORAGE version come with z2580

  • need to register to find out how much express postage is.

    So does any know if they send via DHL or similar and cost?
    if going to buy need it to arrive in three weeks before going overseas.

    • there is no option for express post after I login but I could be wrong.

  • How did you find the other lower end variants? They weren't there when I posted the deal. Maybe they were just newly added to the catalog?

    • I searched Asus and 4 zenphones came out.

  • DAMIT should have bought this instead of the MLAIS!
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/146290?page=1#comment-2079…
    which STILL hasn't arrived!

    • +1

      well, with BIC, it still takes about a month for delivery.

  • Bought the Z5 8GB. Was waiting for the Moto G LTE but these specs match my requirements and the unit is cheaper.
    - Unlocked.
    - SD card slot. Have 64GB card will try 128GB as well.
    - Dual sim.
    - Phablet for skypeing over WiFi at home with 2MB front camera.
    - Browsing while on the road.
    - Occasional calls.
    Paid A$179.09 shipped.

    Have 3 Asus A50 here. Still going strong after 3+ years.

  • Do Asus to a 4.3-4.5 inch display phone?

  • Trying to buy one of these phones but the Paypal checkout process keeps failing. It isn't the card (I even tried a different one). Anyone else have trouble?

  • +2

    Ok don't worry, had to login to Paypal rather than doing it as a guest.

    Ordered the Zenfone 5 16gb

    ironically the iPhone 4s it will be replacing I will sell for more than that on eBay.

  • Can it be dual boot to Windows 8 ?

    • Yes it can, but 8.1

  • Bought variant 3 black, got this email :

    Sorry to bother you. You may find your order on BuyinCoins.com is still waiting to be shipped. Because we get a notice from our warehouses that we temporarily run out of stock of this item. We have been making every attempt to maintain stock of every item we offer on BuyinCoins.com, but we meet the inventory management problem on rare occasion.

    We have arranged the order with the factory. We will arrange dispatch of your order within next 3-5 business days if the new cargo arrives, otherwise we will refund you for the order.

    With sincere apology again for the inconvenience caused.

    • My order was also Variant 3 but in white. After paying my order shortly came up with "Warehouse processing" then "Packaging" so it appears everything is going ok.

      I am surprised if BIC didn't offer to change the colour and ship? It's not like the colour really matters as it is just the replaceable rear shell which you could replace at a later date.

    • I bought the red zenfone 6 and got the same message. After agonising over whether to buy, and finally deciding to go for it, I hope it doesn't end up being unavailable.

      • My order is still in "Packaging" status. Interestingly, the phone is still listed for sale on their site.

        • My status has updated to Dispatched now - so they must have gotten more stock.

        • mine too!

  • Does it come with GPS? It says it in the title but its not in the specs or Asus website. Can anyone shed some light?

  • I am using this phone now. so happy with it!! Overall, it feels like a Xperia Z1. Yes, a high quality device.

    ASUS Zenfone 5 Dual SIM 8MP camera. 2GB RAM 16GB ROM Intel Atom Z2580, 2.0GHz

    • Awesome, I am glad to hear that. There are no "Western" reviews of this device that I have been able to find to date so it is still somewhat of an enigma.

      I haven't received an update to my order status since what I mentioned above. I expect it is now pinging around in the Chinese postal system where in a months time it will shootout and land on Australian shores?

      • Packaging doesn't mean Shipped. Packaging just means that they've processed the payment and sent the order to the warehouse to be fulfilled. Until it actually says shipped (or equivalent) I would assume that they haven't actually handled your phone.

      • and 3 of my colleagues want to buy it now after i show it to them. LOL

  • Just an update to let any buyers know that I just received confirmation from BIC that my Zenfone 5 has been shipped. They even included a photo of the parcel which is kind of cool, bet it won't look that clean and tidy when it finally arrives :)

  • Sorry, I clicked the link from ebay and got link from dwidigitalcameras website, didn't look carefully.
    http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Asus-Zenfone-5-Du…

  • has anyone who order this received there phone yet? the tracking number they gave me doesn't work and i have been seeing alot of negative reviews on buyincoin

  • Any good protective case around for zenfone 5.

  • +1

    phone arrived today, looks like its needs to be flashed

    • Still waiting for my order to turn up, fingers crossed if you just received yours crob then mine must be close. Have you changed from the Chinese rom to the Asus "world" rom (to get Google play store etc.)?

      • Sorry slow reply… yeah I had to change to the rom. To the world Rom, it's pretty easy, I have the link on my computer at work so I'll link it tomorrow if needed so far it's been pretty good, only app that doesn't work is snapchat

  • +2

    Those who are looking for World Wide (WW) ROM for their Zenfone 5, it's here:
    http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/ZenFone/A500CG/UL-ASUS_T00F…

    Tutorial is here:
    http://asus-zenfone.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/zenfone-5-instal…

    • ive never done anything like this, can anyone here confirm if this tutorial is awesome and worked for them? Alot of the comments on that page seem to be complaints and problems..

      • yeah following that method didn't work for me :(

        • Sorry it didn't work for me either. Keeps giving me E: Signature Verification Failed error!

        • I spent whole my weekend looking at forums, but failed to convert the firmware to WW :(

        • @batrarobin: yeah same, just gave up :/

        • +1

          just manage to convert to ww version

          • download ADB Fastboot n install (google it)
          • download the windows zenfone 5 driver
          • download firmware from asus site i use V1.14.40.50 for WW
          • extract and you get UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-1.14.40.50-user.zip
          • get fastboot.img, boot.img from the zip and copy to adb folder
          • rename UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-1.14.40.50-user.zip and move it to adb folder
          • hold vol up and turn on your phone - should went to fastboot
          • open cmd and go to adb folder
          • type the following 2 lines: "fastboot flash fastboot fastboot.img" and "fastboot flash boot boot.img" (look phone screen, should say successfully for both)
          • go to recovery - wipe data follow the guide on (http://asus-zenfone.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/zenfone-recovery…)
          • choose apply update from adb
          • from cmd above type "adb sideload <filename>.zip"
          • reboot :P n done
        • @Decat:

          Yeah I also managed to do change to WW firmware. Although I followed a different method that took me a little longer as well but all good in the end. This method looks pretty straight forward.

          Any questions or help that any ozbargainer might need, please feel free to ask.

          Cheers.

  • +1

    I have modified instructions from Decat for clarity and have added some download links:

    • Download ADB and Fastboot from here and install at some easy to remember folder path e.g. C:\zenfone
    (https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1S0LCuXCnnmSWh6NGJmSE1BUWc/…)
    • Download and install the Windows zenfone 5 driver (http://support.asus.com/download.aspx?SLanguage=en&m=ASUS%20…)
    • Download firmware from Asus site v1.14.40.50 for WW (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/ZenFone/A500CG/UL_ASUS_T00F…)
    • Extract this file to get another zip file out of it. (Don't forget this step, you should get UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-1.14.40.50-user.zip)
    • Further extract this zip file to get fastboot.img, boot.img and copy these to your ADB Fastboot folder
    • Rename UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-1.14.40.50-user.zip to "rom.zip" and move it to your ADB Fastboot folder
    • Turn Off your phone
    • Hold vol up and then press power On button of your phone - Keep holding both buttons, it should went into Droidboot screen.
    • Open command prompt cmd and go to your ADB Fastboot folder (e.g. cd C:\zenfone)
    • Type the following 2 lines: "fastboot flash fastboot fastboot.img" and "fastboot flash boot boot.img" (look phone screen, should say successfully done for both)
    • Go into Recovery - wipe user data and cache. Follow the guide on http://asus-zenfone.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/zenfone-recovery
    • Choose "Apply update from adb"
    • From cmd above type "adb sideload rom.zip"
    • reboot n done

    • +1

      thanks for that batrarobin :P
      just a small update , manage to update to V1.15.40.35 today without problem (using adb sideload).
      you might able to skip 1.14 to do the above step (save you 600ish mb download)

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