In addition to the 64-megapixel f/1.8 primary video camera and the 12-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide electronic camera, the ZenFone 7 Pros flip electronic camera module has actually gained an 8-megapixel f/2.4 telephoto electronic camera, which offers 3x repaired optical zoom (and approximately 12x digital zoom). As a bonus offer, both the telephoto cam and the primary video camera included 4-axis OIS (optical image stabilization).
ASUS declares that the cameras here perform substantially much better than in 2015s model. The primary cam is powered by Sonys IMX686 imaging sensor, which can apparently catch four times the brightness than in the past in low-light conditions. The sensing unit is also capable of tape-recording video at as much as 8K at 30fps or 4K slow movement at 120fps, making the phone a versatile camera.
For the ultra-wide electronic camera, ASUS chose to opt for the brand-new IMX363 sensing unit, which has its cons and pros: it features a somewhat lower resolution and field of view than last years electronic camera module, but in return, it loads bigger 1.4 um pixels for better light sensitivity, together with dual pixel autofocus and macro mode (to 4cm). This is a smart decision for enhancing both landscape photography and group selfies, particularly when lighting isnt perfect. The new sensor can likewise manage 4K capture at as much as 60fps, together with “HyperSteady” electronic stabilization and real-time distortion correction.
Richard Lai/Engadget All these video camera advantages use to both rear and front capture. Or at any angle, for that matter– just press and hold the flip button in the cam app or use the volume keys to by hand change the angle.
Regretfully, the unit I received wasnt carrying the finished camera software application, so ASUS told me the image quality wasnt agent of the item. Ill update this article with some sample shots once my phone gets the last update.
Another major, but less obvious, upgrade to the flip camera is its moving mechanism. According to ASUS, the ZenFone 7 series stepper motor is 40-percent smaller sized than previously, yet its capable of 2.2 times more torque to manage the heavier module with a quicker rotation. Its upgraded gearbox and a brand-new angle sensing unit likewise permit more precise motions, going from the old 2-degree steps to smaller sized 0.5-degree steps..
Even the level of durability has actually been doubled to 200,000 continuous turns, according to ASUS. This equates to over five years of use if you turned the cam 100 times daily (which is, obviously, rather extreme). Like before, if you drop the phone while trying a selfie, the camera will automatically withdraw throughout the fall. That stated, the ZenFone 7 series isnt water resistant due to the nature of the flip cam style, so youll wish to keep the phone far from liquids.
Richard Lai/Engadget The new flip video camera supports improved vehicle panorama and movement tracking video recording, with the previous now compatible with the ultra-wide electronic camera for some larger panorama shots. The more demanding users will likewise enjoy new functions like independent focus point and direct exposure point controls, in addition to the Pro Video mode which lets you play with the ISO, shutter speed, white balance and more.
Its worth discussing that the ZenFone 7 series includes not 2 but three microphones for much better sound cancellation. These add the ability to focus on the sound originating from a subject, and you can even pick the audio instructions (front, back or all instructions) when recording in Pro Video mode.
Richard Lai/Engadget Another physical feature worthwhile of a mention is the new “Smart Key.” Its actually just the power button with an incorporated fingerprint reader, but it also functions as a multi-function secret. This is a cunning approach, as this all-in-one Smart Key can be personalized to instantly unlock and toggle an app or action in one go; or you can leave it as-is for summoning Google Assistant.
In terms of core specifications, the ZenFone 7 Pro shares the very same Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor as the ROG Phone 3. It features 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, microSD growth (approximately 2TB) and double SIM slots. Absolutely nothing surprising here for a flagship, obviously, so its truly everything about that flip electronic camera.
And if it werent for the 3rd cam and the moved finger print reader, you d easily error the ZenFone 7 Pro for the ZenFone 6. When placed side by side, though, youll see the new device is much larger. Despite bring the exact same generous 5,000 mAh battery, the ZenFone 7 Pro is also a lot heavier, weighing 230g (about 8.1 ounces) compared to its 190g (about 6.7 ounces) predecessor; though this should not be an issue for those who are accustomed to the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Richard Lai/Engadget The ZenFone 7 Pro has a 6.67-inch Samsung AMOLED panel, which includes a slick 90Hz revitalize rate and 200Hz touch tasting rate, together with a longer aspect ratio (2,400 x 1,080) and an optimum outside brightness of 700 nits– about the exact same as what you d get on the most current flagships from Samsung and Apple. You also get HDR10+ support, which already deals with Netflix; just too bad about the absence of front-facing stereo speakers here.
ASUS tossed in a 30W adapter which supports Quick Charge 4.0 protocol, and this can get the 5,000 mAh battery approximately 60-percent charge in 34 minutes, or 100-percent charge in 93 minutes. Included in the box are 2 protection cases: a hard transparent case and a more rugged black “Active Case”– the latter has a latch to lock the flip cam in location for much better protection.
If you were searching for something a little cheaper, the lesser ZenFone 7 is almost identical to its Pro counterpart, except it loads the less effective Snapdragon 865 processor together with both 6GB and 8GB RAM choices, a smaller sized 128GB storage and cameras sans OIS.
Richard Lai/Engadget The ZenFone 7 series will release in Taiwan initially, with pre-orders beginning today. The ZenFone 7 Pro will begin with NT$ 27,990 (about US$ 950) with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, whereas the more budget friendly ZenFone 7 is priced beginning at NT$ 21,999 (about US$ 750) with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Unfortunately, ASUS has confirmed to Engadget that the ZenFone 7 series wont be heading to North America, primarily due to the absence of most US 5G bands on the gadgets. Folks in Europe, nevertheless, can watch out for a regional launch as early as September 1st.
For the ultra-wide electronic camera, ASUS chose to go with the brand-new IMX363 sensor, which has its pros and cons: it features a somewhat lower resolution and field of view than last years cam module, however in return, it loads bigger 1.4 um pixels for better light level of sensitivity, along with double pixel autofocus and macro mode (down to 4cm). Or at any angle, for that matter– just press and hold the flip button in the camera app or use the volume keys to manually adjust the angle. Another significant, however less obvious, update to the flip electronic camera is its moving mechanism. That stated, the ZenFone 7 series isnt waterproof due to the nature of the flip video camera style, so youll want to keep the phone away from liquids.
And if it werent for the third camera and the moved fingerprint reader, you d quickly mistake the ZenFone 7 Pro for the ZenFone 6.
