This has been quite a launch for ASUS. The ZenFone 7 comes to market quite a bit later than normal thanks to the pandemic and then ASUS has run into 5G compatibility issues for a number of countries. Does a 4G version of the ZenFone 7 kill two birds with one stone? We say a 4G version kills three birds with one stone!
Let’s consider what a 4G ZenFone 7 version would bring. What problems would it be solving?
First, it would lower the price of the ZenFone 7 which according to our calculations in Taiwan, is 22% higher than the ZenFone 6. ASUS did give fair warning long before the ZenFone 7 launch that price of the next phone would be increased just simply because of the addition of 5G.
Secondly, not having 5G and going with 4G means greater global compatibility. For us, that means a North America release of the ZenFone 7. It would mean a release of the ZenFone 7 in the UK. Other countries with 5G band issues would be resolved in one foul swoop.
Thirdly, and this would create joy for many people out there, but a 4G ZenFone 7 might just have enough space inside for a 3.5mm headphone jack. ASUS has stated for their ROG Phone 3 which also has no headphone jack, there was space issues inside the phone due to the big battery and 5G.
It has been pointed out that other new phones with 5G and big batteries kept their headphone jacks. Sure, but those other phones don’t have a flip camera do they? Those other phones don’t have cooling like the ROG Phone 3 either.
Without much thinking, we’ve been able to come up with three pretty substantial benefits to a 4G version of the ZenFone 7. If you look at what Google has done, they have gone with an early 4G version of their new phone, with a more expensive 5G version coming shortly thereafter. Their decision was based on the North American market and weighed the price/compatibility factors.
For many markets, 5G is creeping ahead slowly. When 5G becomes problematic? It needs to be viewed more as a problem rather than a feature. From our vantage point, the addition of 5G has had more negative results than positive.
If the ZenFone 7 turns out to be too high of a price and doesn’t sell as expected, that may mean too much inventory on hand. Phone components that are in inventory could open the doors for a ZenFone 7 4G. Over the years we’ve seen similar ASUS products that appear to be making use of inventory. ZenFone AR anyone? That came back later as the ZenFone ARES. We seen something similar with the ASUS ZenPad as well.
So please uncle ASUS, consider a 4G ZenFone 7. It’s very unlikely at this late stage to see something like this happen, but will the ZenFone 8 and 5G hamper the release too? If more people can get the flip camera with a 4G version, we say please consider it next time.
