Zenfone 3 Deluxe Snapdragon Comparison – 820 vs. 821 – How much better is the Snapdragon 821 model?

October 4, 2016 Categories: Benchmarks, Comparisons, Zenfone 3 Deluxe, Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition, ZS570KL by 0 Comments

There are three different Zenfone 3 Deluxe models that you need to be aware of.

First, markets are now seeing a smaller, less robust, and less expensive Zenfone 3 Deluxe model (ZS550KL). We have already created an article which is a ZS570KL vs ZS550KL comparison here.

Next, you have 2 different top end Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS570KL) models. One is called the “Special Edition” (in most markets) and it features the fastest ARM processor on the planet, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 @ 2.34GHz. The main Zenfone 3 Deluxe model with the Snapdragon 820 @ 2.15GHz is no slouch either. Both of these phones are powerhouses in their own right.

The question you may be asking is, how much better is the ZS570KL Special Edition with the 256GB storage and Snapdragon 821 processor. How much faster  in benchmark comparisons? We hope to give you the answers you seek.

Not to complicate matters, but other variants of the Z570KL exist out there. The comparison below is with both phones having 6GB RAM. Do not confuse these benchmarks with the 32GB Storage/4GB RAM Zenfone 3 Deluxe variant found in certain markets.

In this article, thanks to some benchmark data from Sogi.com.tw, we can simplify their findings and give you the basic facts. Please keep in mind that some aspects may be lost in translation! We did our best here to present the data and hopefully it’s going to provide helpful information. We will correct information immediately upon discovery of inaccuracies.

How much better is the Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition with Snapdragon 821?

Processor

  • 12% faster clock speed

Storage (256GB vs. 64GB)

  • 4X larger capacity

GPU

  • 5% faster

AnTuTu

  • 19% higher overall benchmark score
    • 3D – 12% higher rating
    • UX (user experience) – 20% higher rating
    • CPU – 34% higher rating
    • RAM – 12% higher rating

Geekbench

  • Single-Core Score – 24% higher score
  • Multi-Core Score – 9% higher score

PCMark

  • 5% increase

Vellamo v3.2.3

  • Multi-Core CPU – 3% higher score
  • Single Core CPU – 25% higher score
  • WebView – 15% higher score
  • Browser – 27% higher score

GFXBench

  • It’s so close we’re calling this a tie

Basemark X v1.1

  • Result 1 – less than 1% higher rating
  • Result 2 – 5% higher rating

Basemark OS II

  • System – 5% lower rating
  • Memory – 7% higher rating
  • Graphics – 2% lower rating
  • Web – less than 1% higher rating
  • Overall – less than 1% higher rating

3DMark v1.5.3285

  • Result 1 – 3% higher rating
  • Result 2 – 7% higher rating

How much more expensive is the Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition?

We cannot do this comparison without adding in the price difference. This will be fairly accurate, although prices will be slightly different from market to market. We have found a general price difference which we have listed here. So ask yourself whether the extra storage and higher benchmark results make the higher price worthwhile to you.

The Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition is around 19% (Europe) to 26% to 39% more expensive than the S820 model. We apologize for such a drastically different range of price differences, but it’s still a bit early for a more accurate price range. We can say it’s really going to vary from market to market.

zenfone-3-deluxe-logo

 

 

 

Price Comparison: Zenfone 3 Deluxe destroys Google Pixel XL prices

October 4, 2016 Categories: Comparisons, Price, vs. Zenfone 3 Deluxe, Zenfone 3 Deluxe, Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition, ZS570KL by 0 Comments

This is important enough to have as a stand alone comparison. We need to be up front here on our headline using the word “destroys” when it comes to a price comparison. We certainly don’t want to lead people astray based on a headline, so let’s clarify.

The Snapdragon 820 powered Zenfone 3 Deluxe does as we say. It destroys the Google Pixel XL prices. However if we get into the Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition price comparison, then destroys is certainly not appropriate to say when comparing to the Google Pixel XL.

This story is, shall we say, rather complicated. We initially wrote this prior to knowing the US price for the Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition so please keep that in mind!

We are going to break down the price comparisons first in US prices. Before the pricing nitty gritty, we need to appreciate the differences between the two (or three) phones. It’s not exactly an apples for apples comparison, but it’s certainly top end vs. top end.

So ultimately you will have to determine what’s most important to you and how much a certain feature or spec is worth to you. This decision could potentially save you a lot of money so think carefully. These considerations are not necessarily listed in order of importance.

Consideration 1: The Google Pixel XL is a 5.5-inch phone and the Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS570KL) is a 5.7-inch phone. That extra real estate could be said is worth more money, but you may not appreciate the 5.7-inch size and it may detract from the value.

Consideration 2: Resolution is the key component that differentiates these two phones. The Pixel XL comes with a higher resolution screen of 1440 x 2450 versus the Zenfone 3 Deluxe resolution of 1920 x 1080. We don’t have a side-by-side screen comparison. How much of a difference will these displays have? Could you even really tell the difference? Keep in mind that Apple runs the same 1920 x 1080 resolution on their 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus. So the iPhone 7 Plus has a 401 ppi density and the Zenfone 3 Deluxe has a 386 ppi density. At a certain point, phone displays look great and you have to put aside the finite details. Or not.

Consideration 3: Camera quality. We’ve been running a poll on our site which asks you what is the most important aspect of a mobile phone. Camera was the lowest importance to our visitors. Camera came in dead last at 14% and price, battery life, design, size and weight beat camera. This is a poll with over 1,200 votes. All that said, Google claims the Pixel XL as having the best mobile phone camera on the market. The Pixel XL comes with a Sony IMX378 and the Zenfone 3 Deluxe comes with a Sony IMX318. We will let you dig around on comparing quality, but right now the jury is still out on how these two phone cameras compare. Software may also play a role in early results and if the Zenfone 3 Deluxe comes in second now, tweaks to the software may close the gap. The Zenfone 3 Deluxe has OIS whereas the Google Nexus Pixel XL does not. Lacking OIS has been a source of some controversy, although the Pixel XL scored as the highest rated smartphone camera according to DxOmark. It may be a non factor, but time will tell.

Consideration 4: Processor. If you are comfortable with the Snapdragon 820 version of the Zenfone 3 Deluxe, you’re going to enjoy a substantial savings. But of course it’s not entirely fair to compare the price of a Snapdragon 820 phone to a Snapdragon 821 phone like the Pixel XL. So if you step up to the Snapdragon 821 processor found in the Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition with 256GB storage, prices get a whole lot closer. However if you put the same processor models in a comparison (Pixel XL vs. Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition) it’s not telling the whole story either. We must go on! [Note: See our benchmark comparison between the Snapdragon 820 version vs. Snapdragon 821 version of the Zenfone 3 Deluxe]

Consideration 5: Storage. This is where the story really gets complicated. First, the Google Pixel XL comes with either 32GB or 128GB models. The 32GB storage model is not exactly 32GB in reality. This same situation applies to the Zenfone 3 Deluxe, but it has twice as much storage with 64GB and the Zenfone 3 Deluxe has 256GB.

This is a disclaimer that most phone product pages list: “Storage specifications refer to capacity before formatting. Actual formatted capacity will be less” . So when you have a small 32GB drive like on the cheaper Google Pixel XL, it means that 32GB will most certainly not be 32GB when you turn on the phone for the first time. What will it actually be? We have some early insights based on early hands-on footage. The Google Pixel phone with 32GB storage, shows that it has 8.02GB used from the 29.70GB available (32GB model) which leaves you 21.68GB to use. This free storage is based on the 47 apps which is installed on the demo models at the Google launch event. See the screenshot below.

available-storage-out-of-box-pixel-phone-32gb

The usable storage on the cheaper 32GB Google Pixel XL is important here because it’s very small by today’s standards. Yes you can get an iPhone 7 with 32GB so it is done and people find ways to manage. However it’s something to think about in this price comparison. The 64GB and 256GB versions of the Zenfone 3 Deluxe will be less than the listed storage in the specs, but you simply have more storage for less cost. There are aspects of relying on cloud storage that may be frustrating. I don’t think anyone could make an argument that cloud storage is better than having access to your file via local storage. For securely backing up files, certainly cloud storage is essential and that’s undeniable. However local storage isn’t relying on wireless signal for access. Local storage IS added value.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Zenfone 3 Deluxe has expandable storage via a microSD card slot. According to Asus.com, this means up to 2TB added storage is available via microSD. The Google Pixel XL does not have a microSD card slot.

Consideration 6: Software. Depending on your personal feelings, you may feel Android OS updates are at the top of considerations. Having the latest and greatest Android versions come to Google phones first. More than that, the Pixel XL runs “pure” Android which is a strong value added. The Pixel XL is running on Android Nougat 7.0 with some Google phone exclusive features for the Pixel line-up.

On the Zenfone 3 Deluxe you will get pre-installed apps along with the ZenUI 3.0 over the top of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. A big knock from many users in the past was about slow rollouts for Asus phones to get the new Android OS versions. Many users also complained about the amount of pre-installed apps. From our viewpoint, the past is the past and with Asus shifting focus from tablets to phones, expect more dedication to bringing the Android updates faster and more seamlessly. Time will tell, but Asus is aware of what people want in terms of Android updates and it’s one area we expect to see big improvements on.

We have one last nugget that may alter the value you place on Google phones getting the Android updates first. As their product page states, the Pixel XL will get “2 years of OS updates” and “3 years of security updates”. This may not be unusual, but the selling point of getting the new Android updates is enjoyed for 2 years which is not exactly a long time considering the cost of the phone. After three years no security updates? What do you do with the phone then? Now to be  fair, we need to clarify with Asus what their timeline is with supporting the Zenfone 3 Deluxe. Apple shows strong support for their older devices which Google and Asus should strive for. Expensive devices deserve long lasting use. At the very least ensure our outdated phone isn’t subject to hackers via lack of security updates.

Consideration 7: Everything else. We didn’t even venture into battery life! At this stage it’s too early for that to be part of this article, but obviously it’s important. It’s hard to imagine a drastic difference but you just don’t know until these devices have been explored fully. It’s also confusing to think that the slightly slower Snapdragon 820 in the Zenfone 3 Deluxe (not Special Edition) will be more power efficient. The bottom line is the Google Pixel XL has a 3,450mAh battery and the Zenfone 3 Deluxe has a 3,000mAh battery. In theory the Pixel XL will beat the Zenfone 3 Deluxe battery life, but it’s a question of by how much.

How about RAM? The Zenfone 3 Deluxe comes with 6GB  in comparison to the 4GB in the Google Pixel XL. How many value do you put in an extra 2GB RAM?

The Zenfone 3 Deluxe also comes with the ZenEar S headset which by all accounts, is a quality headset. The Google Pixel XL comes with a headset and OTG dongle. Headset wise, the ZenEar S is a premium accessory (apparently it has dual driver) with Hi-res supported (whatever that means). We can’t say for sure about the quality of the Pixel XL headset just yet.

Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments.

The Nitty Gritty – Let’s Get Right Down To It

Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition

Model: ZS570KL-S821-6G256G-SL
Specs: Snapdragon 821 / 6GB RAM / 256GB Storage
Price: $799

Model: ZS570KL-S820-6G64G-SL
Specs: Snapdragon 820 / 6GB RAM / 64GB Storage
Price: $499

Google Pixel XL

Specs: Snapdragon 821 / 4GB RAM / 32GB Storage
Price: $769

Specs: Snapdragon 821 / 4GB RAM / 128GB Storage
Price: $869

Here is a price comparison for the Europe markets:

EUR 849 for the Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition with Snapdragon 821 and 256GB storage

EUR 699 for the Zenfone 3 Deluxe with Snapdragon 820 and 64GB storage

[source for Zenfone 3 Deluxe prices]

The Google Pixel XL prices in EURO?

EUR 899 for Pixel XL with 32GB storage

EUR 1009 for Pixel XL with 128GB storage

In Canada, we’ve seen two different prices for the Zenfone 3 Deluxe with Snapdragon 820 and 64GB RAM. The highest price is at CAD 699. We don’t see any prices for the Snapdragon 821 version yet. The Pixel XL has the Snapdragon 821 so the price comparison is slightly tainted, but it’s well worth discussing here.

CAD 699 for the Zenfone 3 Deluxe with Snapdragon 820 and 64GB storage

The Google Pixel XL prices in CAD?

CAD 1049 for Pixel XL with 32GB storage

CAD 1179 for Pixel XL with 128GB storage

 

google-pixel-xl-phone-vs-asus-zenfone-3-deluxe

Asus Brasil officially make Oct 25 date for Zenvolution launch event

October 4, 2016 Categories: Brasil, Brazil, News, Release Date by 0 Comments

The excitement from the Basil visitors about the launch of the Zenfone 3 Deluxe has been pretty clear. We often get emails from Brasil readers asking about when the launch date is and what the price will be. We may have some insight now!

Google has made it official that they are holding a Zenvolution event on October 25th for the Zenfone 3 unveiling. At that point, the country can rejoice with some official prices and release dates.

Based on the teaser image, we see the Zenfone 3 Deluxe (apparently this will be the Snapdragon 821 model), Zenfone 3 (ZE552KL) and the Zenfone 3 Max (ZC520TL).

brasil-zenvolution-launch-event-oct-25

Taiwan starts selling budget priced Zenfone 3 Max (ZC520TL) for TWD 5990

October 3, 2016 Categories: News, Price, Shopping and Deals, Zenfone 3 Max by 0 Comments

Being that Taiwan is where Asus is based, it shouldn’t be surprising that their products launch in that country first. We get news today that the Zenfone 3 Max, the 5.2-inch model is now available to buy in Taiwan at a price of TWD 5990.

How cheap is this phone? Take a look at the other Zenfone 3 model prices in TWD:

  • Zenfone 3 Max (2GB RAM / 16GB Storage) – TWD 5990
  • Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition – TWD 24990
  • Zenfone 3 Deluxe – TWD 17990
  • Zenfone 3 Ultra – TWD 17990
  • Zenfone 3 (5.5-inch model 4GB RAM / 64GB storage) – TWD 9990
  • Zenfone 3 (5.2-inch model 2GB RAM / 32GB storage) – TWD 7990

Certainly the 2GB of RAM and small 16GB of storage allow for the cheap price, but that’s quite remarkable don’t you think? This model comes with a MediaTek processor which is the only real unknown in terms of battery life. Inside is a 4100mAh battery, hence the “Max” in the naming.

asus-taiwan-facebook-zenfone-3-max-launch-event

zenfone-3-max-in-taiwan

[source: Asus Taiwan Facebook – Asus Taiwan eStore]

Pixel XL vs. Zenfone 3 Deluxe – Phone Comparison

October 3, 2016 Categories: Comparisons, vs., vs. Zenfone 3 Deluxe by 1 Comment

Here is a battle of the titans. Flagship vs. flagship! Google is officially unveiling the Pixel XL on Oct 4th, but let’s just call this an early comparison. We will build upon this comparison as these two phones are widely available and real life usage comparisons will be possible. For now it’s a matter of what’s on paper and who might edge out the other if at all.

Note: We want to keep this comparison as accurate as possible. It complicates matters when there is a “Special Edition” Zenfone 3 Deluxe with 256GB storage and the Snapdragon 821 processor. Both Zenfone 3 Deluxe models will be included in this comparison. Also keep in mind that the Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS570KL) is 5.7-inches instead of the 5.5-inch size of the Pixel XL.

Google Pixel XL vs. Zenfone 3 Deluxe

Overview: If we want to say which phone looks better? I think this is a no contest. Clearly the Zenfone 3 Deluxe wins in the looks department. A picture is worth a thousand words and these two phones are not equals in terms of aesthetics. Antenna lines galore on the Pixel XL phone and a clean, antenna free design on the Zenfone 3 Deluxe. Google’s camera doesn’t have a bump whereas the Zenfone 3 Deluxe does, which you cannot see from this view below. However, which device looks premium?

google-pixel-xl-vs-zenfone-3-deluxe-rear

Which phone is cheaper? Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe is the clear winner in terms of price, but there are extra considerations here.

The spec that needs to be discussed is the screen resolution difference between these two phones. The Pixel XL resolution is 2046 x 1440 and the Zenfone 3 Deluxe is 1920 x 1080. The camera and resolution would be the two specs that the Pixel XL beats the Zenfone 3 Deluxe. However, you must decide what those extra pixels and camera are worth. Additionally, also consider what the added value is for a microSD card slot, included headset, and 2GB of extra RAM is worth and whether that value counters the resolution difference. Google claims camera supremacy, but the jury is still out on that one although early indicators are that the Pixel XL has possible the best camera in a mobile phone. Based on our poll results however, the camera is your least important feature.

We can only utilize the pricing that is available right now. We have a price comparison article here.

Which phone is lighter? The Zenfone 3 Deluxe, even with its larger 5.7-inch size, is 160g in comparison to the Pixel XL which is 168g. The Pixel XL is around 5% heavier. If you look at battery size, there may be the explanation for the weight discrepancy.

Which phone is faster? Same Snapdragon S821 in both Pixel XL and Special Edition Deluxe puts them at a tie, except that Asus packs in an extra 2GB of RAM for 6GB total vs. 4GB RAM on the Pixel XL. The Snapdragon 820 version of the ZS570KL has 2GB more RAM than the Pixel XL but the processor speed of the Pixel XL is faster with the Snapdragon 821.

When you boil it down, all three of these phones are going to be smoking fast. We need benchmark results but it’s hard to imagine the Pixel XL beating the Special Edition of the Zenfone 3 Deluxe.

Which phone is thinner? The Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS570KL) is thinner at 4.2 to 7.5mm than the 8.6mm thickness of the Pixel XL.

Which phone has the better screen? The Pixel XL comes in with a 1440 x 2560 px resolution vs. the 1920 x 1080 px resolution of the Zenfone 3 Deluxe. Actual display quality and brightness will have to be explored in the coming weeks.

Which phone has the bigger battery? Battery size is not always indicative of superior battery life, but the Pixel XL comes with a large 3450mAh battery compared to the 3000mAh battery with the Zenfone 3 Deluxe. Screen size and resolution will play a role in how much better the battery  performance is on  the Pixel XL.

Which phone has the best camera? We need to see the official unveil of the Pixel XL to know for sure how the camera stacks up. It looks both phones sport a front facing 8MP camera, but the rear cameras seems quite different. Asus has spent a lot of effort in putting the best possible rear camera in the Zenfone 3 Deluxe and it’s unlikely that the Pixel XL can equal it. At first glance, the Pixel XL has a 12MP rear and the Zenfone 3 Deluxe has a 23MP rear camera. More megapixels doesn’t always mean better quality, but we do know that Asus put the latest and greatest Sony lens in the rear camera. Let’s wait a few more days for the “on paper” comparison winner.

Which phone has the better storage? We need to know the Pixel XL specs in more detail before drawing final “on paper” comparison conclusions. The Zenfone 3 Deluxe utilizes the fast UFC 2.0 standard with their onboard storage. The Pixel XL is likely to also have UFC 2.0 storage, but we need to confirm that detail. Capacity wise, the Pixel XL comes with either 32GB or 128GB. The Zenfone 3 Deluxe comes with 64GB storage and the Special Edition comes with 256GB. Having 32GB these days is not an ideal situation so the Pixel XL doesn’t have as good options, although some might prefer saving a bit of money with 128GB rather than the 256GB on the Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition.

One spec sheet indicates that the Pixel XL comes with microSD expandable storage. This would be a first for Google and would actually be shocking if it were true. Let’s assume that the Pixel XL does not come with the microSD card slot. The Zenfone 3 Deluxe allows for up to 2TB of microSD card storage expandability.

We should also mention the freebies that both phones offer. Not surprisingly, Google is offering unlimited cloud storage for full resolution images via Google Photos. Asus on the other hand is offering 5GB for life free Asus WebStorage in addition to 100GB free Google Drive storage for 2 years.

Which phone has the better OS? The Pixel XL has a pure Android experience and because it’s a Google phone, it will get the updates first. In fact the Pixel XL will run Android 7.1 Nougat whereas the Zenfone 3 Deluxe is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow. In the software department, the Pixel XL wins. No word from Asus about updating the Zenfone 3 Deluxe to Android 7.0 but with consumer backlash with the Zenfone 2 lack of updates, hopefully it’s a top priority for Asus.

 

 

(updating in progress….)

zenfone-3-delixe-comparison

 

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