ASUS continues to thrive in the tough smartphone market. For the moment, the first forays have paid off very well as with the Zenfone 5Z. In search of offering something different, ASUS Zenfone 6 eliminates the notch and opts for a rotating camera. A very versatile camera that adapts to different angles and with an instant twist. But the thing does not end here, ASUS Zenfone 6 ZS630KL incorporates the features of any other high-end at a much more competitive price. We review its characteristics and price in our review.

Rotary chamber design: ASUS Zenfone 6, review of the smartphone with a rotating camera

It is indisputable that the new proposal from ASUS is a breath of fresh air, but there is much more than the rotating camera. Its design line is clean with rounded contours. The back is made of glass. In its box we find a practical transparent plastic case to favor the grip of the phone. The ASUS Zenfone 6 is available in two colors, silver and blue, the finish that we have received. The detail that we liked the least is the silkscreen so marked on its back.

Zenfone 6 with Gorilla Glass back

Continuing with this area we see the fingerprint sensor with good recognition and additional functions. Although the element that draws our attention is the module for the double rotating camera (Flip Camera), in which it also integrates the LED flash. This element is not flush with the body of the phone but it does not rock like other phones, much less with the case that accompanies it. It is made of amorphous metal called “Liquid Metal” which is more resistant than other metals such as aluminum or steel.

The Flip Camera is composed of a 13 gear motor

The measurements of the ASUS Zenfone 6 are 159.1 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm and it has a weight of 190 g. No, it is not a small or light phone, but you have to consider that it includes a large 5,000 mAh battery. Despite this, the phone is comfortable to use without forgetting that the glass back is elusive. Another feature to mention is that it lacks IP certification against dust and water. A disadvantage compared to most high-end phones on the market.

Asus Zenfone 6 eliminates the notch when using the camera with rotation

Physical keys and connections

We start with the left side, which has a tray for Dual SIM and microSD. The upper edge shows a secondary microphone for cancellation of ambient noise on calls. Going down we have the main microphone, USB type C, speaker and 3.5 mm headphone jack. This ASUS Zenfone 6 resists losing the famous and troublesome connector that so many high-end models have missed.

Smart Key to start the Google Assistant or any other smartphone application

Finally, we take a look at the right side. Here we see the volume control, lock button and a Smart Key. This last button allows you to launch the Google Assistant or start other functions. With this method we avoid involuntary invocations of the assistant and activate it only when we need it. The only drawback is its placement at the top, away from the distance that we reach with the thumb.

ASUS Zenfone 6 technical characteristics: ASUS Zenfone 6, review of the smartphone with a rotating camera

High performance with Snapdragon and 8 GB of RAM

There is no surprise. As a good high-end, ASUS Zenfone 6 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset . A 7nm octa-core that reaches a frequency of 2.84 GHz together with an Adreno 640 GPU. It is available with 6 or 8 GB of RAM and a corresponding storage of 64 or 256 GB UFS 2.1. In relation to the operating system, it has Android 9 and the ZenUI 6 customization layer. Under a pure Android appearance, the dark theme, double apps or gestures stand out.

Performance tests

A model equipped to the last with a performance beyond any doubt, both with simple apps and with video games at a maximum level of graphic options. To achieve these results, the smartphone uses AI to optimize resources and run the most used apps for immediate startup ( OptiFlex ). In the case of video games, ASUS Zenfone 6 introduces the Game Genie function that accelerates performance by closing apps in the background and even allows you to stream on YouTube or Twitch.

Zenfone 6 interface

Outdoor display

As with its predecessor, the ASUS Zenfone 5 , the brand continues to use IPS LCD panels . For his new model he opts for a 6.4-inch diagonal with an FHD + resolution. This resolution is still a good option with a density of 403 pixels per inch. It is true that they do not go for 2K, but it is a very suitable resolution for any task or video games. In addition, energy consumption does not suffer so much. To protect the screen, the Zenfone 6 ZS630KL incorporates a Gorilla Glass 6 glass.

6.4 ″ IPS FullHD + NanoEdge display

The ASUS Zenfone 6 panel occupies 92% of the front, with narrow frames and no notch. The panel features are remarkable with wide viewing angles, a brightness level of up to 600 nits, and a 1,200: 1 contrast ratio. It can be used outdoors without any impediment, although the automatic brightness has some room for improvement. The colors supplied by the panel are remarkable, well calibrated and without a tendency to saturation. In addition, it also has manual adjustment.

Manual screen adjustment

Sound, another aspect to consider

The combination of the two speakers makes the ASUS Zenfone 6 sound fierce. The volume level is sufficient to cover a large room, with well-balanced bass and treble. If the screen invites the outside, so does its sound. It has the intelligent volume function that configures the sound output based on ambient noise, hearing ourselves much more than if we were at home. Although it also includes an outdoor mode to use the smartphone as a music player.

In the box we find ZenEarTM Pro in-ear headphones. A product that enjoys a very good quality and sound output. In addition, in combination with the equalizer in the settings menu, we achieve a sound experience adapted to the musical genre. In conclusion, ASUS Zenfone 6 offers a very positive result with a remarkable quality, yes, when we take the volume level to the limit, the consequent distortion appears.

Equalizer of the Asus Zenfone 6

The most versatile camera

The main point of interest of the ASUS Zenfone 6 lies in its flip camera . The module with the two photographic sensors is placed in a frontal position with its rotation motor, but it is also adjusted to the desired angle with a gradual movement. This rotary system allows a single step from 0 to 180 degrees, or in 2 degree steps until full opening. The spin speed when selecting the selfie mode is much faster than with the manual movement that features smooth scrolling.

180 degree opening

Its fragility is a matter very studied by the brand. For this reason, the camera module is made of metal and the mechanism is activated in the event of a fall. This is achieved by integrating the gyroscope and a gravity sensor that folds the camera to prevent breakage. It is also designed to prevent inadvertent opening thanks to the proximity sensor. Without a doubt, ASUS has studied very well any circumstance that may arise and that may cause a problem for the correct operation of the camera.

Two sensors worth four

Coming into material, Zenfone 6 incorporates a 48 MP Sony IMX586 main sensor with f / 1.79 aperture. One of the most used sensors today with a great result in most cases. This sensor combines pixels with Quad Bayer technology and allows to offer 12 MP images much brighter with processing. It is accompanied by a 13 MP OmniVision sensor with a 125 degree wide angle lens. A configuration suitable for both bright and indoor environments.

As can be seen from the images, Zenfone 6 shows remarkable performance with good dynamic range, sharpness, and well-represented colors. Low-light images are pretty good, and noise barely makes an appearance. However, the camera interface has specific modes such as HDR + or Night Shot to improve the results obtained, but the automatic mode performs well with an analysis of scenes by AI.

Although Zenfone 6 offers photos up to 48 MP, we recommend using the 12 MP resolution for different reasons. For example, it is not possible to use its fourx digital zoom, nor is it possible to activate the HDR + mode. When shooting at the wide angle, the overall quality suffers with a drop in sharpness and slightly paler colors.

With regard to video recording, ASUS Zenfone 6 manages to reach 60 fps at 4K resolution, staying at 30 fps if we activate the wide angle in video. Among its modes, the movement tracking of an individual or element of the scene with fluid opening of the camera stands out. Unfortunately, the action cannot be very fast or you will lose track of it. We can also do it manually with vertical or horizontal panning and gradual control from the camera. To avoid vibrations, Zenfone 6 incorporates a digital stabilizer that performs quite well.

Autonomy for the whole day: ASUS Zenfone 6, review of the smartphone with a rotating camera

ASUS is a well-applied guy and for this reason it has equipped a 5,000 mAh battery, compatible with an 18 w fast charging system . In a range in which the battery is usually somewhat tight, the autonomy of the ASUS Zenfone 6 far exceeds its rivals. During our test period, the average was 6.5 hours of screen time. We have not detected any problem to overcome arriving the next day.

But a large battery comes with a long delay. ASUS includes a charging system that is not quite fast if you look at its capacity. In general, the full charge takes about 2 hours, while half does not reach 50 minutes. Although its back is made of glass, it lacks a wireless charging system, another of the ‘buts’ of the ASUS terminal.

Availability and price of the Asus Zenfone 6 ZS630KL: ASUS Zenfone 6, review of the smartphone with a rotating camera

Asus Zenfone 6 on Gearbest

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In conclusion, it is a high-end smartphone without any doubt. It is made with resistant and quality materials, with a glass finish but without IP certification. Its technical characteristics stand out and are at the same level as the rest of the competitors.

But the real interesting point is its rotating camera, resistant and with extra functions such as motion tracking. The best of all is its sale price, much more affordable than we could expect from seeing its technical sheet. We award the Gizlogic Gold Award.