Asus is likely to release the ZenFone 3 along with the ZenFone 3 Deluxe, and ZenFone 3 Ultra next month. Several details, including specifications and pricing of the device, were revealed at the Computex 2016 event in Taipei last month, and it appears to be a good device with impressive features. However, it will have to compete with several mid-range devices like the Moto G4 Plus and Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016) in the Indian market.
The price of ZenFone 3 starts at $249 (around €224/Rs. 16,800), so, it is very likely to take on the Galaxy J7 (2016), which comes with a price tag of Rs. 15,990, and the Moto G4 Plus, priced at Rs. 13,499 (around $199) for the 16GB storage and 2GB RAM model, and Rs. 14,999 (around $221) for the 32GB internal memory and 3GB RAM variant.
For those who are confused which device to buy, here is specification comparison of the handsets to help you get one that suits your taste:
Display
All the devices – Asus Zenfone 3, Moto G4 Plus and Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016) – sport a 5.5-inch display with 1,080x1,920 pixels (401 ppi pixel density).
Processor and software
Asus ZenFone 3 is powered by a 14nm FinFET process technology-based Snapdragon 625 SoC, while the Moto G4 Plus has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor, and the Galaxy J7 (2016) has an Exynos 1.6Ghz octa-core chip. All the handsets run Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
Storage
The ZenFone 3 comes in two variants but the one with 32GB internal memory (expandable up to 256GB) and 3GB RAM is likely to compete with the Moto G4 Plus, which has the same set of features, and the Galaxy J7 (2016) that comes packed with a 16GB internal storage with memory expandable up to 128GB via microSD card, and a 3GB RAM.
Camera
The Moto G4 Plus has a 16MP camera with f/2.0 aperture, OmniVision Pure Cel Plus sensor, PDAF (Phase Detection Auto Focus) and dual-LED flash, and a 5MP front-snapper with wide-angle lens and f/2.2 aperture, while the ZenFone 3 mounts a 16MP Sony IMX298 sensor with f/2.0 aperture, laser autofocus, OIS, dual-LED flash, an 8MP front-snapper with f/2.0 aperture. On the other hand, the Galaxy J7 (2016) has a 13MP main camera with f/1.9 aperture, 28mm, autofocus and LED flash, and a 5MP front-snapper with f/1.9 aperture.
Battery
The Galaxy J7 (2016) has a 3,300mAh battery, while the Moto G4 Plus and Asus ZenFone 3 has 3,000mAh batteries.
Conclusion
The devices score almost even in terms of specifications. Asus ZenFone 3 has an edge over other devices in terms of processor and storage, while the Moto G4 Plus boasts of a good camera and a Turbo battery charger.
Mi Max has a much bigger screen but the Moto G4 Plus has a better screen resolution. The Mi Max scores more in processor and batter but the Moto G4 Plus has an upper hand in storage, camera and fast battery charger feature. The Galaxy J7 (2016) has a 3,300mAh battery compared to 3,000mAh batteries seen in its competitors.
