ASUS welcomes its Zenfone 8 Series in the Philippines, priced

By Maynard Lumhod

ASUS Philippines has announced the return of the Zenfone series, with the all-new Zenfone 8 series – the most powerful generation to date. Fans of this beloved mobile brand can now reserve one for their own. Details are found at the pre-order microsite.

The new series is powered by the latest flagship QualcommSnapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, featuring the fastest possible 5G speeds. High-capacity batteries — 4000 mAh in Zenfone 8 and 5000 mAh in Zenfone 8 Flip — deliver outstanding battery life for non-stop lifestyles.

Both Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip feature gorgeous Samsung AMOLED displays with Delta-E <1 color accuracy, offering a superbly immersive visual experience with ultra-vivid colors. Additionally, Zenfone 8’s display has an ultrafast up to 120 Hz refresh rate. The displays also include in-display fingerprint sensors for convenient security.

Flagship Sony camera sensors add superb photo and video capabilities to both phones. Zenfone 8 has a fixed rear dual-camera system, while Zenfone 8 Flip features the innovative triple-camera Flip Camera, a motorized flip-up module that enables the same high-resolution photos and videos at both front and rear.

Zenfone 8 has a sleek all-new design, with dimensions specifically chosen to allow easy pocketability and effortless one-handed operation. A 3D-curved back with a new frosted glass finish for a more secure grip. Zenfone 8 is additionally the recipient of a 2021 Red Dot Product Design Award, awarded by an international jury in recognition of its outstanding design.

Flagship performance

Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip use the latest flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, built using a 5-nanometer process technology. This processor offers up to 25% faster CPU performance and up to 35% faster graphics rendering compared to the previous generation.

Outstanding battery life for non-stop lifestyles is ensured by high-capacity batteries — 4000 mAh in Zenfone 8 and 5000 mAh in Zenfone 8 Flip.

Advanced battery-care systems maximize battery lifespan, and the new System Mode in the ZenUI 8 operating system has a variety of automatic power-management modes that users can easily switch between depending on their needs, ranging from maximum performance to maximum battery life.

Advanced manual configuration of power-saving parameters is also possible.

Experience visual perfection

Both Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip are equipped with bright, ultra-responsive Samsung AMOLED displays. Tuned in collaboration with industry-leading visual processing company Pixelworks, the superb visual experience is enhanced with Delta-E <1 color accuracy and DC Dimming technology.

The displays are also HDR10+ certified to bring out the detail in even the darkest scenes. In-display fingerprint sensors make unlocking the phones simple and intuitive.

Zenfone 8 has a 120 Hz Samsung AMOLED display with a 1 ms response time for silky-smooth scrolling and blur-free visuals. The cinema-grade 112% DCI-P3 color gamut brings videos and images to life, and the 1000-nits brightness allows easy outdoor readability. And to keep it looking great for longer, the display’s protected by the latest and toughest-ever CorningGorilla Glass Victus.

Zenfone 8 Flip has an all-screen, 100% notch-free 90 Hz Samsung AMOLED NanoEdge display with vivid colors and smooth responsiveness.

Pro-grade photography

Photographers of any level are amply catered for by the advanced professional-grade camera systems in the Zenfone 8 series, which feature all-Sony sensors.

The rear dual-camera system on Zenfone 8 captures every precious moment with superb-quality photos under any conditions. The 64 MP Sony IMX686 main camera delivers unprecedented resolution, dual-pixel autofocus, optical image stabilization and a high level of light sensitivity, for perfect photos day and night.

The ultrawide 12 MP Sony IMX363 camera allows even more freedom for composition and it can also take incredible macro shots with close-up details. At the front, a 12 MP Sony IMX663 punch-hole camera with dual-pixel autofocus delivers crystal-clear selfie shots and videos.

First Zenfone Flip in the Philippines

The renowned Zenfone Flip will be making its way to the Philippines through the 8th generation of Zenfones. The Zenfone 8 Flip features the groundbreaking Flip Camera that is a motorized flip-up module with an evolved triple-camera system, which offers the same high-resolution photo and video capabilities whether the module is front-facing or rear-facing.

The main camera is a Sony IMX686 64 MP high-resolution wide-angle camera with dual-pixel phase-detection autofocus for maintaining an ultrasharp focus on subjects. There is also the Quad Bayer technology and enhanced light sensitivity for stunning photos — day or night.

A secondary ultrawide-angle camera is powered by a Sony IMX363 sensor, and this camera supports up to 4 cm macro photography for incredibly detailed close-up shots. The third camera is a telephoto camera, which enables 3X optical zoom, up to 12X total zoom, and seamless transitions between cameras while recording.

The Zenfone 8 Flip camera also features additional shooting modes utilizing the unique motorized flip mechanism – Motion Tracking which automatically tracks a subject using the motorized camera, Free Angle Shooting which allows you to set the camera in unique perspectives and angles and Auto Panorama which allows you to capture incredible vistas automatically with the flipping motion.

Irrestistable design

Zenfone 8 redefines portable design to deliver the ultimate performance, with none of the weight or bulk. It is designed to be easy to use and easy to carry, everywhere, and built to impress with its irresistible looks and premium feel. A key design goal was to make Zenfone 8 exceptionally easy to use, even with just one hand.

The all-new One-handed Mode gives users full and comfortable control using just their thumb. The 3D-curved back perfectly fits the palm, and the brand-new frosted glass coating gives Zenfone 8 a clean and sleek look, all the time, while making it even easier to grip.

Zenfone 8 Flip has been redesigned to allow a better grip while still packing a large battery. The 3D curved back has been carefully reshaped for optimum grip.

Availability and pricing

ASUS Zenfone 8 series will be available for pre-orders starting May 14, 2021 at official ASUS Concept Stores, accredited online and offline shops. Successful pre-order registrants will receive a free Rhinoshield Solidsuit Hardcase and a JBL Go 3 alongside the model of choice, to complete the Zenfone experience. For further details on the mechanics and the participating shops, visit this link.

PRODUCT	SPECIFICATIONS	SRP	ETA	PRE-ORDER PERIOD	OUT OF BOX PRE-ORDER FREEBIES
Zenfone 8 Flip	6.67″ AMOLED/S888/8G LPDDR5/256G UFS3.1/5000mAh Galactic Black/Glacier Silver	PhP 39,995	June 2021	May 14-June 10, 2021	RHINOSHIELD SOLIDSUIT HARDCASE, JBL GO 3
Zenfone 8	5.9″ AMOLED/S888/16G LPDDR5/256G UFS3.1/4000mAh Obsidian Black	PhP 39,995	May 2021	May 14-25, 2021
Zenfone 8	5.9″ AMOLED/S888/8G LPDDR5/128G UFS 3.1/4000mAh Obsidian Black/Horizon Silver	PhP 34,995	May 2021	May 14-25, 2021

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Huawei FreeLace Pro review: Sporty and comfy with serious ANC

01/17/2021

Finding an audio solution that fits your needs could sometimes be difficult especially if you have above-average standards for your devices. Some might be particular with sound quality, others favor design and comfort, while others simply want useful features.

Huawei’s FreeLace Pro is a fashionable neckband earphones that aims to deliver all the above-mentioned characteristics. Is it successful in its attempt? Read our full review and find out.

Design

Our unit comes in Graphite Black which is very subtle and elegant, but there are Spruce Green and Dawn White as alternatives.

There are two metallic cases on each side of the neckband that seem to serve two purposes. One is to add a little extra weight so the bands will drop down when worn and the other is for controls.

Found on the right side are play and volume controls, microphones, and a built-in USB Type-C connector which is revealed by uncapping the end of the band. There’s also a power/pairing button that’s tucked away right under the controls for volume.

The earbuds come in a matte finish and are paired with silicone ear tips shaped to provide a secure and ergonomic fit. Indeed, they stayed on even while doing activities like jogging or skipping rope.

On the side of each bud is a round metal magnet that is used to clip the earbuds together and keep them from accidentally falling off.

Huawei says the neckband is made of flexible and skin-friendly memory metal and it’s indeed soft, flexible, and feels comfortable when worn around the neck.

The material also effectively repels liquids so whether you’re drenched in sweat or jogging under light rain, you’d still feel confident to continue your activity thanks to its IPX5 water resistance.

Huawei has worked to upgrade the sound of the FreeLace Pro by including large 14.2mm dynamic drivers, an independent bass tube for louder and stronger lows, and an aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragm that’s designed to improve mids and highs. But let’s talk more about its sound performance later on.

Features

The FreeLace Pro is also equipped with a number of other features including Huawei HiPair which basically carries a two-fold function — one is to instantly pair devices and the other for short but fast charging time.

Using Huawei HiPair, you can simply remove the protective cap from the FreeLace Pro’s right metallic case and connect its USB-C port into a device for instant pairing. Do keep in mind, though, that the device should be running EMUI 10.0 or higher.

For other devices, the usual Bluetooth pairing works with no hassle.

Quick Switch also works well by pressing the power button twice and is useful for multitasking, for example, as it seamlessly jumps from one connected device to another.

The left earbud also has a touch sensor that lets you cycle through three different listening modes — ANC on, ANC off, and Awareness. Awareness and ANC off modes let you hear external audio but Awareness mode amplifies sound from around you so you’re more aware of your surroundings.

During my experience, I was able to hear other people talking to me but my music volume still needs to be lowered down to less than half or around 1/3 of the entire bar. If the volume is at my personal listening level, I still wouldn’t be able to hear if someone is calling my attention using a normal talking voice.

So if you’re planning to use this for jogging out on the street, it’s still best to turn your music volume down to make sure you’re still fully aware of your surroundings.

Performance

There a total of three mics on this device that work together to provide triple-mic noise cancelation for calls. We got on a few mobile calls and even video calls while we were outdoors and could say that audio clarity from the other line is commendable and effectively minimizes noise coming from around me.

Active noise cancelation, on the other hand, utilizes two mics for better noise capture and a more effective cancelation overall. We found this super helpful while outdoors and strong winds are blowing.

Without ANC, wind noise is really noticeable as it hits the device in our ears. But toggle ANC and the ‘whooshing’ disappears almost entirely, and with music playing, is gone completely.

In terms of audio quality, I found its bass to be lacking at first, but after giving its drivers time to settle, they were able to deliver bass kicks that are solid and whole. Mids are warm and natural-sounding while highs are decent but nothing outstanding.

RELATED: Huawei FreeBuds 3i review

There are small things to nitpick about its audio performance but as a whole, sound quality is great and more than enough for your everyday wireless audio needs

Low Latency Gaming Mode also proved effective in minimizing audio lag when sound is delivered to your ears. Playing games like Asphalt 9: Legends or Genshin Impact proved that there was still a bit of lag, but easily forgivable.

Battery

Huawei claims a 24-hour battery life and though we weren’t able to fully test this, it was able to last two entire days from morning till night time of interval usage for exercising, playing games, voice calls, and just listening to music while working.

Plus, using its Huawei HiPair technology makes quick charging convenient by simply removing the cap and connecting the FreeLace Pro to a device like smartphones or laptops to refill power using its fast-charge technology.

The company claims that five minutes of charging this way should be able to provide five hours of music playback with ANC turned off. We did that but stayed at Ambient Mode and it was able to last for a little over three hours. Still not bad.

Pricing and final thoughts

At the beginning of this review, we mentioned that some go for sound quality, others look at design and comfort, while others prefer useful features. Interestingly, the Huawei FreeLace Pro delivered in these aspects and added something on top of those — an affordable price.

With a price tag of just PhP 4,499, it’s hard to find faults in the FreeLace Pro. It was simply able to determine what its customers need and focused on them to be able to deliver a product that works and doesn’t break the bank at the same time.