El ASUS ZenFone AR It was confirmed by Qualcomm even before its official presentation by ASUS. Its launch was scheduled for the CES and arrived as the second smartphone compatible with the platform Google Tango augmented reality following the Lenovo Phab 2. Furthermore, from the outset it stood out for its compatibility with Daydream, the platform of virtual reality of Google.
Asus ZenFone AR
At first glance, as with any smartphone, we find the technical characteristics classic, but here key technologies for AR/VR are added. The terminal integrates a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 optimized for Tango, the Adreno GPU 530 and configurations with 6 GB of RAM y 128 GB UFS 2.0 storage, with versions that reach up to 8 GB of RAM depending on the market. This set allows for the smooth operation of demanding applications and the immersive experiences it offers.
The screen Super AMOLED de 5,7 inches with resolution WQHD (2560x1440) It provides high density to minimize the grid effect in VR and deep contrast that enhances the visual fidelity in AR. In sound, the system SonicMaster 3.0 to 5-magnet speaker y NXP Smart AMP, together with Hi-Res Audio (24-bit/192 kHz) y DTS Headphone: X With 7.1 virtual surround sound through headphones, it contributes to a more immersive experience.
Google Tango and Daydream
The smartphone stands out for being one of the first with simultaneous compatibility with Google Tango y DaydreamTango combines sensors and computer vision software to recognize the environment with three key capabilities: motion tracking, depth perception y indoor navigationThus, on the screen one can map space and to overlay virtual objects stably, which is useful for measure rooms, try on furniture or visualize how a room would look with new colors.
With DaydreamThe ZenFone AR functions as a virtual reality device High quality when combined with compatible headsets like Daydream View and its controller. It's possible to enjoy films y VR games with titles and apps like Street View, Fantastic Beasts, or video platforms like YouTube, as well as games like Gunjack 2, Lego BrickHeadz o Need for Speedamong others. The support of 6DoF And the high-fidelity sensors help reduce latency and improve the feeling of presence.
ASUS TriCam camera system and photography
The innovative system ASUS TriCam It groups three rear cameras that work together to capture the information Tango needs: one 23 MP main camera (Sony IMX318 sensor) for detailed images, a camera of motion tracking to find out the device's position and another depth sensing backed by a infrared (IR) projector to calculate distances accurately. This joint integration helps to contain dimensions and weight, as the ZenFone Zoom.
For photo and video, ASUS adds its platform PixelMaster 3.0 with a set of advanced features that enhance the main camera:
- AF TriTech in 0,03 s (contrast, phase detection and 2nd gen. laser).
- Stabilization 4-axis OIS (photos) and ICE 3-axis (video).
- 4K UHD Recording and support of RAW format for advanced editing.
- Super Resolution 92 MP combining 4 shots of 23 MP for greater detail.
- Low light mode with pixel binning to increase sensitivity up to 400%.
The result is a stable capture with a good level of detail, especially in well-lit scenes. For AR, the coupling with the depth and motion cameras fixes virtual objects with great precision even when moving around the room.
Screen, audio and design
La WQHD display It provides clarity for VR, as in the SAMSUNG 5while technology Super AMOLED It improves contrast perception in dark scenes and enhances brightness indoors. In audio, the speaker... 5 imanes, the NXP smart amplifier and the support Hi-Res They raise the bar, and with DTS Headphone: X A virtual 7.1 sound environment is obtained through headphones, which underscores the feeling of immersion.
The design is minimalist and refined, with a back panel of leather-like finish and a metal frame. The arrangement of cameras grouped on the back allows the device to maintain a compact profile, making it one of the phones thinner and lighter within the category with support for Tango.
Connectivity, battery, and usage details
In connectivity, it incorporates 802.11 WiFi a / b / g / n / ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS with A-GPS GLONASS and BDS, dual SIM and combined tray for second SIM or microSD. Dispose of USB-C (USB 2.0) y fingerprint sensor on the front button with 360° recognition.
Battery 3300 mAh to Quick Charge 3.0 It facilitates quick reloads to continue with AR/VR sessions, while the refrigeration system It helps sustain the performance of the Snapdragon 821 and the Adreno 530 GPU during intensive workloads typical of VR and computer vision processing.
In terms of software, the ZenFone AR launched with Android 7.0 Nougat y ASUS ZenUI 3.0, keeping compatibility with Daydream apps and a growing ecosystem of applications Tango on Google Play geared towards both entertainment and productive and professional uses (decoration, architecture, training, technical visualization).
With its combination of Tango and Daydream, the TriCam System, the screen WQHD and the Snapdragon 821 Optimized, the ASUS ZenFone AR positions itself as a unique model for those who want to explore AR and VR with a mobile device capable of supporting immersive experiences and practical use cases beyond leisure.
