The Asus Zenfone 2 is definitely one of the most popular smartphones out there at the moment, especially with 4GB RAM. In this Asus Zenfone 2 review we will compare the 5.5″ Asus Zenfone 2 versus the 5.7″ Xiaomi Note Phablet

Both phones offer very high specs at an affordable price and are expected to launch in many countries in early Q2 2015. If you compare the Asus Zenfone 2 version with 4GB RAM for an expected price of 300USD to the Xiaomi Note for an entry price of 370USD you have a fair battle on your hands.

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Design

Lets start with the design. The Asus Zenfone has a smaller display with 5.5″ versus the 5.7″ display of the Xiaomi Note. That makes the Asus Zenfone 2 more compact in terms of height and width the Xiaomi’s phablet. The Xiaomi Note is significantly thinner though with 7mm versus 10.9 mm on the Zenfone 2. Both have pretty good screen-to body ratios with more then 70%.

From a pure visual standpoint the Xiaomi Note is more unique, with the glass 3D back and extremely thin bezels. Many of you will say that you clearly see the inspiration of Apple in Xiaomi’s design. The Asus Zenfone 2 is more understated and traditional in design, with a brushed metal look. If you like the fancy design of Xiaomi’s Note or the more conservative Asus Zenfone 2 looks is up to your taste though

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Asus Zenfone 2 versus Xiaomi Note Display

The Asus Zenfone 2 sports a 5.5″ Full HD display with a 1920x1080p resolution and is protected by Gorilla Glas 3. The Zenfone 2 screen has an excellent 403ppi pixel density. The Xiaomi Note has a slightly larger Full HD display at 5.7 inch and 1920x1080p resolution. The pixel density of the XIaomi Note is slightly worse with 386ppi.

When it comes to displays here in the end its probably personal preference which size you need. To me personally 5.5″ inch on my smartphone is completely sufficient, at least there is somewhat the chance that i can use the phone with one hand.

Processor and Memory

Asus has a longstanding tradition with Intel CPU’s and are using Intel 64-Bit Atom Silicon CPU for the Zenfone 2. The Intel Z3580 quadcore can be clocked up to 2.3Ghz and is LTE Capable. The Intel Z3580 is actually a very capable processor and can hold its own even against the Qualcomm’s strong Snapdragon 805 or Samsung’s Exynos 7 in Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4.

The Xiaomi Note in its normal version sports Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801 processor, that we can also find in Xiaomi’s Mi4 or the OnePlus One. While the Snapdragon 801 is clearly not state of the Art, since there are 2 newer generations already, the Snapdragon 801 is quite strong. Look at our Antutu Benchmarks of both phones though.

One of the biggest surprises for the Asus Zenfone 2 Review was the announcement of 4GB RAM though. With the strong Intel Quad-Core Cpu and 4GB RAM the Asus Zenfone 2 is a real multitasking powerhouse. Additionally the Asus Zenfone 2 gets you extendable memory via Micro – SD, which you dont get on the Xiaomi Note.

In terms of processing power, at comparable Asus Zenfone 2 price and Xiaomi Note price, the Zenfone 2 with 4GB of RAM presents the stronger option.

Asus Zenfone 2 vs Xiaomi Note Camera

The Asus Zenfone 2 has Asus’s PixelMaster Camera with 13MP and a 5-element f2.0 aperture lens. You also get Dual LED Flash by Philipps and a 5MP Selfie Cam with 85degree wide angle lense. The Xiaomi Note on the other hand sports a 13MP Camera with Optical Image Stabilization and a Selfie Cam with 2 big wo big 2µm pixel. The Selfie Cam is the same as HTC ONE’s Ultrapixel Cam.

Xiaomi Note Camera Samples

We have attached some pictures from both cameras for you, so you can decide yourself. We were especially surprised about the good quality of the Asus Zenfone 2 PixelMaster Camera in low light situations. Asus claims that their PixelMaster Camera lets in 400% more light then other smartphone cameras. At this price level you get very good cameras at both phones though.

Asus Zenfone 2 Review Camera Samples

Asus Zenfone 2 versus Xiaomi Note Conclusion:

In this Asus Zenfone 2 Review we compare the 4GB Zenfone Version with Xiaomi’s newest flagship the Xiaomi Note. At 300USD for the Zenfone and 370USD its a hard choice. The Zenfone 2 with QuadCore Intel and 4GB RAM offers a stronger multitasking variant and also you get extendable internal Memory via Micro SD. If you are into a fancy design and a slightly larger 5.7″ Display the Xiaomi Note might be for you though.

One last point to keep in mind is availability. Both phones are expected to land on our shores in early Q2 2015, as in April. While we expect the Asus Zenfone 2, to be widly available as the other Zenfones, this might not be the case with Xiaomi’s Note. In general Xiaomi’s phones with extremely limited stock are hard to get if there are Xiaomi’s Flash Sales at all. Considering this you might want to shoot for the Asus Zenfone 2 directly.