ASUS put up a pretty strong line-up when they announced their ZenFone 5 2018 smartphones. It consists of three smartphones for different price segments. This includes the flagship ZenFone 5Z, which is currently ASUS’ flagship device that just went up for pre-orders here in the Philippines.
But what we are taking a look at today is the ASUS ZenFone 5Q — the most affordable midrange member of the entire ZenFone 5 2018 family.
One of its most exciting features is its quad-camera setup. Yes, you’ve read that right, it has four cameras rigged right into it. Unlike what other manufacturers are doing — the secondary cameras on this handset is actually more useful than just being there for depth-sensing (Portrait Mode) purposes.
The ASUS ZenFone 5Q has a 20-megapixel front camera with an aperture of f/2.0 which is partnered with an 8-megapixel camera that has a 120-degree wide-angle lens. At the back, there’s a 16-megapixel primary camera with a f/2.2 aperture while right beside it is the 8-megapixel wide-angle sensor.
For those who are interested in buying an ASUS ZenFone 5Q, here are some camera samples to show its camera prowess.
First off, let’s talk about the 16-megapixel primary camera’s quality. As you can see on the photo samples below, it does produce decent images. The colors look a little flat, the exposure is just right in the middle, but the contrast and dynamic ratio is actually good.
This provides the user with more flexibility when editing it after taking the shot. I also appreciate how they made images almost true-to-life as the software doesn’t do any aggressive post-processing on each shot — which makes images look overly saturated and sometimes dull.
On the other hand, the 8-megapixel wide-angle camera of the ASUS ZenFone 5Q can also take decent photos. I personally prefer having a secondary wide-angle camera, rather than a Telephoto sensor as this adds a bit of creativity in your shots. It also allows you to cram in more objects in the frame.
On the downside, some images taken on the camera of the ASUS ZenFone 5Q shows an aggressive distortion that’s a norm to most wide-angle lenses. But if you have the right subject, it wouldn’t be noticeable. The image would even look panoramic at times.
Moving on, let’s talk about the 20-megapixel camera on the front. Just like the shooter on the back, the selfie camera also produces images with flat colors plus decent contrast and exposure.
See also: ASUS Zenfone 5 2018 vs Zenfone 5Q: Specs Comparison
It actually feels refreshing to have a selfie camera that has authentic quality with good sharpness. Unlike most midrange smartphones who are guilty of softening the image quality to make your skin look fairer.
But if you are really into those Face Beauty features then the camera app of the ASUS ZenFone 5Q also has it. It has a Portrait Mode feature, which does a good job of isolating you from the background — providing a more professional-looking photo.
The secondary wide-angle camera is quite good in its own regard as well. It lets you take pictures a with a group of friends or more objects in the background. The wide field of view allows you to cram in more people in a single and objects inside the frame.
In summary, the ASUS ZenFone 5Q definitely has a decent camera for its price tag. It might not be the best, but it’s probably good enough for most casual users. The ASUS ZenFone 5Q is currently available on all ASUS stores, kiosks, and authorized dealers nationwide for a price of Php16,995.
I wish your photos for the cityscape were shot at the same spot with the same angle of view so the comparison would be more accurate.
Would you happen to know which mobile phones have wide angle cameras, besides the Asus Zenfone and LG?