WE were wrapped up in the stream of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 updates that we almost missed an announcement that may excite mobile-photography enthusiasts: The ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser is already available in the Philippines.

This makes the ZenFone 3 Deluxe and the 5.5-inch variant of the ZenFone 3 Max the only phones in the ZenFone 3 range that have not arrived in the country yet.

Launched in July, the Laser differentiates itself from the other models with what ASUS claims is a second-generation ultra-fast, 0.03-second laser auto-focus for its 13-megapixel camera with Sony IMX214 sensor. This means you should be able to take sharp photos quickly. Granted that laser auto-focus is slower than phase-detection auto-focus, that’s still great for a smartphone that costs only P11,995.

The ZenFone 3 Laser features a metal body; a 2.5D screen that measures 5.5 inches; a fingerprint sensor that takes 0.3 seconds to unlock; a Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor; and a 3000mAh battery.

You may buy it from any of the following local stores:

• Intogadgets Inc. — 17 P. Tuazon, Cubao, Quezon City
• Fone Twist Cellphones & Accessories Shop — Unit 12, LVN Town Homes, 36 P. Tuazon, Cubao, Quezon City
• JEJ Cellmania – V Mall
• CMK Cellphone & Accessories — Online c/o additional Quality Cell, 144-C West Ave., Quezon City
• Wiltelcom — 4/F Janeson Mktg., Gov Sales St., Davao City
• Daet CellCity — Camarines Norte
• Skywaves Telecoms — Robinsons Lipa, Batangas
• ASUS Kiosk — SM Bacoor, Cavite
• Your Mobile — SM Muntinlupa
• ASUS Kiosk — SM Calamba
• Greentab — SM Lipa, Batangas
• Greentab – SM Calamba
• Greentelcom — SM Calamba
• JMB Albay Gadgets — Albay
• Puerto Electronico — Palawan
• Clearcom — SM Lucena, Quezon
• Beeper City Cellphone — Virra Mall, Greenhills
• TH Telecoms — Virra Mall, Greenhills
• Digital Tunnel — SM Tarlac
• Digital Tunnel — SM Rosales
• ASUS Kiosk — SM Tarlac
• D.G. Phone Cards — SM Clark, Pampanga
• D.G. Phone Cards — SM Pampanga, San Fernando
• Inbox Personal — Nepo Mall, Angeles City
• Inbox Personal — SM Tarlac
• Cellshoppe — SM Clark
• Life Book — SM Clark, Pampanga
• Cellshoppe — Marquee Mall, Angeles City
• Cellshoppe — SM Tarlac
• Cellpod — SM Cebu
• Cellpod — Ayala Center, Cebu
• Mountain Studio — Session Road, Baguio City
• Hello — CSI City Mall, Dagupan City
• Hello — SM Baguio
• ASUS Kiosk — SM Rosales
• Dagupan QSL Wireless Solutions Corp. — Nepo Mall, Dagupan City

MY PARTNER RAMON LOPEZ’S TAKE: The ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser is perfectly decent for the money, but those who want better performance, as well as fast charging, would be wise to get the Vivo V3 Max instead. It costs more, sure, but it’s a way better device across the board. Another option is to wait for the 5.5-inch ZenFone Max, which has identical specs to the Laser but offers longer battery life. Again, it may come with a higher price tag, but that’s pretty much a given.

Product video for the ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser

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