SEE ALSO: This is how much the new ASUS ZenFone 4 models cost in PH
Now, a natural question you might ask is, “What about the availability of the ASUS ZenFone 4 and ZenFone 4 Pro models?” Good question, to which there is no definite answer yet. Which could turn out to be a good thing because the ZenFone 4 and the upscale Pro variant are not exactly the most attractive deals around with the ZenFone 4 going forP28,995 (around $564) and the Pro selling for P39,995 ($778). The Pro even more so than the standard version.
That the well-received Samsung Galaxy S8 and HTC U11, to name but two, are cheaper than the lesser-specced and unproven ZenFone 4 Pro raises serious — and legitimate — concerns about ASUS’ seriousness in pursuing the high-end market.
READ ALSO: 15 smartphones with at least 6GB of RAM
And while the Taiwanese flagship is no doubt the company’s best effort to date — and it is indeed objectively better than the regular ZenFone 4 (obviously!) — ask any informed shopper, and he or she will tell you that there are plenty of cheaper and more sensible options just around the corner.
If you still need some help looking for alternatives, scroll below for our list of smartphones that are just as good as, if not better than, the ASUS ZenFone 4 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S8 (Price: starts at P39,990 or around $778)
Get it because: Sammy’s Galaxy S8 is one of our favorite smartphones ever, with its handy footprint; big, gorgeous, and super-sharp edge-to-edge display; and impressive low-light camera. It’s water-resistant, too — just like most of the handsets that made our list. (Take note, ASUS.)
Related articles: Samsung Galaxy S8 initial review: A Galaxy had never looked so bright and Samsung Galaxy S8+ review: The phone to beat in 2017
HTC U11
HTC U11 (Price for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage model: P36,990 or $719)
Get it because: It’s got modern looks, modern specs, with gobs of memory — modern everything. Most importantly, it has the best camera we have ever seen in a smartphone. The mesmerizing glass back and “squeeze to launch any app” feature are extra icing on an already dense cake.
Related articles: #RevuLive: Doogee Mix and HTC U11, U Ultra, U Play, Desire 10 Pro and Meet the smartphone that now has the highest-rated camera
OnePlus 5 (via Android Central)
OnePlus 5 (Price: starts at P26,490 or $515)
Get it because: It’s about as affordable and nippy as smartphones come, with a long-lasting battery. Both the main and secondary cameras are also par for the course for a premium handset. An accidental dip in the sink will probably spell the end of it. But then again, the ZenFone 4 Pro isn’t water-resistant either, as nearly all other devices in the segment are.
Related article: OnePlus 5 now official; launch marred by benchmark cheating allegation
Xiaomi Mi 6
Xiaomi Mi 6 (Price: starts at 2,499 yuan, or P19,260 or $375)
Get it because: Xiaomi’s Mi 6 is half the price of the ASUS ZenFone 4 Pro, while having the same unparalleled processing power of a Snapdragon 835 chip. Pairing glass with metal, it feels reassuring in the hand and looks way nicer than its price would have you believe. No other model gives you the same bang for the buck.
Related articles: #RevuLive: Xiaomi Mi 6 first impressions, OPPO F3 vs VivoV5s and Xiaomi Mi 6 with 6GB RAM, Snapdragon 835 launched
Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Apple iPhone 7 Plus (Price: starts at P44,990 or $875)
Get it because: It looks prettier, from front to back, and runs iOS — which you won’t get on any other unit. Those don’t sound like compelling reasons at all, but we will say this about iOS: It is the superior platform, in more ways than we can list here.
Related article: Apple iPhone 7 Plus review: King of big phones
LG G6
Honorable mention: LG G6 (Price: P29,990 or $583)
Get it because: It’s a much cheaper and much better-looking alternative to the ASUS ZenFone 4 Pro. Also: What you lose in terms of power and efficiency, you gain in a pair of rear cameras with a few extra frills baked into the hardware and software that can make even the most mundane shooting experience fun and worthwhile.
Related article: LG G6 quick review: So fly, so grounded
Main image via Tinhte
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