For anyone looking to buy a smartphone right now, budget could be an integral part. But conflict should arise since most people would be looking closely at the specs that low cost phones would carry.
Brand-wise, expect to get a pretty low-end phone that many may be disappointed in. But take away the brand angle and look into some of the rising new phone brands and consumers may just end up getting a reasonable and price-friendly device.
This is of course with reference to the Asus Zenfone 2 and possibly the OnePlus Two once it does come out in the market.
With the Asus Zenfone 2, the first thing that comes into mind will perhaps be its reliability. With the brand associated with monitors and personal computers, Asus hasn't necessarily achieved its niche in the mobile phone segment, at least not yet.
But with a reasonable price tag starting at $199, the Zenfone 2 will most likely get its share of attention. And heading down the specs, customers stand to be impressed.
Headlining all that is the fact that the device will be the first smartphone with 4GB RAM. It is powered by an Intel Atom 2.3GHz quad core processor topped by a 5.5-inch IPS touchscreen display. It comes in different storage variants where prices are bound to fluctuate (16, 32 and 64 GB). Storage can be expanded through the usual microSD card slots of up to 64GB. It will come with a 13MP main camera and a non-removable 3,000 mAh battery and will come with Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Outside, the Zenfone 2 features an all-plastic casing with a brushed metal exterior, making it a sane device to consider.
So how about the OnePlus Two?
The device is already being hyped by CEO Carl Pei as something that will surprise a lot of people. It will also tote a 5.5-inch display but will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 quad core 2.7 GHz processor and also 3GB of RAM.
It will have 16 GB and 64 GB storage variants but will unfortunately not come with provisions for external microSD storage. It will have a slightly better camera (16MP) and a slightly better non-removable battery (3,300 mAh). It is rumored to be coming out with OnePlus highly regarded Oxygen OS.
There is no official word on its price though a previous reports bared that it could play somewhere in the vicinity of $400.
It may be a hard one to call and as always, would depend on what a buyer would be looking for. Both phones are practically even in all fronts though the OnePlus Two has some advantages in the perks area (camera, battery and display).
A safe lead would be for spec-conscious go for the OnePlus Two and the newbies to settle for the Asus Zenfone 2 since this offers the lower price that could change depending on the storage capacity they may choose.
