First Android Smartphone In The World With 8GB RAM: ASUS ZenFone AR Unveiled at CES 2017

Asus has launched the ZenFone AR smartphone with 8GB RAM, as well as support for Google's Tango increased reality programme and DayDream virtual reality software at the CES 2017 tech expo. This is the first device in the world to sport both Google's Daydream VR platform and Tango AR platform. Daydream VR platform will be built into Android 7.0 Nougat or above.

The new Asus ZenFone AR smartphone with AR+VR functionalities had been outed by Qualcomm a few ago, this will come in some multiple variants; Asus has also confirmed the one version with 6GB of RAM. Asus ZenFone AR is designed around machine vision with a camera and sensor setup that provides motion tracking, depth perception, and area learning.

Unlike other ZenFone smartphones, the Asus ZenFone AR features a fingerprint scanner at the front embedded in the home button. It also sports a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED QHD (1440x2560 pixels) display that is likely to play major role in virtual reality. The company adds that the Asus ZenFone AR packs 79 percent screen-to-body ratio, reports NDTV.

Latest Asus ZenFone AR packs the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor which is customised for Tango. With Qualcomm announcing the new Snapdragon 835 SoC, the Snapdragon 821 processor choice for Tango-enabled and Daydream-ready ZenFone AR smartphone looks dated. Asus at the event also confirmed that the company will have exclusive Asus ZenUI VR 360 degree app support on PhotoCollage, Gallery, and ZenCircle apps.

ZenFone AR will feature vapour cooling system to avoid overheating. About camera, it sports a 23-megapixel Sony IMX318 module with TriTech+ autofocus system, dual-PDAF, second-gen Laser Focus, and continuous-focus.

The Android 7.0 Nougat-based Asus ZenFone AR will be available in the Q2 2017.

Following are the specs of Asus Zenfone AR (ZS571KL) which were noted by Ray Arena.

• 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED Display
• An ultimate Corning Gorilla Glass 4 
• 2.3GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 821 processor
• Adreno 530 GPU
• Two variants of 6GB  and 8GB LPDDR4 RAM
• 32GB/64GB/128GB/256GB (UFS 2.0) inbuilt memory
• Lates OS Android 7.0 Nougat with Zen UI 3.0
• Hybrid Dual SIM
• 23-megapixel Rear Camera and 8-megapixel front-facing camera
• Fingerprint sensor
• 3300mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0

Asus Zenfone AR will be available to buy from Q2 and the device comes in Charcoal Black colour with leather finish.