ASUS Zenfone 3 Zoom release date, specs rumors: Device with dual-camera setup spotted online; to debut at CES 2017?

Georgia Gana Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The current Zenfone Zoom. The Zenfone 3 Zoom was recently spotted online and could debut in January 2017. | ASUS

A new ASUS smartphone believed to be the Zenfone 3 Zoom has been spotted several times online in the past week which could mean that its release is imminent. Once it arrives, it will join the likes of the Zenfone 3 Deluxe, Zenfone 3 Ultra and Zenfone 3 Max.

The smartphone, also called ASUS Z01HD, was first spotted at the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) website before receiving certification from China's regulatory agency, TENAA.

According to the listings, the device will have a 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The screen will have 2.5D glass on top. In terms of dimensions, the smartphone measures 154.3 x 77 x 7.99 mm and weighs 170 grams.

The device is said to be powered by a 2.0 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. It will reportedly have three random access memory (RAM) options at 2 GB, 3 GB and 4 GB. Likewise, internal storage will have three variants: 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB.

Given its moniker, the Zenfone 3 Zoom is expected to have impressive camera specs. Based on the images released by TENAA, it has a dual-camera setup possibly with 12.2-megapixel and 13-megapixel lenses. It is also said to have optical zoom similar to the iPhone 7 Plus. Then, in front, there is a 13-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls.

ASUS' newest device will be preinstalled with the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system with the company's Zen user interface on top. It is expected to receive an update to Android 7.0 Nougat down the line.

Other features include a fingerprint sensor at the back and a massive 4,850 mAh battery. There will be three colors available for the device: Black, Silver and Gold.

No word yet on pricing and availability of the Zenfone 3 Zoom. However, ASUS will be holding a "Zennovation" press conference at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show on Jan. 4, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. EST. It's possible that the new smartphone will be unveiled at the event.