https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-3-Ultra-...specifications/

I think the difference is due to software issue.

https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-3-Ultra-...specifications/

I think the difference is due to software issue.

SD615 is used in the Zenfone max 2016 refresh (not zfm 3, but part of the original zfm series). currently all available info point to zfm3 having MTK soc.

Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say they are "not honest" - since they did say the ZF3M uses the MTK soc in their website.

by default you can backup to google drive. Standard is now 15gb for google free accounts.

That wasn't my point, my point was even other more expensive phone than Zenfone 3 Deluxe gets more sales and hype than Asus, I do believe that branding matters a lot, but for RM2599 is actually quite normal for the specs, like I said, people are more willing to pay more for lower end specs, why they're not willing to pay for Zenfone 3 Deluxe?

One forumer WA me he only paid RM 2399 for it from Seven Mobile his ZF3 Deluxe ( 6gb ram/64GB ) version
It is sad that till now many still think Asus is an inferior brand in smartphones
My perception of it has change drastically after experiencing the ZF3 Ultra - a simply magnificent piece of gadget. I still feel it is worth its asking price though many still think is pricy

Two things that made me stay away from Asus Zenfone is the non-back lit keypad and the amount of bloatwares it comes with.. I still can't fathom why Asus is still adamant in 'keeping' this two features

For those who plan to buy Zenfone 3, i can say this is a good phone for mid range. I know some will say expansive but in term of quality it is good (Not applicable to Imported Set).

ASUS phone have this "Auto-Start manager" which is very useful but other phones do not have this feature, correct me if there is other brand have this feature xD This is why i pick ASUS because i installed a lot of apps/games

I think they will drop the price because new XiaoMi is launched =O
By the way, anyone here bought Deluxe version with SD821? is it good?

this is why smartphone nowadays to me does not differ much one with the other. for example, with the auto-start manager thing - you can get apps for it if you don't already have it. the apps will have different features, sure, but you basically get it to do the same things. on the extreme end, you can modify the software and strip it down so that they all become essentially the same.
once you "match" all the apps, the main differentiating factors that remain will be the design (physical) and its specs.

SD625 is no doubt on the lower end of the midrange group. however, i have a feeling it was designed that way so that qualcomm has an option for SOC that leverages power-efficiency, instead of just "power"
I have a feeling Asus took the decision to use SD625 consciously. I mean, they probably were aiming to make the ZF3 power efficient. for performance, they covered it with other ZF3 variants.
however, for people who don't actually make use of the more powerful socs like SD650 or even SD821, like me obviously, SD625 is just the right choice. only thing is, I think that ZF3 is overpriced. I'd like to buy it, but I refrain from it since I can get the Mi 5 (xiaomi official version) for 1399 now.

with snapdragon 625 right?if 2k above for that processor is really stupid move by asus

I would suggest the Zenfone 3 Max.
Pros of Zenfone 3 Max :
Significantly better battery life
Better software support (higher chance of newer android and updates)
Got decent fingerprint scanner
More premium built, better to hold

Pros of Zenfone 2 :
4GB RAM
Faster CPU
Faster GPU
Full HD Screen (1080p resolution)
Possibly better primary camera overall

All the zenfone 3 series get 7.0 except zenfone 3 ultra.

Maybe due low lower market share?