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.

I've visited a store and physically checked both models and saw NO IR port, at least none that is visible. GSMArena also never mentioned the IR port - for the ZE552KL. however, the ZE520KL is claimed - by a few websites - to have IR port. But honestly, I didn't see it physically present.

No NFC is reported for both models.

http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_3_ze552kl-8106.php

http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_3_ze520kl-8197.php

You can't really compare just based on the battery capacity. The ZE520KL runs with sd625, which has proven to be very energy efficient. Look for official reviews of other handphones that use the same soc and you will see that it is very efficient.

Other phones which uses sd625 that I can remember on top of my head: huawei nova/nova plus and the moto z play.

hahaha... then you are very similar with me. i am still using my vibe shot and considering either the ZE520KL or the ZE552KL - mainly because of the SD625.
honestly, this phone (vibe shot) is using a mediocre soc (SD615) whose known to be inefficient. there were reports of overheating too - although not as bad as the SD810 last time. you already know yourself how this soc performed in the vibe shot.
other phones i'm considering is the moto z play (also with SD625 but with even bigger battery of 3340mAh iirc)

read about it earlier. not yet launched in malaysia though

anyway, i am aiming for better battery life - hence gunning for sd625. also, i am aiming to buy next galaxy note next year, would be a bit wasteful to go for a top tier phone (price wise anyway) and buy another one next year. asus phones don't really have the resell value like ipong

This post has been edited by abu.shofwan: Nov 4 2016, 07:59 PM

My condolences
Anything you can do at all?
Did you leave it charging?

what's that black thing on your phone (pic)