ASUS ZenFone 2 coming to USA unlocked for $199

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By Chris Burns/

Pricing on the USA version of the ASUS ZenFone 2 is revealed in an set of unlocked editions coming exclusively to Amazon. No carriers have been named thus far – the phone (large version and small version) will be coming to Amazon unlocked, available for users to add a SIM card to depending on the carrier they're already signed up with. Or want to switch to. The larger phone will compete with the iPhone 6 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy Note series with a display size of 5.5-inches.

The standard version of the device has the more tame specifications, and is the more reasonably priced of the two iterations. This version was revealed earlier this month when first listed – before the big event this afternoon.

1.8GHz model:

• Software: Android 5.0 Lollipop

• Processor: Intel® Atom™ Quad Core Z3560 (1.8GHz)

• RAM: 2GB

• Weight: 170g

• Dimensions: 77.2 x 152.5 x 3.9 ~ 10.9 mm (WxDxH)

• Display: 5.5-inch 1080 x 1920 IPS LCD, Gorilla Glass 3

• Battery: 3000 mAh

• Camera (front): 5-mp, Wide View, "PixelMaster" tech

• Camera (back): 13-mp, AF, "PixelMaster" tech

• Sensors: G-Sensor, E-Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Ambient Light Sensor

Back when ASUS first suggested they'd have a "USA Announcement," it was assumed that they'd release another device straight to AT&T. Instead, this is a fully off-contract joint.

2.3GHz model:

• Software: Android 5.0 Lollipop

• Processor: Intel® Atom™ Quad Core Z3580 (2.3GHz)

• RAM: 4GB

• Weight: 170g

• Dimensions: 77.2 x 152.5 x 3.9 ~ 10.9 mm (WxDxH)

• Display: 5.5-inch 1080 x 1920 IPS LCD, Gorilla Glass 3

• Battery: 3000 mAh

• Camera (front): 5-mp, Wide View, "PixelMaster" tech

• Camera (back): 13-mp, AF, "PixelMaster" tech

• Sensors: G-Sensor, E-Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Ambient Light Sensor

As you'll see, the only difference between the two models is the processor inside and the amount of RAM you get. So if you're not the sort of person who needs to run extra high-powered apps, you may as well go with the lesser.

The 1.8GHz version will cost $199 off-contract and unlocked while the 2.3GHz version will cost $299 off-contract and unlocked.

These devices will be released to Amazon as early as tomorrow.

How about that?

UPDATE: ASUS confirms that there will be an AT&T version of the device sold as well – price undecided – with single-SIM capabilities.

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