Instructions for flashing the Asus ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML, ZE550ML, ZE500CL) smartphone to a new version of the Android operating system, as well as obtaining Root (superuser rights) on the Asus ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML, ZE550ML, ZE500CL)
If the text and screenshots do not match, do not “swear” (editing the text is much easier than making a new screen. We also do not pay attention to the recovery version.
The first step is to download everything you need to your PC. Fastboot firmware program, PC-smartphone communication drivers and the firmware itself, all packed into one archive
Firmware can also be downloaded: ZE551ML, ZE550ML, ZE500CL
We create a folder on the PC, anywhere, where we drop all the files. Ultimately the folder should look like this.
We install all the drivers on the PC, the installation is carried out as an administrator.
Now let's move on to the actual process of flashing the Asus ZenFone 2 phone. To do this, turn off the phone and switch it to firmware mode (recovery), turn it on while holding the Power + Volume Up buttons, after double vibration, release Power, continuing to hold Volume Up until it appears robot image.
We connect the phone to the PC using the supplied USB cable.
1. Open the command line on your computer. Go to the folder where you unpacked the archive, press Shift and right mouse button – Open command window
2. Next, we flash our custom recovery into the smartphone - enter in the command line
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
3. After flashing, select Recovery using the volume buttons
Press the power button. We wait 5-10 seconds. After the first robot appears, we wait. How the little robot will appear
– Entering recovery –
hold the power button + short press volume up
It must be like this -
4. After we got into the custom (and now main) recovery, we do a “Factory Reset”, that is, we do a complete reset of the phone.
5. After resetting the phone, select the item – apply update from ADB, Confirm the selection with the power button.
6. Next, enter the command on the PC at the command line - adb sideload f24.zip– press Enter
After which the firmware process for the Asus ZenFone 2 smartphone should start.
The installation of the firmware takes a significant amount of time, about 10-13 minutes. After flashing the firmware, click Reboot.
The phone will reboot with the new firmware; usually the first boot takes longer.
The firmware is completely stock, only root is added.
1. Download and install drivers for the phone and for ADB (see above)
Download pre-root system.img
Download FLASHTOOL (see above)
2. On your phone, go to settings-help-software information and click on Build number until a message appears that you are a developer))
On this page we will not describe the pros and cons of this Android device; we are really looking forward to your feedback about the device. Here you will find and be able to download custom original firmware, the official version of MIUI v4, MIUI v5 android firmware from our website, and you can also see video instructions for installing the firmware for Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML and leave a review.
To download firmware for your phone Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML with Android 7.0 Nougat, Android 6.0 Marshmallow (aka Android M or Marshmallow) or Android 5.0 Lollipop, you need to read the entire page and find the link. There are also firmware Android KitKat 4.4.x (Kitkat) and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (Jelly Bean), as well as older versions, but we do not recommend downloading them, due to the fact that this is outdated software. The fifth version of Android has stepped far ahead of its predecessors, not to mention versions 6 and 7, worked out to the smallest detail. Below you will find an overview of the latest versions of Android and can compare them.
Don't forget to write a full review about this model in the comments. By doing this, you can help other users make a decision about purchasing a device.
Availability of firmware: In stock.
When adding a review to our website through the comment system, do not forget to indicate your real email if you need advice and were unable to install the firmware according to our instructions. Instructions for firmware are on the download page. Our assistance in the form of consultations is free and therefore there may be delays in our responses, since there are many people interested. Downloading firmware for Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML can be done either through a torrent with instructions in Russian, or directly without depositfiles and other bloodsuckers.
The price in local currency depends on the dollar exchange rate.
If you want to get root rights, I recommend that you use the program Rootkhp for computer - this is one of the new programs with a large base of supported smartphones and tablets on Android. The program runs only under Windows; for Linux and Mac OS systems, it is recommended to use emulators.
You can download the program for free from the official website Rootkhp.pro, which is easily found via Google.
Removing a forgotten pattern key, regardless of its complexity, has ceased to be a global problem even for an ordinary user who is little familiar with the security mechanisms of the Android operating system and its loopholes. Not long ago we came across a program for unlocking the graphic key Gaigunlock (Gaigunlosk). Step-by-step instructions in Russian and a description of how the program works are published at the link above.
ASUS smartphones deservedly enjoy a high level of demand among buyers of modern devices, including due to the excellent performance of most of their functions. At the same time, you can find shortcomings in any device, especially in its software part. The article will discuss one of the most popular solutions among smartphones from the Taiwanese manufacturer ASUS - the ZenFone 2 ZE551ML model. Let's look at how software is installed on this phone in different ways.
Before moving on to manipulating the software part of the device, it should be noted that the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is a fairly secure smartphone from outside interference in the software, built on an Intel processor. Understanding the ongoing processes, as well as preliminary familiarization with all steps of the instructions, will help determine the success of future procedures.
Strict implementation of instructions leads to minimization of possible negative consequences. At the same time, no one is responsible for the results of manipulations carried out by the user with his smartphone! All of the following is performed by the owner of the device at his own peril and risk!
Before proceeding to procedures involving the interaction of special programs and sections of the device’s memory, as in all other cases, it is necessary to carry out preparations. This will allow you to carry out the process quickly and get the expected result - a flawlessly working Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML device with the desired software version.
To work with the device in question, almost all methods use a PC. To pair a smartphone and computer, as well as to properly interact the device with applications, drivers are needed. You will definitely need drivers and, as well as Intel iSocUSB Driver. Driver packages used for manipulations in the methods below are available for download from the link:
The process of installing drivers required when working with programs for Android firmware is described in the article:
Before proceeding with the instructions below, you should understand that firmware is a manipulation of the device’s memory sections and many operations involve their complete formatting. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out procedures to ensure the safety of user data in any acceptable/available way. How to save information contained in an Android device is described in the article:
Ideally, the software needed to carry out the manipulations should be downloaded and installed in advance. The same goes for the required firmware files. Download and unpack everything into a separate folder on disk WITH:, whose name must not contain spaces or Russian letters. There are no special requirements for the computer that will be used as a tool for manipulation, the only thing is that the PC must be in good working order and running the Windows 7 operating system or higher.
As with most other Android devices, several software installation methods apply to the ZenFone 2. The arrangement of the methods described below in the article is from the simplest to the most complex.
This method is considered the official solution to the issue of reinstalling software and is quite simple, and most importantly, practically safe. Suitable for performing software updates if OTA updates do not arrive for various reasons, as well as for reinstalling Android without losing user data. Before moving on to the manipulations, it should be noted that there are different types of firmware for ASUS Android devices.
They are presented depending on the region for which the smartphone is made:
In most cases, ZE551ML sold in our country are initially equipped with WW software, but exceptions are not uncommon. You can find out what type of firmware is installed in a specific device by looking at the build number, following the path in the phone menu: "Settings" — "About the phone" — "System update".
To completely flash Asus smartphones, a Windows utility is used. This method of installing software on devices is quite radical and can be used in a number of cases. The method is suitable not only for a regular update, but also for a complete reinstallation of Android with preliminary clearing of the device’s memory partitions. Also, using the method, you can replace the software version, including rolling back to an older solution, change the region, and also restore the functionality of the device when other methods are not applicable or do not work.
As you can see, working with the device’s memory via AFT is an almost universal solution. The only factor preventing its widespread use is the rather difficult process of finding RAW firmware used when working with the program, as well as some glitches that sometimes occur in the application. As for the ZE551ML in question, the RAW file from the example below can be downloaded from the link:
In addition, you can use the RAW search on the official forum Asus ZenTalk.
To successfully manipulate ASUS ZE551ML, it is recommended to use RAW firmware version up to 2.20.40.165 inclusive. In addition, we use Asus FlashTool version 1.0.0.17 . It is also acceptable to use newer versions of the program, but experience shows that this option cannot exclude errors in the process. You can download the required version of AFT.
"Volume+" you need to hold it until the screen with the image of the robot and the mode selection menu appears.
Those. the device will be detected correctly "Asus Android Bootloader Interface". After making sure of this, disconnect the smartphone from the PC. From mode "Bootloader" we do not exit, all subsequent manipulations are carried out in this state of the device.
and launch Asus Flash Tool.
Another effective way to manipulate Zenfone 2 memory partitions is to use a combination of tools such as factory recovery environment, and. This method of installing software into a smartphone can be used to roll back the software version or update. Also, in some cases, using the instructions below, you can restore a non-working device.
Difficulties in applying the method may arise due to confusion between the versions of the files used. Here you need to follow a simple rule. The device must have a recovery installed that matches the version of the firmware being installed. That is, in the case, as in the example below, if the goal is to install software WW-2.20.40.59, you will need a factory recovery from the same firmware version in the format *.img. All necessary files that were used in the example below are available for download from the link:
To see the recovery menu items, hold down the button on your smartphone "Nutrition" and briefly press the key "Volume+".
And then we confirm the start of the procedure - point “Yes – delete all user data”.
After the transition, an invitation will appear at the bottom of the phone screen inviting you to write the corresponding software package to your phone via ADB.
Installing unofficial versions of Android has become an extremely popular way to completely replace the software of many smartphones. Without delving into the listing of the advantages and disadvantages of custom, we note that for ZenFone 2, including the ZE551ML version we are considering, many modified and completely modified versions of Android have been released.
The choice of one or another custom depends only on the user’s preferences and needs. Installation of all unofficial firmware is carried out by following the steps below.
As an example, we chose one of the most popular solutions today - the fruit of the work of the Cyanogen team. Unfortunately, not so long ago the developers stopped supporting their project, but the Official CyanogenMod 13 used below is one of the most stable customs for the device in question today. You can download the necessary file for installation from the following link:
Step 1: Unlock Bootloader
By Asus, the bootloader of the ZenFone 2 smartphone is blocked by default. This factor makes it impossible to install various modified recovery environments, and, therefore, custom firmware. At the same time, the popularity of such solutions is certainly realized by the developers and the user, if desired, can unlock the bootloader, and in an official way.
The official method of unlocking the bootloader of Asus ZE551ML is only available on Android 5. Therefore, if a newer version is installed, we flash the fifth Android via AFT. We follow the steps of method 2 described above in this article.
Step 2: Install TWRP
To write custom firmware to the ZenFone 2 memory sections, you will need a modified recovery. The most suitable solution is . In addition, the developer’s website has an official version of the environment for Zenfone 2 ZE551ML.
Step 3: Install CyanogenMod 13
To install any custom firmware on ZenFone 2, you need to perform generally standard steps in a modified recovery environment, i.e. write information from the zip file to the device memory sections. The steps for flashing firmware via TWRP are described in detail in the article at the link below. Here we will dwell only on some of the nuances for the ZE551ML.
In conclusion, I would like to note that manipulating the software part of the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. It is important to pay due attention to preparing the process and strictly follow the recommendations. In this case, the procedure for installing new software on a smartphone will not take much time and will bring the desired results.
Today we’ll look at a new product, the first smartphone with 4 gigabytes of RAM and a new attempt by ASUS to achieve Zen. Meet - ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. I’ll describe it briefly; those who are accustomed to laconic praise of new products will not find refuge here. I bought the device for myself and I’m keeping it for myself, so there will be the whole truth about ASUS Zenfone 2, do you want more details? - welcome under cut.
Device characteristics
System: Android, v5 (Lollipop) 32 bit but 64 bit core
Processor: 64Bit Intel Z3560 1.8 GHz 4 cores
Graphics: PowerVR G6430
Memory: 4GB RAM + 32GB ROM
SIM cards: Supports two SIM cards Micro SIM, 2 radio modules
Frequencies: WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100 GSM 850/900/1800/1900 FDD-LTE 1800/2100
Support: 3G, EDGE, 4G, LTE, GPRS, EGSM ,WAP, Wi-Fi
Screen: 5.5" IPS OGS with FHD resolution 1920 x 1080, Gorilla Glass 3, multi-touch 10 touches.
Front camera: 5 megapixels
Main camera: 13 megapixels
Battery: 3000mAh
Dimensions: 155.2 x 77.2 x 10.9 mm, weight with battery 170 g.
Bluetooth: BT 4.0
GPS: GPS + AGPS + GLONASS + BEIDOU
OTG: Supports
Payment for purchase
First, let's look at the packaging - everything here is really modest, but with no small taste. 
On the side there are symbols for some characteristics. 
On the bottom you can see that I have the so-called CN version and this is very important. If you bought a device for example on Ali and you have the firmware inside WW, pay attention to the box, now many cunning Ali writers write WW in the description and simply reflash to WW before sending, such phones will not be updated via OTA and new 4G LTE frequencies will not appear, but I’m already getting ahead of myself. 
The kit is harsh and simple, instructions with a warranty card in Chinese (CN version), USB - MicroUSB cable (I didn’t like it), 1 ampere charging (without fast charging function). That's it, the Chinese version does not rely on headphones. 
Let's now look at the device itself. On the front we will find quite large frames around the display, a 5.5" display itself, a speaker grille, a front camera, proximity and light sensors, an event indicator, three touch buttons and decorative metal-like plastic, telling us that it belongs to the Zen line of ASUS . 
On the back side there is a dual flash of different color temperatures, the main camera, volume buttons (I don’t know why ASUS thought this was convenient?), ASUS and Intel inside logos, as well as a grille, mostly decorative. Don’t be fascinated by the look of the polishing; the back covers of absolutely all ASUS Zenfone 2 models are plastic. 
On the side ends you can only find a slot for removing the back cover. 
At the bottom end there is a MicroUSB connector and the main microphone. 
At the top end we have an additional noise-canceling microphone and a 3.5 mm headset jack. and another controversial decision is the power button. To the astonished exclamations of Zen users, consultants recommended not to use it, but to tap on the screen to lock and unlock, in principle an option; a screenshot can also be taken with a long tap on the “menu” button. 
Let's remove the cover, under it there are two slots for MicroSim, here it should be noted that the device has two radio modules, a slot for a memory card and we see a small speaker, which, thanks to the rounded shape of the back cover and its location, is not muffled on a hard surface and sounds both in the hands and and on the table it is equally loud. 
On the cover itself we see an NFC antenna, stiffening pads and a rubber plug for the unused part of the speaker slot. 
In general, the device is quite wide, it fits firmly in the hand, it’s not for everyone, creaks are minimal, I didn’t find any play. For use with one hand, there is a zoom mode, which is activated by double tapping the home button. It is difficult to press the back button without intercepting it. Using the volume buttons, in my opinion, is very controversial; I constantly poke at the camera, thereby staining it. But ASUS Zenfone 2 looks very expensive and solid. 
The full unboxing with my first grievances can be seen below:
Let's consider a point that probably 90% of users are acutely concerned about - namely battery. According to the manufacturer, there is an honest 3000mAh, which is actually true, but with some footnotes. To begin with, I ran the antitu battery with a tester. 
The shell has a convenient, customizable energy saving mode. Then I measured it with a USB tester. Charging produced only 1.11 amperes and the charging process itself was not completed. In my opinion, this is a flaw in the Android 5 shell; we have already implemented this in the Elephone G2. During its own use, the Intel processor is quite power-hungry and the indicated battery will last for a day, a maximum of two of average use. 
The display of ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE551ML is created using IPS OGS FHD technology and covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The brightness of the device is average, the colors are bright and contrasting, and do not fade at viewing angles. I am 100% satisfied with the screen, undoubtedly this is one of the advantages of the device.
From different viewing angles
From the menu you can adjust the color to suit your needs, multi-touch 10 touch points. 
The second advantage of ASUS Zenfone 2 is the sound; the sound quality of both the speaker and headphones is quite decent. As far as I know, Intel uses a sound solution from RealTek, which has already become the standard for modern audio. However, I want to clarify that I was able to achieve the best sound quality in headphones only from the built-in player, fortunately it has playback by folders. So I can fully recommend good headphones for it, so far I have tested it on Vsonic VSD1 and XiaoMi Piston 3, but XiaoMi Hi-Fi is already on the way.
The device's communication quality is good, there is no leadership here, but the performance is at a decent average level. Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac through one and two walls, NFC, Bluetooth 4, OTG. 
But in terms of navigation, ASUS Zenfone 2 is a clear leader, I have never seen such high-quality satellite reception, it’s definitely a test! And of course there is an electronic compass on board. 
It remains to talk about communication frequencies, you can find the frequencies themselves in the specifications at the beginning of the review, but you need to clarify that different versions support different 4G LTE frequencies, so my CN version, regardless of the installed firmware, only supports band 1 and band 3, which are practically not used in the Russian Federation; at the moment it is known that 4G will work with the MTS operator in some cities.
ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE551ML is built on 32-bit Android 5 Lollipop with a 64-bit kernel. 
The ZenUI add-on interface reminded me a lot of FlymeOS from Meizu. The interface is very convenient and friendly, here you can find everything you might need, including an autorun manager and a glove mode. 
Mode for the elderly and automatic conversation recording. 
And there are a lot of different small conveniences that you can learn about from the video review.
What kind of shortcomings can be found here, and they exist. The first drawback is that there are two applications for transferring data from an old smartphone, which work via NFC and Bluetooth, but I didn’t have NFC, and only contacts are transferred via Bluetooth, so despite the abundance of software, you have to use third-party applications. The second disadvantage is the abundance of software, there is a lot of it, and only a few can be removed from it, most of it can be disabled, but there are also some that cannot be removed and cannot be disabled, and I consider this a disadvantage.
The Russian language, by the way, is available in all versions of ASUS Zenfone 2, but Google services were not in my CN version, and I had to reflash it to WW via the PC command line, after which, naturally, all over-the-air updates do not work.
The device runs on a 64-bit 4-core Intel Z3560 1.8 GHz processor, PowerVR G6430 is responsible for graphics. CPU-Z values: 
There are a whole bunch of sensors here: 
There is no need to reap any additional achievements from the x86 processor; it works on the same level as the much cheaper MTK MT6752, which is confirmed by synthetic tests. Antutu: 
Epic Citadel: 
NenaMark 2: 
Antutu 3D Rating on OpenGL 3: 
Other tests: 
The performance is more than enough for the maximum level of graphics in any modern toy, but the device does not reach the top values of modern flagships.
Let's move on to the main parameter - memory, due to the presence of memory cards, the amount of built-in memory is not critical, to put it mildly, but what about 4 gigabytes of RAM? Before ASUS Zenfone 2, I used two devices with two gigabytes of RAM and they were enough for me. I can tell you my opinion, at the moment there is no need for 4 gigabytes of RAM, two is quite good, three is even better. The exception is those who like to run a lot of applications and games at the same time, for whom this device will be indispensable, and for those who are too lazy to constantly clear their memory. In my opinion, it is quite possible to save money and take the 2/16 version, but of course everyone decides for themselves.
And now we get to the main deception of ASUS Zenfone 2 - the cameras. And if the front camera is 5 megapixels, it’s quite acceptable. 
The main one with 13 megapixel PixelMaster technology is simply disgusting today. Not only does the camera shoot in poor lighting conditions like an average Chinese, although they boasted about their “night owl” mode. 
Also, at distances of more than a meter, autofocus constantly blurs and the pictures turn out to be unscalable; as soon as you start zooming in, absolutely all the details are lost. 
HDR mode doesn't help at all: 
At close distances, these are quite acceptable pictures: 
Without a doubt, the problem here is software, since in manual mode you can get excellent pictures, but I myself almost never use manual mode, and this is mainly the lot of rare experts.
The device shoots FullHD video in mp4, 4K and Slow motion formats.
A full review of the advantages and disadvantages of ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE551ML can be found below:
Let's summarize:
- Android 5 is not updated.
- Hungry processor.
- Lots of junk apps that can't be removed.
- 4G LTE in CN versions of the device in the Russian Federation only works for MTS and not in all cities.
- There are no Google services in CN versions.
- Average performance in synthetic tests.
- The camera software has not been updated, the quality of the images for the most part is terrible.
- Plastic body, painted to look like metal.
- Just huge frames around the display.
Android 5.
+ Good battery.
+ Gorgeous display.
+ Great sound.
+ Very cool ZenUI shell.
+ Excellent GPS.
+ OTG and presence of a memory card.
+ 2 radio modules.
+ Availability of NFC.
+ Powerful processor and video card.
+ Good cameras.
+ 4 gigabytes of RAM.
+ Very solid appearance.
As you can see, at the moment the device is quite controversial, but you should also remember about the price segment, so the device with 4/32 CN version can be purchased with the ZE551ML coupon for $274.99, which is quite an affordable price, compared to the exorbitant prices of modern flagships, if you definitely need 4G LTE, then Chinese online stores and aliexpress most likely will not suit you, here you should look at ebay for a higher price. If 4 gigabytes is also not critical for you, then the price tag may even drop to the level of 200 bucks.
So, does ASUS Zenfone 2 have Zen? On the one hand, you can see simplicity in everything, no frills, a lot of well-developed details, on the other hand, a huge mass of garbage applications. And everything seems perfect, but they forgot to finish the software. So my verdict is that Zen is still ahead for ASUS.
With that, thank you all for reading, happy shopping everyone.
I'm planning to buy +6 Add to favorites I liked the review +22 +43
