The age of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is already upon us and ASUS has jumped onto the bandwagon. The ASUS ZenFone AR is the world’s first Tango-enabled smartphone as well as being optimised with Google Daydream.

Retailing at RM3,799, the ZenFone AR features a Snapdragon 821 processor with 64-bit quad-core CPU, which has been optimised for Tango. An Adreno 530 GPU is added for enhanced graphics while the display is a 5.7-inch WQHD Super AMOLED display with a Corning Gorilla Glass 4 cover glass for better protection. Another world’s first for the ZenFone AR is its installed 8GB RAM, something that has yet to be done for any other smartphone.

The TriCam System on the ZenFone AR boasts a motion-tracking camera for better understanding of its movements through an area and a depth-sensing camera with an infrared (IR) projector to measure its distance from real-world objects. The last camera is the conventional 23MP PixelMaster camera with a Sony IMX318 sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 6p Largan lens and a Sapphire cover glass for protection. There is also a 4-axis OIS for steadier photos and a 3-axis EIS for shake-free videos and a dual-LED real-tone flash.

While it is the perfect combination for the Google Daydream, the ZenFone AR will not be made available with the VR headset as it has yet to make its way to Malaysian shores. Although the ZenFone AR can be used with other VR headsets like the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift, it will not be at its full potential as the phone is calibrated to work best with the Google Daydream.