Asus' new ZenFone series will include smartphones that won't use Intel processors

Asus CEO Jerry Shen recently disclosed more details about the second generation of ZenFone handsets. As previously reported, the company will announce its new ZenFones at CES 2015 in early January (with one of the handsets apparently sporting a 5.5-inch display). According to Focus Taiwan, Jerry Shen confirmed that all the models that are going to be showcased at CES will be powered by Intel processors (just like the current ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5, and ZenFone 6). However, Asus is reportedly also readying new ZenFone models that won’t use Intel chipsets - these should be released in January in China (via China Mobile and China Telecom), as well as in other global markets.

Jerry Shen also said that all new Intel-powered ZenFone smartphones feature LTE connectivity, and will be sold for prices starting at around $300. As for the models not powered by Intel, these should be priced at around $150 (and, since they seem to be targeted mainly at China, they may use MediaTek chipsets).

While the current ZenFone handsets are available in 14 countries, the new ones should be released in about 20 markets. Asus hopes to sell a total of 16 million smartphones throughout 2015 - up from about 8 million units this year.