Rakuten Mobile to Offer ASUS ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML)

Tokyo, April 20, 2015 - Fusion Communications Corporation, the telecommunications company of the Rakuten Group, today announced that it begin offering the ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) smartphone, the latest smartphone from ASUS Japan, as part of its Rakuten Mobile device and calling or data SIM card sets. Applications for the ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) sets will begin from April 23, 2015^*1.

The ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) is the world’s first smartphone to come equipped 4GB of main memory. It offers a high-quality design made to fit perfectly in the palm of the user’s hand, and is available in a 4-color lineup.

As the other Rakuten Mobile set devices, users can begin using the device straight away simply by inserting the included SIM Card for which the initial settings have been completed.

Upon purchasing the ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) as part of a Rakuten Mobile set, customers will receive a special bonus of up to 2,000 Rakuten Super Points.

In addition, the device comes with a variety of Rakuten apps preinstalled, such as Rakuten Dewna, Viber, the R-Point Card and Rakuten Gateway, offering users added value that only the Rakuten Group can provide.

1. Ease of operation with its built-in quad-core CPU and large capacity memory
The ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) has a built-in Quad-Core CPU and is the world’s first smartphone to come equipped with a 4GB main memory. This allows it to handle all manner of operations, including viewing full-HD videos to browsing the web and playing games, as well as multitasking easily and stress-free. It is also equipped with a fast charging feature that can cut down on battery charging time, allowing the phone to be charged up to 60% in about 39 minutes*2.

2. Fitted design grounded in ergonomics
With a screen-to-body ratio of 72% and an approximately 3.3mm bezel, the smartphone offers a large 5.5-inch screen is a compact body. The device also features a rounded design that perfectly fits in the palm of the user’s hand.

3. Equipped with a wide range of unique camera functions
Through the Pixel Master brightness control technology, which reduces noise while at the same time boosting the brightness by approximately 400% and the contrast approximately 200% above the norm*3, it is possible to take bright, clear, and sharp photos even when shooting in dimly-lit areas. Moreover, since it comes equipped with a two-color LED flash on its back side, it can measure the ambient brightness and adjust the level of luminescence, thereby allowing it to reproduce natural colors even when taking pictures using the flash.

Specifications of the ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML)

Sales Price for the device

Special benefits for purchasing a set with a device + SIM Card

*1 Shipments of the device are scheduled to begin around the middle of May 2015
*2 When the battery is charged after being completely discharged. Time may vary depending on method of measurement and other conditions
*3 Compared to regular photography modes without lowlight functions
*4 This figure includes tax. The total amount to be paid with installation payments is the same as that with the lump-sum payment (not including tax). There are no processing fees with the installation payments, but users can only use a Rakuten Card with this option. The amount paid in each installation payment is an amount obtained by taking the purchase price of the device (including tax) and subtracting the amount paid by Rakuten Super Points, then dividing this amount evenly into 24 installments. In addition, the price of the device is rounded up and added to the first payment amount.

* All prices above, excluding those that specifically mention tax is included, exclude tax.
* Android, Google, Google Play and other logo marks are registered trademarks of Google Inc.
* The company names and product names are the property of their respective owners.
* The information included in this release is accurate as of the day of the announcement. The specifications, details of the service, and contact details may change without notice.

About Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) service launched by Fusion on October 29, 2014 which utilizes NTT DOCOMO’s LTE network. Rakuten Mobile offers a wide variety of services, from low cost SIM-free device and calling SIM card sets to standalone low cost SIM cards and data SIM cards. Rakuten Mobile Website: http://mobile.rakuten.co.jp/

About Fusion Communications Corporation
Fusion Communications Corporation is a telecoms provider in Rakuten Group that provides fixed-line telecommunications (private lines), IP telephones, mobile services (Rakuten Mobile), and Internet-connected services under the concept of achieving “Everything over IP.” It is aiming to further develop and grow its business in order to create new possibilities in audio, data, content, and applications over its IP platform. For more information: http://www.fusioncom.co.jp/