ASUS Zenfone 3 Deluxe dropped in Canada, US regular model abandoned too

Canadian consumers eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe will be disappointed to hear that the phone’s debut in the country has been cancelled. Company representatives have officially confirmed the cancellation, but haven’t provided a reason.

ASUS had previously stated that the phone would be launching in the country in early November with a CAD$699 price tag. This was a not unreasonable cost for a phone boasting a Snapdragon 820 processor, 6GB of RAM, and a 23 megapixel rear camera. The phone was scheduled to go on sale at a wide range of national retailers, including Best Buy, Canada Computers, NCIX, Newegg, and Staples.

In a double blow to North American consumers, the company has also decided that US customers won’t be able to purchase the regular Zenfone 3 either. Instead consumers will have to stump up the extra cash for the Deluxe model or look elsewhere for a reasonably priced mid-ranger (never fear, you can still buy it on Amazon).

Again no reason was given, but it’s likely down to the fact that ASUS believes these phones won’t sell in large enough numbers in these countries. If you’re now unsure which phone to pickup instead of the ZenFone 3 Deluxe, check out our list of the best reasonably priced smartphones below.