Asus Zenfone Max is a powerful phone that originated from the Zenphone family. Zenfone Max comes with a dominant battery that also works as a power bank. The phone was launched in August 2015 and has surpassed its competitors with its impressive performance. Zenfone Max comes with a 5.5-inch IPS capacitive touchscreen display with 13MP and 5MP rear and front camera respectively. The phone is packed with Android 5.0 OS, and Asus own Zen UI to enhance the looks. But before I review the crucial features of the phone, let’s have a look at it specifications.
Key specifications of Zenfone Max
| Display | 5.5-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) IPS capacitive touchscreen display with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection |
| Storage | 2GB RAM, 16GB internal memory, expandable up to 64GB |
| Processor | 1.2GHz MSM8916 quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor |
| Camera | 13MP rear auto-focus camera with dual-tone LED flash
5MP front camera |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) with Zen UI |
| Battery | 5,000mAh non-removable battery |
| Additional features | WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, Dual SIM support, 3G/4G/LTE |
| Colours | Black and White |
Features
Looks and Display
Zenfone Max comes with the same signature style Zenfone models like the Zenphone 2 Laser and Zenfone Selfie, with a curved back that makes it easier to hold the phone. The phone consists of a gold plastic strip running down the sides making it easier to grip. Zenfone Max body is built with an embossed leather finishing texture that prevents the phone from slipping off your hands. The phone comes with black and white variants with a smooth feel and finishing. Zenfone Max’s consists of a 5.5-inch display screen that bring clarity graphics and pictures even under the daylight. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to make it drop resistant and improves its strength by 2.5x.
Battery and Performance
Zenphone Max is built using a powerful non-removable battery of 5,000mAh that makes the phone run for an extended time. Due to the battery capacity, the weight of the phone got slightly heavier to 202 gms that make it a little bulky. The phone also works as a power bank and lets you charge other devices seamlessly. It also looks quite large compared to the other batteries that make it easily notable. Zenphone Max is powered by 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor with 2GB RAM which makes it efficient enough to play games and multimedia. It also includes a microSD slot which is expandable up to 64GB and has 16GB internal memory available which is enough to store loads of apps and games.
Camera
Zenphone Max consists of a quality 13MP rear PixelMaster camera with auto-focus dual-tone LED flash and 5MP front camera, both capable of recording 1080p videos. You will find plenty of photography modes and manual settings for clicking still photos and videos. You can also add effects like slow motion, time lapse, panorama, HDR, etc. which is great for photography lovers. The front camera is satisfactory enough to click selfies and groupies and you can easily switch between the cameras. The front camera images are basically good in indoors, but slight deteriorates in the in outdoor locations.
The PixelMaster camera lens captures amazing high-resolution images with zero shutter lag. The super-fast laser auto-focus reduces image blurring and improves image balance. The PixelMaster lens includes Toshiba sensor, Blue Glass filter and 85-degree front camera wide angle that lets you take panoramic selfie and groupies at up to 140-degrees. The zero shutter lag lets you click images without missing a moment and it clicks in real-time. The camera includes a low light mode that lets you click stunning and clarity images even in night shots. Its low light mode increases sensitivity by 4x and improves noise reduction and colour contrast by up to 400%.
Interface
Zenfone Max is operated on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and is enveloped with Asus own Zen UI. Zen UI is simple and beautifully crafted to make you experience the software in a better way. It enhances your usability and keeps your phone access secured and private. Zen UI has over 1000 features and includes a cleaner design that makes it easier to place your information. It gives you instinctive control over your phone and also includes a Creative Studio to it easier to manage and present your images. Other features in the Zen UI includes Touch Gesture, Tap-tap Motion, PhotoCollage, PhotoEffects, ZenCircle, Themes, Launcher, MiniMovie, etc.
Touch gesture lets you open apps with a single touch, e.g. W for browser, C for camera, etc.
Tap-tap motion lets you wake the screen with a double tap on the display.
PhotoCollage allows creating stunning image collages and weave a memory.
PhotoEffects lets you add beautiful effects to your photos and enhance them.
ZenCircle lets you share your adventures and create memories
A number of theme options are available in Zen UI to change the look of your phone and launchers to customize your app icons and widgets as you like.
Collaborate your images and create stunning movies or slideshows to bring back the memories.
Pro(s):
- Powerful battery life
- Works as a power bank
- Camera with manual control mode like DSLR
- Large display capable enough to watch movies and play games
- No much heating issue like other phones
Con(s):
- Bulky
- Non-removable battery
- Less pixel density
- Unnecessary pre-installed apps that consumes memory
- Slow charging issue due to the huge battery power
- Do not support HDMI
- Only 1.2GHz processor, not enough powerful enough
Pricing
Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL is priced Rs. 10,299 for the black variant and Rs. 11,900 for the white variant for the 16GB model. The phone can be purchased from the popular eCommerce stores Flipkart and Amazon.com where can find it at a discounted rate.
Verdict
Asus Zenfone Max is most preferred by its battery supremacy that performs beyond your requirement. The battery lasts for full 2 days on heavy usage and also works as a power bank which can charge other additional devices. The phone includes the exclusive Zen UI that includes the most extraordinary features unlike the other phones. Although the phone is a bit bulky, you will still be satisfied because of its lasting performance and durability because its display is protected by Gorilla Glass 4.