How much is asus zenfone max pro m1. Asus zenfone max pro m1 full review: to buy or not to buy? that's the question! Battery life ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 is a mid-range smartphone that comes with a large 5000mAh battery and excellent specs for $ 225 (R14,000).
For this review, I used the Zenfone Max Pro version with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. During testing, the phone received several firmware updates, with a focus on improving camera performance and adding features like VoLTE support and facial recognition.
Let's find out what else, apart from a large battery and low cost, is this device interesting?
Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 specifications
| 5.99-inch IPS HD + (2160 x 1080); aspect ratio 18: 9; brightness 450 nits; 2.5D protective glass |
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| CPU | 64-bit 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (8 Kryo cores) with 14nm FinFET technology. |
| Rear camera | 13MP + 5MP sensor with depth effect; aperture f / 2.2; 80-degree viewing angle; 5-element lens; LED flash; 4K UHD video recording |
| Front-camera | 8MP sensor with f / 2.0 aperture; 85.5 degree viewing angle; 5-element lens; led flash |
| Android 8.1 Oreo |
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| 5000 mAh; complete charger 2A / 10W with support for fast charging |
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| Dimensions and weight | 159 x 76 x 8.61 mm; 180 g |
Design and build
The design of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro is unremarkable, it looks like most other smartphones in this segment. The build quality is solid and the aluminum frame gives the entire structure extra rigidity. Weighing in at 180 grams, this phone is quite heavy, and due to the large battery, it is still a bit thick, but the heavy weight gives the device an additional feeling of solidity.
Zenfone Max Pro M1's screen has rounded edges and narrow bezels on both sides. Asus claims the phone has a 2.5D screen protector, but there is no word on what exactly. Despite its large size, the device is quite ergonomic and fits well in the hand.
The back metal cover has a soft matte finish that's nice to the touch but picks up fingerprints quickly. The main design feature of Zenfone Max Pro is the dual camera module on the back, which is flush with the body and looks pretty neat.
The phone is available in two colors - silver and dark black. Overall, this gadget will not win any design awards, but a minimalist and functional design with good build quality that will appeal to most users.
Smartphone display
The new Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 features a 5.99-inch Full HD + display with an oleophobic coating and an aspect ratio of 18: 9. It is a top-notch display with a 1500: 1 contrast ratio and a maximum brightness of 450 nits.
The colors of the screen are rich, and the brightness is enough for comfortable viewing of the content even on clear sunny days. Viewing angles are excellent and even better than most smartphones in this segment.
Equipment performance
Under the hood of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, which offers better performance over the Snapdragon 625 as it uses Qualcomm's own Kryo cores to boost power.
The phone comes with two storage options: 3GB / 32GB and 4GB / 64GB. The internal memory of both devices can be expanded using microSD. Asus also announced a 6GB / 64GB version (with better camera quality), which will be available at a later date.
The variant I tested with 3 GB of RAM performed well. With hardcore gaming, daily tasks and even multitasking, the Zenfone Max Pro (M1) handles no problem. During long sessions of gaming, the phone heats up slightly, but does not cause discomfort.
In general, the device works well and even the performance of the version with 3 GB of RAM will be enough for most users. Of course, the more experienced will choose the version with 4 GB of RAM.
Battery autonomy
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 smartphone also boasts a 5,000mAh battery, but it doesn't offer exceptional battery life. Some competitors offer similar battery life in a smaller volume and in a smaller package.
The battery lasts for a whole day with active use. This is sufficient, but I hope that the software update will optimize power consumption even better.
The phone comes with a 2A / 10W fast charging charger that charges the battery from 0 to 100% in less than 3 hours.
Multimedia and sound
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 supports Bluetooth 4.2 with AptX technology for better sound quality over wireless connections. Thanks to the built-in NXP amplifier, the mono speaker sounds quite loud here.
To further increase the volume, the package includes a Max Box accessory that passively amplifies the sound without any electronics. The thing may be useless, but it is offered free of charge and can be useful to anyone.
Hardware
It's a little disappointing to have a MicroUSB port instead of USB Type-C. For most people, this is not a problem, but after all, this is the smartphone of 2018!
SIM card tray, allows simultaneous insertion of two SIM cards and a microSD card. This is a nice addition for a budget phone, but only one is 4G capable and the other is 3G limited.
Software
Zenfone Max Pro M1 is the first smartphone from the company to ship with pure Android Oreo without the ZenUI proprietary shell. Asus says it plans to release two major updates to Android Q in the near future.
Even though it is stock Android, there are some preinstalled apps like Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, as well as the Go2Pay mobile wallet that cannot be removed.
The inexpensive Asus Zenfone Max Pro is equipped with a dual camera on the back with a 13MP primary and a secondary 5MP sensor for depth effect. During the day, the pictures are clear, bright and with a lot of detail. In low light conditions, noise appears in photos, and details become a little washed out.
The HDR mode does not work well here in the dark, the pictures are blurry and with a loss of detail. But the effect of depth here pleased, as for a budget smartphone. The rear camera of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 can record videos in 4K but lacks stabilization.
The front 8MP sensor with f / 2.0 aperture also produces good selfies with lots of detail and rich color. The LED flash on the front is tough and I preferred to turn it off for selfie mode.
The camera app is confusing and not entirely clear. The controls are inconveniently located, and simple buttons, like a flash, are hidden under the menu and are not available for one click. Asus needs to revise this app and make it clearer, more functional.
The camera on the Zenfone Max Pro is quite decent, it is better than most smartphones in this segment, but not as powerful as on the Redmi Note 5 Pro.
Outcome
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 is a great smartphone whose pros outweigh all the cons. Top-notch performance, pure Android OS, and the $ 225 (R14,000) price tag even matches some of Xiaomi's offerings.
The Zenfone Max Pro definitely needs to improve its camera software and battery life, but it is a top-notch device with great value for money and can easily become the best on the market.
Asus Zenfone Max Pro advantages
- Excellent build quality.
- Bright display.
- Good performance.
- Value for money.
Review of frameless smartphone ZenFone Max Plus M1 from Asus. Appearance of the device, screen, camera characteristics, performance, autonomy, price, pros and cons, video review.
Recently smartphones with 18: 9 displays are gaining more and more popularity. They are produced in different price categories by eminent manufacturers and little-known firms. The reason for such a demand is that elongation allows you to fit a screen with a larger diagonal into a compact body - because of this, gadgets look compact and attractive. In this article, we will focus on the inexpensive and cute Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1. This is an interesting device with decent hardware, decent design and a number of features.
ZenFone Max Plus M1 Design Features and Package Contents
The body has a pleasant to the touch and aesthetically pleasing metallic finish. Unfortunately, it breaks down hard enough and during our acquaintance with the device, we had to wipe it down every now and then. The entire rear side of the device is as laconic as possible. On it:
- Two eyes of chamber modules.
- Flash.
- Fingerprint scanner.
All edges and corners are rounded, there are no sharp cuts. At first glance, the device seemed a bit boring to us, without a twist, if you do not take into account the non-standard display. It is similar to both previous models from this manufacturer and a number of gadgets from competing companies. The entire area of \u200b\u200bthe front panel is covered with 2.5D glass, it has a sufficiently high-quality oleophobic coating, fingerprints are not particularly noticeable, and after a couple of days of active testing, scratches did not appear.
We liked using the Asus Zenfon Max Plus M1 smartphone from the point of view of convenience - it fits securely in the palm of your hand and does not slip, despite the absence of sharp corners and edges.
The front panel of the device contains:
- Quite loud, good quality earpiece.
- Light and proximity sensors.
- Selfie camera lens.
- Battery charge indicator.
At the bottom of the Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 smartphone are located:
- Speaker and microphone grilles.
- MicroUSB input.
The right side is equipped with metal, secure, finger-friendly, easy-to-press volume buttons and a power key. On the left side there is a tray that opens with a paper clip that comes with the kit. It installs nano SIM cards, and separately, in the third cell, you can put a microSD memory card. A very good solution, since the user does not have to sacrifice a second SIM card or flash drive, as is the case with the combined slot.
All the colors offered by the manufacturer are pretty nice and pleasant to the eye. On sale, at the moment, there are Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 in the following colors:
- Sunny gold.
- Black wave.
- Azure silver.
The device looks neat and stylish, and as for the dimensions, they are as follows:
- Length - 152.6 mm.
- Width - 73 mm.
- Thickness - 8.8 mm.
The device comes to the buyer in a nice, neat white-blue box with a large image of the device on both sides, the model name, some brief information about the device and the manufacturer's logo on the top end. The package contains:
- The Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 smartphone itself.
- OTG cable.
- Charger.
- Micro-USB cable.
- A paperclip that removes the SIM and memory card tray.
- Documentation required for the user, including a warranty card and a quick start guide.
The device is assembled well, and looking at it, you understand that you have in front of you a high-quality, reliable device that will certainly serve faithfully for a long time without any problems.
Display Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1
The Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 smartphone can rightfully be called frameless. The screen diagonal is 5.7 inches (on the official website, but in reality there is 5.65), but, according to the manufacturer, due to the lack of frames and the correct aspect ratio, it fits perfectly into a compact body and the whole gadget looks no more than similar, from other equally well-known firms, with a diagonal of 5.2 inches.
As for the other characteristics of the Zenfon Max Plus M1 display, they are as follows:
- Screen resolution - 2160x1080 pixels (FullHD +).
- Size - 64x128 mm.
- The pixel density is 427 ppi.
- The presence of a protective glass 2.5D.
- Matrix - IPS without air gap.
- Filters blue glow.
- Adaptive brightness control.
- Multi-touch.
I was delighted with the anti-glare coating, which does an excellent job of its functions and allows you to read text files normally even on a bright, sunny afternoon outside. In general, the screen of the Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 smartphone is perfectly tuned, we liked the absence of distortion, gamma, color temperature, brightness margin.
Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 Performance Specifications
For the speed of the Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1, the MediaTek MT6750T processor with eight cores is responsible. Of course, it cannot be called energy efficient enough, but it does not get too hot, even at maximum load. At the moment, this is a fairly popular midrange in terms of performance and speed, which has recently been quite common in mid-range smartphones. In the AntuTu benchmark, the chip gains a little more than 40,000 points. The graphics core is ARM Mali-T860.
With memory, everything is also quite mediocre, but there is enough stock for everyday tasks. More precisely:
- ROM -32 GB, eMCP.
- RAM - 3 GB, LPDDR3.
Zenfon Max Plus M1 runs on Android 7 operating system with ZenUI 4.0 proprietary shell. We liked this version of the user interface for its lightness, accessibility and good functionality. But whether there will be an update to Android 8 in the near future, and whether there will be any at all, is, unfortunately, still unknown. The proprietary shell has a number of features and its own "chips", such as the protector ZenUI, ZenMotion, SelfieMaster, Game Genie, AudioWizard.
There is a face recognition function, which is quite popular today. It works, to tell the truth, not without errors, but let's hope that soon the company's developers will pay attention to this problem. In general, the device certainly does not "fly" - it did not impress us with its speed. The budget is felt.
Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 - Camera and Sound Review
This smartphone has two rear cameras. They literally protrude one millimeter above the body. The main 16-megapixel module has good light sensitivity, the pictures are bright and with increased clarity, even if there is not very good lighting around. Aperture - f / 2.0, equivalent focal length - 35 mm. Another feature is the high-speed focusing system. Phase detection autofocus operates in less than 0.03 seconds. This is especially useful for photographing subjects that are moving.
The PixelMaster technology implemented in the Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 smartphone provides the user with the ability to shoot in eight different modes:
- auto;
- improving the portrait;
- super-resolution up to 64 megapixels;
- panorama;
- slow motion;
- panorama;
- gIF animation.
As for the additional second module of the main camera, it is 8-megapixel with an equivalent focal length of 16.7 mm. Wide angle lens - viewing angle 120 degrees. Therefore, the device takes excellent panoramic and group shots, because more objects and space are placed in the frame. According to the manufacturer, the camera coverage of the Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 is twice that of regular smartphones. Also, the aspect ratio in the frame - 18: 9 helps to enhance the sense of space.
The front camera also performed well enough. Selfies come out detailed and realistic. As for the main characteristics, then for this module they are as follows:
- Resolution - 8 megapixels.
- Aperture - f / 2.0.
- The viewing angle is 85 degrees.
- The focal length is 24.7 mm.
- auto mode with HDR function;
- panoramic selfies;
- gIF animation.
A loud speaker and a built-in amplifier are responsible for the sound, which has controlled power consumption. The device has two microphones, they have good noise reduction. The device also has an FM radio, a trifle, but nice. The sound in the included headphones is unremarkable, it's not bad, but you can't call it a dream of an audio audience.
Autonomy, sensors, wireless interfaces ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1
An interesting feature of ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1 is a well-thought-out complex of intelligent technologies implemented in power management. It is called PowerMaster and is responsible for the significant increase in overall runtime as well as overload protection. The complex includes protection against:
- Exceeding the temperature regime.
- Short circuits.
- Overvoltage on input and output.
- Reset.
- Overvoltage and undervoltage supply.
- Overcurrent.
A capacious 4130 mAh battery is responsible for the autonomy of the gadget. When recharging the device using the original charger, the fast charging function is automatically activated. It's not Quick Charge, but Fast Charge - but not bad either. In this case, from zero to 100% Zenfon Max Plus M1 will be charged in just three and a quarter hours. Fifteen minutes of plugging into an outlet is enough to then talk for about three hours. As for the main indicators declared by the manufacturer, then:
- In standby mode (4G), the device will last up to 26 days.
- Talk time - 26 hours in 3G networks.
- Video can play - 13 hours.
- Web surfing on Wi-Fi - up to 21 hours.
Interestingly, when we tested the battery, we found it honestly delivers its stated power. Such a short battery life is most likely due to a software bug or some other reason.
In addition, you should pay attention to the super power saving mode. If the battery shows only 10%, after turning it on, the device will stay in standby mode for up to 67 hours. At least that's what the manufacturer says.
Wireless technologies and networks in ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1 are:
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n 2.4 GHz + Wi-Fi direct.
- Bluetooth 4.0.
- FDD-LTE, TD-LTE, WCDMA, GSM.
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS are responsible for navigation in the smartphone.
The sensors in ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1 include:
- electronic compass;
- gyroscope;
- proximity sensor
- light sensor;
- acceleration sensor.
Pros and cons of Asus Zenfon Max Plus M1, price
The main positive aspects of this gadget are:
- Great, well-calibrated screen.
- High quality protective glass with good oleophobic coating and anti-reflective properties.
- Not bad for a budget employee, cameras and many shooting modes.
- Normal "hardware" that does its job well.
- Affordable price
- A bit boring design.
- Lack of NFC.
- Easy-to-snap metal back cover.
- Relatively poor battery life with such a battery capacity.
- When the wide-angle lens is activated, the photo quality deteriorates significantly.
ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1 Full Specifications
| Dimensions | 152.6x73x8.8 mm |
| The weight | 160 g |
| Body material | metal, glass, plastic |
| Number and type of SIM cards | 2 Nano |
| Screen type | IPS |
| Diagonal | 5.7 inches (off site, actually 5.65), 18: 9, 424 ppi |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1080 (FullHD +) |
| Operating system ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1 | Android N with ASUS ZenUI 4.0 user interface |
| CPU | eight-core MediaTek MT6750T |
| GPU | ARM Mali-T860 |
| RAM | 3 GB, LPDDR3 |
| User memory | 32GB expandable up to 256GB (separate microSD slot) |
| Main camera ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1 | dual, 16 MP, additional camera has a wide viewing angle (120 °) |
| Front-camera | 8 MP, 2.0 aperture, 140 ° selfie panorama |
| FM receiver and FM radio | there is |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b / g / n (2.4 GHz) + Wi-Fi direct |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 |
| Navigation | GPS, AGPS, GLONASS |
| Sensors | fingerprint scanner (rear panel, 0.3 sec unlock, 5 fingerprint recognition), acceleration, light and proximity sensors, electronic compass, gyroscope |
| Net | FDD-LTE, TD-LTE, WCDMA, GSM |
| ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1 Battery | 4130mAh and Fast Charge:
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| Smartphone price (06.02.2018) | $ 299 (16990 rubles in Russia, 7290 UAH in Ukrin) |
Drawing conclusions, getting to know the device better, I would like to say that both the appearance and the characteristics of the ZenFone Max Plus M1 are pretty good, especially for a gadget in this price range. Therefore, for those who want to buy a new, so popular today, slightly elongated phone with an aspect ratio of 18: 9, with a high-quality screen, modern filling, good cameras and not overpaying, this model will be an excellent choice.
ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1 video review is presented below:
Now the market has come to a point where not only flagship but also affordable devices can perform well and look good. This certainly does not mean that the top lines are no longer needed. Indeed, inexpensive devices always have something to complain about. But the ratio of good and bad moments still outweighs the former. Today we will take a look at how things stand with ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1).
In the manufacturer's lineup there are several models that are somehow similar to each other and there will be no fundamental difference in them for most users.
Among these devices is the Max model, which focuses on a large display and a large battery. We are reviewing the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) modification, which is more advanced in the line of affordable ASUS smartphones. It has better performance, a 6-inch screen and a 5000mAh battery.
ZenFone Max Pro (M1) package contents and first impressions
The Max Pro (M1) kit does not carry any bonuses - only a smartphone, a charger with a detachable cable and a "paper clip" to open the SIM card tray and memory card. The device is large and should be protected with a case, which is more likely to help save the huge display if dropped. For those who carry a smartphone in their pocket or bag with keys, some kind of film is clearly not a problem. But I'm not sure if such an accessory is easy to find.
During the initial setup, the smartphone will please with a practical SIM-card tray, which not only allows you to install two operator cards, but also has a separate slot for microSD, which is not so common in modern smartphones. Enthusiasts will love the clean and fresh Android 8.1, not ZenUI. The speed of work, accordingly, will not disappoint. And at the same time, the user will be presented with 100 GB of Google Drive cloud storage for a year.
Design and usability
Although large smartphones are comfortable for reading books, watching videos and playing games, they are rather complex gadgets to use that require excessive care, and sometimes second hand support. It will not be easy to cope with such a large screen with one hand, because the frames are still there, and the display area is large. The dimensions of the case are similar to those of the iPhone 6-8 Plus, only the ZenFone is a millimeter thicker: 159 × 76 × 8.45 mm, and its weight is 180 grams.
There were not many colors: either gray or dark blue. The body is made of glass on the front and metal on the back. But between the back and the front there is a plastic base. The feeling from use is quite good.
All work items are arranged as standard. The developers did not miss, and there are no problems with the search for buttons and a fingerprint scanner. By the way, the scanner works perfectly and very rarely can refuse authorization, which is easily corrected by a second touch. And in work, you will have to get used to the size of the body itself, but not to the placement of the control elements.
Such a smartphone is primarily suitable for those who need a large device. But for those who are used to more compact bodies, it will still be difficult. The gadget will have to be intercepted all the time, and the pocket for it is not small. Those who definitely use cases to protect their smartphone will find it even more difficult. But users who just need a large smartphone should be satisfied with both tactile sensations and ergonomics.
ZenFone Max Pro Display (M1)
The large body turned out by no means by chance. The 6-inch screen is one of the reasons for this size. He got rounded corners and a protective glass, which also flows smoothly into the body. The display resolution was 2160 × 1080 pixels (402 ppi), and the aspect ratio was 18: 9.
The IPS-matrix is \u200b\u200bwell-tuned, but a direct comparison shows that the colors are quite upset. Nothing critical, the image is very good. For an amateur, you can adjust the color temperature. The Night Light mode is in place, although it turns on abruptly. Of course, there are no complaints about viewing angles.
Display readability in direct sunlight is fine, but an interesting feature has surfaced. Glasses with a polarizing layer usually slightly change the picture when the display is horizontally positioned, but in the test ASUS when the smartphone is oriented vertically, it simply “fades” and you have to take off the glasses to work with the smartphone. This is the only thing that I had difficulties with, otherwise I was completely satisfied with his work.
Sound
There is only one speaker and it is located below, to the right of the charging connector. A speaker with music and video will not help him. But it is loud and sounds better than most in inexpensive gadgets. A little more low frequencies and it would be very cool for such a device. Naturally, it is difficult to miss notifications with it. If you don't want to disturb someone, you will have to use third-party headphones, because there is no headset in the box. With my Monster Jamz and Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5 Pro (EB) headphones, the smartphone did not have any difficulties.
With the spoken speaker, everything is also in order: on a noisy street, you can easily hear the interlocutor.
ZenFone Max Pro (M1) performance & software
The top ZenFone Max Pro got an eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor with an Adreno 509 graphics core. RAM can be 3 or 4 GB, and a 32 or 64 GB drive can be expanded with a memory card. There is everything you need from communications, including NFC, which is not found in all phones, and the new Bluetooth 5.0. The only thing that was upsetting was the N-standard Wi-Fi receiver, which does not support 5GHz networking.
But in work, you do not complain about him. Although it is not as powerful as flagship smartphones, it will not yield much in everyday use. Moreover, demanding games cannot be played at low graphics settings. In this case, even the case will not get very hot. As for a low-cost smartphone, this one works really well.
Well, it is worth repeating that this time the company did without visual changes in the system. Android 8.1 is not overloaded with a bunch of duplicate applications and other things that will be dead weight in the smartphone's memory. The system works quickly, animations do not slow down, there are no sudden crashes of applications ... In a word, everything is stable and accurate.
Autonomy
One of the points that makes the Max prefix justified is a 5000 mAh battery. It will allow you not to wonder about charging for a couple of days, even if the user is playing in the store lines and periodically using the navigator. In my case, it was possible to get more than 12 hours of screen time in two days, and the battery still did not remain empty. In the PCMark test, the result was 13 hours. An excellent indicator!
With such an autonomous operation, one would have to prepare for the fact that it would take a long time to charge. Compared to today's flagships, of course, more than three hours can seem like a really long time to recover a battery. But remembering its capacity and, accordingly, endurance, it is not so long. For "full stuffing" only the support of induction charging was not enough. But the complete power supply unit is very small and will not interfere in a backpack.
ZenFone Max Pro Cameras (M1)
The popular dual-camera trick didn't pass by the ZenFone Max Pro, where the 13MP sensor does most of the work, with an additional 5MP sensor for bokeh. On the front panel there is one sensor with a resolution of 8 MP.
On paper, this is, as always, a mobile photographer's dream. But in reality, cameras of an inexpensive smartphone have a difficult time in difficult conditions (insufficient lighting, backlighting, moving objects, and so on). During the day, depending on the shooting mode, you can get noticeable overexposures, for shooting in HDR you will have to delay, in the evening there will be a lot of defects in the pictures. In general, if you remember the price of the gadget, then any weak points in the camera can be forgiven.
Bokeh, for which there are two sensors in the main module, is not the best. The definition of the edges of objects "limps" if there is a complex background with a lot of shades and details, and the software blur itself does not look quite natural. Probably, future updates should help with this issue, but you shouldn't bet on it.
Videos can be recorded at a maximum of 4K. The quality of the recording matches the price tag. You shouldn't expect much, but the result is not so bad compared to what inexpensive smartphones have done before. It would be much better if there was at least some image stabilization.
You can expect an acceptable result from the front camera during the day, but in difficult conditions the photo will be noticeably soapy after the noise reduction. She also does not cope with the transfer of color in such conditions.
The camera app launches relatively quickly, with all the necessary settings at hand. Difficulties arise only with HDR processing, where the camera simply does not respond to anything for a couple of moments after pulling the trigger. Otherwise, everything is simple and predictable. What was missing was the ability to turn on the grid in the "viewfinder".
The company continues to excel in emerging markets and has released a number of budget smartphones with good value for money over the past year. One of them is the Pro, powered for the first time with the Snapdragon 636 processor. It has a 4000mAh battery capable of providing two days of battery life.
The company is not averse to repeating the success of the Chinese manufacturer and recently announced the ZenFone Max Pro M1 smartphone, which offers similar specifications and a pure Android variant. The latter is especially interesting as it is a software change for Asus. The Taiwanese manufacturer mentioned that it decided to switch to stock Android after receiving customer feedback, so the company is listening to its customers.
The Zenfone is also pretty good in terms of hardware components. It also runs on a Snapdragon 636 processor, 4GB / 64GB memory. The battery is even larger with a 5000mAh value, which is one of the best in this price segment. In addition, the smartphone is cheaper compared to the Xiaomi device.
At first glance, it looks like the ZenFone Max Pro is going to be a bargain. The hardware components are not inferior to Redmi Note 5 Pro, the interface is significantly different from the oversaturated MIUI shell.
If you had to describe the ZenFone in one word, it would be “unremarkable”. The device is made of metal, but its simple back and plastic antenna top and bottom make it look like 2016 smartphones. From a design point of view, there isn't much to be happy about.
The build quality is decent, but it doesn't have the same ruggedness as the Xiaomi smartphone. Due to the large 5000mAh battery, it weighs 180g, while the Redmi Note 5 Pro weighs 181g. The metal case does not seem to be as durable as other budget smartphones.
Screen diagonal 5.99 inches, FHD + resolution. It covers 85% of the NTSC color range, with a maximum brightness of 450 nits. There were no problems with reading under the sun. Ambient brightness mode does not work well in low light, which requires manual brightness increase.
In addition, the screen is not protected by Gorilla Glass or other similar glass, so it is advisable to buy a protector to avoid scratches and cracks.
Zenfone Max Pro M1 does a great job in terms of internals, as this smartphone is one of the fastest in its category. The Snapdragon 636 processor along with pure Android allows the device to literally fly, while the software is not yet perfectly optimized, but the potential is there.
The amount of RAM is 3 GB, storage is 32 GB. There is also a variant of the device with a memory configuration of 4/64 GB. In the future, Asus is going to release the 6/64 GB version. The company did not abandon the 3.5mm headphone jack, but it uses an outdated microUSB connector instead of the modern one. There is a separate compartment for a microSD memory card, as well as two compartments for SIM cards.
Asus has moved from its own ZenUI software shell to pure Android. There are only three Asus apps installed: calculator, sound recorder and FM radio. The simple interface is a real breath of fresh air after ZenUI. All buyers of this smartphone will receive 100 GB of Google Drive storage space for two years.
The day-to-day work is mostly smooth, but the optimization is insufficient. For example, when switching between applications, lags are observed.
The sound from the single loudspeaker at the bottom of the case is not bad; the package includes the MaxBox accessory to amplify the maximum sound by 1.7 times. It is made of cardboard and fixed with magnets, the smartphone is installed vertically into it, which creates a camera to direct sound outward.
In terms of battery life, the ZenFone Max Pro M1 did not disappoint. The developers promise 1080p video playback for over 25 hours. In a short time of acquaintance with the smartphone, there were no complaints about the duration of the work. The operating time with the screen on for two days exceeded 6 hours, including the initial setup. After that, the charge level was above 30%.
This smartphone also has disadvantages. The fingerprint scanner is one of the slowest in smartphones in the last two years. Two times out of three, he refuses to recognize the finger, and even if he recognizes it the first time, the login speed is still low. There is a front unlock, which is also not very reliable.
As for the connection, the device is content with the Wi-Fi b / g / n standard, so you cannot connect to 5 GHz networks. VoLTE is supported, but there is no symbol in the status bar, Asus promises to add it in the future.
The camera is average here, the OmniVision 16880 sensor is used, the quality of which is inferior to the analogue in Redmi Note 5 Pro, which is noticeable from the photos. The smartphone focuses slowly, even in good lighting the photos are inferior to other devices at the same price.
Given Asus's transition to a pure Android version, it could be used. The developers say that this would lead to a delay in the release of the smartphone, and the company is in a hurry to make money before competitors do it. There are still a lot of budget smartphones coming out this year, so time plays an important role.
Because of this, the device does not seem to be fully developed. You need to work hard on the software, the camera also needs to be configured. While the hardware components are the same as on the Redmi Note 5 Pro, the Asus smartphone is inferior in user experience.
Price and availability may be in its favor. Xiaomi cannot yet compete on equal terms with, or even, when it comes to meeting demand, Asus can take advantage of this.
The 3/32 GB version will start selling on May 3 for $ 165, the 4/64 GB model in India will cost $ 195. The manufacturer estimated the future 6/64 GB variant at $ 225.
Asus was able to compete with Xiaomi in the entry-level price segment, which is not easy to do. The device needs some work, but the stock version of Android along with high-quality components is a guarantee of good demand for it.
The times when a budget smartphone was chosen solely for an affordable price are in the distant past, and now even this segment is overstated. Competition is the main factor pushing progress forward, so now every manufacturer is trying to offer the best possible functionality at an affordable price, otherwise the model is guaranteed to fail in the market. The ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 smartphone stands out from the competition with its striking design, almost pure Android shell, as well as good performance and cameras for its price. Let's conduct an honest textual review of ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 and see what the new smartphone of the Chinese brand is capable of.
Traditionally, we start the review of ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 zb602kl with packaging - the first thing you see before buying. This seems to be the most insignificant detail, but it is for it that the first impression of the device affects. Therefore, the correct presentation also affects success. The box is designed in a minimalist style and decorated with a silver-blue removable cover. The scope of delivery does not bode well:
- Charger;
- MicroUSB cable;
- Paperclip and documentation.
Alas, the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 did not include a case, which has already been spoiled by many Chinese manufacturers.
Design
If you don't look closely, then you will not find anything new in the design of the smartphone - a standard six-inch state employee with an 18: 9 screen. But it is worth looking at the details, how the situation transforms. The display is surrounded by thin frames, which has become the norm even for mid-budget devices, and it is not surprising, because 2018 has become a trend for framelessness. But not every brand uses rounded corners, although the solution looks very stylish and makes the design much more accurate.
There is a mesh at the top of the screen, under which the earpiece is hidden. On the sides of it were installed basic sensors, an ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 selfie camera and an LED event indicator, thanks to which you will not miss anything important.
The back is made of metal, but small plastic inserts were left in its upper and lower parts to improve the quality of signal reception. In the upper left corner there is a horizontal block with a dual main camera and an LED flash to it. In the center, we observe a circular area, into which a fingerprint scanner was built. Below is the corporate logo.
A review of the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 smartphone introduces the fact that its left side has been allocated for a tray in which you can simultaneously install a pair of nanoSIM and one MicroSD to expand the memory.
On the right is the display power control button and the volume rocker. The first one was endowed with branded corrugation, which not only looks beautiful, but also makes it easy to feel in the dark and not to be confused with the volume button.
Above there is only a microphone hole, which is necessary for effective noise cancellation during calls and video recording.
All the necessary connectors are located at the bottom - a microUSB port (one of the main drawbacks of the hero of our review), a 3.5 mm jack for a wired headset, an external speaker and a microphone.
The design of the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 phone with 4GB of RAM turned out to be quite distinctive and very attractive. The device looks stylish and expensive.
With ergonomics, everything is as expected - the case is comfortable enough and fits well in the hand, but using it with one hand is not so easy. It's all to blame for the large, albeit full-format display. If usually in such a situation the one-handed control mode saves, then in pure Android it is not. So you can only reach the notification curtain with the fingers of one hand by intercepting the case. The use of metal has its advantages - the case is not only more durable, but also does not slip at all.
The build quality, as always, is at the highest level - no creaks, backlash or a tendency to bend can be detected. The keys sit firmly in place and are responsive. The fingerprint scanner accurately recognizes touches, but is much slower than the flagship level. If you used only state employees, then it will suit you perfectly, but when switching from the flagship, the difference will be very noticeable. The ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 32gb review showed that, as an alternative, you can rely on face unlocking implemented through the front camera. But keep in mind that the function will work correctly only in good lighting conditions. In the dark, it becomes completely useless.
The ASUS ZenFone 5 Max Pro M1 64gb review goes over to its IPS screen. This is an excellent matrix with a resolution of 2160x1080 pixels and a diagonal of 6 inches, which gives 402 pixels per inch. With this level of detail, it is impossible to see individual pixels.
The display boasts maximum viewing angles. The only thing is that with a strong tilt, the colors become less bright, and the palette slightly shifts towards the red tones. As befits a high-quality IPS-matrix, the color reproduction looks natural, although you can change it if you want in the phone settings. The popular night mode has also been added to reduce eye strain. You can adjust its intensity and set it to turn on on a schedule.
An honest textual review of ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 2018 shows that the minimum brightness mark is just perfect - it will be comfortable to read in a dark room, but I would like to tighten the maximum. 450 nits in the bright sun is not enough, which is why you have to hide in the shade or cover the screen with your hand. You can rely on auto brightness control, which works very smoothly and properly. Multi-touch supports up to 10 touches.
The advantages of the screen include the presence of a high-quality oleophobic coating and the absence of an air gap, due to which the image looks great, and fingerprints are removed with one wave of the hand.
ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 performance and specifications
ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 specifications are based on a new mid-range processor - Snapdragon 636 with 8 cores up to 1.8 GHz. It works in tandem with the Adreno 509 video chip. The RAM can be 3 or 4 GB. As for me, it's better to overpay a little, but get a top-end version that copes well with multitasking and the interface just flies.
Built-in memory of 32 or 64 GB according to the eMCP 5.1 standard, which guarantees high speed of reading and data transfer. I reviewed the ACS Zenfon Max Pro M1 on a top-end modification, which, after turning on, has about 50 GB available. If you want, you can install a microSD card in the additional slot and get even more storage space.
ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 test in Antutu
Not to say that the sound through the external speaker is great, but it plays great for its price. Noise does not bother even at maximum volume.
In the review of ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 zb601kl we will not dwell on the interface in detail, it is much better to evaluate it from the screenshots below, which will make it possible to understand whether you like it or not. The shell is Android 8.1 with Pixel Launcher, which is one of the advantages of the phone. The interface is fast and easy to use. It has wide functionality, but at the same time it is not overloaded with unnecessary applications.
Battery life ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1
For the autonomy of ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 64gb zb602kl, a built-in 5000 mAh battery is responsible - another advantage of the smartphone, because not every device can boast such a capacious battery. Asus has always attached great importance to the battery and it is not in vain, because ZenFone Max Pro feels confident away from the outlet.
A full charge of the phone lasts for 8-9 hours of play. For an hour of playing Tanks, only 12% of the charge took. In video playback mode, the smartphone lasted 12 hours 37 minutes at half the brightness and volume of the external speaker.
The charging time of ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 32gb has become its weak point, because the microUSB port does not support the fast charging standard. Therefore, you will have to be patient and wait for the phone to be fully charged for about 2.5 hours, although with a 5000 mAh battery this is still quite good.
Wireless communications
ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 can be equipped with two Nano SIM cards at once, and each of them can work in 4G networks. All domestic bands are supported, so there are no problems with connection speed and quality. Wi-Fi is supported only at 2.4 GHz, and in addition there is Bluetooth 5.0 and an NFC chip, which no one expected in a budget smartphone. This is a significant advantage over competitors who equip them only with their flagship devices.
GPS coordinates are determined instantly, so the smartphone is perfect for navigating the area. Zenfon Max Pro M1 is one of the few gadgets that supports FM radio.
ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 camera review
ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 camera test should start with familiarizing yourself with its characteristics. The main camera is represented by a dual module with a resolution of 13 and 5 megapixels. An additional sensor is needed to correctly determine the depth of field, which is necessary for high-quality shooting in portrait mode, where you need to carefully blur everything outside the central plan, and not smear everything in a row, as most state employees do.
During the day, the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 camera can get excellent shots with natural color reproduction and good detail.
Indoor quality is also pleasantly impressive, but the automatic settings are not always correct. Automatics get confused when there are sources of bright color. As a result, the white balance jumps, and objects in motion may turn out to be blurry.
The quality of night photos is average - the color rendition remains natural, but detail is lost and focusing difficulties appear. A special night mode slightly corrects the situation, but it does not give much improvement.
HDR is fast and doesn't blur objects in motion. When using it, the detail of objects in front of the lens is greatly improved, but for unknown reasons, the frame turns out to be dark.
The ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 camera review shows that portrait shots are still far from perfect - the boundaries of the central plan are not always determined correctly, especially if the subject is in motion.
Macro shots boast excellent detail. The flash does not spoil the colors and highlights the features of the subject.
The front camera received a resolution of 8 megapixels and copes well with both the front and background. She takes pictures with high quality and clearly reproduces colors.
The video is shot in FullHD at 30 frames per second with two-channel audio recording. The quality is quite decent, but the automation overestimates the contrast.
After reviewing the camera of the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 smartphone, it seems that the manufacturer used excellent sensors, but the algorithms themselves still need to be improved. The optics proved to be excellent, but the automation is often mistaken, blurring portrait shots, darkening HDR and overestimating the video contrast. I did not find a panoramic mode at all, which is very surprising.
Output
Smartphone ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 will be one of the best options to buy for its price, if the manufacturer finalizes its software. Its shortcomings negatively affect the quality of photo and video shooting, as we talked about above. I think that over time there will be no trace of them, but otherwise this is an excellent phone with powerful hardware, good cameras and a user-friendly interface that copes well with any tasks. In addition, externally, it looks very attractive and distinctive.
Benefits:
- The best filling for the price;
- Pure Android with minimal intervention from the manufacturer, who only added a few useful features;
- High quality cameras and screen;
- Premium body materials and NFC chip, which is very rare in the budget segment;
- Separate slot for microSD.
Disadvantages:
- Incomplete camera algorithms;
- MicroUSB port, and therefore no fast charging.
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