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ASUS is a well-known reputed brand in the global market and always comes with something new and unique. A few months back they launched 3 of their new device the in Indian market, namely ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie, ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie (dual cam version) and ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro. All these devices focus on top-notch specs with great pricing.
But still, the company was not able to make their presence back in the market with something unique. So, to finally debut in the market again they came up with Zenfone Max Pro M1 in Indian market which is a very big hit to them. They get a great specification that too in very affordable pricing and also availability. They have given a very big slap to Xiaomi with Zenfone Max Pro M1. So, let’s check it out how Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 is going to work in real-world usage.
| Name | Asus ZenFone Max Pro |
| Dimensions | 159 x 76 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 180 g |
| Display | 5.99-inch IPS LCD (1080 x 2160 pixels) |
| Processor | Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 |
| GPU | Adreno 509 |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB |
| Storage | 32/64 GB |
| Primary Camera |
Dual camera setup – 13 MP (f/2.2) + 5 MP |
| Secondary Camera |
8MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh battery |
| Operating System |
Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass |
| Connectivity | GSM/HSPA/LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
Box Content
- Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
- Manual
- USB Cable
- Charging Brick
- Cover
- Max-box amplifier
- SIM Ejector Pin
Design & Built
Coming to the built part of the phone; here we get great metal built all over, with two camera and other sensors in the phone. The back panel is non-removable and gives you premium metal feel all over. The device consists of 5.99″ FHD+ Display that feels so handy while using it in a single hand. It fits perfectly in your hand and the premiumness of the phone can be seen very easily.
Starting with the design part; at the front top we get an 8-megapixel camera beside it whole has a whole lot of sensors and a LED notification light which is a multi-color notification LED. Beside it, we also anet an earpiece and nothing much.
Coming to the lower side we get a 5.99-inch FHD+ Display which is covered with 2.5D curved glass. Nothing about gorilla glass is being mentioned by the brand. The curve glass gently melds in along with the curved sides, thus making it a joy to hold in the hands without any fatigue.
Coming little bit down we get on screen back keys which we can edit as per our usage by going into the setting panel.
Turning the phone to the downside here we get a 3.5mm audio jack which is used to plug earphones and headphones and this is really appreciated they have not removed that precious jack. Besides that, we get a Primary Mic, Micro USB port which also supports OTG. We also get a properly metal crafted speaker which is incredibly loud and we can also increase the volume further by putting the device in a Max-Box which comes free along with the box of the phone.
Coming to the right side of the phone here we get Volume rockers and power lock key. Both the buttons are made up of metal and power lock key also has a pattern feel on it which also get premium and luxury feel to the device while using it.
Turning to the other side here we get a Tripple SIM tray slot which supports Dual Nano Sim at the same time we can even insert a Micro SD card in it.
Further moving to the top side of the phone here we get a single vent for secondary noise cancellation MIC, nothing else which we need to mention over here.
Finally coming to the back side of the phone here we get a 13+5-megapixel camera with a support of single tone LED flash. Below that we get a Fingerprint sensor which is not as fast as I thought it should be. It might be having some software issue due to which it took more than a second to unlock the device. Below that we get ASUS branding and nothing much.
Display
Display of Asus Zenfone Max Pro comes with a 5.99-inch FHD+ Display with a resolution of 1080 X 2160. The display gives you the ratio of 18:9, which means we get proper infinity display to watch movies or videos. With this price and features, I think this is going to be a great device to buy. The colors on the display are sharp and playing games look great. While watching a movie on to the phone give immense experience. The Sunlight legibility is also good because of its really great brightness. When we compare the brightness with some other phones like Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 or Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro this one works really well in sunlight legibility.
Viewing Angle is good, and blacks are decent enough. While watching movies from odd angle won’t affect you in any way. Overall no complaints with the display and this kind of display can be seen in high-end devices also.
Performance
The phone comes with the latest Snapdragon processor which is Snapdragon 636 processor which features a 3/4/6 GB Ram. This combo makes it a top Notch device in this price. This combo makes the device a good performer. Out of 32 GB of internal storage, you get about 23 GB free after that you can also expand it to up to 256GB as the phone support dedicated tray for Micro SD Card.
We get Antutu Score of 113933 and these scores on a budget device are insane. With this screen size and great dual camera at back, they have also given all the sensors which are required by any normal person. No sensor is being removed by the brand. We can use this smartphone with a VR headset and even while using GPS it will give you proper accuracy as it also has a magnetic and orientation sensor in it.
Coming to the gaming part, we can play almost all games. In my use, I have not seen any lag or frame drops even in Asphalt 8 high setting. Every game even in the high-end setting is working well. I tried playing PUBG the latest games with high-end specs and take my words it is working well with no lag and issue. I have tried playing most of the games like Asphalt 8, Shadow Fight 3, Batman, Bully and Adreno 509 GPU with the support of Snapdragon 636 processor work well. I have also not seen any heating issue while long gaming in DELHI, INDIA Temperature.
Camera
Moving on to the cameras on the ZenFone Max Pro, the phone comes with a 13MP+5MP dual camera setup with a single LED flash. By the is there anyone who uses flash for photos, it is mostly being used as a torch. The photos capture using Asus Zenfone Max Pro is quite good when we compare the same with any other smartphone with that budget. The photos came out sharp and clear while captured in daylight. But when the same scenario comes under night it just fails to do so. Still, we cannot compare the same with Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 pro.
Portrait mode on Asus Zenfone Max Pro comes up really good. You get proper focus and proper bokeh effect. In daylight, you will love the camera. One thing which I noticed if you can any premium application the camera will perform way better when we compare the same with the default snapdragon camera application.
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Now coming to the best part of the camera, it can record 4K videos. Now, this is insane this price and so many features which we are getting in it. We can even record two types of 4K videos which I think no one has mentioned till now. The video captures on 4K directly handheld arent that stable, which means we need a tripod or a 3-Asis gimble to get some professional shots out of it. The camera does have EIS which works at 1080p. Still, I would say in daily use it will work well for you.
Camera Samples
Battery
The battery on the smartphone is packed with a massive large 5000mAh allowing you to sail through an entire day even I would say more than 2 days very easily. You can use the device very aggressive usage still it is not going to affect your battery life. It will take me approx 2 Hours 50 minutes to charge from 0 to 100% using its default charger. Battery usage of the device is good.
You will not find even a single complaint regarding the battery part of this phone.
When we compare the same with Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 it took 2: 40 minutes to charge from 0 to 100% that too with only 4000mAh battery. Now you can imagine the difference.
Connectivity
Asus ZenFone Max Pro is the first phone in the budget which supports Dual Volte 4G support at the same time. The device comes with triple sim tray slot which supports dual 4g sim at the same time with a support of Micro SD card too. Overall in terms of connectivity, we get a 3.5mm audio jack a Micro USB port which also supports OTG, Wifi, and Bluetooth. So, nothing to worry for.
Verdict
Overall, if you want a device which is packed with everything that too at a very aggressive price then this one is surely going to be your dream.
Pros
- Dedicated Micro SD Card Slot
- Dual SIM is also supported that too Dual VOLTE 4G support
- Very Light Weight compare with any other 5000mAh battery device
- Dual Back Camera with great bokeh
- Battery Optimization is well
- Stock android with proper updates promised by brand.
- Top notch in performance
- Best part no Bloatware
Cons
- Old Design
- No USB Type-C
- Front camera need to be improved
- Face unlock and Fingerprint still need software improvement
