Asus Zenfone Max M1

Into Droid Hardware

The Asus Zenfone Max M1 was part of Asus’s Zenfone series, which aimed to cater to various segments of the smartphone market. Launched in 2018, the Zenfone Max M1 was positioned as a budget device with a focus on battery life. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone Max M1:

Overview:

The Asus Zenfone Max M1 was designed for users who prioritize battery life in a budget-friendly package. With its large battery capacity and efficient processor, it aimed to provide users with extended usage without frequent charging.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo) with Asus’s ZenUI skin.
  2. Display: 5.45-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430.
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB/3 GB RAM with 16 GB/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with an LED flash.
  6. Battery: A substantial 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery, combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 430, ensured impressive battery life.
  2. Compact Design: Despite its large battery, the device maintained a compact form factor, making it comfortable to hold and use.
  3. ZenUI Features: Asus’s ZenUI skin brought several additional features and customization options.
  4. Value for Money: Given its price point, the device offered a balanced set of features that provided good value.

Cons:

  1. Performance: While the Snapdragon 430 was decent for basic tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful processor in its segment.
  2. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate but not the sharpest available in the segment.
  3. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Asus Zenfone Max M1 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 6: Offering a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto E5: Featuring a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 425, and a 13 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy J4: With its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7570 Quad, and a 13 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone Max M1 was announced in February 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.
  2. ZenUI Bloatware: While ZenUI offered many features, it also came with a number of pre-installed apps that some users found unnecessary.
  3. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while expected at this price point, wasn’t the most premium-feeling.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone Max M1 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, especially for those who wanted extended battery life. Its large battery, combined with a decent processor and camera setup, made it a popular choice among users who wanted a reliable day-to-day device without frequent charging. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and camera quality in low light, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that could last through the day and then some, the Zenfone Max M1 was a strong contender. However, those looking for better performance or a sharper display might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

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