Tag: zenfone

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2

Into Droid 3 Comments

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 was a notable release in the budget to mid-range segment, building on the success of its predecessor. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2:

Overview:

Launched in late 2018, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 aimed to offer a balanced mix of performance, battery life, and affordability. It was a direct successor to the Zenfone Max Pro M1 and sought to address some of the shortcomings of the earlier model.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo), with a near-stock Android experience.
  2. Display: 6.26-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660.
  4. Memory: Options of 3/4/6 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera was a 13 MP shooter with an LED flash.
  6. Battery: A massive 5000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, dedicated microSD slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery was one of the device’s standout features, ensuring the phone could easily last more than a day with moderate use.
  2. Stock Android Experience: Unlike many competitors, the device offered a near-stock Android experience, which was appreciated by purists.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 660, combined with ample RAM options, provided a smooth experience for daily tasks and moderate gaming.
  4. Value for Money: Given its features and performance, the device offered excellent value for its price point.

Cons:

  1. Camera Performance: While decent in well-lit conditions, the camera setup struggled in low-light scenarios.
  2. Plastic Build: The device had a plastic back, which, while durable, didn’t feel as premium as some competitors with glass or metal finishes.
  3. Slow Charging: Despite its large battery, the device lacked fast charging, resulting in longer charging times.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 6 Pro: Offering a similar Snapdragon 660 chipset, MIUI software experience, and a more versatile camera setup.
  • Realme 2 Pro: With its waterdrop notch design, Snapdragon 660, and ColorOS software.
  • Motorola Moto G6 Plus: Known for its stock-like Android experience and robust build quality.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 was unveiled in December 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates, especially major Android version upgrades.
  2. Camera Software Processing: Despite the hardware, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Speaker Quality: The bottom-firing speaker was considered average by some users, lacking in depth and richness.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 was a strong contender in the budget to mid-range segment, especially for those prioritizing battery life and a stock Android experience. While it had areas that could be improved, especially in the camera department, the overall package was compelling for its price. The device further solidified Asus’s position in the competitive budget smartphone market.

Asus Zenfone Max M2

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Asus Zenfone Max M2 was a part of Asus’s strategy to capture the budget to mid-range smartphone market. Launched in 2018, the Zenfone Max M2 was positioned as a device that offers a blend of decent performance, camera capabilities, and impressive battery life. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone Max M2:

Overview:

The Asus Zenfone Max M2 was designed for users who wanted a reliable daily driver without spending too much. With its large battery as a primary selling point, it aimed to cater to users who prioritize battery longevity and basic performance.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) with Asus’s ZenUI skin.
  2. Display: 6.26-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 632.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A substantial 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Impressive Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last a day, even with moderate to heavy usage.
  2. Decent Performance: The Snapdragon 632 provided a balanced performance for day-to-day tasks and light gaming.
  3. Stock-like Android Experience: Asus’s ZenUI on the Max M2 was closer to stock Android, providing a cleaner user experience.
  4. Value for Money: Given its price point, the device offered a decent set of features and performance.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD displays in a similar price range.
  2. Camera Performance: While decent in well-lit conditions, the camera struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which didn’t feel as premium as some competitors with metal or glass backs.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Asus Zenfone Max M2 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 6 Pro: Offering a 5.84-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 625, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Realme 2: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Honor 8C: With its 6.26-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone Max M2 was announced in December 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.
  2. Camera Software: There were reports of the camera software being a bit slow or occasionally freezing in certain modes.
  3. Speaker Quality: Some users found the speaker quality to be average, lacking depth and clarity at higher volumes.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone Max M2 was a solid offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize battery life and a stock-like Android experience. Its large battery and decent performance made it a popular choice among users who wanted a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of display resolution and camera performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that can last through long days and handle basic tasks with ease, the Zenfone Max M2 was a strong contender. However, those looking for a sharper display or better camera performance might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Asus Zenfone 5Z

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Asus Zenfone 5Z was Asus’s answer to the growing demand for flagship-level specifications at a more affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone 5Z:

Overview:

Launched in mid-2018, the Asus Zenfone 5Z was part of Asus’s revamped approach to the smartphone market. It aimed to compete directly with other value flagships, offering high-end specifications and features without the flagship price tag.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, overlaid with Asus’s ZenUI 5.0.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch Super IPS+ LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels, featuring a notch design.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6/8 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8 MP secondary wide-angle sensor. An 8 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset, the Zenfone 5Z ensured top-tier performance, suitable for gaming and multitasking.
  2. Display Quality: The Super IPS+ LCD display was sharp and offered good color reproduction and brightness levels.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The camera setup, especially the wide-angle lens, allowed for versatile photography.
  4. ZenUI Improvements: Asus’s ZenUI 5.0 was more streamlined and closer to stock Android than previous iterations, improving the overall user experience.
  5. Value Proposition: The Zenfone 5Z provided flagship specifications at a significantly lower price point than many competitors.

Cons:

  1. No Water or Dust Resistance: The device lacked any official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
  2. Battery Life: While decent, the battery life wasn’t standout, especially with heavy use.
  3. ZenUI Bloatware: Despite improvements, ZenUI still came with some pre-installed apps that not all users found useful.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Asus Zenfone 5Z faced competition from various flagship and value flagship devices:

  • OnePlus 6: Known for its performance, OxygenOS, and value proposition.
  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Samsung’s flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display and variable aperture camera.
  • LG G7 ThinQ: Featuring a bright display, wide-angle camera, and Quad DAC for audio.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone 5Z was announced in February 2018 and released in July 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches in ZenUI, especially related to notifications and app management.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware was capable, some users felt the camera software sometimes produced inconsistent results, especially in low light.
  3. Audio Quality: Despite having a 3.5mm jack, some users felt the audio output wasn’t as high quality as some competitors.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone 5Z was a significant step forward for Asus in the smartphone market, offering a compelling blend of features, performance, and value. It catered to both enthusiasts looking for high-end specifications and regular users seeking good value for their money. While it had areas for improvement, especially in terms of software refinement, the overall package made the Zenfone 5Z a noteworthy contender in the 2018 smartphone landscape.

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1

Into Droid 4 Comments

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was a notable release from Asus, targeting the mid-range segment with a focus on battery life and a clean Android experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1:

Overview:

Introduced in 2018, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 was Asus’s attempt to capture a larger share of the competitive mid-range market. The device emphasized its massive battery and departure from the typical ZenUI in favor of a more stock-like Android experience.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo with a near-stock experience.
  • Display: 5.99-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3/4/6 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 13 MP (or 16 MP for the 6 GB RAM model) primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. An 8 MP (or 16 MP for the 6 GB RAM model) front camera.
  • Battery: A whopping 5000 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated microSD slot.

Pros:

  • Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery was one of the main selling points, ensuring the phone lasted well over a day for most users, even with heavy usage.
  • Stock Android Experience: A departure from Asus’s typical ZenUI, the near-stock Android experience was a refreshing change and was well-received by users.
  • Performance: The Snapdragon 636 chipset, combined with ample RAM options, ensured smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance.
  • Value for Money: The device offered a balanced set of features for its price point, making it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Cons:

  • Camera Performance: While decent in well-lit conditions, the camera struggled in low-light scenarios and lacked some of the refinements seen in competitors.
  • Build Quality: The all-metal design, while sturdy, lacked the premium feel of glass-backed devices in its segment.
  • Slow Charging: Despite the large battery, the device did not support fast charging, making charging times lengthy.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 faced stiff competition in the mid-range segment:

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro: With a similar Snapdragon 636 chipset, enhanced camera capabilities, and MIUI software experience.
  • Motorola Moto G6: Offering a glass design, clean software, and focus on camera capabilities.
  • Nokia 6.1 (Nokia 6 2018): With its robust build, clean Android One experience, and reliable performance.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was announced in April 2018 and released in May 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches and inconsistencies, especially with the camera app.
  • Delayed Updates: Despite the stock Android experience, the device faced delays in receiving timely software updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker, while decent, wasn’t particularly loud or clear.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was a significant release for Asus, showcasing their ability to adapt to market demands and preferences. The device’s massive battery, combined with its clean software and balanced performance, made it a favorite among users looking for longevity and a no-nonsense Android experience. While it had its challenges, especially in the face of fierce competition, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 marked a positive direction for Asus in the mid-range smartphone market.