Tag: zenfone

Asus Zenfone Max M1

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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.

Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML

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Overview:

The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML, introduced in early 2015, marked a significant step forward for Asus in the smartphone market. It was one of the first smartphones to offer 4GB of RAM, making headlines for its performance capabilities. The Zenfone 2 was aimed at providing a high-end experience at a mid-range price point.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially launched with Android 5.0 Lollipop, with ZenUI skin on top.
  • Display: 5.5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 (for the 4GB RAM version) or Z3560 (for the 2GB RAM version).
  • Memory: Options of 2GB or 4GB RAM, with 16/32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  • Camera: 13 MP rear camera with dual-LED flash and a 5 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Dual SIM support, FM Radio, and Asus’s custom ZenUI skin.

Pros:

  • Performance: The 4GB RAM variant, in particular, was a powerhouse in terms of multitasking and overall performance.
  • Value for Money: Offered flagship-like specifications at a mid-range price.
  • Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD slot was beneficial for users needing more storage.
  • Fast Charging: The device supported fast charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
  • Customizable ZenUI: Asus’s skin had a range of customization options and added features.

Cons:

  • Bulky Design: Some users found the phone a bit thick and heavy.
  • ZenUI Bloatware: While ZenUI was customizable, it came with a number of pre-installed apps that not everyone found useful.
  • Average Battery Life: Despite its size, the battery could struggle to last a full day with heavy use.
  • Rear Volume Buttons: The placement of the volume buttons on the back was divisive; some loved it, while others found it inconvenient.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the smartphone market was evolving rapidly. The Zenfone 2 faced competition from:

  • OnePlus One: Known as the “flagship killer”, it offered high-end specs at a similar mid-range price point.
  • Moto G (3rd Gen): Motorola’s offering in the mid-range segment, known for its clean Android experience.
  • Samsung Galaxy A7: A mid-range offering from Samsung with a premium design.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML was announced in January 2015 and released in March 2015.
Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bugs: Some users reported bugs and glitches with ZenUI, especially with early versions.
  • Overheating: There were occasional reports of the device getting warm, particularly during intense tasks or prolonged gaming.
  • Battery Drain: Some users experienced faster than expected battery drain, possibly due to software issues.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML was a significant offering in the mid-range segment in 2015. It pushed the boundaries of what consumers could expect at that price point, particularly with its 4GB RAM variant. While it had its flaws and faced stiff competition, it was a testament to the evolving smartphone landscape, where high-end features were becoming accessible to a broader audience.