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All the Zenfone series smartphone have been amongst those affordable options that are available for all kinds of target audiences. But this time Asus has aimed a bit higher with superior features and high pricing strategy for the ASUS Zenfone 3 Max (ZC553KL). The smartphone is priced at Rs. 17,999 and the 4,100 mAh battery is its USP. The phone looks promising and it also seems to be long lasting providing high capacity. But has ASUS really achieved what they claim to? Let’s find out.
HOW IT LOOKS?
The build quality of this device is much superior and sturdy. The “design thinking philosophy” has been beautifully maintained constructing a smartphone that reduces all the bulk & keeps it all sleek and simple. Zenfone 3 Max gives a premium feel when held in hand due to its metallic design along with being super comfortable. The looks are beautiful every time because of the elegant as well as a classy aluminum alloy body.
The smartphone weighs just 175 grams and is 8.5mm thick on the sides. The surface of this smartphone has a matte finish along with rounded corners that make it look sophisticated and durable. The phone truly is built for those with an active lifestyle being long lasting. It has chamfered edges, the bezel is slim and all the elements make it only add to the appearance.
DISPLAY OF THE ASUS ZENFONE 3 MAX
The Zenfone 3 Max possesses a full HD 5.5 inch screen size featuring a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution display. It has a 2.5D contoured edge glass. All the images produced are sharp and vibrant making whites look white and blacks look black. Viewing the screen in outdoors is also not eye-stressing. The smartphone has a 75% screen-to-body ratio which is the highest amongst such similar smartphones.
SPECS & PERFORMANCE
Asus Zenfone 3 Max supports a hybrid SIM slot bearing one Nano and one Micro SIM card. This means that the device is capable of supporting either two SIM cards at once or one SIM card and one microSD card.
The device is coupled with a 3 GB RAM and is equipped with a 1.3 GHz octa-core Qualcomm snapdragon 430 SoC. It also has a provision for an Adreno 505 graphics processor. But these specs actually works best on an entry level smartphone whereas are a bit weaker for a mid range phone like the Zenfone 3 Max.
So if we talk about the overall performance of this specific device then it seems to be absolutely on power (when compared with the previous models). But if talked about the phone in itself then it lacks that potential, especially at this price point. Your gaming experience can also be a little dull & boring as the heavy games lag and do not deliver what is promised.
There are certain sensors on the phone including the ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer, magnetometer, and gyroscope.
OPERATING SYSTEM & USER INTERFACE
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) Operating System runs pretty smooth along with a customizable ZenUI 3.0 interface. You can easily tailor the layout, themes, and transitions. The ZenUI highlights consists of:
- ZenMotion Touch Gesture
- ZenUI Launcher
- ZenUI Themes
- ZenCircle
- Photos+
- Game Genie
- Mobile Manager and more
FINGERPRINT SENSOR
The rear panel of ZenFone 3 Max smartphone has a fingerprint sensor that of course enables you to unlock the phone along with letting you answer phone calls and capture photographs. It is conveniently placed at the top of its rear panel. And the sensor allows your index finger to naturally rest on it.
The unlocking happens rapidly but isn’t the best considering the price tag. It just works fine and sometimes even refuses to respond completely. The sensor can also be used to authenticate the other apps. It registers up to five fingerprints & easily makes the detection regardless of the direction of your fingers.
You may also like to read : Asus Zenfone 3 – Complete Package of Beauty and Performance
PIXEL MASTER CAMERAS
If you love taking photographs then the ASUS Zenfone 3 Max is for you. The Zenfone 3 Max camera would definitely not disappoint you. With a 16 MP primary (rear) camera featuring f/2.0 aperture & dual LED flash it captures sharp and stunning pictures day and night. But the close-ups definitely lack that focus. The 8 MP secondary (front) camera couples with a wide angle lens featuring f.2.2 aperture. It captures detailed photographs but under better lighting.
The camera app is well designed and has tons of features (like Low Light mode, Super Resolution Mode, Panoramic Mode, Beautification, HDR and more) that you can choose to make pictures look more creative & attractive. Zenfone 3 Max utilizes the PixelMaster camera technology.
STORAGE
Asus Zenfone 3 Max has a 3 GB RAM and a 32 GB internal storage which at this price point is amazing. The memory is expandable up to 128 GB via a microSD card.
AUDIO QUALITY
The audio quality of this device is superior particularly with earphones/ headphones (both wired and wireless). All the sound effects are customizable with its inbuilt audio wizard application. But the quality through the smartphone’s speaker is a little feeble.
4,100 mAh MASSIVE BATTERY
This zenfone model is no different from the others. It features a massive 4,100 mAh battery which is the biggest highlight of this phone. It can simply last for a day and a half but lacks the fast charging feature.
It’s a high capacity lithium-polymer cell battery which is capable of acting as a power bank (reverse charging) so you can charge your other devices.
There are five power saver modes that perfectly fit the needs of every user. The modes include Normal, Poer Saving, Super Saving, Performance, and Customize. But most amazingly the battery guarantees a 38-day standby.
- You may also like to read : ASUS Zenfone Max – Powerhouse smart phone after a Month
PRICING
The Asus Zenfone 3 Max smartphone is priced at Rs. 17,999 which is a bit pricey weighing all the pros and cons.
AVAILABILITY
This device is available for both the online and offline retailers in India. The retailers are select Asus Preferred Partners along with all major online portals. And the phone comes in four magnificent colors – Glacier Silver, Sand Gold, Rose Gold, and Titanium Gray.
VERDICT
With all the features that are included in this smartphone, everything seems to be in place. But being priced at Rs. 17,999 the specs could have been better and exciting. We rate this phone a score or 7.5 on 10.
PROS
- Compact
- Sturdy Built
- Light weight
- Vibrant Display
- Better Battery Life
- Enhanced (in ear) Audio Quality
- Superior Cameras
CONS
- Low-Performance Gaming Experience
- No Backlit Touch Keys
- No Gorilla Glass
- Bit Expensive
