Comprehensive Review Asus Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL Specs Prices & More

Specifications

The Asus Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL, released in 2016, is a well-rounded smartphone equipped with various features appealing to budget-minded individuals and users who prioritize battery life. Below are the detailed specifications and features that make this device stand out in its segment.

Network

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring users can stay connected across various network technologies. The 2G bands supported include GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 for both SIM 1 and SIM 2 slots. For 3G, it supports HSDPA 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 bands globally. The 4G compatibility covers numerous bands including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, and 41, making it versatile across regions, especially in Taiwan. The device offers HSPA speeds of up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 speeds of up to 150/50 Mbps.

Design and Build

The Zenfone 3 Max boasts a sleek design with a glass front, aluminium back, and an aluminum frame, promising both style and durability. Its dimensions are 149.5 x 73.7 x 8.6 mm, weighing in at 148 g. The device houses a hybrid dual SIM (Micro-SIM/Nano-SIM), supporting dual stand-by, which is ideal for users who need to operate two lines simultaneously.

Display

Sporting a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, the Zenfone 3 Max offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels in a 16:9 ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi. Although not the highest in its class, the display provides ample clarity and color vibrancy suitable for daily use and media consumption. The screen-to-body ratio stands at ~67.7%, presenting a decent viewing area.

Platform

Running on Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) with an upgrade option to 7.0 (Nougat), the device is further enhanced with Asus's ZenUI 3, which offers additional user-friendly features. Under the hood, it features a Mediatek MT6737M chipset coupled with a quad-core 1.25 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720MP2 GPU, providing balanced performance for regular smartphone tasks.

Memory

Regarding memory, the Zenfone 3 Max offers two configurations: 16GB of internal storage paired with 2GB of RAM, or 32GB of storage with 3GB of RAM. The internal storage can further be expanded via a microSDHC card, which uses a shared SIM slot, providing flexibility for users who require additional space.

Camera

The main camera is a 13 MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus capabilities. It supports features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR, and can record videos at 1080p@30fps. On the front, it carries a 5 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture, suitable for selfies and video chats.

Sound

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, accommodating traditional wired headphones and ensuring clear audio for calls and media playback.

Connectivity

The Zenfone 3 Max provides connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and EDR, GPS, GLONASS, and BDS. Notably, the device does not include NFC capabilities but supports FM radio and microUSB 2.0 with USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, allowing users to connect USB peripherals.

Sensors and Features

For added security and convenience, the phone includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, alongside other sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass.

Battery

The standout feature of the Zenfone 3 Max is its robust battery life, powered by a non-removable Li-Po 4130 mAh battery. Users can expect up to 720 hours of standby time on 3G, and up to 20 hours of talk time. For music enthusiasts, the device promises up to 87 hours of playback. The phone also supports reverse wired charging, allowing it to be used as a power bank to charge other devices.

Miscellaneous

The Asus Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL is available in three attractive colors: Titanium Grey, Glacier Silver, and Sand Gold. The model numbers associated with this device include X008D, X008DA, X008DC, and X00KD. The initial price was approximately 230 EUR, placing it in the budget-friendly category suitable for users seeking essential smartphone functionality alongside excellent battery performance.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL caters to users looking for a practical smartphone with dependable battery life and solid performance for everyday tasks. While it doesn't compete with high-end flagship devices, its features are well-balanced for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness and functionality, making it a appealing choice in its market segment.