Ultimate Guide Asus Zenfone 3s Max ZC521TL Specs Prices & More

Overview

The Asus Zenfone 3s Max ZC521TL, released in 2017, is designed to cater to users who prioritize battery life without compromising on performance and usability. The phone stands out with its massive 5000mAh battery, combined with a set of features fitting for the mid-range smartphone segment. In this article, we will delve into the specifications, design, performance, and unique attributes of the Asus Zenfone 3s Max, and analyze what makes it a compelling choice in its category.

Design and Build Quality

The Zenfone 3s Max presents a stylish and ergonomic design. It boasts dimensions of 149.5 x 73.7 x 8.9 mm and weighs 175 grams, making it relatively lightweight despite housing a large battery. The build quality feels robust, with a metallic finish that adds a premium touch to the device. The front houses a 5.2-inch display, with a moderate screen-to-body ratio of 67.7%. Despite not being bezel-less, the screen size facilitates comfortable handling and usage.

Display

The device features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi, providing decent sharpness and clarity for everyday tasks. While it may not match the Full HD displays in terms of resolution, it offers good color reproduction and wide viewing angles typical of IPS panels. The screen is adequately bright for outdoor usage, although direct sunlight visibility can be a challenge at times.

Performance

Under the hood, the Zenfone 3s Max is powered by the Mediatek MT6750 chipset, coupled with an octa-core CPU setup (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) and Mali-T860MP2 GPU. This configuration ensures smooth performance for basic tasks and multitasking, thanks to the 3GB RAM. The phone handles everyday applications and moderate gaming with ease, although graphically demanding games may need settings to be adjusted for optimal performance. In benchmark tests, the phone showcases respectable results for its class.

Camera Capabilities

The smartphone sports a 13 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/2.0, facilitated by features like autofocus, dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR. It captures respectable images under good lighting conditions, but may struggle slightly in low-light environments. For video recording, the camera supports 1080p resolution at 30fps, offering decent video quality for casual recording. On the front, an 8 MP camera caters to selfie enthusiasts, providing satisfactory photos and recording capabilities at the same resolution.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Zenfone 3s Max is its impressive 5000mAh Li-Po battery, which is non-removable. This powerhouse ensures prolonged usage, offering up to 816 hours of standby time and up to 28 hours of talk time on 3G. The phone also supports reverse charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. This phenomenal battery life makes it ideal for users who are frequently on the move or have limited access to charging facilities.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 7.0 Nougat, the Zenfone 3s Max features the ZenUI 3.0 custom interface by Asus. The user interface is intuitive and offers various customization options for personalization. ZenUI includes features like ZenMotion for gesture control, Mobile Manager for resource management, and enhancements like Game Genie for gaming optimization. These augmentations contribute to a user-friendly experience that caters to a wide range of preferences.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring comprehensive network compatibility. It features a hybrid dual SIM slot, allowing for flexibility between using two SIM cards or expanding storage with a microSD card up to 256GB. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, as well as FM radio. However, it lacks NFC, which may be a drawback for users who rely on contactless payment options.

Audio and Other Features

The Zenfone 3s Max includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, catering to users who still prefer traditional wired headphones. The sound quality, while not exceptional, is sufficient for casual media consumption. In terms of sensors, the phone integrates a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the overall multifunctionality of the device.

Pricing and Availability

The Asus Zenfone 3s Max debuted with a market price of about 180 EUR, offering reasonable value for the features and specifications it brings to the table. Available in Gold and Black colors, the phone targets budget-conscious users who prioritize battery endurance over flagship specifications. Its availability spans multiple regions, benefiting from Asus's established distribution networks.

Conclusion

In summary, the Asus Zenfone 3s Max ZC521TL stands out primarily due to its exceptional battery life, durable build quality, and balanced performance for everyday tasks. While it may not cater to the high-end market segment, its feature set and affordability make it a robust choice for budget users, travelers, and those seeking a reliable backup device. As technology continues to evolve, such phones remain relevant by addressing core user needs effectively.