Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC520KL Comprehensive Review and Pricing

Introduction to Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC520KL

The Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC520KL is a smartphone that was designed with a focus on battery life and camera functionality, catering to users who prioritize these features in their mobile device. Announced in August 2017 and released in October the same year, it offers a balance between performance, design, and features at a competitive price point. In this article, we will delve into the detailed specifications of this device, exploring its network capabilities, design, display, camera systems, hardware performance, battery life, and additional features.

Network Capabilities

The Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC520KL supports a range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring compatibility with various network providers globally. For 2G, the phone operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands for both SIM card slots which are dual stand-by. 3G connectivity is supported on HSDPA 850/900/2100 bands, while 4G LTE is available on bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, and 40, with typical speeds of HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps. This comprehensive network support enhances its usability across different regions.

Design and Build

The Zenfone 4 Max features a sleek design with dimensions measuring 150.5 x 73.3 x 8.8 mm and a weight of 156 g, making it a comfortable fit in the hand and easy to handle. The phone supports Dual SIM, accommodating both Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM cards for flexibility. Its body is designed to be robust and stylish, available in three color options: Black, Gold, and Silver, catering to varied aesthetic preferences.

Display

The device is equipped with a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. With a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi, the display delivers decent clarity and vibrant colors, suitable for media consumption and everyday use. The screen size is practical for users who desire a moderate screen real estate without compromising on portability.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC520KL is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. It includes a Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 308 GPU, which provides adequate performance for basic tasks and lightweight applications. The device comes in two storage variants: 16GB internal storage with 2GB RAM and 32GB with 3GB RAM. Both variants support expandable storage via a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to increase storage capacity as needed.

Camera Features

The Zenfone 4 Max stands out with its camera capabilities, featuring a dual-lens main camera setup. The primary lens is a 13 MP shooter with autofocus, accompanied by a 5 MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture for enhanced depth perception. The camera is equipped with features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama, capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps. For selfies, the device offers an 8 MP front-facing camera, also capable of 1080p video recording and supported by an LED flash, ensuring clear and bright self-portraits even in low light conditions.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Asus Zenfone 4 Max is its impressive battery life, powered by a non-removable Li-Po 4100 mAh battery. This large battery capacity is tailored for users who require extended usage time, reducing the need for frequent recharges. Additionally, the phone supports reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank to charge other devices.

Operating System and User Interface

At launch, the Zenfone 4 Max comes with Android 7 (Nougat) which can be upgraded to Android 8 (Oreo), overlaid with Asus's ZenUI 4. This custom interface enhances the user experience with additional features and a more intuitive design, providing a balance of utility and user-friendliness.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports a wide range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS with GLONASS for accurate positioning. While it lacks NFC, it compensates with FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port along with OTG support for connecting external devices. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker.

For security, the phone includes a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, alongside standard sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC520KL is an impressive smartphone offering a variety of features to meet the needs of average users, particularly those prioritizing battery life and camera functionality. With its array of connectivity options, solid build, decent performance, and competitive pricing, it remains a viable option in its category. At approximately 180 EUR, the Zenfone 4 Max offers value for money, balancing essential smartphone features and longevity in one comprehensive package.