Unveiling Asus Zenfone Max M1 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Asus Zenfone Max (M1) ZB556KL boasts a practical yet aesthetically pleasing design. With dimensions of 147.3 x 70.9 x 8.7 mm and a weight of just 150 g, it is both compact and lightweight, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The phone's build features a glass front, a plastic back, and a sturdy plastic frame, ensuring durability while keeping the overall weight down. The device is available in two appealing colors: Deepsea Black and Sunlight Gold, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

Display

The device features a 5.45-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 247 ppi. This display configuration offers vibrant colors and decent sharpness, suitable for media consumption and casual browsing. With an 82.8% screen-to-body ratio, users can enjoy a good amount of screen real estate relative to the overall phone size, enhancing the viewing experience.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the Zenfone Max (M1) is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. It houses an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 505 GPU, providing sufficient power for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and casual gaming. The device comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to easily increase storage capacity for apps, photos, and videos.

The smartphone runs on Android 8.0 Oreo with Asus's custom ZenUI 5 on top. This software combination offers a user-friendly interface with customizable features, although it may not provide the latest Android features available in more recent versions.

Camera Capabilities

Photography on the Zenfone Max (M1) is handled by a 13 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture, Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), and a LED flash, capable of capturing decent images with good detail in favorable lighting conditions. The camera app includes features like HDR and panorama modes to enhance creative photography. For video recording, it supports 1080p resolution at 30fps, supplemented by gyro-EIS for stabilized footage.

On the front, the device sports an 8 MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a 25mm wide lens, also featuring a LED flash to aid in low-light conditions. It similarly supports 1080p video recording, making it a competent choice for video calls and self-portraits.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Zenfone Max (M1) is its 4000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. This large-capacity battery enables users to enjoy extended usage times, capable of sustaining a full day of moderate to heavy use. Although the device supports 10W wired charging, which is not the fastest option available, its efficiency is generally acceptable given the price point, providing a good balance between performance and battery life.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity options on the Zenfone Max (M1) are comprehensive, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE support, and positioning capabilities through GPS, GLONASS, and BDS. However, it lacks NFC capabilities, which may be a drawback for users who rely on contactless payments. The device includes a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, FM radio, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional connectivity preferences.

Security and sensor features include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, providing essential functionalities for a smooth user experience.

Price and Availability

The Asus Zenfone Max (M1) ZB556KL was announced in October 2018 and is widely available since its release. With a price of approximately 120 EUR, it targets budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable smartphone with decent features and long battery life. This pricing makes the device particularly appealing to students, first-time smartphone users, and anyone looking for a secondary phone.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone Max (M1) ZB556KL presents a comprehensive package for those searching for a budget-friendly smartphone. Its strengths lie in its robust battery life, competent performance for day-to-day activities, and a user-friendly design. While not the most cutting-edge device on the market, its balance of features and affordability makes it an attractive option for various user groups.