Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 InDepth Specs Prices & Performance Review

Overview of Asus Zenfone Max Pro (M1) ZB601KL/ZB602KL

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro (M1) ZB601KL/ZB602KL, released in 2018, is a robust mid-range smartphone that promises a superior blend of performance and battery life. With a promising Snapdragon 636 chipset and an impressive 5000 mAh battery, it is engineered for both efficiency and theater-like viewing experiences with its expansive 5.99-inch display.

Design and Build

The design of the Zenfone Max Pro M1 is straightforward yet sturdy. The device measures 159 x 76 x 8.5 mm and weighs at 180 g, which is remarkably comfortable for a phone this size. It features a glass front, aluminum back, and a plastic frame, ensuring both a premium feel and durability. Equipped with Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), it caters to the multitasking user who needs two cellular networks.

Display

Its 5.99-inch IPS LCD screen offers a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 76.2%, which is commendable for seamless media consumption. With a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9, users are guaranteed crisp and vibrant visuals, capable of showcasing media in rich detail with a pixel density of around 404 ppi.

Performance

Under the hood, the Zenfone Max Pro is driven by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 636 chipset built on a 14 nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU composed of 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. The Adreno 509 GPU complements this setup for rendering graphics smoothly. The model supports various memory configurations: 3GB, 4GB, and 6GB of RAM paired with 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB of internal storage respectively, expandable via a dedicated microSDXC slot.

Camera Capabilities

The Zenfone Max Pro doesn't disappoint in the photography department either. Depending on the variant, it offers a dual rear camera setup. The standard includes a 13 MP primary lens coupled with a 5 MP depth sensor. The higher-end model (6 GB RAM) upgrades the primary sensor to a 16 MP lens with PDAF capabilities, allowing for fantastic portrait shots. It excels at videography too, supporting 4K@30fps and 1080p@30/60fps. The selfie camera also comes in two variants: 8 MP or 16 MP, both equipped with LED flash for those low-light scenarios.

Battery Life

A key highlight is undoubtedly its massive 5000 mAh battery. When paired with a power-efficient processor, it promises extensive runtime, capped at up to 42 hours of talk-time on 3G and up to 199 hours of music playback. Charging is via a 10W wired charger, which while not the fastest, ensures a stable prolongation of battery lifespan.

Operating System and Software Updates

On the software front, the phone initially ships with Android 8.1 Oreo, but is upgradeable to Android 9.0 Pie. Asus has taken steps to ensure that its custom UI is intuitive, offering essential features without unnecessary bloatware that could slow down the user experience.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The smartphone is well-equipped for connectivity, supporting GSM, HSPA, and LTE. The inclusion of WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and potentially NFC (market dependent), ensures it meets contemporary communication standards. Audio is supported by a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to varying user preferences. The microUSB 2.0 port supports OTG functionality for accessory connectivity.

Sensors and Other Features

The device doesn’t skimp on sensory hardware with its rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, gyroscope, and ambient light sensor, thereby enhancing its versatility in various usage scenarios.

Price and Availability

Initially launched in April 2018 and available for purchase by May, the phone was retailed at about 160 EUR, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who do not want to compromise too much on performance or functionality.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro (M1) ZB601KL/ZB602KL is an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced smartphone that ensures battery longevity and dependable performance. Whether it's media consumption, gaming, or communication, it handles most tasks with ease. Although newer models exist in the market, this device remains a solid choice in its segment, especially considering its cost-effectiveness and robust feature set.