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Unveiling Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2016, May
Camera
13MP
Battery
5000mAh
Processor
Snapdragon 615
Screen
5.5"
Storage
32GB , microSDXC
Ram
2/3GB RAM
Operating System
Android 6.0.1, ZenUI

Introduction to Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL (2016)

The Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL, released in May 2016, is a smartphone designed and manufactured by Asus. It is part of the popular Zenfone series which is known for combining high performance with affordability. This model particularly stands out with its exceptional battery life, making it an ideal choice for users who need a reliable device that can last through an entire day or more without needing a recharge.

Body and Design

The Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL boasts a robust design with dimensions measuring 156 x 77.5 x 10.6 mm, and it weighs 202 grams. This makes it relatively heavier and thicker than many of its counterparts, primarily due to its sizable battery. It features a dual-SIM capability with Micro-SIM slots, allowing users to manage two different numbers or networks conveniently. The phone is available in a variety of colors, including black, white, orange, and blue, providing options to cater to different aesthetic preferences.

Display

This device features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The screen's 16:9 aspect ratio and approximately 267 ppi density ensure that users experience quality colors and clarity while viewing content. Notably, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, which provides robustness against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 chipset. It comes with an Octa-core CPU, consisting of 4 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4 cores at 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53. The device's graphics processing is handled by the Adreno 405 GPU, making it capable of rendering decent graphics for games and media. It runs on Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) with Asus’s ZenUI overlay providing additional features and customizations.

Memory and Storage

The Zenfone Max is equipped with 32GB of internal storage, coupled with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM, depending on the model variant. It also offers a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing users to expand the storage capacity further to accommodate more apps, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL is a 13 MP shooter with a f/2.0 aperture, featuring Laser Autofocus for prompt and accurate focusing. The camera setup includes dual-LED dual-tone flash and supports features like HDR and panorama to enhance the photography experience. On the front, the phone houses a 5 MP camera, sufficient for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The standout feature of the Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL is undoubtedly its massive 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. This large capacity battery ensures exceptional standby time, lasting up to 914 hours on 3G, and offers extended talk time of up to 38 hours on 3G networks. The device also supports reverse charging, which means it can serve as a power bank to charge other devices.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity on the Zenfone Max is well-covered, with support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. It supports a variety of bands ensuring good network compatibility. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS support for accurate navigation, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support for connecting USB devices.

Additional Features

The phone is equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the device's usability by assisting in orientation, tilt, and navigation operations.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL (2016) is a compelling choice for users seeking a mid-range smartphone with a strong emphasis on battery life. While it may not offer the top performance specs seen in flagship devices of its time, the Zenfone Max represents excellent value for money, providing a solid combination of features, quality build, and design. Its battery endurance makes it particularly appealing to power users who are often away from charging points.

Key Features of Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL (2016)

  • Supports GSM / HSPA / LTE networks, offering wide connectivity options.
  • 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection.
  • Powered by Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 chipset with Octa-core CPU.
  • Available with internal storage of 32GB and options for 2GB or 3GB RAM.
  • Dedicated microSD slot for memory expansion.
  • 13 MP main camera with Laser AutoFocus and Dual-LED dual-tone flash.
  • Equipped with a long-lasting Li-Po 5000 mAh battery.
  • Reverse wired charging capability.
  • Dual SIM support with dual stand-by capability.
  • Comprehensive connectivity options including Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and FM radio.

Disadvantages of Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL (2016)

  • Heavy weight at 202 g making it less portable and more cumbersome to handle.
  • Low screen resolution at 720 x 1280 pixels which may result in less sharp display quality compared to full HD displays.
  • Limited processing power with Snapdragon 615 chipset, which may not handle high-performance tasks smoothly.
  • Selfie camera is only 5 MP, which may result in lower quality front-facing photos.
  • Lacks NFC (Near Field Communication), which limits the device's ability to use contactless payment or easy pairing with other devices.
  • Uses microUSB 2.0 instead of the newer USB-C standard, which may result in slower data transfer and charging speeds.
  • The device has been discontinued, which may lead to limited software updates and support.
  • No fast charging technology despite having a large 5000 mAh battery, leading to longer charging times.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - India
4G bands 1, 3, 5, 38, 39, 40, 41 - India
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2016, May. Released 2016, May
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 156 x 77.5 x 10.6 mm (6.14 x 3.05 x 0.42 in)
Weight 202 g (7.13 oz)
SIM Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Platform
OS Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), ZenUI
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 405
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, f/2.0, Laser AF
Features Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 5 MP, f/2.0
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, EDR
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC No
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Charging Reverse wired
Stand-by Up to 914 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 38 h (3G)
Misc
Colors Black, White, Orange, Blue
Models Z010DD
Price About 170 EUR

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