ASUS is all set to unveil its new Zenfone 3 smartphone series at the ‘Zenvolution‘ event in Taipei on May 30th, a day ahead of COMPUTEX, 2016. The launch event will be live streamed here at 2:00PM CST (11:30AM IST) where Asus could unveil 3 new phones – Zenfone 3, Zenfone 3 Deluxe and Zenfone 3 Max. These new smartphones will reportedly sport a fresh design and will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors (few on MediaTek) instead of Intel’s SoC. While we’re looking forward to the Zenvolution, Asus has launched the 2nd generation Zenfone MAX in India today at a price of Rs. 9,999. The Zenfone Max 2 is the successor to Zenfone Max, launched in India at the starting of this year. The phone retains the same design and pricing, but now comes with an upgraded hardware aimed to deliver a better performance. The below specs comparison highlights the main differences between the two:
Comparing with 1st Generation Zenfone Max – What’s different?
| Features | Zenfone Max 1 | Zenfone Max 2 |
| Processor & GPU | Snapdragon 410 Octa-core CPU clocked @1.2GHz
Adreno 306 GPU |
Snapdragon 615 Octa-core CPU clocked @1.5GHz
Adreno 405 GPU |
| Operating System | Android 5.0 Lollipop | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow |
| Storage | 16GB | 32GB |
| Price | 9,999 INR | 9,999 INR |
The rest of the technical specs remain same except for the significant new ones listed in the above comparison table. As you can see, the upgraded version of Zenfone Max now comes with an improved processor & GPU, 32GB ROM and runs on Marshmallow out of the box. The phone comes with a massive 5000mAh battery and even works as a powerbank to charge other devices via Reverse charging feature. The Zenfone Max packed in a plastic frame with metal-like finish and leather texture back cover, looks quite premium. It’s just 5.2 mm slim at the thinnest edge and doesn’t feels so heavy to hold.
Asus claims the device can provide upto 914.4 hours of standby time or 37.5 hours of 3G talk time or 32.5 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing on a full charge. Additionally, it includes 5 battery saving modes and two smart switches that users can configure to optimize the settings and further extend the battery life. Now let us guide you through the specs sheet of the phone:
Asus Zenfone Max 2 (ZC550KL) Specifications –
- 5.5” HD IPS Display with Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with ZenUI 2.0
- Snapdragon 615 Octa-core processor with Adreno 405 GPU
- 2GB / 3GB RAM
- 32GB Internal storage (Expandable upto 64GB)
- 13MP Rear camera with f/2.0, laser autofocus, dual-LED (real tone) flash
- 5MP front camera with f/2.0, 85-degree wide-angle lens
- 5000mAh non-removable Battery (Supports Reverse charging)
- Dual SIM (micro SIM card), Dual Stand By
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, 3G, WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth V4.0, GPS, GLONASS, AGPS, FM Radio, USB OTG support
- Sensors: Accelerator, Compass, Proximity, Ambient Light Sensor, Hall Sensor
- 156 x 77.5 x 10.6 mm, 202g
- Colors: Osmium Black, Orange and Blue
- Box contents: Handset, USB cable, OTG cable and charger
The new Zenfone Max made specially for India comes in 2 variants – 2GB RAM and 3GB RAM priced at 9,999 INR and 12,999 INR respectively. The phone will be available for sale soon on Flipkart whereas 3GB RAM variant can be purchased from Amazon and Snapdeal as well. The 3GB model will also be available at ASUS exclusive stores and all other retail stores across India, at a later date. Meanwhile, the older version will continue to sell at a reduced price of Rs. 8,999.
