There are three types of budget-friendly smartphones. We have the low-end ones, devices under Php6,000 for those who are just looking for a workable device. There’s also the midrange handsets that are Php12,00- and up for those who want more power.
Lastly, we also have the sub-Php10,000 smartphones can deliver decent specs and features, but still won’t break the bank.
And this is where the latest ASUS Zenfone Max M2 sits. This device is powered by a capable processor, a large display, and a respectable camera system. A smartphone that can get day-to-day tasks done.
But, the Zenfone Max M2 is not alone. We also have the Honor 10 Lite, another contender in this category that aims to justify its price tag.
And since we’re talking about budget, here in our ASUS Zenfone Max M2 versus Honor 10 Lite specifications and features comparison, we shall see which between these two devices can really provide better value for the money.
| ASUS Zenfone Max M2 | Honor 10 Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.1 Oreo | Android 9.0 Pie EMUI 9.0.1 |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby Hybrid |
| Display | 6.3-inch HD+ IPS 1520 x 720 pixel resolution ~266ppi 19:9 aspect ratio | 6.21-inch FHD+ IPS display 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution ~415ppi 19:9 aspect ratio |
| Processor | 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 octa-core | 2.2GHz HiSilicon Kirin 710 octa-core |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G51 MPU GPU Turbo 2.0 |
| Storage | 32GB expandable via microSD up to 2TB | 32GB/64GB/128GB expandable via microSD up to 512GB |
| Front camera | 8-megapixel f/2.0 LED flash | 24-megapixel f/2.0 AR Lens |
| Rear Camera | 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel f/1.8 PDAF AI scene detection LED flash | 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel f/1.8 PDAF AI scene detection LED flash |
| Audio | 5-magnet speaker NXP smart amplifier Headphone Jack | Single loudspeaker Headphone Jack |
| Security | Fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
| Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS FM Radio microUSB | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS FM Radio microUSB |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76 x 7.7mm | 154.8 x 73.64 x 7.95mm |
| Weight | 160g | 162g |
| Colors | Midnight Black Meteor Silver Space Blue | Midnight Black Lily White, Gradient Red Gradient Blue |
| Battery | 4,000mAh non-removable 10W charger | 3,400mAh non-removable |
| Price | Php8,995 | 3GB/32GB: Php9,990 3GB/64GB: Php10,990 |
Both the ASUS Zenfone Max M2 and the Honor 10 Lite have their own strengths and weaknesses. However, as what you can see above, Honor’s bet takes home the trophy on this battle.
The Honor 10 Lite sweeps the win right from its processor. This thing comes with a Kirin 710 processor, the same chipset found on the more expensive Huawei Y9 2019 and the Nova 3i. It also comes with Huawei’s GPU Turbo technology to elevate the gaming experience even higher.
Meanwhile, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 on the Zenfone Max M2, although is actually respectable for the price, is clearly less powerful than what the former has.
The Honor 10 Lite also has the latest Android 9.0 Pie OS version with EMUI 9.0.1 interface on top. However, the fact that the Zenfone Max M2 runs on a stock Android experience might be more appealing to most Android enthusiasts. Plus, looking back at ASUS’ track record, we expect this device to be updated soon.
Both phones have the same 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual rear cameras. But, the Honor 10 Lite’s whopping 24-megapixel front camera clearly dominates the 8-megapixel sensor of the competition. We were actually able to test its selfie capabilities on a separate hands-on review and we were really impressed.
See also: Honor 10 Lite vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: Specs Comparison
Honor also managed to cram in an FHD+ screen, while ASUS settled for an HD panel for the Max M2.
But to give the ASUS Zenfone Max M2 credit, it does have a much bigger battery. This handset has 4,000mAh capacity, while the 10 Lite only has 3,400mAh. Considering that it has less powerful hardware, you can probably squeeze more juice from this thing.
Still, it’s a clear win for the Honor 10 Lite. The company was able to execute another incredible feat, similar to what they did on the Honor Play. This smartphone’s price starts at Php9,990 for the 3GB/32GB model, while a storage bump to 64GB will cost you Php1,000 more at Php10,990.
Meanwhile, the ASUS Zenfone Max M2 is understandably cheaper. It retails for only Php8,995, which is almost Php1,000 cheaper than the competition.
Both devices are now available nationwide through online and offline stores.