The entry-level smartphone market has become more competitive than ever. ASUS, one of the major players in the industry, is trying to survive this bloody battle as they bring the Zenfone M2 series in the market.
Their latest line-up consists of the ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2. The more feature-pack option between the two that tries to offer a capable set of specs to take on a lot of the emerging brands in the market today.
Sitting at the midrange segment, the Zenfone Max Pro M2 offers a large display, powerful processor, and an enormous battery which easily outshines some of the competition in the market today.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the ASUS Zenfone Max M2, a more budget-friendly and toned down version of the Pro.
Much like its bigger brother, the Max M2 is also upstaging some of the devices in the sub-Php9k price segment — making it a great option for those who are looking for a bang-for-the-buck device.
But here in our ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 versus ASUS Zenfone Max M2 specifications and features comparison, we’ll see if having the best specs is actually the best route, or if you’re better off saving money for an already competent smartphone.
| ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 | ASUS Zenfone Max M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.1 Oreo | Android 8.1 Oreo |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.3-inch FHD+ IPS display 2280 x 1080 pixel resolution ~400ppi 19:9 aspect ratio Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | 6.3-inch HD+ IPS display 1520 x 720 pixel resolution ~266ppi 19:9 aspect ratio 2.5D curved glass |
| Processor | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core | Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 octa-core |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 3GB |
| GPU | Adreno 512 | Adreno 506 |
| Storage | 64GB expandable via microSD up to 2TB | 32GB expandable via microSD up to 2TB |
| Front camera | 13-megapixel f/2.0 LED flash | 8-megapixel f/2.0 LED flash |
| Rear Camera | 12-megapixel (Sony IMX486, f/1.8) 5-megapixel PDAF AI scene detection LED flash | 13-megapixel 2-megapixel f/1.8 PDAF AI scene detection LED flash |
| Audio | 5-magnet loudspeaker NCP 9874 amp Headphone Jack | 5-magnet loudspeaker NCP 9874 amp Headphone Jack |
| Security | Fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
| Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, BDS, GLONASS microUSB | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS microUSB |
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 75.5 x 8.5mm | 158 x 76 x 7.7mm |
| Weight | 170g | 160g |
| Colors | Midnight Blue Cosmic Titanium | Midnight Black Meteor Silver Space Blue |
| Battery | 5,000mAh non-removable Fast charging | 4,000mAh non-removable Fast charging |
| Price | 4GB/64GB: Php12,995 6GB/64GB: Php14,995 | Php8,995 |
ASUS has well-positioned these two devices away from each other. Both smartphones have justified their own respective price tag, so it will now depend on the consumer whether you want to spend more or save some money.
For Php4,000 more, you can get the Zenfone Max Pro M2 and enjoy its sharper Full HD+ screen and the tough Corning Gorilla Glass 6 display protection. It also features a more powerful Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor, with an option for more RAM and twice the storage capacity.
ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 also boasts a more pixel-packed 13-megapixel selfie snapper and a massive 5,000mAh battery. On the back, it has the 12-megapixel + 5-megapixel dual cameras. Although it may look inferior due to the lower megapixel count, the fact that it’s a Sony IMX486 sensor assures us that it can provide better picture quality.
But if you want to save a substantial amount of cash, then going with the Zenfone Max M2 is not a bad idea either. Although it only has an HD+ screen, its large 6.3-inch display provides the same screen real-estate for watching movies and playing games.
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Speaking of gaming, ASUS Zenfone Max M2 Snapdragon 632 octa-core processor can surely handle most game titles available in Google Play today. There’s also a 3GB of RAM for multitasking and an expandable 32GB of storage to store all your apps, pictures, and media.
Its camera setup is pretty good for the price, too. There’s an 8-megapixel with a soft light flash on the front, while on the back we have a 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual cameras.
If uncompromised performance is what you’re up to and you have the money to back it up, then the ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 is definitely the one for you. But if you’re budget conscious, going with the more affordable Zenfone Max M2 is the route to go.
The ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 price starts at Php12,995 for the 4GB/64GB model and Php14,995 for the 6GB/64GB variant. On the other hand, the ASUS Zenfone Max M2, which is only available in a 3GB/32GB configuration, retails for a price of Php8,995.
Both devices are now available through ASUS concept stores, kiosks, and multi-brand shops nationwide.