ASUS just announced the follow-up to the Zenfone Max Pro M1, which became one of their blockbusters of the year.
The new ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 packs a lot of improvements over its predecessor. It has a more powerful processor and a tougher screen, while keeping some of its notable features like the capable pair of cameras on the back and an enormous battery capacity.
Clearly, if you’re looking for a smartphone at this price segment, you should check this one out.
But then, it’s not the only option you have. For one, there’s the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite. A smartphone from a brand that’s known for their bang-for-the-buck products.
Xiaomi smartphones have always been the people’s go-to whenever they’re looking for the best smartphone that money can buy. But this time, other brands like ASUS are getting really clever in their attempts to take on Xiaomi.
Here in our ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 versus Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite specifications and features comparison, we’ll see if ASUS’ latest smartphone can break Xiaomi’s winning streak. Let’s start.
| ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 | Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.1 Oreo | Android 8.1 Oreo MIUI |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby Hybrid |
| Display | 6.3-inch FHD+ IPS display 2280 x 1080 pixel resolution ~400ppi 19:9 aspect ratio Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | 6.26-inch FHD+ IPS 2280 × 1080 pixel resolution ~400ppi 19:9 aspect ratio 2.5D Curved Glass |
| Processor | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB |
| GPU | Adreno 512 | Adreno 512 |
| Storage | 64GB expandable via microSD up to 2TB | 64GB/128GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB |
| Front camera | 13-megapixel f/2.0 | 24-megapixel AI Portrait Mode Beautification |
| Rear Camera | 12-megapixel (Sony IMX486, f/1.8) 5-megapixel AI scene detection LED flash | 12-megapixel + 5-megapixel Dual-pixel AF f/1.9 AI scene detection LED flash |
| Audio | 5-magnet loudspeaker NCP 9874 amp Headphone Jack | Single loudspeaker No Headphone Jack (Adapter included) |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, BDS USB Type-C |
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 75.5 x 8.5mm | 156.4 × 75.8 × 7.5mm |
| Weight | 170g | 169g |
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Sunset Gold Midnight Black Aurora Blue |
| Battery | 5,000mAh non-removable | 3,350mAh non-removable Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Price | 4GB/64GB: Php12,995 6GB/64GB: Php14,995 | 4GB/64GB: Php13,990 6GB/128GB: Php16,990 |
Both the ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 and Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite are great devices with their own pros and cons. However, it feels like the win is slightly leaning towards ASUS’ offering.
These devices run on Android 8.1 Oreo. However, the Max Pro M2’s straightforward stock Android interface is more appealing than Xiaomi’s MIUI.
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They also share an identical 6.3-inch FHD+ screen. But then again, the Zenfone Max Pro M2 overtakes the Mi 8 Lite with its really impressive Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection.
The ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 even has a 5-magnet loudspeaker and a dedicated amp. Meanwhile, the Mi 8 Lite doesn’t even have a headphone jack.
And of course, there’s the large 5,000mAh battery — a staple feature to ASUS’ Zenfone Max line-up. On the other hand, the Mi 8 Lite only has a 3,350mAh battery.
But to give the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite some credit, it does come with a better 24-megapixel selfie camera. It also sports a USB Type-C connectivity, while the Zenfone Max Pro M2 settles with the outdated microUSB implementation.
In addition, the Mi 8 Lite gives you more options in terms of color choices and storage capacity. This thing is available in Midnight Black, Sunset Gold, and Aurora Blue. The Max Pro M2 is only available in Midnight Blue here in the Philippines.
You can also get it with 128GB of storage, while ASUS is only offering the Max Pro M2 with 64GB of storage. But on the downside, you’d be paying a price premium to double it.
Speaking of which, another great thing about the ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 is its price. The 4GB/6GB model is available for only Php12,995, while the Mi 8 Lite with the same configuration costs Php1,000 more at Php13,990.
On the other hand, the ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 6GB/64GB variant costs Php14,995 while the 128GB model of Xiaomi’s offering is priced at Php16,990.
The base model Zenfone Max Pro M2 will be available starting December 15, while the top-of-the-line model will arrive sometime in January next year. The Mi 8 Lite is now available through Xiaomi physical shops and official stores in Lazada and Shopee.
Xiaomi for me is the better phone. The configuration of both the phones are the same however, Xiaomi has better brand value when it comes to smart phone manufacturing.