Asus Zenfone 3 Max has been launched in India starting at Rs 12999
Asus has a ZenFone for every segment of the market. Since the first generation of ZenFones, Asus had been continually improving their products. The 3rd generation of ZenFones which we see today is a result of this continuous evolution. Asus ZenFones have matured a lot and today we see a refined design, intuitive user interface and a sensible list of features.
At an event in Delhi, Asus launched the ZenFone 3 Max. The earlier versions of the ZenFones were a phenomenal success for Asus. I still use the ZenFone Max 2 as my dependable sidekick while travelling. The successor, the new ZenFone 3 Max comes in 5.2 inch and 5.5 inch variants.
Key highlights of the 5.5 inch ZenFone 3 Max
- Model number ZC553KL
- 5.5 inch Full HD display
- Powered by Snapdragon 430 processor with Adreno 505 GPU
- 3 GB RAM and 32 GB of internal storage
- Dual SIM on hybrid tray
- Expandable memory upto 128 GB
- 16 MP rear camera with f2.0 lens
- Electronic image stabilization for videos
- 8 MP front camera with f2.2 lens
- Running on Android M with zen ui on top
- 175 gram weight and 8.3 mm thin
- 4100 mAh battery
- Available in 3 colors Titanium grey, glacier silver and sand gold
- Priced at Rs 17999
- Available from end of November across major online and offline retailers
Key highlights of the 5.2 inch ZenFone 3 Max
- Model number ZC520TL
- 5.2 inch HD display
- Powered by Mediatek MT6737M processor with Mali T720 GPU
- 3 GB RAM and 32 GB of internal storage
- Dual SIM on hybrid tray
- Expandable memory upto 32 GB
- 13 MP rear camera with f2.2 lens
- 5 MP front camera with f2.0 lens
- Running on Android M with zen ui on top
- 148 gram weight and 8.55 mm thin
- 4100 mAh battery
- Available in 3 colors Titanium grey, glacier silver and sand gold
- Priced at Rs 12999
- Available immediately across major online and offline retailers
My initial thoughts
My primary mobile is the ZenFone 3 5.5 inch variant. I have also recently reviewed ZenFone 3 laser. With what I saw on the demo zone, the ZenFone 3 Max is exactly same as the laser model, but with a bigger battery. This generation of ZenFones get Fingerprint sensor. I also felt that Asus must optimize the Zen UI based on the mobile. Without model specific UI, the hardware will eventually start showing signs of lag.
Asus pricing strategy this year is a bit awkward. My zenfone 3 gives me 4.5 hours of screen on time. With a few thousands more, one can stretch and buy that powerful mobile. All zenfone models are priced so closely. If I had to choose between ZenFone 3, laser or Max, I would happily choose the zenfone 3.
Of course the new ZenFone 3 Max is a good choice, but given the pricing it overshadows ZenFone 3 laser. It also the thinnest mobile in its category of battery mobiles. It has the looks and has the potential to be your good companion. These are just my knee Jerk reactions after spending a few minutes with the demo mobiles . I will soon publish my review on this mobile.
