ZenFone Max Pro M2 Review – The M2 launches as a viable option for a low to mid-range phone at below RM1000

The successor of the ZenFone Max Pro M1 has launched in the form of the ZenFone Max Pro M2. Prior to the launch, we got our chance to experience the new phone and we have written a review on it. Check out the review below if you are interested.

Some aspects of the M1 are carried over to the M2. Remember that Face Login feature that the M1 has for your security? It returns in the the M2 along with the same long battery life and triple card slots. However, what sets the M2 apart from the M1 are the improvements made to the successor as a whole.

ZenFone Max Pro M2 Specifications

• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 64-bit octa-core (8 x Kyro 260 cores)
• GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 512
• RAM: 4GB / 6GB EMMC
• Storage: 64GB
• Display: 6.3-inch Full HD+ All-screen display LED Backlit IPS LCD
• Resolution: 2280 x 1080
• Cameras:
  • 12 MP AI main rear camera, 5MP secondary depth sensing camera (rear)
  • 13MP front camera
• OS: Android 8.1 “Oreo”, Android 9.0 “Pie” in 2019 (upgrade)
• Size: 157.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm
• Weight: 175g
• Colors: Midnight Blue, Cosmic Titanium
• Battery: 5000 mAh with fast charging

The Design

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 comes in a slightly different yet elegant design compared to the M1. The M2 features a slightly larger screen at 6.3 inches. In conjunction with a slightly larger screen, the aspect ratio and resolutions are also increased for better viewing. Furthermore, despite having the same brightness and contrast as the M1, the M2 has a higher color accuracy. In addition to the improvements, the screen is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass 6 which has twice the toughness of the predecessor. Up till now, only one other phone uses the same protection which is the mobile gaming beast, the ROG Phone.

The elegance aspect of the design can be seen from the back. The M2 has a chassis constructed from clear acrylic and features 3D rounded edges.The phone comes in two available colors: Midnight Blue and Cosmic Titanium. In addition to the beautiful colors, a “wave” pattern can be seen at the back. The pattern becomes obvious when viewed against the light as it shimmers like the waves.

The Cameras

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 comes equipped with 3 cameras (2 at the back and 1 in front). The front camera comes at 13MP which is great for selfie enthusiasts. On the other hand, the cameras at the back consist of one 12MP main rear camera and a 5MP sensor camera. Although the main camera does not have the MP of high-end phones, the M2’s camera comes with AI Scene Detection capabilites making it the first in Max series to have it.

For those who do not know, the feature applies the settings that would render the best results based on the scenes or subjects the user is shooting. Together with the Snapdragon 660’s AI Engine, the camera’s AI data model can detect up to 13 different scenes and subjects. The data model will reference stock photos on Asus servers.

In addition, the AI Camera has better low light capability compared to the predecessor. This allows users to take better and brighter low light shots. On the other hand, the camera interface is now more user friendly. The interface has quick access buttons for the more commonly used extras of the camera such as Beauty and HDR modes.

Overall, the AI Camera and better user interface makes photography simple for casual photographers yet more efficient for advanced users. Whether your intention is for taking family photos or scenery, the M2’s camera delivers the right results.

Performance and battery

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 carries itself well in the performance department. Equipped with the Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor as well as Qualcomm Adreno 512 GPU, the phone is expected to at least run decently with most games.

We tested Black Desert Online (BDO) on the phone to determine how it performs. For those wondering, BDO is notorious for requiring high specs to run at maximum settings. We found out that the M2 was able to run BDO rather smoothly with some minor slow downs at times. All things considered, being able to run BDO smoothly at most times can be considered an achievement for a mid-range phone. We also tested other games like GrandChase and the phone was able to keep up.

Battery-wise, the M2 has one of the longest battery life compared to other smartphones. Similar to the M1, it comes with a 5000mAh battery, giving it an outstanding battery life. This allows long term usage of the phone more viable than most other phones. Furthermore, this benefits mobile gaming as playing games on the smartphone can be quite taxing on the battery. To put into perspective, 1 hour of continuous gameplay of BDO only took out 12% of the battery.

Triple card slot

The Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 comes with a triple card slot for SIM and SD cards. Similar to the M1, the M2 allows users to have both storage and SIM cards together in one unit unlike some other phones which forces users to choose between them. This benefits users who require a balance between work and private lines. Furthermore, users who frequently travel can keep a secondary SIM in the phone for overseas data usage and a SD card for photos together in the same unit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZenFone Max Pro M2 is a recommended phone for people who do not have a large budget to afford a high-end phone. Available at RM859 (4GB + 64GB) and RM999 (6GB + 64GB), it sits well within the low to mid-range area of phones. For the specifications, we say that getting the M2 will be worth the money.

Note: The unit shown is from India with a different plug. The one sold in Malaysia will have a plug suitable for local use as well as earphones.

For more information, you can visit the official Asus website or Asus Facebook page.