The Taiwanese brand Asus often produces models with technical variations. These include the model, which is divided into two types, differing in parameters, the amount of memory, dimensions and more. Despite the external similarity, this version has a powerful battery and belongs to the budget segment, while the price and quality are well matched.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Data transfer rate: LTE, 3G.
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Display: dot density 1280 × 720, up to 5 simultaneous touches.
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Screen type: IPS, capacitive, 2.5D effect.
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Software: Android 6.0 with Asus ZenUI proprietary shell.
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Chipset: 64-bit quad-core Mediatek MT6737T with clock frequency 1.45 GHz.
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Drives: built-in memory - 16/32 GB, RAM - 2/3 GB.
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Battery: 4100 mAh Li-Ion.
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Weight: 148 grams.
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Dimensions: 149.5 x 73.7 x 8.55 mm.
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Cameras: 13 megapixel main camera with flash and autofocus, as well as f / 2.2 aperture and PixelMaster. Front 5 MP.
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Additionally: flashlight, combined SIM card slot, GPS, Bluetooth v4.0.
EQUIPMENT
Compared to its predecessor, this version comes with a different set that includes charger, USB cable, headphones, a special paper clip, and adapter OTG and documentation.
APPEARANCE
The design of the Asus Zenfone 3 max ZC520TL is significantly different from the regular model. The decor looks moderate and pleasant, and it also comes in three colors: gold, silver, and gray.
The front side is unremarkable. Three quarters is occupied by a screen, which is covered with tempered glass with. The front bezel is quite thin and officially measures 2.25mm.
The front panel houses the camera lens, sensors and speakeras well as an event indicator. The latter is quite noticeable and practical, but in the dark it can be distracting. Below is the manufacturer's logo, while there are no touch button departments, since they are placed on the display.
On the left side there is a combined slot for a micro SIM card and a memory card or microSD, on the right side there is a power and volume key. The top side is equipped with a headphone jack, and on the opposite side there is a conversational microphone and a micro-USB port.
The display of Asus Zenfon ZC520TL is equipped with rounded edges with a diagonal of 5.2 inches and a dot density of 1280 × 720.
The backlight level can be set manually or automatically using external sensors. The sensitivity is supported up to 5 one-time clicks with the lack of the ability to work "with gloves". Like the entire line this device, there is a "blue filter" for correcting colors that take on warmer tones. You can also adjust the color temperature using the settings.
In its segment the display is quite good and has normal backlight and image sharpness results. Present anti-reflective coating and high maximum brightness, so there are no problems with outdoor use.
SOFTWARE
It uses a quad-core MediaTek MT6737T chipset, while the amount of RAM and internal memory can be either 2/3 GB or 16/32 GB, respectively.
You can also use speed data transfer. In practice, the fingerprint scanner shows good results, the same applies to testing on special applications.
Using the gadget to work or visit social networks is quite comfortable and fast, as in ordinary games, but resource-intensive applications require more modern characteristics.
In addition, the operating system in the smartphone is Android 6.0 s. Therefore, there are quite varied and flexible settings. Despite the convenient possibility of adjusting the interface, the initial state of the platform is quite suitable for an undemanding user.
The characteristics of the lenses have not changed, so the resolution of the front module is 5 megapixels, and the rear one is 13 megapixels with f / 2.2 aperture and flash. In practice, the image quality is quite good in comparison with competitors, but it has some defects. In good shooting conditions, blurry photographs of moving subjects can often be obtained. The color rendition is slightly deviated and does not affect the impression. In low light conditions, the characteristics of the pictures are greatly reduced, noise, darkening and other deviations occur.
Photos taken from the front lens are quite good, subject to the light of the frame. You can also shoot in real time with the Beautification function, which allows you to make adjustments to your face as you shoot.
CONCLUSION
The ZenFone 3 Max ZC520TL smartphone cannot stand out in the mobile market with its unique functionality and high power. However, the comfort of use in practice is quite impressive. Thus, a significant part of the cost of the device is spent on convenience, which everyone estimates in their own way.
As a result, the owner acquires a quality product from a well-established manufacturer, while having an aluminum frame, a fingerprint sensor, and a voluminous battery. Despite the rather long autonomy, it takes a long time to restore the battery charge. There are also flexible energy saving settings.
Other parameters of the device belong to the middle segment, which do not differ much in a good way. In practice, there are no significant complaints about the gadget, since it can be used for work without problems. It has a quality balance in terms of materials of manufacture, autonomy, attractiveness, while having an affordable cost. Nevertheless, there are no major differences in favor of this model, in addition to the large battery.
\u003e Dear friends! We ask you to leave your feedback on the use of ASUS ZenFone MAX smartphones in the comments below. For an objective user opinion. Thanks in advance!
Updated lineuphaving released a novelty in the "Max" series - the Zenfone 3 Max (ZC520TL), which we will review.
Distinctive features This model has a metal case, a non-removable back cover, reduced overall dimensions of the case and screen, compared to the ZC550KL version.
The battery also has a lower capacity than its predecessor, but whether this is so critical and what happened in the end, we will consider in a further review.
The price of the device is 12-13 thousand rubles, which is quite acceptable for the current market and even fits into the concept of "budget smartphone".
Numerous user reviews also indicate that this device is worth taking a closer look at and studying in more detail.
Packaging, delivery set
The gadget is packed in a beautiful snow-white box with an image on the front side of the smartphone itself and an indication of the proprietary "chip" - a 4100 mAh battery.The back of the box provides information about serial number, IMEI of the device and its brief characteristics.
Inside the package are neatly distributed:
- 5V 2A power adapter.
- Quick start guide booklets.
- Warranty card.
- OTG adapter cable for connecting external devices and charging other phones.
- A clip for removing the SIM and microSD card compartment.
- USB cable for charging and synchronizing with a computer.
Design, materials
As mentioned above, new design users liked it.Metal body with plastic inserts, rounded edges, streamlined shapes without sharp corners, matte non-textured surface, 2.5D rounded glass - all this makes the product very attractive, stylish and easy to use.
The phone feels and looks weighty (weight - 148 grams), does not get very dirty and practically does not collect traces of use.
The device cannot be called a compact device (149.5x73.7x8.5 mm), but there is no discomfort in working with one hand. Available in silver, gold and graphite colors, it looks quite presentable and fresh.
On the front side installed front-camera, an earpiece covered with a grill, sensors and, as well as an LED event indicator.
In the lower part of the case, there are no touch and mechanical buttons, in this model they were transferred to the screen.
On the back there is the main camera, which is made flush with the body, and has a bright LED one-color flash capable of operating in several modes (shooting, backlight, "SOS" mode).
Above the camera, a microphone is installed that serves to record voice during shooting and performs the function of active noise reduction. Below it all is installed.
It works quite quickly and clearly (0.3 sec.), It is possible to save up to 5 different scans in memory. In the lower part of the case, there is a main speaker hidden behind a grill.
On the top there is a familiar headset jack, and on the opposite side you can find micro-USB socket and the main microphone.
On the left side edge on top it has a single hidden compartment under SIM card, and on the right one there are power and volume control buttons, made with engraving in the form of concentric circles.
Screen
The current model is equipped with a 5.2-inch display with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, made according to iPS technology... The protective 2.5D glass from Corning Gorilla Glass is installed as a protector.The pixel density is 282 dpi, which is average, but the detail is not affected.
The thin bezel (2.25mm) and large footprint (75% of the front surface) make the smartphone compact and eliminate the feeling of a bulky, uncomfortable, huge phone.
The brightness of the display is about 400 cd / m2: a good indicator, when working outdoors, the text is clearly visible, at night you can turn it down slightly to a comfortable level.
Also here it is worth noting the adequate work of the automatic brightness correction, everything remains readable and visible in various modes. There are no problems with viewing angles and flickering, since the matrix costs high Quality.
The sRGB color gamut deviates from the standard value, but does not notice much distortion.
To the "pluses" you can also add a high contrast ratio and the correct color balance. The absence of an air gap between the glass and the display allows you to add richness to colors and reduce the response time of the device to touch.
The device copes well with everyday work, the menu scrolls smoothly, without visible delays.
In terms of toys, the smartphone performed slightly worse, more demanding games (Mortal Kombat 5, Dead Trigger 2, Asphalt 8) run at minimum-medium settings.
Benchmark results :
Antutu:
CPU-Z:
This is not the first time ASUS has updated its ZenFone line of smartphones. At the moment, there are at least eight gadgets in the family, and each of them has its own peculiarity. Some models focus on productivity and entertainment, while others focus on photography. But today we will talk about a variant that distinguished itself with a large battery and, accordingly, a long autonomous work... We have previously shown with such a smartphone, and now let's take a look at the updated ASUS ZenFone 3 Max.
Package contents and first impressions
For starters, it is worth noting significant changes in comparison with. Updated version became much more interesting in all respects, both outside and inside. And after all the modifications, the smartphone retained a low price tag. The package bundle has not changed either: charger, power cable, headset, paper clip and OTG cable (unfortunately, the smartphone came to us without the box and its contents).
From the first minutes of setting up, the gadget is a little surprising. As for an inexpensive smartphone, it works very quickly and without any hiccups. Of course, you should not expect flagship power from it, but nevertheless, ZenFone 3 Max spends a minimum of time on all tasks. And for greater convenience, he got a fingerprint scanner. And the external changes of the smartphone add points to the piggy bank of ASUS.
The lineup
The current lineup includes two ZenFone 3 Max models at once. The youngest received the ZL520TL index, and the older one - ZC553KL. The differences between the devices are noticeable: the display of the older model is 0.3 inches larger and the resolution is higher, Full HD versus HD; the younger model works with an MTK processor, and the older one received Qualcomm; the differences between the front cameras are 5 MP versus 8, and the main ones are 13 versus 16 (plus laser autofocus). There are also minor differences in BT versions, GLONASS support and so on, but this is hardly important for the target audience of such a gadget. A more detailed comparison can be found on the company's global website.
Today we are reviewing the junior model in the basic version with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage.
Design and usability
As trite as it may sound, the ZenFone 3 Max looks more like an iPhone than a device from the current ASUS lineup. This is not bad, of course, but the design features familiar to the Taiwanese manufacturer are a little lost. It is still easy to determine which gadget in front of you by the noticeable mirrored ASUS logo on the front panel and another matte logo on the back of the case. By the way, the gadget is now not a collapsible plastic, but a monolithic metal one.
The user is provided with four color options for the case: dark gray, silver, gold and pink. The branded pattern remained only on the buttons. They are soft and very quiet to press. The location of the controls has not changed, and the connector for charging and synchronization has shifted to the corner, which, subjectively, is not so convenient. As before, the speaker is at the back. There is also a camera and a fingerprint scanner, which is very easy to find without looking at it. The back side is embellished with shiny lines between the metal and the plastic insert on top, as well as frames around the camera window and the fingerprint scanner.
The dimensions of the case are: 149.5x73.7x8.55 mm, and the weight is 160 grams. The gadget is not the smallest and due to the metal case it is quite slippery. The rounded side edges, although comfortable in everyday use, do not affect grip very well. But once you get used to the body, it stops slipping out of your hands in a few days. Nevertheless, extra caution will not hurt, because if the previously scratched "back" was easily changed, the new model will have to change the case. Not to mention the damage that a fall can cause.
During the use of the gadget, there were no strong flaws. The assembly of the device is excellent, everything is in place and is convenient in everyday life. If you find a suitable cover, then all the more problems will not arise. Compared to the previous generation, the progress is very good, because the body has become smaller, and the materials used are more in line with a premium smartphone than an inexpensive one.
Display
The younger version of ZenFone 3 Max got a 5.2-inch display. It occupies 75% of the front panel of the smartphone. To save energy, the matrix resolution was only 1280 × 720 pixels. The pixel density is at 282 ppi, however, this does not cause discomfort.
The IPS matrix shows a good picture. The colors are moderately saturated and soft. The black color, of course, is not as deep as that of AMOLED matrices. Nevertheless, the calibration is quite successful and there are practically no complaints about the image. The settings lacked temperature control (subjectively, the presence of such an item is very useful), but there is a function for lowering the shades of blue. At an angle, the picture may "turn blue", but during operation it practically does not appear.
The backlight level is probably enough for a sunny day (during testing, the weather was not accompanied), and the minimum value would be lower. Alas, praising the auto-brightness sensor will not work, but this is a common problem inexpensive smartphones... But the sensor works without any problems, it simultaneously “sees” 5 touches well. Safety glass with 2.5D effect, it has a normal oleophobic coating. In general, the impressions of the screen are positive, even despite the low resolution.
Sound
One of the things we saved on was the speaker. For a start, it is located at the back and the sound is rather distorted if the smartphone is on the table, and when watching a video, the sound has to be “redirected” by hand. This is not very convenient. Moreover, the speaker does not sound very pleasant. Low frequencies (as far as possible with mobile devices) are lost, and the maximum power is rather weak. The speaker is only suitable for notifications, because video accompaniment or music playback is a little disappointing. The signal goes to the headphones is acceptable.
In turn, the earpiece and microphone work well.
Hardware platform and software
As I mentioned, there are two versions of this smartphone. Our variant works with a MediaTek MT6737T quad-core processor and a Mali T720 video core. The amount of RAM depends on the drive: 2/16 and 3/32 GB, respectively. It is possible to install a memory card, but in this case, the second SIM card cannot be used. The gadget supports work with an LTE network, Wi-Fi standard N and Bluetooth 4.0. The fingerprint scanner is very good. In turn, the indicators of synthetic tests for a living will not hurt.
Smartphone performance is sufficient for daily use, but for demanding games it is not the best option (although, for example, Asphalt Xtreme works quite fast). He can work perfectly on the Internet, with mail, social networks and other undemanding programs.
The latest OS for ZenFone 3 Max is Android 6.0 with ZenUI. The system is stable and fast. The launcher can still please with the number of available settings and customizations. After wandering around in different parts of the system, you can tailor it to your own wishes, but I would not say that the initial combination of parameters might not be enough for the average user. The only thing that I wanted to replace all the time is the standard keyboard (but this is a very subjective point).
Here is the number of additional software in the form of extra games and a set of proprietary applications from ASUS could be less. It would be nicer if all additional applications simply offered to install when initial setup (as implemented for third party applications), and not immediately thrown out of the box. Of course, there is no problem with this, but not everyone needs these additions, and they still take up extra space.
Autonomy
The main feature of the model is the duration of the work. Last year's ZenFone Max had a 5,000mAh battery, which translates into excellent battery life. This year the model has "lost weight", including due to the battery. So, the ZenFone 3 Max has a non-removable 4130 mAh battery.
A more efficient processor and a smaller battery could not catch up with the results of the previous version, but still very confidently outperform most models in this criterion. In PCMark 8, the gadget lasted 8.5 hours. In real use, you can get 7-8 hours of screen time with balanced performance settings.
There are 5 modes in the power saving settings: Performance, Normal, Power Saving, Super Saving and Customized. The first, subjectively, has practically no effect on performance, it just keeps the backlight level a little higher. "Saving Mode" turns off Wi-Fi and other communications when the screen is off, while "Super Economy" leaves only voice, SMS and alarm clock, ignoring all other communication methods. In the latter option, you can independently configure the behavior of networks and backlighting. You can also turn on saving modes on a schedule (for example, at night, when notifications are turned off anyway).
In addition, you can charge something else from this smartphone. Using an OTG cable (included, but a third-party one will work), you can connect another smartphone or, for example, a fitness bracelet to ZenFone 3 Max for charging. It's not a fact that this is a popular model for recharging other gadgets, but if necessary, it can help out a lot.
Cameras
The camera resolution has not changed compared to last year's model. As before, the front camera has a 5-megapixel sensor, while the main one has a 13-megapixel one. The younger version of this year does not have laser autofocus, but the loss is not that big. The smartphone still copes with the tip.
Photo quality is good for a smartphone in this price range. Among competitive cameras, the local sensor does not disappoint, although the pictures are not perfect either. Even in the daytime, when the camera has enough light, objects in motion (people, cars) will often be blurry. The same applies to pictures taken in motion (from a car or on the move). Colors may be slightly distorted, but within acceptable limits. Inadequate consecration in pictures will typical problems inexpensive cameras, although the sensor collects a lot of light.
The video is also quite expected. The presence of at least some stabilization when recording at maximum resolution could improve the picture. The system has software stabilization, but only for 720p recording, with a possible maximum of 1080p.
The front camera can take normal selfies when good lighting... Girls will surely note the built-in Beautification mode, which hides skin imperfections and more.
Surprisingly, none of the latest ASUS smartphones will allow its owner to answer the question "What phone do you have?" There is the regular Zenfone 3, there is the Zenfone 3 Ultra, there is the Zenfone 3 Deluxe, the Zenfone 3 Laser, and the Zenfone 3 Max. Moreover, each of these versions also exists in different modifications. The Zefone 3 Max, which we are testing today, is positioned as an affordable and practical device with a high-capacity battery.
However, it is also available in two modifications that have almost nothing in common. Different screens, different processors, memory sizes, built-in cameras - it would even be easier to list what they do not differ in. So anyone who chooses this Zenfone 3 Max should definitely specify that it has a smartphone with a 5.2-inch screen on the Mediatek platform, with 2 GB of internal memory.
Specifications
| ASUS Zenfone 3 Max (ZC520TL) | ASUS Zenfone 3 Max (ZC553KL) | ASUS Zenfone 3 | Honor 5X | ZTE Nubia Z9 Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 5.2 inches, IPS, 1280 × 720 pixels, 282 ppi, capacitive multitouch |
5.5 inches, IPS, |
5.5 / 5.2 inches, IPS, 1920 × 1080 pixels, capacitive multitouch |
5.5 inches, IPS, 1920 × 1080 pixels, 401 ppi, capacitive multitouch |
5.5 inches, 1920 × 1080 pixels, 401 ppi, IPS; capacitive multitouch |
| Protective glass | There is no data | There is no data | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, with oleophobic coating and polarizing filter | There is no data | There is no data |
| CPU | Mediatek MT6737M: four cores ARM Cortex-A53, frequency 1.25 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937: eight ARM Cortex-A53 cores, 1.4 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953: eight ARM Cortex-A53 cores, 2.02 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 MSM8939: Quad ARM Cortex-A53 @ 1.11 GHz + Quad ARM Cortex-A53 @ 1.46 GHz | |
| Graphic controller | Mali-T720MP2, 600 MHz | Qualcomm Adreno 505, 450 MHz | Qualcomm Adreno 506, 650 MHz | Qualcomm Adreno 405, 550 MHz | Qualcomm Adreno 405, 550 MHz |
| Operational memory | 2/3 GB | 2/3/4 GB | 3/4 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Flash memory | 16/32 GB | 32 GB | 32/64 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Connectors | 1 micro-USB 2.0 | 1 micro-USB 2.0 | 1 USB-C; | 1 micro-USB 2.0 | 1 micro-USB 2.0 |
| 1 x 3.5mm headset jack; | 1 x 3.5mm headset jack; | 1 x 3.5mm headset | |||
| 1 micro-SIM | 1 micro-SIM | 1 micro-SIM | 1 micro-SIM | 2 nano-SIM | |
| 1 nano-SIM / microSD (universal) | 1 nano-SIM / microSD (universal) | 1 micro-SIM / microSD (universal) | 1 microSD | ||
| Cellular connection 2G | GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz | GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz | GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz | GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz | |
| Cellular connection 3G | DC-HSPA 850/900/1900/2100 MHz | DC-HSPA 850/900/1900/2100 MHz | UMTS / HSPA + 900/2100 MHz | DC-HSPA 850/900/1900/2100 MHz | |
| 4G cellular | LTE Cat. 4 (150 Mbps, 50 Mbps), ranges 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE Cat. 7 (300 Mbps, 150 Mbps), ranges 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE Cat. 7 (300 Mbps, 150 Mbps), ranges 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE Cat. 4 (150 Mbps, 50 Mbps), ranges 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | LTE Cat. 4 (150 Mbit / s, 50 Mbit / s), ranges 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a / b / g / n / ac 2.4GHz | 802.11a / b / g / n / ac 2.4GHz | 802.11a / b / g / n / ac 2.4 / 5 GHz | 802.11b / g / n 2.4GHz | 802.11a / b / g / n 2.4 / 5 GHz |
| Bluetooth | 4 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4 |
| NFC | There is no data | No | No | No | there is |
| Navigation | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Sensors | Illumination, proximity, accelerometer / gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass) | Illumination, proximity, accelerometer / gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass) | Illumination, proximity, accelerometer / gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass) | Illumination, proximity, accelerometer / gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass) | |
| The fingerprint scanner | there is | there is | there is | there is | No |
| Main camera | 13 MP, f / 2.2, contrast autofocus, LED flash | 16 MP, f / 2.0, hybrid / laser autofocus, 4-axis stabilization, dual-LED flash | 13 MP, f / 2.0, contrast autofocus, dual-LED flash | 16 MP, contrast autofocus, LED flash | |
| Front-camera | 8 MP, no autofocus, no flash | 5 MP, no autofocus, no flash | 8 MP, no autofocus, no flash | ||
| Food | Removable battery: 15.7 Wh (4130 mAh, 3.8 V) | Removable battery: 15.6 Wh (4100 mAh, 3.8 V) | Removable battery: 11.4 Wh (3000 mAh, 3.8 V) | Removable battery: 11.7 Wh (3000 mAh, 3.8 V) | Removable battery: 11 Wh (2900 mAh, 3.8 V) |
| The size | 149.5 x 73.7 x 8.6 mm | 151.4 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm | 153 x 77 x 10.9 mm | 151.3 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | 154.8 x 76.6 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 148 g | 175 g | 155 g | 158 g | 165 g |
| Water and dust resistant | No | No | No | No | No |
| operating system | Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Shell ASUS ZenUI 3.0 | Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Shell ASUS ZenUI 3.0 | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, Lenovo's own skin | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, native Nubia UI | |
| Actual price | 12,990 rubles | 16 990 rubles | 23,990 / 27,990 rubles | 16 990 rubles | 15 990 rubles |
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Design, ergonomics, software
Of course, all ASUS Zenfone 3 models are more or less similar to each other in appearance. Only the most expensive Zenfone 3 Deluxe and the largest Zenfone 3 Ultra clearly stand out from the whole series. The differences between all other modifications most of all I would like to describe with the famous illustration from the book by Alexander Demin. Although there are, of course, differences in materials and in some details on the rear panel.
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max with 5.2-inch screen (ZC520TL) is available in three colors: dark gray, light gray and gold (officially - Titanium Gray, Glacier Silver, Sand Gold). And the 5.5-inch model (ZC553TL) is also available in pink. The colors are very unobtrusive, restrained. Even pink is perceived as normal. The case design is unlikely to be a revelation to anyone, but in its price range, the Zenfone 3 Max looks quite decent.
The front side does not contain any controls. Under the screen there are neither touch buttons (they are software here and are displayed at the bottom edge of the display), nor a fingerprint scanner (located at the back). In short, a pleasant and healthy minimalism.
The back of the case is well designed from an engineering point of view. From photographs it may seem that it is entirely metal, and thin metal grooves above and below perform a purely decorative function. But in fact, they mark the border of the metal part - about a centimeter above and below, they are occupied by plastic inserts. By eye, you will not notice any difference between metal and plastic parts - the materials are absolutely the same in texture and color.
The plastic insert creates a kind of window for built-in antennas and wireless models - the smartphone keeps the connection confidently even at a low signal level. In addition, the plastic softens the impact, so the smartphone is more likely to survive if dropped. Obviously, buyers of inexpensive pipes are not used to overspending, so additional reliability certainly won't hurt.
Zenfone 3 Max does not claim to be a frameless smartphone - here the display takes up only 68% of the front panel area. Not the most impressive figure by the standards of 2016, but the iPhone 6s can boast about the same figure, and this does not bother anyone. I didn't mention last year's apple smartphone - Zenfone 3 Max is very similar to it tactilely. Yes, the Taiwanese device is noticeably larger, runs on a different operating system and costs several times cheaper, but now I'm talking exclusively about the sensations to the touch.
The lens of the built-in camera does not protrude beyond the body, and on the contrary, it is located in a small recess. This is very good from the point of view of safety - it makes the lens more difficult to scratch, but not very good from the point of view of ergonomics, because the fingerprint sensor is located very close and also in a small depression. Under normal conditions, you will instantly understand from the surface texture that you have put your finger in the wrong place, but in winter on the street it becomes more difficult - a frozen finger does not feel the difference.
Asus Zenfone 3 Max is not one specific phone model marking. It may seem strange to some, but under this set of letters and numbers, two devices are hidden at once. They differ in almost everything. In order not to be confused, before purchasing, you should familiarize yourself in more detail with the configuration of the purchased device.
| Model | Asus Zenfone 3 max |
| Dimensions, weight | 73.7 x 149.5 x 8.55 mm, 148 grams |
| Screen | Capacitive, IPS-matrix 5.2 / 5.5 "with a resolution of 720 × 1280 pixels |
| OS | Android version 7.0 |
| Chipset | Quad core, MediaTek MT6737T / Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937, 1400 MHz |
| GPU | Mali-T720 / Adreno 505 |
| RAM / ROM | 2/16 + there is support for microSD memory cards up to 128GB |
| Interfaces | Wi-Fi 802.11n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, USB, 3.5mm for headset |
| Cameras | 13/15 MP (F / 2.2) + 5 MP, flash |
| Battery | non-removable, lithium-polymer (Li-Pol) 4130 mAh |
Asus Zenfon 3 Max is visually very similar to an ordinary third generation Zenfon. Only from the point of view of style the device began to look less aggressive. The choice is three colors: gold, silver and gray.
Gone are the days when manufacturers experimented with external forms with each new product line. Today, trends and fashions run the show, driven by several of the most successful and popular form factors. That is why, picking up another Zenfon, you can feel some sense of déjà vu.
If at first glance a smartphone is not much different from most modern gadgets, then it is worth taking a closer look, and the picture changes. Much attention is paid here to details: ergonomics of the device, screen size, its location, elaboration of body materials. The side edges make a pleasant visual impression and provide the necessary comfort due to the stiffening rib.
Three quarters of the front panel of the case is occupied by the screen. The protective glass is somewhat rounded. It's done 2.5D technology... There are frames on the sides, but they are completely unobtrusive. Above is the front camera, speaker and proximity and light sensor. There is also an LED that is responsible for displaying events: incoming messages, notifications, letters, etc. A very handy and useful feature.
Below, traditionally, is the corporate logo of the company. The smartphone has no touch buttons. Their functions are performed by ordinary on-screen ones. On the left there is a tray for a SIM card and a memory card. On the right are power and volume controls. Both buttons have branded roundness, which is found on many gadgets from Asus. There is a headphone jack on top, a microphone hole on the bottom and charging.
From the back, everything is also pretty standard: a fingerprint sensor, a flash and the main photo module. Despite the fact that the Asus Zenfone 3 Max looks pretty standard, it is pleasant to hold it in your hands. This effect is largely achieved due to special surface texture of the device.
Аsus Zenfone 3 Max
Screen features
Asus Zenfone 3 Max review continues display options. From point of view modern technologies the screen resolution can hardly be called high. 1280 × 720 can be seen on most budget models. The diagonal of the screen is 5.2 inches, the ppi is 282. Slight pixelation present, but it is not very striking. When reading or working with applications, individual squares also do not distract. But such a screen loses noticeably in the fight against competitors that have FullHD on board.
The brightness parameters are standard, they are not surprising, but you can adjust it for yourself. The contrast also lacks stars from the sky. The situation saves the presence of an anti-glare display surface. It is thanks to this option that a smartphone can be used quite comfortably even under direct sunlight. Automatic settings screens do their job perfectly.
The colors are rendered well, as are the viewing angles. Whites and blacks appear deep without distortion. Is that at a large angle of inclination black is slightly distorted to purple. As for multitouch, it copes perfectly with five touches at once.
Memory and performance
The specs of the Asus Zenfone 3 Max hint that this is a mid-range phone. Here, the paths of the two twin brothers diverge to provide a choice to the user. The junior model is built at MTK, the senior at Qualcomm. Both processors, regardless of the manufacturer, are representatives of the "golden" mean. These are far from the most productive solutions in their class, but they should be enough for most tasks.
Important! Both phones hiding under the same name, the Asus Zenfone 3 Max zc520tl and Asus Zenfone 3 Max zc553kl, \u200b\u200bhave 2GB of RAM.
In everyday life, the smartphone does not slow down. Work happens comfortably, without freezes and unexpected failures or reboots from scratch. Except that with performance in games you will have to find a compromise between the picture and the speed - such is the price for the "budget".
Benchmarks show roughly the same picture. The device is not capable of running heavy games at maximum settings, there may be problems with multitasking. However, the user himself is unlikely to want to load his not the fastest smartphone with heavy applications. The performance of the gadget is rated at a solid "four", but that, one might say, is issued in advance for stability operating system and modest processor appetites.
operating system
Phone Asus Zenfon 3 Max works on the seventh Android. From the factory, it is delivered on the sixth version of the popular OS, later updated. The gadget comes with a proprietary graphical shell. The solution is quite popular, many well-known brands prefer to modify an empty system. This is done to implement your own software solutions, new gestures, commands, etc. On the device zenUI installed... If you study the reviews, you will find that users consider it one of the most successful proprietary shells. Both models, hiding under the same name, work on this system.
OS from "Asus" is convenient to use right away, out of the box. It already exists minimum of pre-installed solutions, which will be difficult for the average user to do without. However, if the owner of the smartphone wants to customize the workspace as much as possible, there is always a flexible system of settings at his service.
Stylistically, the shell is not much different from normal android... Minimalism, material design are inherent in ZenUI. Perhaps that is why, upon a cursory study, it does not produce the effect of novelty at all. In order to experience all the benefits on your own experience, the system must be used. The OS turned out to be comfortable, with a convenient virtual keyboard and a menu of active applications. Modest design and abundance of settings allow even a novice user to easily use it.
Communication and sound quality
The device supports all communication methods that are relevant today. Navigation is carried out using a GPS module. There is both Wi-Fi and mobile Internet... The smartphone is capable of working in third and fourth generation networks... Depending on the revision of the model itself, which has different processors, we can talk about the quality of 4G support. As the processors differ, the number of supported bundles also differs. Accordingly, LTE may not function in some regions.
Important! The phone is not equipped nFC module... It would be strange to expect a popular technology solution for such a reasonable price. Not every company allows itself such experiments.
Good conversation sound, clear, without extraneous noise... The speaker brings the voice of the interlocutor without noticeable distortion, it is pleasant to communicate on the phone. The sound in the built-in player can be called acceptable and even good. Is not music smartphone, but the model did not claim such a title. In general, Asus devices have always been famous for their good sounding.
Battery and autonomy
One of the most important points in a modern apparatus. Without a reserve of autonomy, even the most advanced smartphone is rapidly losing its attractiveness points. Fortunately, in terms of the duration of work, the Asus Zenfon 3 Max zc553kl smartphone, like its "younger brother", is doing well.
The battery has a capacity of as much as 4130 mAh, which is a very good indicator. Not every flagship or premium phone can boast something like that. The average cycle of work per day can be safely multiplied by two. The phone is able to hold out for two days and not be discharged to zero. Of course, under heavy load, these indicators will slightly decrease.
Important! Fast charging not provided. A fly in the ointment will serve as a long charge up to 100%. This is due to the higher capacity than most smartphones. Both revisions show a similar picture of autonomy.
Camera characteristics
The older model has a 15 Mp module, the younger one 13 Mp. Their luminosity indicators are the same, F / 2. Camera - not the most strong point phone... She is capable of taking good pictures, but you should not count on something outstanding. The picture can be partly corrected with the settings, but not all parameters can be adjusted manually.
Frontal camera Asus Zenfone 3 Max in both models has a matrix resolution of 5 megapixels. It's enough to take a photo on the go, a quick self-portrait, but not enough for a quality selfie. There is a built-in laser autofocus, and in some cases it even helps out from blur effect... The color rendition and the angle of capture of the picture force the user to turn the gadget in his hands before fixing the frame he likes.
Conclusion
The two devices hiding under the same name represent a typical budget employee. These are good gadgets that demonstrate a similar picture of work, both in terms of performance and autonomy.
- great build;
- reliability;
- high autonomy;
- low price;
- good screen;
- the ability to choose a platform;
- successful OS.
- mediocre camera;
- no NFC;
- false positives of the fingerprint sensor.
The devices are built on various platforms to enable the user to choose the one he prefers. A model on the MTK will cost an average of 7,490 rubles. The price for the device on Qualcomm is slightly higher - 9990 rubles. Both smartphones are definitely worth the money.
Аsus Zenfone 3 Max
