Asus launched its Zenfone 3 series in August this year, less than three months back. (Read the post: ASUS goes premium) Earlier in June it had launched superpower version of its phones- Zenfone Max (Read Review: A Power Packed Maximiser.) It has quickly realised that it is time to combine the battery of Max with premium features of Zenfone 3. Hence came the idea of Zenfone 3 Max which was launched in India today, 9th November 2016. At the onset, I will like to tell you that Zenfone Max had a 5000mAh battery, while Zenfone 3 Max has a 4100mAh battery. Probably the additional features of Zenfone 3 have not let room for a bigger battery!

Well, the new smartphone will be available in two variants, 5.5 inch (ZC553KL) and 5.2 inch (ZC520TL), priced at INR 17,999 and INR 12,999 respectively. Prices already look very competitive. But few catches. The basic model of Zenfone 3 series (Zenfone 3 Laser) launched in August had the price tag of 18,999 INR. Zenfone 3 Max is cheaper than that. Whereas, Zenfone Max launched in June carried a price tag of 12,999 INR for its uppermost model. So, while the battery goes less powerful in Zenfone 3 Max (in comparison to Zenfone Max) it gets improved features and better processor. Hence, theoretically as well as practically it is not any of the phones of the earlier Zenfone 3 series with improved battery, but it is entirely a new phone which has been gelled with the already launched Zenfone 3 series as there is always a good market for smartphones with high-performing batteries.  Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL is available from today in all the major E-tailers and Retailers in India while Zenfone 3 Max ZC553KL will be available by end November’16.  Both models will be available in three stunning metallic colours – Titanium Gray, Glacier Silver, and Sand Gold.

Unlike earlier Zenfone Max and like the current Zenfone 3 series, this smartphone sports a 2.5D contoured glass touchscreen in a finely sandblasted full-metal, aluminum alloy-body with brilliant diamond cut chamfered edges, matched around the back by a gently curving rear cover that feels natural to hold. The display is surrounded by a slim, 2.25mm bezel that gives it a high 75% screen to body ratio enhancing the sleek look of the phone while minimizing bulk, giving users as large a screen for as compact a phone size as possible.

Designed for photography enthusiasts, Zenfone 3 Max features extraordinary 16MP/8MP (5.5”- ZC553KL) and 13MP/5MP (5.2”-ZC520TL) rear + front cameras that deliver crystal clear images. ASUS’ iconic PixelMaster camera captures beautiful, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag and is loaded with powerful camera modes to capture every precious moment. The industry-leading Backlight (Super HDR) mode lets users see clearly through daytime shadow, Super Resolution captures multiple shots simultaneously for a single photograph with stunning 64MP(5.5”- ZC553KL)/ 52MP(5.2”- ZC520TL) detail and Low Light mode takes clear and bright photos, even in poor lighting.  The 16MP f2.0 camera of the Zenfone 3 Max ZC553KL features triple technology autofocus system which ensures a superfast focus time of 0.03 seconds.— laser, phase detection and conventional contrast detection for continuous auto-focus — into one harmonious system that automatically selects the best one depending on the subject, lighting and range. When shooting handheld videos with Zenfone 3 Max (ZC553KL), an electronic image stabilization (EIS) system counteracts hand movements to ensure the resulting videos are stable and shake-free.

Stronger battery allows users to use the phone for a full working day and beyond. As with Zenfone Max this phone also doubles up as a fast-charge power bank for charging other devices. The product comes with inbox OTG cable for reverse charging and File Transfer. Despite this incredible battery performance, Zenfone 3 Max weighs only 148 grams (5.2’’- ZC520TL)/ 175 grams (5.5’’- ZC553KL) and  up to 8.5mm thick at the sides, making it one of the lightest and most compact smartphones with a battery that is more than 4000 mAh in capacity. To optimize performance, the smartphone also offers five selectable power modes that enable users to regulate their usage according to their needs – Performance mode, Normal mode, Power saving mode, Super Saving mode and Customized mode.

Here is the video of the launch event-

For added security and convenience, Zenfone 3 Max has a fingerprint sensor that is conveniently positioned near the top of the rear panel, allowing the user’s index finger to rest naturally upon it. The fingerprint sensor allows rapid locking or unlocking of the phone, and can also be used for authentication by other apps. The sensor functionality is integrated with the camera as well, allowing you to double tap to open the PixelMaster Camera app, and a single tap to capture the photo. It registers up to five separate fingerprints, and accurately detects fingerprints regardless of the orientation of the finger on the sensor in as swiftly as 0.3 seconds.

Zenfone 3 Max 5.5 (ZC553KL) is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 64-bit octa-core processor. Together with an Adreno 505 graphics processor, the smartphone provides a greater responsiveness and ability to run graphically demanding games. While  ASUS Zenfone 3 Max 5.2 is powered by a 64-bit quad-core processor, a Mali T720 graphics processor and a 3GB RAM.

KEY POINTS:

• Beautiful metallic design: Elegant sandblasted aluminum-alloy body with rounded edges, 2.5D contoured display glass and diamond-cut edges
• Advanced camera: Excellent 16MP/13MP PixelMaster camera with industry leading Backlight (Super HDR), Super Resolution and Low Light modes for exquisite photographs
• Extreme battery life: All-day talk time from a powerful, yet compact 4100mAh lithium-polymer battery
• Remarkable reverse charging capability: Equipped with an OTG cable for charging other devices as well as for file transfers
• Responsive Fingerprint Sensor: Fingerprint sensor unlocks in 0.3 Sec. with 5 fingers, 360 Degree Recognition and Camera Integration