Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 launches in India with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, 5000mAh battery, and stock Android

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At an earlier event in Russia, ASUS had launched the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 and the ASUS ZenFone Max M2, giving us a good look at what to expect from the devices. Now, ASUS has launched both the devices in India and Indonesia, adding in competitive alternatives in the budget and early-mid ranges.

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2

Category Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 ZB630KL Display 6.26″ FHD+ (1080 x 2280 pixels; 19:9) IPS LCD; Gorilla Glass 6 Dimensions and Weight 157.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm; 175 g SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 660; Adreno 512 GPU RAM and Storage 3GB (LPDDR4X) + 32GB;

4GB + 64GB;

6GB +64GB;Storage expandable through dedicated microSD card slot Rear Camera 12MP, Sony IMX486, f/1.8, PDAF, EIS + 5MP depth sensor Front Camera 13MP, f/2.0; LED Flash USB microUSB Battery 5,000 mAh with 18W fast charging; Also supports reverse charging SIM Dual SIM (nano) Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Rear 3.5mm headphone jack Yes Android Version Android 8.1 Oreo(Update to Android 9 Pie promised for January 2019)

The ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 features a glass front and back, as well as a metallic frame. This lends a premium look to the device, emulating offerings from higher price ranges (though other competing phones also feature a similar design setup). While the device retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, it also sports a microUSB port, which is disappointing for a device launched in late 2018.

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 builds up on the legacy of the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1, offering a very good combination of specifications alongside stock Android at a competitive price. Because of its pricing, the Max Pro M1 became a viable alternative, and even the first choice in certain scenarios, to other value-for-money devices such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro. With the Pro M2, ASUS is taking on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro, and from the first looks, the Pro M2 seems to be winning. We would have preferred if the device launched with Android 9 Pie out of the box though, as that would definitely give it a significant advantage over the current competition.

While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro focuses on photography in the early mid-range, a recent social experiment have shown that what is considered a good picture may not be entirely predictable based on the spec sheet or the pricing of the device. So with that in mind, the ZenFone Max Pro M2 may not be that far behind the Redmi Note 6 Pro, assuming even if it is based on the post-processing used by MIUI as against stock Android. The Note 6 Pro would definitely have an edge as far as portrait mode selfies go because of the existence of dedicated hardware, so if that is an important criteria for you, the Max Pro M2 may not be your first choice.

ASUS ZenFone Max M2

Category Asus ZenFone Max M2 ZB632KL Display 6.26″ HD+ (720 x 1520 pixels; 19:9) IPS LCD Dimensions and Weight 158.4 x 76.3 x 7.7 mm; 160 g SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 632; Adreno 506 GPU RAM and Storage 3GB (LPDDR3X) + 32GB;

4GB + 64GB;Storage expandable through dedicated microSD card slot Rear Camera 13MP, f/1.8 + 2MP depth sensor Front Camera 8MP, f/2.0; LED Flash USB microUSB Battery 4,000 mAh SIM Dual SIM (nano) Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Rear 3.5mm headphone jack Yes Android Version Android 8.1 Oreo (Update to Android 9 Pie promised for January 2019)

The ASUS ZenFone Max M2 is the lower-specced sibling to the Max Pro M2. Featuring a lower resolution display, lower RAM and storage and a more modest camera setup, the device allows ASUS to cover a different price segment instead of launching two similar-specced devices and confusing the user. The device features a metallic build, which is a safe bet at this price range.

Pricing and Availability in India

The ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 will be available in India from December 18, 2018, exclusively through Flipkart. The device will cost ₹12,999 ($181) for the 3GB + 32GB variant; ₹14,999 ($209) for the 4GB + 64GB variant; and ₹16,999 ($237) for the 6GB + 64GB variant. The Max Pro M2 will be available in Blue and Titanium color variants.

The ASUS ZenFone Max M2 will be available in India from December 20, 2018, also exclusively through Flipkart. The device will cost ₹9,999 ($140) for the 3GB + 32GB variant and ₹11,999 ($167) for the 4GB + 64GB variant. The Max M2 will be available in Blue and Black color variants.

Launch offers for both the devices includes no-cost EMI options, and discounted rates for Flipkart’s Complete Mobile Protection programme (available at ₹99).