I’ve been using the Max Pro M2 as my daily driver for about a week now. Let me share my thoughts on the device. This is my Zenfone Max Pro M2 review.
The Max Pro M2 is the latest smartphone from Zenfone line, not to be confused with the Zenfone Max M2. The smartphone is designed as an all-around, everyday driver. They claimed that it performs well on games, has a battery that can last more than most phones, and has great ASUS’ camera quality for its price range. But we’ll see how it fares.
Read my review on the Zenfone Max M2 here: https://davaogeekhub.com/zenfone-max-m2-review/
What’s Inside the Box
I’ve already made a very quick unboxing video of the Max Pro M2 at a special preview during its launch last December 2018. Included in the box is some paperworks (User Guide, Warranty Card), a Clear Rubber/Jelly Case, Sim Toolkit, USB Cable, Charging Brick, Headset, and the phone itself. You can check out the video below.
Design and Build Quality
The Max Pro M2’s design language is very similar to its predecessor, the Zenfone Max Pro M1. In fact, they looked very similar that it’s hard to differentiate them apart at first glance. The device has a fairly wide screen that has a big notch at top ang a bit of a chin below.
I’m impressed with how it’s built. It’s heavy enough for you to feel how solid it really is. Not like most phones on this price range where the plastic really feels cheap. The curved edge back, that is a staple in most Zenfones, feels really comfortable to hold as usual.
Performance and Gaming
Performance on everyday uses is great. I haven’t experienced any lag so far; the screen is also snappy on operation. The device can also handle multiple apps at once with ease.
Gaming on the Max Pro M2 is a treat. It performs well while gaming, much better than the Max Pro M1. I didn’t experience any lag on medium graphic settings. Plus, with its battery capacity, you can play games for hours. There is also no heating issue while gaming. It gets a bit hot when gaming for long hours, but not that it gets uncomfortable to hold.
Below are some benchmark results. For some reason, 3DMark keeps crashing on this phone.
- Antutu Benchmark – 130,588
- Geekbench 4 – 1,467 (Single-core), 5,506 (Multi-core)
- PCMark – 5,869 (Work 2.0)
Camera Quality
The M2’s camera is an improvement to the M1. The M1’s photos are already great, and the M2’s photos are a bit better. It shoots great on perfect lighting but is somehow lacking on very lowlight. It does, however, compensate with its night shooting mode.
Sample photos below.
Audio Quality
Speakers on this device are pretty loud and clear. You can play music on this thing without the need to use a separate Bluetooth speaker.
Other Features
The Max Pro M2 has a fingerprint sensor at the back, as well as face unlock for security. The fingerprint sensor is pretty fast as always, but the face unlock has a hard time detecting my face on low light. It does work perfectly on great lighting.
The device also comes in stock android, which I personally like.
Zenfone Max Pro M2 Specifications
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 170 g |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 |
| GPU | Adreno 512 |
| RAM | 6 GB/ 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Display | 6.3-inch FHD+,2280 x 1080 |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.4, depth sensor |
| Front Camera | 13 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo |
| Color | Midnight Blue, Cosmic Titanium (Limited) |
| Price | Php 14,995/ Php 12,995 |
