First announced last week by Asus and Flipkart, the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) has today officially been launched in India. It carries a price tag of ₹10,999 for the base model.
Price and Availability
The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) has been priced at ₹10,999 for the 3GB+32GB variant, while the 4GB+64GB variant will cost you ₹12,999.
In addition, there will be a ZenFone Max Pro with 6GB RAM (64GB storage), and upgraded 16MP camera hardware for front and rear, which will be priced at Rs 14,999.
The first two variants will go on sale from May 3, 2018, exclusively on Flipkart, while the 6GB variant will be launched at a later date.
No Notch, 18:9 Display
While Asus may have adopted the notch with its ZenFone 5 lineup at MWC 2018, the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is a more traditional affair. Instead, it features a vibrant and immersive 5.99-inch FullView Display, with considerable top and bottom bezels.
It features a metal chassis, which gives it some heft but makes it comfortable to grip. You also get a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is easy to reach in most situations.
Snapdragon 636
Under the hood, ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is powered by the Snapdragon 636 SoC. It’s the same chipset that is found in the ultra popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro, so you can expect a smooth and lag-free experience. The SoC features and octa-core Kryo 260 CPU (Kryo is featured in the Snapdragon 800-series as well) and Adreno 509 GPU. This is coupled with up to 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage, which can be expanded using the dedicated microSD card slot in the triple-slot SIM tray.
Dual Rear Cameras
As for the optics department, Asus has also cloned iPhone X’s vertical dual-camera setup but there’s a major difference. The dual camera system, which sports a 13MP primary lens and a 5MP secondary Portrait Mode lens, doesn’t protrude but instead sits flush with the rear panel, which is rare in today’s smartphones. You also get an 8MP selfie camera and soft-light LED on both sides.
Multimedia Features
The Zenfone Max Pro comes with a 5-magnet speaker along with the NXP smart amplifier, which Asus says has been borrowed from the company’s high-end Zenfone lineup. Along with the Zenfone Max Pro, buyers will get a passive amplifier called MaxBox, which Asus claims can amplify the sound of the phone by 4X. The MaxBox, which channels audio from the phone’s speakers using passive technology, will be come bundled with this phone.
Massive 5000 mAh Battery
Now, there are two prominent highlights of the ZenFone Max Pro (M1). The device needs to earn the ‘Max’ moniker, so it packs a large 5,000 mAh battery (another reason for the heft) that will easily last you a couple of days. Unfortunately, the Max Pro uses the older micro-USB port for charging with fast battery charging at 5V/2A 10W.
The phone will come with a triple slot for two SIM cards and a microSD card for up to 2TB in extra storage.
Stock Android and Promised Updates
Secondly, Asus says that users in India want stock Android and that’s what the company is offering with an almost stock version of Android with the latest Android 8.1 Oreo. Asus claims the phone will get Android P and ‘Android Q’ as well as monthly updates.
You get a snappy UI and intuitive experience, but there are a few apps pre-installed that are not part of the stock Android setup, including the indispensable (for India) FM Radio app, as well as custom Calculator and Sound Recorder apps for some reason.
Launch Offers
Vodafone consumers who buy the Max Pro will get offers worth Rs 3,200. For prepaid customers, those who are on Rs 199 plan or above, Asus and Vodafone are offering 10 GB additional data per month for one full year.
For postpaid consumers, the service provider will give the same additional 10GB data per month for a year for those on the RED 399 plan. Those on the RED 499 plan get Vodafone’s Device Security Insurance Plan for 2 years.
Those exchanging an older phone for the Max Pro will get Rs 1,000 extra discount over the exchange amount. In addition, Flipkart is offering its revamped Complete Mobile Protection at Rs 49 with the phone.
There’s More
Our first impressions of the Zenfone Max Pro M1, and specs comparisons with the obvious competition i.e. the Redmi Note 5 Pro are coming shortly. Stay tuned to Beebom.com for all the latest on the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1.
