The Asus Zenfone series has long been known for offering impressive features at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the Zenfone 2 Laser and the Zenfone 3 Max. Which one delivers the best value and performance for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Zenfone 3 Max generally edges out the Zenfone 2 Laser thanks to its larger battery, reverse charging capability, and slightly more modern chipset. However, the Laser's dual-chipset option offers potential performance advantages for some users, making it a viable choice depending on your priorities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - Global | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41 - Taiwan |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 38, 40, 41 - India | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, September | 2016, July. Released 2016, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 152.5 x 77.2 x 10.8 mm (6.00 x 3.04 x 0.43 in) | 149.5 x 73.7 x 8.6 mm (5.89 x 2.90 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 148 g (5.22 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.25 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm)Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6737M (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 306Adreno 405 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), ZenUI | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), ZenUI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, AF | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Reverse wired |
| Music play | - | Up to 87 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 720 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 20 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4130 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Red, Silver, Gold | Titanium Grey, Glacier Silver, Sand Gold |
| Models | Z00LD, Z00LDD | X008D, X008DA, X008DC, X00KD |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Asus Zenfone 2 Laser ZE550KL
- Larger display (5.5-inch)
- Dual-chipset option (Snapdragon 410 or 615)
- Potentially better performance with Snapdragon 615 variant
- Generally more affordable
- Smaller battery (3000mAh)
- Older chipset (even with Snapdragon 615)
- Lower battery life compared to 3 Max
- No reverse charging
Asus Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL
- Massive battery (4100mAh)
- Reverse wired charging
- More modern chipset (MT6737M)
- Better battery life
- More compact size
- Less powerful chipset than Snapdragon 615 variant
- Smaller display (5.2-inch)
- Potentially slower performance in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The Zenfone 2 Laser boasts a 5.5-inch display, while the Zenfone 3 Max features a 5.2-inch screen. Both offer HD resolution. The Laser's larger size might be preferable for media consumption, but the 3 Max's smaller size offers better one-handed usability.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 13MP rear camera. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is expected to be average. The Zenfone 3 Max might have a slight edge in image processing due to its newer chipset. Front cameras are likely around 5MP on both.
Performance
The Zenfone 2 Laser has a unique advantage with its dual-chipset option: a Snapdragon 410 or a Snapdragon 615. The 615 offers significantly better performance than the 3 Max's MT6737M. However, both phones utilize Cortex-A53 cores, so don't expect flagship-level speeds. The 3 Max's chipset is more modern, potentially offering better efficiency.
Battery Life
The Zenfone 3 Max's name gives away its strength: a massive 4100mAh battery. This provides significantly longer battery life than the Zenfone 2 Laser's 3000mAh battery. The 3 Max also includes reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
The Asus Zenfone 2 Laser is a good choice for users prioritizing potential performance and a slightly larger screen on a tight budget. The Zenfone 3 Max is ideal for those who need exceptional battery life, reverse charging for accessories, and a more streamlined user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Zenfone 2 Laser with the Snapdragon 615 chipset will likely offer a smoother gaming experience than the Zenfone 3 Max, but neither is a gaming powerhouse.
❓ Can the Zenfone 3 Max charge other devices?
Yes, the Zenfone 3 Max features reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices with a cable.
