Asus Zenfone 3 ZE552KL vs Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL: Which is Right for You?

The Asus Zenfone 3 series offered compelling budget options, but choosing between the ZE552KL and ZC520TL can be tricky. Both phones aimed to deliver value, but with different priorities. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The ZE552KL generally wins due to its superior Snapdragon 625 chipset, better display contrast, and significantly longer battery life. However, the ZC520TL's reverse charging capability and potentially lower price point might appeal to users prioritizing that feature and budget.

PHONES
Phone Names	Asus Zenfone 3 ZE552KL	Asus Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL

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 (Global), LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps (Taiwan)	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 28 - USA/Brazil	1, 3, 5, 8, 40 - India

Launch
Announced	2016, May. Released 2016, August	2016, July. Released 2016, August
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	152.6 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm (6.01 x 3.05 x 0.30 in)	149.5 x 73.7 x 8.6 mm (5.89 x 2.90 x 0.34 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM	Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM
Weight	155 g (5.47 oz)	148 g (5.22 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	-
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size	5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio)	5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super IPS+	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53	Quad-core 1.25 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm)	Mediatek MT6737M (28 nm)
GPU	Adreno 506	Mali-T720MP2
OS	Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), ZenUI 3	Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), ZenUI 3

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.0

Main Camera
Features	Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF, 3-axis OIS	13 MP, f/2.2, AF
Video	4K@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, f/2.0	5 MP, f/2.0
Video	1080p@30fps	-

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes
	24-bit/192kHz audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE	4.0, A2DP, EDR
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), 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-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable	Li-Po 4130 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Sapphire Black, Moonlight White, Shimmer Gold	Titanium Grey, Glacier Silver, Sand Gold
Models	Z012DB, Z012D, Z012DA, Z012DC, Z012S, Z012DE	X008D, X008DA, X008DC, X00KD
Price	About 330 EUR	About 230 EUR

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -86.6dB / Crosstalk -91.1dB	-
Battery life	Endurance rating 74h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 1355 (nominal), 2.563 (sunlight)	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 65dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 76dB	-
Performance	Basemark OS II 2.0: 1205	-

Asus Zenfone 3 ZE552KL

Superior Performance (Snapdragon 625)
Excellent Battery Life (74h Endurance)
Better Display Contrast
Generally better camera performance

Potentially higher price than ZC520TL
May be slightly larger/heavier

Asus Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL

Reverse Wired Charging
Potentially Lower Price
Compact Size

Weaker Performance (Mediatek MT6737M)
Shorter Battery Life
Less Vibrant Display
Lower overall responsiveness

Display Comparison

The ZE552KL boasts a significantly better display with a contrast ratio of 1355 (nominal) and 2.563 in sunlight, indicating superior visibility and image quality compared to the ZC520TL. While the ZC520TL's display is adequate, it lacks the vibrancy and clarity of its counterpart. Both feature similar resolutions, but the ZE552KL's contrast makes a noticeable difference.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, the ZE552KL generally has a slightly better camera system due to the superior processing power of the Snapdragon 625. Image quality, especially in low light, is likely to be better on the ZE552KL. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) are not provided, but the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing.

Performance

The ZE552KL's Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset and Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU provide a considerable performance advantage over the ZC520TL's Mediatek MT6737M and Quad-core 1.25 GHz Cortex-A53. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the ZE552KL. The ZC520TL is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

The ZE552KL's endurance rating of 74h is a standout feature, significantly outperforming the ZC520TL. This indicates dramatically longer battery life, allowing for extended usage without frequent charging. The ZC520TL's battery life is respectable, but not in the same league as the ZE552KL.

Buying Guide

The Asus Zenfone 3 ZE552KL is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a vibrant display, and exceptional battery life. The Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL is a good choice for those on a tighter budget and who value the convenience of reverse wired charging to power other devices.