Asus Zenfone 4 Max vs. Zenfone 4 Max Pro: Which One Should You Choose?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Zenfone 4 Max Pro is the clear winner, offering a more powerful processor, faster charging, and reverse charging capabilities. While the standard 4 Max is still a decent budget option, the Pro's upgrades justify the slight price difference for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC554KL | Asus Zenfone 4 Max Pro ZC554KL |
| 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 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global, India, Indonesia |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - Global, India, Indonesia |
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41 - USA, Canada | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41 - Americas, Asia | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017, July. Released 2017, September | 2017, August. Released 2017, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 154 x 76.9 x 8.9 mm (6.06 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 154 x 76.9 x 8.9 mm (6.06 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | S-IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm)Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 308Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 7 (Nougat), ZenUI 4 | Android 7 (Nougat), ZenUI 4 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), AF 13 MP, f/2.0, 12mm, no AF | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, 18mm (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired Reverse wired | 18W wired 2.5W reverse wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 1104 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 40 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Titanium Gray, Rose Pink, Sand Gold, Deepsea Black | Deepsea Black, Sunlight Gold, Rose Pink |
| Models | X00ID, X00IS, X00HDA, ZC554KL | - |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC554KL
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable price
- Decent display
- Slower performance
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Asus Zenfone 4 Max Pro ZC554KL
- Excellent battery life
- Faster performance
- Fast charging
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly more expensive
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1280 resolution. While the color accuracy and brightness are adequate for everyday use, neither display stands out. Expect similar viewing experiences on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is underwhelming on both. The 4 Max Pro *may* have slightly improved image processing due to its more powerful chipset, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The 4 Max Pro boasts an Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 chipset, while the standard 4 Max has a Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53. The 4 Max Pro's chipset generally provides a snappier and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps. The standard 4 Max can feel slightly sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both phones are known for their large 5000mAh batteries, offering excellent battery life. However, the 4 Max Pro's 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 4 Max's 10W charging. The 4 Max Pro also includes 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC554KL? Users on a very tight budget who prioritize battery life over performance and don't need fast charging. Who should buy Asus Zenfone 4 Max Pro ZC554KL? Anyone seeking a smoother user experience, faster charging, and the added convenience of reverse wired charging, without breaking the bank.