The Asus Zenfone 4 Max series offered excellent battery life and affordability. But with two models – the ZC554KL and ZC520KL – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZC554KL edges out the ZC520KL thanks to its superior octa-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While both offer impressive battery life, the ZC554KL's more powerful chipset makes it the better choice for smoother multitasking and gaming.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| 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 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, July. Released 2017, September | 2017, August. Released 2017, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 154 x 76.9 x 8.9 mm (6.06 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 150.5 x 73.3 x 8.8 mm (5.93 x 2.89 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 156 g (5.50 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 (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~67.6% 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-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 7 (Nougat), ZenUI 4 | Android 7 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8 (Oreo), ZenUI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 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 | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 |
| 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 | 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 | Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Gray, Rose Pink, Sand Gold, Deepsea Black | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | X00ID, X00IS, X00HDA, ZC554KL | X00HD |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC554KL
- Better Performance (Octa-Core)
- Slightly Improved Camera
- More Modern Chipset
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Potentially Slightly Shorter Battery Life (negligible)
- May be slightly more expensive
Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC520KL
- Excellent Battery Life
- Affordable
- Compact Design
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Slower Performance (Quad-Core)
- Older Chipset
- Less Responsive UI
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (HD+). While the display quality is similar, the ZC554KL might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, but the difference is minimal. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
The ZC554KL typically features a 13MP rear camera, while the ZC520KL also has a 13MP rear camera. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions. However, the ZC554KL's more modern processor allows for slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Both phones have a 5MP front-facing camera for selfies.
Performance
This is where the ZC554KL shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the ZC520KL's Snapdragon 425 quad-core. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better experience with moderately demanding games on the ZC554KL. The ZC520KL is adequate for basic tasks but can feel sluggish under heavier loads.
Battery Life
Both Zenfone 4 Max models are renowned for their exceptional battery life, thanks to their large 4100mAh batteries. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage on either device. The ZC520KL might slightly outperform the ZC554KL in extreme battery saving scenarios due to its less power-hungry processor, but the difference is negligible.
Buying Guide
The Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC554KL is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smoother multitasking, even on a budget. The ZC520KL is a good option for those primarily focused on long battery life and basic usage, like calls, texts, and light browsing, and are looking for the absolute lowest price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does 'reverse wired charging' mean?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use your phone's battery to charge other devices, like headphones or another phone, using a USB cable.
❓ Is the ZC554KL worth the extra cost?
If you value performance and a smoother user experience, the ZC554KL is worth the slight price premium. If you're on a very tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks and long battery life, the ZC520KL is a solid choice.
