Asus Zenfone 4 Max vs. Max Pro (M1): A Detailed Comparison

The Asus Zenfone series has long been known for offering impressive features at affordable prices. Two popular contenders are the Zenfone 4 Max and the Zenfone Max Pro (M1). But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Zenfone Max Pro (M1) is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 636 chipset, improved display, and generally better performance outweigh the 4 Max's slightly larger battery. If performance is a priority, the Max Pro (M1) is the better choice.

PHONES
Phone Names	Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC554KL	Asus Zenfone Max Pro (M1) ZB601KL/ZB602K

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - India
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	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - India

Launch
Announced	2017, July. Released 2017, September	2018, April. Released 2018, May
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum back, aluminum frame	Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame
Dimensions	154 x 76.9 x 8.9 mm (6.06 x 3.03 x 0.35 in)	159 x 76 x 8.5 mm (6.26 x 2.99 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	181 g (6.38 oz)	180 g (6.35 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)	-
Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)	1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~404 ppi density)
Size	5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.4% screen-to-body ratio)	5.99 inches, 92.1 cm2 (~76.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	S-IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53	Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm)	Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 (14 nm)
GPU	Adreno 505	Adreno 509
OS	Android 7 (Nougat), ZenUI 4	Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie)

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 3GB RAM	32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens or 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF Auxiliary lens (6 GB RAM model only)
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps

Selfie camera
Features	LED flash	LED flash
Single	8 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide)	8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1.0µm 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm (6 GB RAM model only)
Video	-	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.1, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes (market dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	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	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, gyroscope, ambient light sensor

Battery
Charging	10W wired Reverse wired	10W wired
Music play	-	Up to 199 h
Stand-by	-	Up to 840 h (3G)
Talk time	-	Up to 42 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	Meteor Silver, Deepsea Black
Models	X00ID, X00IS, X00HDA, ZC554KL	X00TD, X00TDB, X00TDA, ZB601KL, ZB602K, ZB602KL, ASUS_X00TD, X00T, X00TDE
Price	About 270 EUR	About 160 EUR

Tests
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 115509 (v7) GeekBench: 4910 (v4.4) GFXBench: 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC554KL

Large 5000mAh battery
Affordable price
Reverse wired charging

Outdated Snapdragon 430 chipset
Lower resolution display
Slower performance

Asus Zenfone Max Pro (M1) ZB601KL/ZB602K

Powerful Snapdragon 636 chipset
Larger and higher resolution display
Improved performance
Clean Android experience

Slightly shorter battery life than 4 Max
10W charging speed

Display Comparison

The Max Pro (M1) boasts a larger 6.0-inch display (vs. 5.5-inch on the 4 Max) with a higher resolution (typically 1080p vs. 720p). This results in sharper visuals and a more immersive viewing experience. The Max Pro (M1) also often features a slightly better panel with improved color accuracy.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer decent camera performance for their price range, the Max Pro (M1) generally has a slight edge. It often features a better sensor and image processing algorithms, resulting in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both typically have a 13MP main camera and a 5MP front camera.

Performance

This is where the Max Pro (M1) truly shines. The Snapdragon 636 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 430 in the 4 Max. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Kryo 260 cores in the Max Pro (M1) offer a considerable performance boost.

Battery Life

The Zenfone 4 Max is known for its large 5000mAh battery, offering excellent battery life. The Max Pro (M1) also has a large battery (typically 5000mAh), and while it doesn't quite match the 4 Max's longevity due to the more powerful processor, it still provides all-day battery life for most users.

Buying Guide

The Asus Zenfone 4 Max ZC554KL is a good option for users prioritizing a larger battery and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The Asus Zenfone Max Pro (M1) ZB601KL/ZB602K is ideal for those seeking a smoother, faster experience with better performance for gaming and multitasking, while still maintaining a competitive price.