The Asus Zenfone series offered compelling budget-friendly smartphones back in 2016. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the Zenfone Max (ZC550KL) and the Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML). Which one holds up better and offers the best value for potential buyers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Zenfone 2 ZE551ML generally edges out the Zenfone Max ZC550KL thanks to its faster processor, quicker charging, and potentially better camera performance. However, the Max's larger battery provides exceptional endurance. It depends on your priorities: speed vs. longevity.
| 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 - India | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 38, 39, 40, 41 - India | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 18, 19, 28 - 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, May. Released 2016, May | 2015, January. Released 2015, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156 x 77.5 x 10.6 mm (6.14 x 3.05 x 0.42 in) | 152.5 x 77.2 x 10.9 mm (6.00 x 3.04 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.3 GHz (4 GB RAM model)Quad-core 1.8 GHz (2 GB RAM model) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm) | Intel Atom Z3580 (4 GB RAM model)Intel Atom Z3560 (2 GB RAM model) |
| GPU | Adreno 405 | PowerVR G6430 |
| OS | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), ZenUI | Android 5.0 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 18W wired, 60% in 40 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 914 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 38 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Orange, Blue | Osmium Black, Sheer Gold, Glacier Gray, Glamor Red, Ceramic White |
| Models | Z010DD | Z00AD, Z00A |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 59h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 62dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 67dB |
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1090Basemark X: 12565 |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 59h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 62dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 67dB |
| Performance | - | Basemark OS II 2.0: 1090Basemark X: 12565 |
Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL (2016)
- Exceptional battery life
- Affordable price (when new)
- Decent display
- Reverse wired charging
- Slower performance
- Outdated chipset
- Potentially lower camera quality
- Plastic build quality
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML
- Faster processor (especially 4GB RAM model)
- Quick charging (18W)
- Potentially better camera
- More responsive user experience
- Battery life not as impressive as Max
- Intel Atom chipset can be less efficient
- Older model, limited software updates
Display Comparison
Both phones feature 5.5-inch displays, likely with similar resolutions (720p). The Zenfone 2 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially higher quality panel technology, but this is difficult to confirm definitively without detailed testing data. Viewing angles should be comparable.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a mixed bag. Both phones have Photo/Video capabilities, but the Zenfone 2 likely has a slight edge in image quality, particularly in good lighting conditions. The Zenfone Max's camera might be slightly better in low light due to potentially larger sensor size, but this is speculative. Both cameras are likely to produce acceptable results for casual photography.
Performance
The Zenfone 2's Intel Atom Z3580 (or Z3560) paired with 4GB of RAM (in the higher-end model) provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Zenfone Max's Snapdragon 615. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the Zenfone 2. The Max's Octa-core Cortex-A53 processor is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Zenfone Max truly shines in battery life. Its larger capacity (likely 4100mAh or greater) delivers exceptional endurance, living up to its 'Max' moniker. The Zenfone 2, while boasting a respectable 59h endurance rating (likely a marketing figure), is likely to offer significantly less real-world battery life than the Max.
Buying Guide
The Asus Zenfone Max ZC550KL is ideal for users prioritizing battery life above all else and who don't need the absolute fastest performance. The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML is a better choice for those seeking a more responsive experience, faster charging, and potentially improved camera capabilities, especially if opting for the 4GB RAM model.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Zenfone Max still worth buying?
If you prioritize battery life above all else and can find it at a very low price, the Zenfone Max can still be a decent option. However, newer budget phones offer better performance and features.
❓ Which Zenfone has the better processor?
The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML, particularly the 4GB RAM model with the Intel Atom Z3580, has a significantly faster processor than the Zenfone Max's Snapdragon 615.
