Released in different eras of the budget smartphone market, the Micromax Canvas XL2 and the Asus Zenfone Max (M1) represent distinct approaches to delivering value. The Canvas XL2, leveraging an older Mediatek chipset, aimed for affordability, while the Zenfone Max (M1) brought Qualcomm's Snapdragon 430 to the table, promising improved performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Asus Zenfone Max (M1) is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Micromax Canvas XL2’s Mediatek MT6589M, translating to a smoother user experience and better app compatibility. While both prioritize battery life, the Zenfone Max (M1)'s more efficient processor and 10W charging provide a more balanced package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A version |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - A version |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 40 - C version |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, August. Released 2014, August | 2018, October. Released 2018, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 147.3 x 70.9 x 8.7 mm (5.80 x 2.79 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 960, 16:9 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~247 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 | 5.45 inches, 86.5 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6589M (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 8 (Oreo), ZenUI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 720p@15fps | 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | VGA | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | - | Photo/video editor |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 255 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Deepsea Black, Sunlight Gold |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 57845 (v7)
GeekBench: 2434 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 5.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Micromax A109 Canvas XL2
- Potentially lower price point (depending on current market)
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- May be easier to find replacement parts
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Limited app compatibility
- Likely poor software support
Asus Zenfone Max (M1) ZB556KL
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 430 processor
- Better multitasking and app performance
- More modern software foundation
- 10W charging support
- Larger 4000mAh battery
- Slightly higher price point
- Charging speed is slow by modern standards
- May be difficult to find new
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the age of both, detailed display specs like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. However, the Zenfone Max (M1) likely benefits from more refined display calibration typical of Asus products. Both are expected to feature 720p panels, adequate for basic usage, but lacking the sharpness of higher-resolution displays. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget origins.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. However, given the market segment, both devices likely feature basic camera setups. The Zenfone Max (M1) likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally provides better image processing and noise reduction compared to Mediatek’s offerings in this price range. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image quality will suffer in low-light conditions. Focusing on the primary sensor is key; any 2MP auxiliary sensors on either phone are unlikely to deliver meaningful results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Asus Zenfone Max (M1) utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430, an octa-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the Micromax Canvas XL2’s Mediatek MT6589M, a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. The Cortex-A53 architecture is significantly more efficient and capable than the older Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding applications on the Zenfone Max (M1). The Snapdragon 430 also includes a more capable GPU, offering a better gaming experience, though still limited to lighter titles. Thermal management is likely superior on the Zenfone Max (M1) due to the more modern 28nm process node used by both chips.
Battery Life
Both phones were marketed for their long battery life. The Zenfone Max (M1) features a larger 4000mAh battery and supports 10W wired charging. While the Canvas XL2’s battery capacity is unknown, the Snapdragon 430’s superior power efficiency gives the Zenfone Max (M1) a clear advantage in real-world usage. The 10W charging on the Zenfone Max (M1) is relatively slow by today’s standards, but it’s still faster than what the Canvas XL2 likely offers. The Zenfone Max (M1) is more likely to last a full day of moderate use, while the Canvas XL2 may require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax A109 Canvas XL2 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and are willing to compromise significantly on performance and software support. It might serve as a basic calling and messaging device. Buy the Asus Zenfone Max (M1) ZB556KL if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, better app compatibility, and a more modern software foundation, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax Canvas XL2 struggle with modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6589M processor and limited RAM in the Canvas XL2 will likely result in slow loading times, lag, and potential crashes when running modern apps. These apps are optimized for more powerful processors and may not function optimally on such an older chipset.
❓ Can the Asus Zenfone Max (M1) handle basic mobile gaming?
The Snapdragon 430 in the Zenfone Max (M1) can handle basic mobile gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or graphics settings. Lighter titles and older games will run reasonably well, but demanding games like PUBG Mobile will likely require significant compromises in graphics quality to achieve playable performance.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Zenfone Max (M1) slow compared to newer phones?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than the 25W, 33W, or even 65W charging found on many modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take several hours. However, it's still a functional charging speed and is preferable to potentially slower or non-existent charging on the Canvas XL2.
