Features

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 vs ZenFone Max Pro M2: Side-by-side comparison

A good choice for power users?

Published

April 5, 2019

GadgetMatch

In a sea of budget smartphones packed with midrange (and even flagship) features, it’s difficult to choose your GadgetMatch. Luckily, ASUS offers a lot of budget smartphones, and sitting on top are their ZenFone Max Pro M1 and ZenFone Max Pro M2, which were both released in last year.

Ever wonder which one really fits your budget and needs? Let’s take a look at this side-by-side comparison to see which phone is up your alley.

Specifications

To start, this table has a quick overview of their specifications:

	ZenFone Max Pro M1	ZenFone Max Pro M2
Display	6-inch LCD (1080 x 2160)	6.3-inch LCD (1080 x 2280)
Processor	Snapdragon 636	Snapdragon 660
Graphics	Adreno 509	Adreno 512
Memory	3GB/4GB	4GB/6GB
Storage	32GB/64GB	64GB
Rear camera	13MP f/2.2 primary 5MP depth sensor	12MP f/1.8 primary 5MP depth sensor
Front camera	8MP f/2.2	13MP f/2
Battery	5000mAh	5000mAh
Fingerprint	Rear-mounted scanner	Rear-mounted scanner
OS	Android 9 Pie	Android 9 Pie

Screen-wise, both phones use an IPS LCD with the Max Pro M2 having a slightly bigger display than its predecessor. While the Max Pro M1 reduced its chin and bezels, the Max Pro M2’s notch allowed for more screen real estate.

Powering the Max Pro M1 and Max Pro M2 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600 series which enables these budget phones to perform well. To support their processors, the Max Pro M1 and Max Pro M2 offer up to 4GB and 6GB of memory, respectively, as well as 64GB of internal storage.

For security, both phones have a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner on the back, which makes it easier to unlock the phone. The Max Pro M1 and Max Pro M2 use Android 8.1 Oreo with a stock interface for a pure Android experience.

Update: Both smartphones already received the Android 9 Pie.

Rear Cameras

Following the trend of dual cameras, both phones sport a 5-megapixel depth sensor on the rear. The Max Pro M1 uses a 13-megapixel camera with an aperture of f/2.2, while the Max Pro M2 uses a 12-megapixel camera with an aperture of f/1.8.

The Max Pro M2 may have a lower megapixel count than the Max Pro M1 for its primary camera, but its bigger aperture makes up for it, since it allows more light to come in and help capture more details even in bad lighting conditions. On the other hand, the Max Pro M1 takes wider shots but sometimes has issues with color accuracy.

Both phones capture adequate photos during the day, with only a little struggle under poor lighting conditions. Check out these samples:

Front Cameras

Selfie time! The Max Pro M1 has an 8-megapixel front camera with an aperture of f/2.2, while the Max Pro M2 has a 13-megapixel front camera with an aperture of f/2. Both phones feature beauty and portrait modes.

To start the comparison, here’s a sample selfie taken using auto mode:

Auto mode: Max Pro M1 on left, Max Pro M2 on right

And here’s another sample selfie taken using auto mode, but in an indoor lighting condition:

Here’s a sample selfie with just beauty mode:

Beauty mode: Max Pro M1 on left, Max Pro M2 on right

Here’s another selfie taken with only portrait mode:

And here’s a combination of beauty and portrait mode:

Beauty and Portrait mode: Max Pro M1 on left, Max Pro M2 on right

As you can see in the images above, the noticeable differences in the Max Pro M1 and Max Pro M2’s camera are their focal length and white balance, similar to the samples shown by the rear cameras earlier.

Performance

Carrying the powerful Snapdragon 600 series, the ZenFone Max Pro M1 and Max Pro M2 shine when it comes to performance. Both phones allow you to multitask without much lag when switching from one heavy app to another.

If you’re into gaming, the Max Pro M1 and Max Pro M2 can handle graphics-intensive titles like Mobile Legends, Free Fire, and Ragnarok Mobile smoothly. Frames drop every now and then, but don’t affect a user’s gameplay.

Battery

While the ZenFone Max Pro M1 and Max Pro M2 are midrange-level in terms of camera quality and performance, they surely are kings when it comes to endurance with a massive 5000mAh battery.

For power users, both the Max Pro M1 and Max Pro M2 can last up to eight hours even with constant use of social media, switching between productivity apps, watching HD videos on YouTube and/or Netflix, streaming music, and playing high-quality games. However, the Max Pro M2 drains its battery five to seven percent faster than the Max Pro M1, perhaps because of the faster chipset and wider screen.

Both phones are capable of fast charging when using the bundled charger. It takes less than three hours to fully charge them from a nearly drained battery.

Which one is your GadgetMatch?

If you want a phone that lasts with you throughout the day, the Max Pro M1 is a good choice. It has a massive battery, can handle intensive gaming, and lets you multitask and switch between apps easily. Its 4GB/64GB variant costs PhP 8,995 (roughly US$ 170), and is available in two colors: Deepsea Black and Meteor Silver.

But if you want a sleeker option, the Max Pro M2 is the better choice. It takes nicer photos in terms of color accuracy and details and carries a faster processor for improved performance. Its 4GB/64GB variant costs PhP 12,995 (around US$ 250), which is slightly higher compared to its predecessor. It’s available in Midnight Blue through Shopee and Lazada.

Another option is the Max Pro M2’s 6GB/128GB variant with two colors to choose from: Midnight Blue and Cosmic Titanium. It costs PhP 14,995 (about US$ 290) and you can purchase it at ASUS accredited stores.

The ZenFone Max Pro M1 and Max Pro M2 are powerful phones offered at affordable prices. It all comes down to your preference and what type of user you are, and of course, if it matches the budget you seek. So, which one is your GadgetMatch?

This feature was produced in collaboration between GadgetMatch and ASUS Philippines.

Hands-On

realme 9i Hands-On

Solid as usual
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Published

May 20, 2022

GadgetMatch

The realme 9i is the “little brother” in the realme 9 series. And while it doesn’t pack the same punch as its pro siblings – the realme 9 Pro and realme 9 pro+ – there’s enough here for anyone who just needs a reliable daily smartphone.

Here’s a quick look at the specs before we dive in deeper:

Performance

6.6-inch IPS LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate
Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G processor
6GB RAM with Dynamic RAM expansion feature up to 5GB
128GB Internal Storage
5,000mAh battery
33W Dart Charge tech

Cameras

50MP main camera
2MP macro lens
2MP depth lens
16MP selfie shooter

Here are some samples for your appreciation.

Neat, simple, and elegant

The realme 9i is pretty understated in the looks department. The variant we got comes in blue and depending on how the light hits, you’ll see some lines to accentuate its back.

As for button and port placements, at the bottom you’ll find the usuas: speaker grille, USB-C port, and 3.5mm jack.

On the right side is the power button/fingerprint scanner.

And on the left hand side are the two, tiny volume buttons.

Overall, the realme 9i looks neat. Simple yet elegant. The camera stands out, obviously. But you can say that for most phones these days. It’s light for its size and appearance. It’s already easy to hold as is, but it’s even easier if you’re the phone-case-and-pop-up socket type of person.

General usage

Switching from one app to the other, or going back to the home screen for that matter is seamless and fast. There’s no trouble opening or loading apps so far.

The apps load from where I last left it, provided I haven’t closed all apps, cleared RAM, or optimized phone usage.

Media consumption and gaming

We enjoyed more than our fair share of watching sports highlights on the realme 9i. It pays to have a great-performing phone to not miss any action. We didn’t have any problems watching on YouTube at the highest resolution settings and at 60 fps.

Same is true for other types of content. The viewing experience was likewise seamless.

The speaker is really loud and complements the video. You don’t have to put it on max volume although it’s still of the best quality when put to max. It doesn’t break.

Playing Mobile Legends with friends and relatives on this phone is perfect even if it’s “only” a mid-level phone. The game’s graphics settings were set on default when opening from the phone. I tinkered it to HD mode with a high refresh rate and “Ultra” graphics, and it didn’t have problems throughout the game like lagging when I played.

Battery life

On full standby in power saving mode without having to connect it to Wi-Fi or turn on mobile data, the phone consumes just about 5 to 10 percent of its battery power in one whole day.

When charging, it takes less than an hour to charge from 30 percent to full with its 33W fast charging.

Solid as usual

The “i” variants in realme’s numbered series phones have consistently been steady performers and the realme 9i is no different. It’s not gonna wow you with raw specs, but the overall package and performance makes it worthwhile.

The realme 9i retails for PhP 11,990. Buy it here.

Reviews

vivo X80 Pro Unboxing and Review

vivo’s best smartphone just got even better!

Published

May 19, 2022

GadgetMatch

The vivo X70 Pro+ was launched just several months ago. However, we’re already having a follow-up!

Unlike the X50, X60, and X70 series, the X80 series only consists of two models this time around.

Namely the X80 and X80 Pro — with the latter being vivo’s latest flagship smartphone.

But what makes it different from its predecessor? And what makes the successor a lot more exciting?

Watch our vivo X80 Pro Unboxing and Review now to find out more!

Unboxing

Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Unboxing and First Impressions

Premium, smart timepiece

Published

May 18, 2022

Apple Gamboa

Huawei has been giving us the best choices for stylish timepieces to help us reach our health and fitness goals. And they’re taking the stage again with their new flagship smartwatch — the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro.

Now let’s take a closer look at this device and check what Huawei has in store for us this time.

Unboxing

The GT 3 Pro comes in this sleek black box with the name of the device in gold. Through the box, we also get to know that it is powered by HarmonyOS.

Lifting the cover, you’re immediately greeted by the GT 3 Pro Titanium Edition looking classy beside a gold Huawei logo.

Pulling the tab on the right, you’ll see a smaller enclosure. Opening it up, you’ll see some paperwork, a USB-C cable and a wireless charging cradle.

Now here’s the GT 3 Pro taken out of the box. Looks premium, doesn’t it?

By examining the watch strap, you can easily tell that it’s made of genuine high-quality leather.

The Huawei branding is not seen on the strap. It’s instead engraved on the buckle.

Also unlike the previous GT 2 Pro that has the usual double crown design, the GT 3 Pro has a watch crown and a button.

The rotating crown serves as its power button and scroll and zoom wheel. Rotating it feels smooth without much resistance. But it does have haptic feedback, mimicking a mechanical feel.

Powering it up, you’re notified to get the Huawei Health app and pair it with your phone.

Once paired, you can tinker with the settings and apply customizations based on your preference and liking.

First impressions

What I immediately liked with the GT 3 Pro is how classy it looks. And despite it being a big smartwatch compared to what I usually use, it feels light on my wrist.

I also can’t help but admire how clean and clear it looks with its 1.43-inch AMOLED display and sapphire glass lens.

Its body, on the other hand, is made of titanium and it has a ceramic back case to complete the premium package.

Using it for a few days, it looks like this timepiece will definitely level up my expectations for smartwatches. But I have yet to fully explore and experience everything about the GT 3 Pro that I’ll share on my hands-on review so don’t forget to also check that out.