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.

Accessories

Unboxing a CUSTOM Apple Watch Series 5

Titanium is a new option

Published

September 20, 2019

GadgetMatch

This is our Apple Watch Series 5 Unboxing and Hands-On.

For the first time, you can customize Apple Watch Studio, pick your case, and your dream band before you check-out. Apart from the usual aluminum and stainless steel, this year ceramic is back, and titanium is a new option.

In this video, we unboxed a custom Apple Watch. I chose a 44mm Apple Watch with a stainless steel with a Milanese loop. Go over the new features in Series 5 and WatchOS 6.

More from Apple: iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro | Apple Watch Series 5 | iPad 7th Gen

Unboxing

iPhone 11 Unboxing: Purple, Midnight Green or Space Gray?

Fresh new iPhones!

Published

September 20, 2019

GadgetMatch

This is our iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max Unboxing.

Not sure which color to get? We help you out in this video by unboxing the Purple iPhone 11, and both the Space Grey and Midnight Green iPhone 11 Pros.

More from Apple: iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro | Apple Watch Series 5 | iPad 7th Gen

Hands-On

OPPO A9 2020 Hands-On: Massive and Playful

For every kind of junkie

Published

September 19, 2019

MJ Jucutan

OPPO recently streamlined its smartphone lineup. From Find and Reno, OPPO introduces us to the newest A series. On paper, it seems the A-series is a combination of the F-series and former A-series. Sitting in a sweet spot between an affordable price range and incredible performance, the OPPO A9 2020 is shaping up to be a contender in a sea of smartphones fighting for the crown in the midrange category.

With Xiaomi and Huawei firmly in the lead, can OPPO put up a fight just like it did with its F series? Let’s find out in this Hands-On!

Starting with looks, the OPPO A9 2020 gives in to a premium-like design

It has a dedicated fingerprint scanner and a quad-camera setup on its rear

You can find the power button here…

…While the left side houses the volume keys and sim card slot

Its top is clear, but its bottom shows-off its speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C port

It has a 6.5″ IPS LCD screen with a waterdrop notch for the front camera

The OPPO A9 2020 prides itself with its new design that took inspiration from its R-series. In addition, OPPO focused on the phone’s display, reinforcing its IPS LCD screen with a Toughened Corning Gorilla Glass 3+.

Moreover, its screen has new features such as the Sunlight Screen which allows you to adjust the contrast so you can read the screen, even under strong direct light. It also has a Blue Shield which filters out blue light, relieving your eyes from fatigue and strain and protecting your eyesight.

Going big and definitely not going home

Sporting a Snapdragon 665 chipset along with an 8GB RAM, 128GB storage (which you can expand up to 256GB of external memory), the A9 2020 really joined the battle of offering power to midrange devices. OPPO decides to make everything flashy and… big.

For instance, it boasts a humongous 5000mAh battery that can last you throughout the day. Furthermore, it’s capable of reverse wireless charging (through OTG) so your friends can rely on you when their phones run out of battery.

Gamers will find delight with the A9 2020. Thanks to Game Boost 2.0, OPPO’s accelerator technology aims to resolve latency, reduce touchscreen lag, and optimizing energy consumption to avoid overheating.

OPPO decided to up their game for entertainment junkies, too! Packed with Dual Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos sound effects, expect a superb, immersive audio experience.

Smarter, smoother

The A9 2020 runs on ColorOS 6 based on Android 9.0. Now, its interface is cleaner and smoother. Icons look cute with their subtle gradient tones.

It also comes with smart functions like Smart Assistant, Riding Mode — which lets you remain uninterrupted by notifications and incoming calls — and a Music party app which lets multiple phones connect in the same LAN through a Wi-Fi hotspot for synchronized listening.

Navigating the phone is now easier with a single hand, too. Through Gesture Navigation, you can return to the home screen, check out recent tasks, switch pages and applications by just swiping up, left, and right.

Cameras for all angles and scenarios

The OPPO A9 2020 shows off its highly versatile camera setup. It has a 48-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel portrait lens, and a 2-megapixel mono lens on its rear.

On its front is a 16-megapixel camera with AI Beautification technology which automatically identifies your skin tone, age, gender, and skin color for customized beautification, giving you a pretty yet make-up free look.

More features include artistic portrait styles, ultra night mode, and 4K video shooting. More sample photos here:

Is the OPPO A9 2020 your GadgetMatch?

If you’re into massive and chunky smartphones with a solid build, the OPPO A9 2020 might be a good match. It offers power and performance for gamers and entertainment junkies, and its smartphone has a versatile camera setup to appease your needs. While there may be Xiaomi and Huawei leading the midrange category, OPPO definitely cooked up a powerful yet affordable phone that can go toe-to-toe with its rivals.

The OPPO A9 2020 is available in two colors: Space Purple and Marine Green. Its retail price is PhP 15,990 and will be available for pre-order starting September 20 until September 27 in Lazada, and through OPPO stores, authorized dealers, and e-commerce partner sites like Shopee, Akulaku, and Argomall on September 28.

For those who want to avail through Home Credit, customers can pre-order the A9 2020 starting September 20 with flexible payment terms of six and nine months with a guaranteed zero percent interest.