ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2, Max M2 leaked ahead of launch
Earlier this year, ASUS came up with its Zenfone Max Pro M1 to rival the likes of Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 5 Pro and Moto G series phones. With a wide array of consumer-friendly features, the handset quickly became one of the highest selling budget smartphones, posing a threat to the segment-leading Redmi Note 5 Pro. Since then, Xiaomi unveiled their updated Redmi Note 6 Pro and adopted modern features such as a notched display, better cameras and an overall refined package. ASUS isn’t sitting quiet and is gearing up for an answer to the Note 6 with the Zenfone Max Pro M2.
ASUS already went out with teasers on its social media channels recently, flaunting the most important feature that will set the successor apart from its predecessor – a display notch. Yes, the Zenfone Max Pro M2 will finally go in for the notch trend. The teaser video shows the display notch holding a single front camera, an LED flash and earpiece. The size of the notch is fairly small when compared to its immediate rival. ASUS has also stated that the Max Pro M2 will feature Gorilla Glass 6 protection, which will make it the first smartphone in its segment to offer the latest display protection from Corning. The handset will be a Flipkart exclusive. Nothing else has been made official for now.
However, leaks have already started pouring in and we have an almost clear picture of what the Zenfone Max Pro M2 will eventually shape up to be. For starters, the handset will have a notch and a fairly noticeable chin. The rear seems to be made out of glass or ultra glossy polycarbonate material, which will make it one of the most premium looking handsets in its price segment alongside the Honor 8X. There’s a dual rear camera set up along with a dual tone LED flash situated on the top left position. The capacitive fingerprint sensor stays in the conventional position on the rear as well.
It’s difficult to figure out whether the Zenfone Max Pro M2 will feature a USB-C port or the conventional micro USB port. However, a 3.5mm headphone jack seems to be a part of the package, which is good news for audiophiles possessing good headphones with the conventional 3.5mm port. Similar to its predecessor, the Max Pro M2 will avoid ASUS’ custom ZenUI and come with a stock Android interface – thanks to the lockscreen screenshots. Rumours also suggest that ASUS will upgrade the chip on the Max Pro M2 to the Snapdragon 660 from the Max Pro M1’s Snapdragon 636. With the Snapdragon 660, the Max Pro M2 could give the Redmi Note 6 Pro a run for its money if priced cleverly.
Additionally, ASUS will also unveil a Zenfone Max M2 alongside the Pro model. The Zenfone Max M2 will offer a modern notched display similar to the Max Pro M2. However, the notch will be bigger on the M2 and the chin will be a tad slimmer compared to the Max Pro M2. Since this will be a budget option, ASUS has retained the metal-plastic unibody construction from the first generation Max Pro M1. In fact, the design of the rear is pretty reminiscent of the Max Pro M1 with the dual camera setup and fingerprint sensor. Rumours suggest the presence of a Snapdragon 636 chip in the M2, which will make it one of the most powerful handsets in the budget segment if priced under Rs 10,000.
Since these are leaks and rumours, we suggest you wait for the official information before you make up your mind. Considering ASUS’ aggressive pricing strategies for the last generation models, it will be interesting to see how ASUS prices the Max Pro M2 against the Redmi Note 6 Pro and whether ASUS is crafting another runaway success?
