Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL is a feature-packed smartphone that offers impressive performance at an affordable price point. Its sleek design and slim profile make it a stylish choice for users on the go. The 6.26-inch S-IPS LCD display provides vibrant visuals with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon SiP 1 chipset and Octa-core 1.8 GHz CPU, this phone delivers smooth multitasking and seamless app navigation. With a dual rear camera setup featuring a 12 MP primary lens and a 5 MP depth sensor, you can capture stunning photos and videos. The 8 MP front camera with LED flash is perfect for selfies even in low-light conditions. Other notable features include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, ample storage options, and a long-lasting 4000 mAh battery. Available in attractive colors like Red, Silver, Blue, and Black, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers excellent value for money, priced at around 200 EUR.

Design and Build Quality

The Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL boasts a sleek and stylish design that is both visually appealing and comfortable to hold. With dimensions of 159.2 x 76.2 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) and a weight of 165 g (5.82 oz), this smartphone strikes a balance between portability and functionality. The device features a dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) capability, allowing users to efficiently manage their personal and professional contacts.

In terms of aesthetics, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL sports a S-IPS LCD display with a size of 6.26 inches. This large screen offers an immersive viewing experience, with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels and an 18.7:9 aspect ratio. The slim bezels surrounding the display contribute to a high screen-to-body ratio of approximately 81.4%, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming.

The Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL is built with quality materials that exude durability and sophistication. The device features a well-constructed body that not only enhances its overall appeal but also ensures it can withstand everyday wear and tear. The use of premium materials contributes to the device's robustness and longevity, allowing users to enjoy its functionality for an extended period.

Ergonomics and comfort are also prioritized in the design of the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL. The device is designed to fit comfortably in the user's hand, with its slim profile and rounded edges offering a secure grip. This makes it easy to handle and operate the smartphone with one hand, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of accidental slips.

Overall, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL impresses with its physical appearance and construction. The device's sleek design, premium materials, and ergonomic considerations make it a durable and comfortable smartphone option for users seeking both style and functionality.

Display

The Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL features a 6.26-inch S-IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 398 pixels per inch. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 81.4%, which means it covers a significant portion of the front panel. The aspect ratio of 18.7:9 provides a taller and more immersive viewing experience.

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the display offers decent performance. However, as an LCD panel, it may not deliver the same deep blacks and contrast levels as OLED technology.

The brightness levels of the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) are satisfactory, ensuring good visibility even under direct sunlight. The device also supports adaptive brightness, adjusting the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.

Unfortunately, the display lacks any specific mention of features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) or a wide color gamut, suggesting that it may not excel in displaying vivid and lifelike colors.

The viewing angles are expected to be decent, allowing for comfortable viewing from different perspectives. The screen does not have an anti-reflective coating, so it may be prone to reflections in bright environments.

The device does not have a notch design, which means it features a traditional top bezel that houses the front-facing camera and other sensors. The bezels around the display are relatively slim, providing a sleek look.

Overall, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers a decent display for its price range, with a good size, resolution, and acceptable color reproduction. However, it lacks some advanced features like OLED technology, HDR, and a wide color gamut, which may impact its overall visual performance.

Performance

The Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers impressive performance in various aspects, making it a reliable choice for users seeking a smooth and lag-free experience. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon SiP 1 chipset, the device delivers commendable CPU performance, ensuring efficient multitasking capabilities and smooth app loading speeds. The octa-core 1.8 GHz processor handles tasks with ease, providing a seamless user experience.

In terms of gaming performance, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL proves to be capable of handling a range of games. The Adreno 506 GPU delivers satisfactory graphics scores and allows for an enjoyable gaming experience. With its efficient GPU, the device can handle demanding games smoothly, providing users with immersive visuals and responsive controls. Gaming benchmarks for the device showcase its ability to handle graphics-intensive games without significant lag or frame rate drops.

The Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL also excels in system optimization and thermal management. The device is designed to efficiently manage resources, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overheating during extended usage. This feature is particularly useful for gamers and power users who often engage in resource-intensive tasks.

When it comes to benchmark tests, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL showcases its performance prowess. Synthetic benchmarks reveal the device's impressive scores, reflecting its ability to handle demanding tasks and provide a smooth user experience. Whether it's CPU benchmarks or GPU benchmarks, the device consistently delivers competitive results, showcasing its processor efficiency and GPU efficiency.

Overall, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers a commendable performance package. Its chipset performance, GPU benchmarks, and gaming capabilities make it a suitable choice for users who prioritize smooth gaming experiences and multitasking performance. The device's efficient processor, optimized system, and thermal management contribute to its ability to handle resource-intensive tasks without compromising on performance. Whether it's for gaming or day-to-day usage, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL delivers a satisfying performance that meets the needs of most users.

Software and User Interface

The Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL runs on the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system, providing users with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The device offers a seamless and smooth user experience, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon SiP 1 chipset and Octa-core 1.8 GHz CPU. This combination ensures efficient and lag-free performance, allowing users to navigate through the device effortlessly.

Asus has also implemented some customization options to enhance the user experience. Users can personalize their device by customizing the home screen layout, app icons, and themes. This allows individuals to tailor their device to their own preferences and style.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL comes with a range of useful applications out of the box. These include essential apps such as a file manager, calculator, calendar, and email client. Additionally, the device offers Google's suite of apps, including Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Chrome, which are widely used and highly functional.

While the device does come with a selection of pre-installed apps, it does not suffer from excessive bloatware. Asus has taken care to provide a relatively clean software experience, ensuring that users have enough storage space and a clutter-free interface. This is particularly important for users who prioritize a streamlined and efficient device.

Overall, the software on the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers a seamless and user-friendly experience. The device runs on the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system, providing a stable and responsive interface. With its customization options, minimal bloatware, and essential pre-installed apps, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers a software experience that caters to the needs of a wide range of users.

Camera

The Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL features a dual-camera setup on its rear, consisting of a 12 MP primary camera with an aperture of f/1.8 and a 5 MP depth sensor. This combination allows for impressive image quality and sharpness, particularly in daylight photography. The camera's wide aperture enables it to capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance and reduced noise. Additionally, the camera features image stabilization, which helps to minimize blur caused by shaky hands or movement.

The Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL also offers various camera modes and features, such as portrait mode, HDR, panorama mode, and pro mode. These options provide users with flexibility and creativity in their photography, allowing them to capture stunning landscapes, detailed portraits, and vibrant scenes. The camera also includes AI scene recognition, which automatically detects the scene being captured and optimizes the settings accordingly for the best results.

In terms of video recording, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps. It also offers video stabilization, ensuring smoother footage even while moving. Additionally, users can enjoy capturing slow-motion videos and creating time-lapse sequences with this device.

Overall, the camera of the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL delivers impressive image quality, especially in daylight conditions, and offers a range of features and modes to enhance the photography experience. Whether capturing stunning landscapes or detailed portraits, users can rely on the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL to deliver natural colors, sharpness, and a good dynamic range.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected on the go. It supports network compatibility with GSM, HSPA, and LTE, allowing for reliable and fast data speeds. With dual SIM capability, you can easily switch between two SIM cards for added convenience. The device also features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, allowing for seamless wireless internet connectivity. Bluetooth 4.2 ensures easy pairing with other devices and enables wireless data transfer. Unfortunately, NFC is not supported on this device. The Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL comes equipped with a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, but does not support USB-C. Additionally, it includes GPS and GLONASS for accurate navigation and positioning. While wireless charging is not available, the device does support mobile hotspot functionality, allowing you to share your internet connection with other devices. Overall, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL provides a comprehensive range of connectivity features to cater to your needs.

Additional Features

The Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers several additional features that enhance its functionality and user experience. Firstly, it comes with a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing for easy storage expansion, so you can easily increase the device's storage capacity to meet your needs. Additionally, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL supports dual SIM functionality, enabling you to use two SIM cards simultaneously, which is convenient for managing personal and work contacts or utilizing different network providers.

In terms of sensors, the device is equipped with an accelerometer and a gyroscope, providing advanced motion sensing capabilities. These sensors enhance the accuracy of features like gaming and fitness tracking. Moreover, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL includes additional sensors that contribute to its overall sensor suite, allowing for an enhanced user experience. Unfortunately, the device does not support water resistance or wireless charging features.

However, considering its affordable price range and other notable features, such as a large display, decent camera setup, and long-lasting battery, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL is a mid-range smartphone that offers impressive features at an affordable price. When compared to other related devices in the market, it stands out for its value for money and unique features.

In terms of specifications, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL sports a 6.26-inch S-IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels. This puts it in direct competition with other mid-range smartphones such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 and the Samsung Galaxy A21s. However, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers a higher screen-to-body ratio, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

Under the hood, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon SiP 1 chipset and an octa-core 1.8 GHz CPU. While it may not be as powerful as some of its competitors like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy A51, it still delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL features a dual rear camera setup with a 12 MP main sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. It also comes with an 8 MP front-facing camera for selfies. Although it may not offer the same level of camera quality as devices like the Google Pixel 4a or the iPhone SE (2020), it still captures decent photos with good detail and color reproduction.

One of the standout features of the Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL is its large 4,000 mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life. This puts it ahead of its competitors in terms of endurance, especially when compared to devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 or the Samsung Galaxy A21s.

Overall, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL offers great value for money with its affordable price tag and decent performance. While it may not have the same level of specifications or camera quality as some of its competitors, it still holds its own in the mid-range smartphone market.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent features for its price. With its sleek design and large 6.26-inch display, it provides an immersive viewing experience. The dual rear camera setup captures good quality photos, while the 8 MP front camera is suitable for selfies. The device runs on an older Android 8.0 (Oreo) operating system and is powered by a Snapdragon SiP 1 chipset, which may not provide the fastest performance. However, the 4000 mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage. Overall, if you are seeking an affordable smartphone with a big screen and satisfactory camera capabilities, the Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M2) ZB634KL could be a suitable choice.