• Dimensions: 157.9 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (LWH)
• Weight: 176g
• Processor: 64-bit Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 AIE
• GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 512
• Display: 6.3-inch Full HD+ (2280 by 1080) 18:9 Full View IPS display
• Memory: 4GB/6GB RAM
• Storage: eMCP 64GB, MicroSD Card Supports up to 2TB
• Battery: 5,000 mAh with fast charging (non-removable)
• Camera:
• Rear Camera:
  • 12MP
  • F1.8 aperture
  • 27mm equivalent focal length in 35mm film camera
  • Phase-detection autofocus
  • LED flash

  Secondary Camera:

  • 5MP Portrait mode for depth sensing
• Front Camera:
  • 13MP
  • F2.0 aperture
  • 26mm equivalent focal length in 35mm film camera
  • Softlight LED flash
  • Face recognition unlock

Differences

Like it’s predecessor, the Max Pro M2 is designed to be your heavy grinder for not just gaming, but also for your every day usage. However with the Max Pro M2, ASUS decided to follow front screen design of the ZenFone 5 so instead of having a top bar that contains the front camera that separates it from the whole screen like the Max Pro M1, the Max Pro M2 has the notch (which I know people call as unsightly) instead. The choice to have the notch instead of the old design improves the screen area a bit which is pretty noticeable if you’re coming from the M1. While it’s not really an obvious improvement in screen size, but you’d really notice the difference when you full screen games or books when you have the phone sideways.

Another big difference (aside from the obvious processor and GPU for the phone) is that the Max Pro M2 isn’t blocky compared to the Max Pro M1. The curver back plate for the Max Pro M2 makes it easier to grip with one hand compared to the Max Pro M1. However, with the change with the backplate design comes with a price since the material is glossier than what the Max Pro M1 had so it’s back to finger-print magnet city for the M2.

The Max Pro M2 has a better spec’d camera compared to the Max Pro M1. It’s auto-focus is more on point and the default camera app has a better way of detecting subject on shots so you won’t need to fine tune with the Max Pro M2 as you take pictures on the fly.

The bigger diff. between the two phones is that the Max Pro M2 sports a higher spec’d processor and GPU which means the Max Pro M2 is better designed to take on the more popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile, RoS, AoV, Mobile Legends, and of course ROM (personal bias). So expect better performance than the Max Pro M1 in terms of graphical processing with the Max Pro M2.

Similarities

The M2 belongs to the Battery King line of ASUS Smartphones, The Max Pro M2 also sports a beefy 5,000 mAh battery like the Max Pro M1 so the game was able to perform on almost same level as the Max Pro M1. The Max Pro M2 is able to live up to the Battery King title and brings the same experience of not having to worry about the battery life of the phone as much.

ASUS also continues with the use of stock android with the Max Pro M2. With the current specs, there’s no lag in-between swipes or there are any visible slowdowns in the Max Pro M2. Of course with the use of stock android you’ll be missing some of the nifty features the Zen UI has, but then again, it’s not really much of a loss if you’re not into those kind of things on your phone.

Conclusion

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 improves upon what the Max Pro M1 did right and has changed a lot of things for better or for worse. In terms of accomplishing it’s promise of providing non-stop gaming it delivers in spades. With the 5,000 mAh battery being able to provide the same experience in terms of phone longevity as the Max Pro M1. I personally would’ve preferred that the Max Pro M2 use the USB-Type C port but instead, like the Max Pro M1, we have a microUSB port phone again.

ASUS was able to improve on the wheel with their design changes for the Max Pro M2. And it’s a solid contender for those looking for a phone can keep up with playing games and a good daily driver as well. The Max Pro M2 is currently the best ASUS has released for the Max line, and I’m looking forward to what ASUS will bring into the table for it’s successor.

The ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 is available at these prices:

• 14,995 php – 6GB RAM/64GB ROM – Midnight Blue and Cosmic Titanium at all authorized ASUS Resellers and concept stores
• 12,995 php – 4GB RAM/64GB ROM – Midnight Blue – Shopee/Lazada