ASUS is proud to introduce that they have the smartphones built for photography. From my previous post reviewing the Zenfone 2 Laser 5.0, I now have the chance to also do the same with a fresh smartphone with a bigger screen, more battery life, and a member of the Zenfone line of devices.
With this particular post, I will tell you some of the notable things I love about the new Asus Zenfone 3 Max 5.5.
Incredible Is Now With The Asus Zenfone 3 Max 5.5
The Asus ZenFone 3 Max 5.5 (ZC553KL) is powered with an Android OS version 6.0 (Lollipop) and showcases a 5.5-inch full HD multitouch screen that can give you a better view of your photos, videos, messages and everything that needs to have lifelike colors.
It was introduced in the market last November of 2016, so I can say that this smartphone is very new to the gadget world. It is not very bulky considering the 8.3 mm thickness and the 5.5-inch screen. The weight is just fine of 175 grams already with the 4,100mAh battery. The smartphone is comfortable to carry and is amazing.
The menu is clean and flawless with its Zen UI 3.0 experience. Asus-made and Google apps are pre-installed on the device. However, the user can have the option to uninstall them. The space available for the application and other files is at 22.51 GB (the default storage capacity is 32 GB).
16 Mega Pixel Rear Camera with Laser Autofocus
“Built For Photography” is their primary tagline on their later Zenfone 3 smartphone line. The 16 MP rear camera does give you good quality images. Aside from the 16 MP camera, it also has f/2.0 aperture, phase detection capability, and with a dual-LED (dual tone) flash.
Here’s a sample photo I’ve taken during the recent Sinulog Festival in January.
It also has a Fingerprint sensor Touch Security that can be set up to either unlock the device (within 0.3 seconds) or open the smartphone camera.
With Asus ZenFone 3 Max 5.5, tapping the screen on camera mode will focus the image right away (0.03 seconds). That’s the advantage of having the laser autofocus technology which you can find on the right-hand side of the rear camera lens.
The Asus ZenFone 3 Max 5.5 can support up to 256 GB microSD card for added external disk space. However, using the microSD slot will also occupy the SIM 2 slot (the smartphone is dual-SIM capable). But with this device, it already has 32 GB of internal storage but knowing that the microSD card slot can cater a much bigger capacity for more photos and files, it’s can also be good. I have used the SIM 2 slot for my 32 GB microSD card.
To The Max
The Zenfone 3 Max has 4,100mAh battery that can stand up to 38 days standby time, 17 hours talk time, almost 20 hours Wi-Fi web browsing or 72 hours music playback. You can also use the smartphone as a power bank with its reverse charging technology. The 4,100mAh battery can substantially charge other devices with the reverse charging cord (in the box).
During the Sinulog Festival Grand Parade Day, I have tested the smartphone for photography and videography. It lasted for more than a day with the extensive use.
Here’s the video as I took the challenge to test its battery. You can also check the status of the battery, sample photos, and videos.
The smartphone has a Power Saving Mode system that once activated, 10% battery can last up to 30 hours of standby time.
Stunning 5.5 Display
Aside from the fact that this smartphone is ideal for photography with its full high-definition IPS display, the thin 2.25mm bezel and remarkable 73% screen-to-body ratio give you more display for watching videos or playing mobile games. I’ve been using this to play Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
Download Mobile Legends: Bang Bang at Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android device.
Asus ZenFone 3 Max 5.5 Technical Specifications
Here’s the summary of its technical capabilities:
| Platform | Android™ 6.0 with brand-new ASUS ZenUI 3.0 |
| Color | Metal : Glacier Silver/Sand Gold/Titanium Gray/Rose Pink |
| Dimension | 151.4 x 76.24 x 8.3 mm (LxWxH) |
| Weight | 175 g (with battery) |
| CPU/GPU | 64-bit Qualcomm®Octa-Core ProcessorSnapdragon™ 430; Adreno™ 505 |
| Memory | 3GB RAM LPDDR3 |
| Storage | 32GB eMCP |
| Memory Slot | Micro SD Card up to 128 GB |
| Connectivity Technology | WCDMA/2G/3G/4G/LTE/TDD-LTE/FDD-LTE ASUS phone 4G/LTE band compatibility varies by region. Please check compatibility with local carriers If intending to use your ASUS phone outside the original purchase region. The network bands and upload/download speed vary with the mobile operator and regions. 4G LTE is supported in specific countries/regions only. |
| Navigation | GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS/BDSS |
| Display | 5.5-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display 73% screen-to-body ratio 450nits brightness Bluelight Filter for Eye Care 2.5D Contoured Glass |
| Battery | 4100mAh (non-removable) |
| Camera | Front: 8MP Camera , f/2.2 aperture , 4 P Largan lens
PixelMaster Camera Modes: Back Light (HDR) Mode, Low Light Mode, Manual Mode (for DSLR-like camera detail settings), Night Mode, Photo Effect Mode Rear: 16MP Camera, f/2.0 aperture, 5 P Largan lens Auto Focus |
| I/O Ports | Micro USB 3.5mm audio jack (1 Head phone / Mic-in) |
| Sensor | Accelerator/E-Compass/Gyroscope/Proximity sensor/Hall sensor/Ambient light sensor/IR sensor/Fingerprint |
Final Thoughts
Since I am new to a 5.5-inch display smartphone, I have been in an adjustment mode to get used to holding it. What I wish, considering the specifications, it should have more battery power. It has 4100mAh, and more likely with the excessive use of the camera, display size, and of course, making sure that you are always connected online, a good 5000mAh battery is way better. But more so, you can have an Asus Zenpower battery pack that is as handy as a credit card.
And also, with its dual SIM capability, a separate microSD slot is highly appreciated so the user can have both options available for multiple network use and extend the storage.
It does not have a stand-alone camera shutter button when you take photos using the rear camera. But if you’re going to do selfies, the Fingerprint sensor can also serve as a shutter button at the back, which can easily be operated using your finger to trigger.
Overall, I love the Asus ZenFone 3 max 5.5 and I always have it with me for my photography stints. My personal taste is longing for the Titanium Gray color (or even the darkest Chrome Black). However, I currently have the Glacier Silver, which is just fine with the silver lines at the back panel.
So, what do you think? Are you considering to get this smartphone? The Asus ZenFone 3 Max 5.5 is a good deal for someone who is using a smartphone as a camera. It can be challenging to those who are tight on budget, however, the specifications and other features can make you consider to have a device like this.
Get a brand new Asus ZenFone 3 Max from Lazada Philippines today.
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Asus ZenFone 3 Max 5.5 (ZC553KL)
Pros
- Amazing 16MP rear camera
- Huge display for videos and mobile games
- Fingerprint sensor
- Long-lasting battery
- Autofocus laser technology
Cons
- MicroSD and SIM 2 use the same slots
- Metal finish prone to slipping
- Needs improvement on speaker for music
- No stand-alone camera shutter button (since the phone centers on taking pictures)
- Chrome Black or Dark Black color (please!)