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The Personal Blog of Philip Andrew D. Mayol – Cebu Blogger

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2

The release of the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 was quite a surprise for all the ZenFans. We were expecting that last year, they would wrap up 2018 with the ZenFone 5 series and the ZenFone Max Pro M1. ASUS proved all our expectations wrong (well, in a good way, of course).

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Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2

On December 11, 2018, the new ZenFone Max Pro M2 was introduced to the general public and it was introduced as the reimagining of the Max series. Since it is part of the Max family, we expected it to have a huge battery capacity: 5,000mAh. Yes, it does.

Even to my surprise, when I have the chance to have a sneak peek of the new smartphone here in Cebu City, it does not only powered with a big juice. The camera system was also improved (compared to the previous version, the ZenFone Max Pro M1), and it also has a full view display, with the “notch”. Yes, it has that thing, and it was amazing.

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The 6.3” all-screen high-res display design on ZenFone Max Pro M2 is simply stunning.

The back panel also has changed. Instead of the usual “matte” look of the ZenFone Max Pro M1, the newer ZenFone Max Pro M2 has a more classy and glossy look and feel that light would reflect so perfectly when used as a prop for a photoshoot. It gives the Zen aura, the same as how the ZenFone 5 does.

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So much Zen at the back panel of the ZenFone Max Pro M2.

This blog post will serve as a review for using the ZenFone Max Pro M2 for almost two months. I will also share with you some photos that I have taken during the time I joined the ASUS ZenFone PixelMaster Master Class with Landscape and Architectural Photographer, and PixelMaster, Nicco Valenzuela, last February 2 to 3, 2019. I will also indicate here what I like about this smartphone, and how I utilize this for my mobile photography hobby.

Indeed A Reimagining Of A ZenFone Max

Considering that the new ZenFone Max Pro M2 has an amazing price point of only ₱14,995.00 in the market for its 6GB RAM + 64GB Internal Storage variant1, we already know that one of its cutting edge advantages is the monster battery of 5,000mAh. It is very crucial for me as an on-the-go mobile photographer.

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I take a lot of photos when I’m out and about, and I usually “kill the shutter button” to make sure I have got the best shot when I return home to process my work. Yes, I am not going to be a hypocrite about it, but I do use editing apps and tools to improve my pictures.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, its dual-lens camera system has also improved compared to the previous ZenFone Max Pro M1 edition.

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ZenFone Max Pro M2 For Mobile Photography

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 does not stop me from being competitive in mobile photography. Its camera system does not have its capacity to lock Auto Exposure, unlike the ZenFone 3 Zoom that I am also using for mobile photography.

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Regardless to say, its dual-lens camera system (that is already AI-enabled; updates will be available on software for early 2019 might be available to some users because my device already has the AI Scene Detection capability), it can definitely provide amazing results.

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Check the spoon and fork icon on the left side of the screen. It only shows that my ZenFone Max Pro M2 camera system is now AI-enabled.

The latest 6.3” all-screen high-res display design on ZenFone Max Pro M2 is simply stunning, so you can deeply appreciate your photos on the wide-viewing screen. The high-quality display, with its wide color gamut, outstanding brightness, and high contrast ratio, makes everything on your phone look clearer and more vivid.

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 | Skip The Flip

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 | Skip The Flip

A Camera, A Gaming And An Entertainment Device

The ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 is a good deal for someone who is using a smartphone as a camera. It also offers great performance for gaming and entertainment because of the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 660 Mobile Platform with 14nm, 64-bit Octa-core processor.

Selfie? No Problem! The 13MP F2.0 front-facing camera can also be utilized to take selfie photos with real-time beautification mode. Not to forget the Pro Mode feature available on the camera a more in-depth setting for your mobile photography. It is also powered with a 26mm equivalent focal length in 35mm film camera.

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A WeFie (We Selfie) using the ZenFone Max Pro M2 with Aldrin Suan of aldrincore.com

For video capture, it has a 4K UHD (3840 by 2160) video recording for the main rear camera with 1080p FHD video recording at 30 fps and 720p HD video recording at 30 fps. It also has a 3-axis electronic image stabilization for front and rear cameras and can take still photo while recording a video. The 5-magnet speaker with NXP smart amplifier gives you a much louder, much deeper, and less distorted sound effects for gaming and watching movies or streaming videos.

With its multi-purpose functions, the ZenFone Max Pro M2 has 5000mAh battery capacity with fast charging capability. A full charge can be utilized for the following:

– Up to 35 days 4G standby
– Up to 45 hours 3G talk time
– Up to 23 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing
– Up to 19 to 16 hours of video playback
– Up to 10 hours of gaming

You can have an excellent viewing pleasure with its 6.3-inch FHD+ (2280 by 1080) IPS display with the Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 for best screen protection. It has a 90% screen-to-body ratio, 94% NTSC color gamut, 450nits brightness, and 1500:1 contrast ratio. Its capacitive touch panel can support up to 10 points multi-touch (it also supports glove touch).

ALSO READ: Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 (What’s In The Box)

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 And The PixelMaster Master Class

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Landscape and Architectural Photographer, and PixelMaster, Nicco Valenzuela.

As I was saying, I registered to attend the ASUS ZenFone PixelMaster Master Class2 last February 2-3, 2019, bringing Landscape and Architectural Photographer, Nicco Valenzuela to Cebu City. The ASUS PixelMaster Master Class was named by the influence of its technology installed in ZenFone’s cameras—the PixelMaster. With this innovative technology, ASUS ZenFone aimed to raise the bar for mobile photography while teaming up with well-known photographers in the country.

Landscape and Architectural Photographer, Nicco Valenzuela, was the ASUS PixelMaster who conducted the “Capturing The Outdoors” mobile photography workshop. The PixelMaster Master Class was an invite-only, ZenFone user exclusive event held at two separate venues in Cebu City.

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With PixelMaster Nicco Valenzuela at the ASUS ZenFone PixelMaster Master Class in Cebu City.

The first day of the PixelMaster Master Class was held at Soho Park at Cebu IT Park. Nicco Valenzuela opened the discussion about outdoor photography and introduced the possibilities of using a ZenFone smartphone to capture amazing photos. He also included the talks on the Basic Manual Camera Settings (or Pro Mode) where users can adjust shutter speed, ISO, Manual Focus, White Balance, and Exposure Value. Emphasizing on ZenFone smartphones with this feature, like the ZenFone 5 and the latest model ZenFone Max Pro M2.

After the discussion, mentees traveled to the castle-like Monastery of the Holy Eucharist or commonly known as the Simala Shrine in Sibonga, Cebu.

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With Leoren Violan of ASUS Philippines during the ASUS ZenFone PixelMaster Master Class in Cebu City.

Very critical to the scope of the mobile photography workshop, the Simala Shrine was chosen as the first stop for the PixelMaster Photo Walk because of its architectural location. For almost an hour, mentees were able to capture their photos and head on to its next destination, the Temple of Leah in Busay.

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The Cebu Mobile Shutterbugs, a Cebu-based organization of mobile photography enthusiasts, teamed up with ASUS Philippines as one of its major sponsors in celebration of its 2nd anniversary. A short course mobile photography workshop was held last February 3, 2019, at the Cube Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu. PixelMaster Nicco Valenzuela was also invited to speak and talk about the concept and importance of Composition on Photography.

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PixelMaster Nicco Valenzuela with the ZenFans and members of the Cebu Mobile Shutterbugs.

The culmination day of the ASUS ZenFone PixelMaster Master Class was bundled with another photoshoot session within the premises of the SM Seaside City Cebu. The critic and further talks were done by PixelMaster Nicco at Lava Café, at the Sky Park.

Here are some of the photos I’ve taken using the ZenFone Max Pro M2 during the PixelMaster Master Class.

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 | Skip The Flip

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 | Skip The Flip

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 | Skip The Flip

I also got the chance to have a chat with PixelMaster Nicco and asked him about his passion and how ASUS ZenFone helped him with his photography. Check the video below or watch it on my YouTube channel.

It can be challenging for those who are tight on budget, however, the specifications and other features can make you consider to have a device like the ZenFone Max Pro M2.

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 is currently available at select ASUS store and ZenFone shops for only ₱14,995.00 (6GB RAM + 64 GB Internal Storage). The 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM variant priced at ₱12,995.00 exclusively available for pre-order at Lazada Philippines and Shopee Philippines.

Mobile Photography Citations

While I currently use the ZenFone Max Pro M2 smartphone for my mobile photography stints, I was able to get citations from ASUS Philippines and Cebu Mobile Shutterbugs for submitting my work and was recognized. Here are the photos (and thank you for featuring them).

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Footnotes

  1. The ZenFone Max Pro M2 4GB RAM/ 64GB ROM is only ₱12,995.00
  2. The ASUS ZenFone PixelMaster Class is a collaborative effort of the ASUS Philippines and ASUS ZenTalk Philippines, the official community forum of ZenFone users in the country. It is a free event open to all ZenFone users who registered for the mobile photography workshops or those non-ZenFone users who are interested to experience mobile photography with ZenFone smartphones.