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Asus Zenfone 3S Max

Specifications

Asus Zenfone 3S Max
Zenfone 3S Max ZC521TL (Zenfone Series)
Processor
Mediatek MT6750 8 x 1.5 GHz, Cortex-A53
Graphics adapter
Memory
3 GB 
Display
5.20 inch 16:9, 1280 x 720 pixel 282 PPI, Capacitive, IPS, Thin 2.15mm bezel and remarkable 75% screen-to-body ratio, glossy: yes
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB 
Connections
Audio Connections: 3.5mm, Card Reader: microSD, up to 256 GB (uses SIM 2 slot), Brightness Sensor, Sensors: Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0, GSM, HSPA, LTE, Dual SIM, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 9 x 150 x 74 ( = 0.35 x 5.91 x 2.91 in)
Battery
5000 mAh Lithium-Polymer, Talk time 3G (according to manufacturer): 28 h, Standby 3G (according to manufacturer): 800 h
Operating System
Android 7.0 Nougat
Camera
Primary Camera: 13 MPix f/2.0, dual-LED (dual tone) flash
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix
Additional features
Keyboard: Virtual
Weight
175 g ( = 6.17 oz / 0.39 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
300 Euro

 

Pricecompare

Average Score: 73.75% - average
Average of 12 scores (from 24 reviews)
price: 82%, performance: 74%, features: - %, display: 73% mobility: 88%, workmanship: 79%, ergonomy: - %, emissions: - %

Reviews for the Asus Zenfone 3S Max

70% Asus Zenfone 3S Max Review: Long Battery Life, so-so performance
Source: Tech Magnifier English Archive.org version
Finally the question arises whether you should buy Asus Zenfone 3S Max or not? I really don’t know why a customer would spend 14K on a smartphone that is only a powerbank. Powerbanks are already available in market, a smartphone on the other hand is something else. There are flaws in the Zenfone 3S Max and it’s not the best value for money. You can look for the other options available in market like Lenovo Vibe K5 Note, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and Huawei Honor 6X.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/02/2017
Rating: Total score: 70%
80% Asus ZenFone 3S Max Review
Source: NDTV Gadgets English Archive.org version
The Asus ZenFone 3S Max costs Rs. 14,999 and as such, it slots in between the two ZenFone 3 Max models which were launched late last year. This creates a bit of overlap and confusion in Asus's lineup, especially since by all indications, the larger battery doesn't help much. Overall, we expected more from this phone's headline feature, especially since it has only that to use as a weapon against the potent Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and the recently launched Honor 6X (Review). We hope that software updates do something to improve battery life - and while Asus is at it, we'd really like to see some common sense applied to ZenUI as well.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/17/2017
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% performance: 70% display: 70% mobility: 80% workmanship: 70%
60% Asus Zenfone 3s Max review: Another big battery player
Source: India Today English Archive.org version
Asus Zenfone 3s Max lives up to the battery claim, but the overall package is still far from perfect. At Rs 14,999 you are essentially paying to get the extra-large battery in a more compact form factor. However, the market has options like Redmi Note 4 or Lenovo K6 Power, which offer a better overall performance. If it was priced lower, the Zenfone 3s Max would have made more sense.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/15/2017
Rating: Total score: 60%
ASUS ZenFone 3S Max Battery Test Results
Source: Mobygyaan English Archive.org version
The ASUS ZenFone 3S Max carries a large 5000 mAh battery that ensures the phone lasts very long. This is the second ASUS device having a 5000 mAh battery. Last year, ASUS launched ZenFone Max with the same battery capacity. With its extra-large battery, how long does the phone last? Take a look at the ZenFone 3S Max battery test results.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/10/2017
76% ASUS Zenfone 3S Max Review
Source: Techniqued English Archive.org version
Zenfone 3S Max is priced Rs 14999 and this is quite a high price for the device considering the specs. Also, if you look at the competition there are many devices offered with better specs at a lower price point. But there are some good aspects for Zenfone 3S max which you cannot ignore and the foremost one is the excellent battery life. Also, the device runs Android 7.0 (one of the few devices in the budget segment to have it) and has a premium build. If you are looking to watch movies and want high performing battery, without a doubt, the Zenfone 3S Max makes sense, but if you are looking for an all round device, there are better alternatives available.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/10/2017
Rating: Total score: 76% price: 75% performance: 70% display: 75% mobility: 90% workmanship: 80%
65% Asus ZenFone 3s Max review: A one-trick pony
Source: India Today English Archive.org version
The Asus ZenFone 3s Max is a one-trick pony, the trick being its fabulous battery life. It also manages to look good, if you're looking for that sort of thing. But, it's all downhill from there. The ZenFone 3s Max has an average screen, average performance, average set of cameras and no fast charging. Also it costs Rs 14,999.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/07/2017
Rating: Total score: 65%
64% Asus Zenfone 3s Max Review
Source: Think Digit English Archive.org version
The Asus Zenfone 3s Max is a battery-centric smartphone, and it does last long. However, at Rs. 14,999, the compromises make little sense. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 offers just an hour or lesser battery life and gives you a better camera and performance. If you can afford to spend more, the Lenovo P2 offers almost 40% more battery life than this smartphone.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/07/2017
Rating: Total score: 64%
70% Asus Zenfone 3S Max Review: Offers great battery life but falls short in the camera department
Source: Tech2.in.com English Archive.org version
The Asus Zenfone 3S Max surely impressed when it came to quality construction and stellar battery life. In fact, it could have hit the performance balance as well, provided Asus had reduced on the bloat ware and increased the RAM to 4GB. But it did not and for now the Zenfone 3S Max cannot hold its own against the mighty Redmi Note 4 (or even the Note 3 for that matter).
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/07/2017
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 70% display: 70% mobility: 85% workmanship: 80%
90% 0 Asus Zenfone 3S Max Review: A Massive Battery Phone For Hours Of Uninterrupted Entertainment
Source: PC Quest English Archive.org version
In the 15K price range, the smartphone is one of the best battery phone backed by powerful hardware. You can capture quality images with the good amount of details and rich colors. Though the screen resolution is only 720p, yet this could be the great choice if you don't want to plug your phone to the charger every day.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/07/2017
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 90% performance: 90%
Asus Zenfone 3s Max Review: Battery backup doesn't disappoint
Source: The Mobile Indian English Archive.org version
Asus Zenfone 3s Max does hit some good point in terms of battery, display and day-to-day usage, however, it is just not on the same level as other devices in this segment. A sub-par processor coupled with pretty average cameras and audio output will probably some of the primary reasons I would not recommend this device to you. If camera is your utmost priority, you can look for Honor 6X or Moto G4 Plus, or else, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 4 if you can have a decent camera with insane battery life and performance.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/07/2017
79% ASUS ZenFone 3s Max (ZC521TL) review
Source: Android Authority English Archive.org version
The ZenFone 3s Max looks good on paper, but the real-world performance is limited – and would only meet the demands of less discerning users. Yes, there’s the fantastic battery life, and that’s the sole reason one should go for this device.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/07/2017
Rating: Total score: 79% performance: 70% display: 75% mobility: 95% workmanship: 85%
Asus Zenfone 3S Max Review – Best Big Battery Smartphone?
Source: Gadget Diary English Archive.org version
This phone is a great buy if you want to buy a smartphone that provides great battery life. It is priced at Rs. 14,999 and supports VoLTE which is another plus point. Go for it if you’re looking for a phone that doesn’t die because of low battery at the end of the day.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/07/2017
80% Asus Zenfone 3s Max review – beautifully power packed and pricey
Source: Gogi.in English Archive.org version
The Asus Zenfone 3s Max is a good handset packed with a powerful processor. Camera quality is average and battery performance is excellent. Price is way too high at Rs. 14,999.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/07/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Asus Zenfone 3s Max Review : All Day Power
Source: Fone Arena English Archive.org version
If battery life is what you want, the Zenfone 3s Max presents one of the best options on the market. There’s not many other options with a 5,000 mAh unit built-in and especially so with such a compact body. The design too is visually appealing though a bit understated. However, we weren’t very satisfied with the performance which always seems to be catching up. Additionally, we found the camera to be rather disappointing. All this makes the Zenfone 3s Max a one trick pony. Priced Rs. 14,999, the Zenfone 3s Max is a bit of a tough sell and you have multiple other options with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 particularly coming to mind unless the biggest battery on the market is your primary concern.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/07/2017
ASUS ZenFone 3s Max Hands On [Images]
Source: Mobygyaan English Archive.org version
The ASUS ZenFone 3s Max hasn’t been launched in India yet, and hence, we don’t have any information about the pricing and availability of the device. We will be publishing our full review of this device soon. If you have any questions about the ZenFone 3s Max, do sound off in the comments below.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/31/2017
70% Asus Zenfone 3S Max review: Smartphone with formidable battery life
Source: Gadgets Now English Archive.org version
In every way, Asus Zenfone 3S Max looks like an upgrade over the Zenfone 3 Max. It has extended battery life, the latest Android 7.0 Nougat OS, good camera experience and fairly accurate display. The overall performance is quite satisfying as well.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/31/2017
Rating: Total score: 70%
Asus Zenfone 3S Max First Look: Subpar Performance, Impressive Battery Life
Source: iTech Post English Archive.org version
Multitaskers also find this phone to be a tad disappointing. Switching between apps can be hard to do. While the phone runs on Android Nougat, the interface was seen to be full of bugs. The battery, which has been the main focus of Asus, is definitely impressive. Overall, Asus Zenfone 3S Max is a good pick when users only need the basics phone functionality and a good battery life.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/30/2017
Asus Zenfone 3S Max: First Look
Source: PC Quest English Archive.org version
The price of the Asus Zenfone 3S Max is not announced yet, however it looks promising with a combination of powerful hardware. It comes with 32 GB inbuilt storage that can be expanded up to 128 GB using microSD. We have reviewed Asus Zenfone 3 Max and Asus Zenfone Max, soon we will come back with Asus Zenfone 3S Max review, so just wait for a few days.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/30/2017
Asus Zenfone 3s Max Review: Zenfone Budget Bro with Big Battery!
Source: Tech PP English Archive.org version
The Zenfone 3s Max is scheduled to launch next week in India and is expected to be priced below Rs 15,000. And with the price tag, it’s going to take on the likes of Honor 6x, Redmi Note 4, Coolpad Cool 1 and others, with most of them offering better value for money on paper. And if a smaller screen is what you are looking at, Lenovo’s K6 Power and Xiaomi’s Redmi 3s Prime are hitting it outta the park with every sale.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/30/2017
Asus Zenfone 3S Max review
Source: GSM Arena English Archive.org version
The Zenfone 3S Max is undoubtedly a one-trick pony. It has the biggest battery you can get in a device of this class that provides days of battery life without the actual device being massive in size. If that's all that matters to you, then the new Asus mid-ranger passed the test with flying colors.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/30/2017
Asus Zenfone 3s Max: First Impressions
Source: The Mobile Indian English Archive.org version
Well, the presence of the new Redmi Note 4 and the Honor 6X can already be a sign of pretty strong competition for the Zenfone 3s Max. However, the availability is an issue for both of them and which is where Asus can hit some good points if it makes the device available via open sale. Besides, the 5000 mAh battery and Android 7.0 Nougat can definitely help getting some crucial sales figure. As for the initial impressions, the Zenfone 3s Max can be a potential threat for other devices given it perform on par with the other devices in this price range.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/30/2017
81% ASUS ZenFone 3s Max (ZC521TL): First Impressions
Source: Android Authority English Archive.org version
The ZenFone 3s Max aims to pimp up the Max range with a premium design while improving the internals from its predecessor. It succeeds there, but there’s little else.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/29/2017
Rating: Total score: 81%

Foreign Reviews

Đánh giá chi tiết Asus Zenfone 3S Max: Nâng cấp nhỏ, khác biệt lớn
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good price; long battery life; stylish design; nice display. Negative: Mediocre processor.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 02/16/2017
Trên tay nhanh Asus Zenfone 3s Max: Định nghĩa pin khủng, giá thơm
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Long battery life; good price; beautiful design.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/09/2017

Comment

Model: The Asus ZenFone 3S Max smartphone was launched in January 2017. The Zenfone Max was one of the most successful models in Asus's smartphone lineup. Now, Asus has launched another variant called the Zenfone 3S Max, which comes with a bigger 5,000 mAh battery and runs the latest Android 7.0 (Nougat). The bigger 5,000 mAh battery eliminates battery life worries, with enough power to get through a full work day and even beyond. It can last up to 34 days in standby mode too. The ZenFone 3s Max includes five battery-extending technologies to squeeze even more power out of its battery. Super saving mode smartly adjusts screen brightness and other functions. Furthermore, it closes all network functions for a longer standby time. All phone, SMS, and alarm functions work well in this mode. It is recommendable for long standby times & low battery scenarios. The Zenfone 3S Max comes with a full metal unibody design but with a few design changes compared to the other models in the Zenfone 3 range. The 3S Max has a physical home button on its front side, which also doubles up as a fingerprint scanner. This is the first phone from this company to feature a front fingerprint scanner. The camera placement is different. It is on the left top corner of the rear whereas Asus usually places the camera in the centre. As for colour options, it has Gold and Black.

As for the screen, the ZenFone 3s Max’s contoured (2.5D) glass touch screen is matched around the back by a gently curving rear cover that feels natural to hold. The ZenFone 3s Max has a 5.2-inch high-definition display for great detail, and intense brightness for easy viewing even under the harsh light conditions with 400 nits brightness. With a thin 2.15 mm bezel and remarkable 75% screen-to-body ratio, it’s more display with less bulk. The Asus ZenFone 3S Max is powered by a 1 GHz octa-core MediaTek processor and it comes with 3 GB of RAM. The phone packs 32 GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 256 GB via a microSD card. The Zenfone 3s Max comes with Android 7.0 Nougat along with the ZenUI out-of-the-box. As for cameras, the Asus ZenFone 3S Max packs a 13 MP primary camera on the rear and an 8 MP front shooter for selfies. The primary camera is a PixelMaster camera that captures beautiful, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag. It also features a dual LED real tone flash. Besides that, the ZenFone 3s Max also features a front fingerprint sensor. It unlocks it in a fraction of a second with its 360-degree fingerprint recognition ability. Five fingers fingerprints can be added for complete convenience. In terms of audio, the Zenfone 3s Max has an enhanced 5-magnet speaker that offers high clarity, low distortion and loud sound. In addition, the ZenEar earphones from ASUS offer crystal clear sound with its Patented Damping System and Transmission Tube designed to deliver crystal clear and detailed sound. The ZenFone 3S Max is a good device especially when the price is considered. It also happens to offer one the longest standby time on a smartphone.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam

ARM Mali-T860 MP2: Dual-Core version of the Mali-T860 graphics card from ARM for mostly Android based smartphones and tablets. E.g. in the Mediatek Helio P10 clocked at 700 MHz and produced in 28nm.

Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.


MT6750: ARM-based octa-core SoC (4x Cortex-A53 up to 1.5 GHz + 4x Cortex-A53 up to 1 GHz) with 64-Bit support and integrated LTE Cat. 6 radio.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.


5.20":

It is a very small display format for smartphones. You should by no means be mis-sighted and you will generally see very little on the screen and only have a small resolution available. In return, the device should be very small and handy.

» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.


Asus: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. is a major Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer based in Taipei, founded in 1989. Under the Asus brand name, the company manufactures a wide range of products, including laptops, desktops, motherboards, graphics cards, monitors, smartphones and networking equipment, complete systems and PC components for end users.

Under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand name, ASUS manufactures gaming laptops known by gamers for their powerful specifications, dedicated graphics cards, high refresh rate displays and advanced cooling systems.

Beyond gaming, a wide range of notebooks are offered for different needs and budgets, from ultra-slim and lightweight ultrabooks to versatile 2-in-1 convertibles and budget-friendly options. In 2023, Asus had a 7% global market share of the PC market.

Customer satisfaction with ASUS notebooks concerns performance, the features, and the good price-performance ratio of ASUS notebooks. However, as with any brand, there are occasional reports of problems such as overheating, driver compatibility, or build quality issues.


73.75%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.


» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

 

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Current Prices
Stefan Hinum, 2017-02-12 (Update: 2017-02-12)