Asus Zenfone 2 smartphones became very popular because of its value for money offering and user friendly ZenUI. Zenfone Zoom with 3x optical zoom proved technical capability of Asus team. However, sadly, this phone didn’t release with latest Android version Marshmallow. Now, Asus has finally revealed the list of smartphone which are going to get Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Which are the Asus Zenfone Variants going to get Android 6.0 Marshmallow?
Asus has announced the roll out of Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the users in India for the following Zenfone Variant. For these variants, updates will start rolling out from this month.
ZenFone 2 (ZE550ML, ZE551ML)
ZenFone 2 Deluxe (ZE551ML)
ZenFone 2 Laser ( ZE500KL, ZE550KL, ZE601KL)
ZenFone Selfie (ZD551KL)
ZenFone Max (ZC550KL)
ZenFone Zoom (ZX551ML)
The new Android 6.0 update will replace three ZenUI apps-ASUS Messenger, ASUS Mail and ASUS Calendar with Google Messenger, Calendar, and Gmail apps as the default apps in Android 6.0 version of ZenUI. Do note that, it will happen if and only if you do factory reset after the update. If you do the factory reset after update and if you want to have ASUS Messenger, ASUS Mail and ASUS Calendar, then you need to download it from Play store.
The older Zenfones which are not mentioned here also will get Android 6.0 starting from April. However, Asus has not revealed on which are they.
Google Android 6.0 is largely provides improved performance rather than changes in the design language. The Now on Tap, Doze, ability to use microSD card as internal storage are some key features of this new Android version.
Android 6.0 introduced with Nexus 5X and Nexus 6p. Then we saw Motorola devices to get the update. Recently Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Sony Xperia Z5 as well started getting Android 6.0 update. So far, Android Marshmallow adoption rate is 1%. It is a welcome move from Asus to provide latest and greatest Android experience to Zenfone users.
Typing Indian languages such as Kannada, Hindi, telugu, tamil, Bengali, Malayalam etc in Zenfone Max is very easy. Now, there is no requirement of any external app. Here is the step by step guide on how to type Indian languages in Zenfone Max.
How to type Indian regional languages in Asus Zenfone Max
As mentioned before, for typing indian languages such as Kannada, Hindi, telugu, tamil, Bengali etc, first you need to enable the respective languages in the settings.
Go to ‘Settings’->’Language & input’
Tap on to ‘ZenUI Keyboard’
Now tap on to “Input languages’.
In this page, you have list of input languages already available in the device.
Find and select the input language by check marking.
Adding Input languages
If the input language which you are looking for is not available in the list, then you need to add that language. For that,
Tap on to Plus symbol(+) in the top of the screen.
You will find many more languages.
Select the language which you want to download.
Once downloaded, you can select it in previous page as mentioned before.
How to shift between languages while typing in Zenfone Max
Whenever, you want to type language in messages, whatsapp messages etc, tap on to ‘En…” button. It will change the languages.
Video on how to type Indian Languages in Zenfone Max
I have made video on demonstrating how to type Indian languages in Asus Zenfone Max.
Asus Zenfone Max is a lower mid range dual sim Android smartphone. The key highlight of the device is its massive 5000 mAh battery. The device can be used as power bank for charging other smartphones. The price of Zenfone Max in India is Rs. 9,999. For this price, it is one of the best value for money smartphone if you are looking for a smartphone with good battery life. This Zenfone Max review is segregated by questions and answers. This includes features and specifications, advantages and disadvantages and few simple tips.
Asus Zenfone Max Review and FAQ
What are the box content of Asus Zenfone Max?
Box content of Zenfone Max includes Handset, user manual and warranty card, charger, USB to microUSB cable, USB OTG cable.
How is the design and build quality of Zenfone Max?
The device looks very similar to previous Zenfone 2 smartphones. The dimensions of the device are 77.5mm*156mm*10.55mm. The thickness at its thinnest edge is 5.2mm. This smartphone weighs 202 grams. Unlike Zenfone 2, the volume and power buttons are placed in the right side of the device. The device comes with surrounding metal like edge which gives style factor to Zenfone Max.
What are the different colour options available?
Zenfone Max is available in two colour variants. One is Pure White with an elegant eggshell texture and another one is Osmium Black with the look and feel of embossed leather.
What is display size and quality? Does it has any protecting glass cover?
Zenfone Max sports 5.5 inch HD (1280×720 pixels) IPS display screen. The viewing angles and colours reproduction are good. Even brightness of the device also decent but not great. If you are used to high ppi density display screens, you might observe bit of pixalation. As far as screen protection, it has Corning Gorilla Glass 4 with fingerprint and smudge-resistant oleophobic coating.
How is the performance? Does Zenfone Max has any heating issue?
Zenfone Max is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 SoC with 2GB of RAM. The device has 16GB of internal storage in which 10GB is user available. It also supports microSD card. The internals are very similar to Zenfone Laser. In general usage, i have not faced any lag while switching between the apps or opening a app. The gaming performance too decent. In my usage, I have not faced any heating issue.
How is the camera performance?
Asus Zenfone Max houses 13 megapixel, f2.0 aperture rear camera with dual tone LED flash. There is also a laser auto focus for quick focus on the object. The performance of camera in outdoor condition is good. In indoor and low light performance with auto settings is average. However, if you play with manual settings, it takes decent images. The device also has 5MP, f/2.0-aperture camera with 85̊ wide-viewing angle. It does take decent images.
What is the battery capacity of Zenfone Max? Does it has fast charging?
Zenfone Max comes with huge 5000 mAh battery. There is no fast charger out of the box. The bundled charger takes around 5 hours to charge completely. The battery life on this device is excellent. With my regular usage, I got more than 2 days of battery life with 4G/3G enabled all the time. The standby time also excellent.
Can I use Zenfone Max as power bank?
Yes. You can use this device as power bank. Asus has bundled OTG cable along with the box.
What are the connectivity features of this dual sim Zenfone smartphone?
The connectivity features of the device includes 4G(on sim 1 only), 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and USB.
What are different sensors available in Zenfone Max?
There are 2 ways through which you can install Asus PC suite for Zenfone Max. One through directly from your phone. That is connect your device to PC. New drives shows up. Click and install the PC suite. Another way through directly downloading from official support page. You can read more on this in my previous post how to download Asus Zenfone PC suite.
How to use Zenfone max as modem?
You can use Zenfone Max as modem through USB tethering, Wi-Fi hotspot and through Bluetooth tethering. I have detailed post on this with title How to use Zenfone as modem.
How to capture screenshot on Zenfone Max?
I already covered it in previous post. You can refer to it here.
When Zenfone Max will get Android 6.0 Marshmallow update?
As per the recent announcement from Asus, Android 6.0 update for Zenfone Max will start from March 2016. You can read more about this here.
Asus Zenfone 2 is much in news for its 4GB of RAM which company claims to be the first. The Asus Zenfone 2 is powered by Intel processor. Only based on the display, RAM size and processor, the prices are different. So what is the difference between different models of Zenfone 2. Here is the quick comparison between different variants of Asus Zenfone 2.
Different Variants of Asus Zenfone 2
Asus Zenfone 2 as of now comes with two primary variants. That is Zenfone 2 ZE550ML and Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. All the models has same connectivity features such as 2G, 3G, 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth and microUSB. The camera on all the variants also same. The 13MP primary camera and 5MP front facing camera.
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML is the basic variant. It sports 5.5 inch IPS display screen with 1280*720p resolution. The device is powered by 1.8GHz Intel Atom Quad Core Z3560 CPU with 2GB of RAM and PowerVR G6430 GPU with OpenGL 3.0 support. Internal storage capacity of the device is 16GB and supports microSD card. The device houses 3000 mAh battery. Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML price in India is Rs.12,999.
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML
At the time of writing this post, there are 4 variants available for Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. There are as given below.
The basic variant of Zenfone 2 ZE551ML has 1.8GHz Intel Atom Quad Core Z3560 CPU with 2GB of RAM and PowerVR G6430 GPU. Internal storage capacity is 16GB. Price of this variant is Rs.14,999.
2nd variant comes with same processor but with 4GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML with 4GB RAM and 32GB internal storage price in India is Rs.18,999.
This variant has 2.3 GHz Intel Atom Quad Core Z3580 CPU with 4GB of RAM and 32GB internal storage. The price of Zenfone 2 with Z3580 2.3GHz/32GB/4GB is Rs.19,999.
There is one more variant for the above is with 64GB internal storage. Rest all same. The price of this variant of Zenfone 2 is Rs.22,999.
Common features of Zenfone 2 All variants
Following features of All variants of Zenfone 2 are common
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML is a Dual sim 4G enabled 5.5 inch phablet. It is very much improved phablet compared to its predecessor. High end specifications and affordable price are key attractions of this phablet. Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML price is $259.29 after a discount of 17% on MRP in Gearbest.com online store. For our reader there is a additional $15 discount. While you are buying ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML use the coupon code ASUSZ2GB for avail the additional discount.
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML is powered by 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 2.3GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM and PowerVR G6430 GPU. This is the same GPU used in Apple A7 Soc. The internal storage capacity of the device 16GB and supports microSD card upto further expansion of the storage.
One more major upgrade on Asus Zenfone 2 is its design. Now it measures 152.5 x 77.2 x 10.9 mm and weighs 170 grams. Asus has trimmed the bezels to get the screen to body ratio of 72%. One more change is volume rocker is moved to the back of the device and power button moved to top. It has curved back which feels good to hold on hands.
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML sports 5.5 inch IPS capacitive touch screen with a screen resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels which translates to 403 ppi pixel density. The screen has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The display screen looks vibrant and viewing angles are also good. The device runs on Android Lollipop along with Asus ZenUI.
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML has 13MP primary camera with dual-color Real Tone LED flash. The features of the camera includes PixelMaster options (Low-light mode/Backlight HDR mode/ Enhanced Beautification mode/Manual mode/Zero Shutter lag). The 13MP camera unit consist of 5 element, f/2.0 aperture lens. There is also a 5 MP selfie snapper with wide angle (85 degree) lens. The camera does a decent job. But it is not great. Front facing camera panorama shot is a welcome addition. Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML houses 3000 mAh battery which fast charging option called Boost master.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML
Pros of Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML
Good performance: There is no lag while using the device. While playing the games also there is no much problems seen.
Great display screen: Asus has added a very good quality display screen. The colors look vivid and viewing angles as well as the sunlight legibility are decent.
Decent build quality: The build quality of the Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML is good in the segment.
Customisable UI: The current ZenUI with Zenmotion like features really feels innovative. It is welcome move from the Asus.
Fast charging: With boost master technology, Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML comes with fast charging feature. This works great.
Cons of Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML
No 2160p video recording: Despite having the great specification, missing the 2160p video recording is a bit surprising as there are many devices coming with this in this price segment.
Rather large and hefty: Though Asus has tried to trim the bezels to make the device compact, it is still a phablet. All will not be happy to carry such big smartphone. It also weighs 170 grams which bit heavy for a smartphone.
Average camera performance: Both primary as well as front facing camera has many features. But overall, the camera performance is not that great compared to the competitors.
Weak Speaker: The inbuilt speaker of this device is not great.
Confusing naming conventions: Asus Zenfone 2 has many variants. It is very difficult remember the naming conventions of the variant.
Asus Zenfone 2 Tips and Tricks
How to take screenshot on Asus Zenfone 2
Asus ZenUI provides an easy way to take screenshots apart from the default android way of taking print screen. I have written a details instructions on this. For more details read my post how to take screenshot on Asus Zenfone.
How to download Asus Zenfone 2 PC Link PC suite
You can download the latest Asus PC suite from the official support page. You refer my earlier post on How to download Asus PC suite for more information.
Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML Specification
Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box with Asus ZenUI
5.5-inch IPS capacity touch screen with 1080p resolution and 403ppi density and Gorilla Glass 3 protection
Intel Atom Z3560 chipset with a 1.8GHz quad-core processor, PowerVR G6430 GPU with 2GB of RAM
16GB of storage and a microSD slot
Dual-SIM, Dual Standby capability
LTE Cat.4, NFC, Bluetooth; GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS
