The Asus ZenFone 3S Max, launched in early 2017, marked a significant entry into the ZenFone series by Asus, offering a blend of powerful performance, sleek design, and impressive battery life. This device was designed to cater to users seeking a reliable smartphone with all-day power and a range of features that enhance the user experience.
Asus ZenFone 3S Max Launch Details
The Asus ZenFone 3S Max was announced in January 2017 and released the following month. It was part of Asus’s strategy to expand its ZenFone series, which had already gained popularity with models like the ZenFone 3 Ultra and ZenFone 3 Deluxe. The ZenFone 3S Max was positioned as a budget-friendly option with a focus on battery life, making it appealing to users who needed a device that could last throughout the day without needing frequent recharges.
Asus ZenFone 3S Max Design
The ZenFone 3S Max boasts a metal unibody design, which was a trend in smartphones at the time. The device is available in several colors, including gold, which adds a touch of elegance to its overall appearance. The front bezel is dominated by a 5.2-inch display, with a gentle curve at the edges that merges into a raised edge, enhancing grip despite the phone’s slippery nature. The fingerprint sensor is located below the screen and doubles as a home button, although it requires pressing the power button first to activate it. The volume rocker and power key are situated on the right side, while the hybrid SIM card slots are on the left. The audio jack and microUSB ports are placed at the top and bottom, respectively.
Asus ZenFone 3S Max RAM and Storage
The ZenFone 3S Max comes equipped with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The storage can be expanded significantly up to 2TB using a microSD card, which is inserted into a shared slot with the SIM cards. This hybrid setup allows users to choose between using two SIM cards or one SIM card and a microSD card, providing flexibility based on individual needs. The combination of 3GB RAM and a MediaTek MT6750 processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
Asus ZenFone 3S Max Display
The device features a 5.2-inch HD IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. Although the resolution is not as high as some of its contemporaries, the display quality is satisfactory for general use, including browsing, watching videos, and gaming. The 2.5D curved glass adds a premium feel to the device, enhancing the visual appeal. However, the screen-to-body ratio is somewhat limited, which might be a drawback for users who prefer more immersive viewing experiences.
Asus ZenFone 3S Max Camera
The ZenFone 3S Max is equipped with a 13MP rear camera featuring a dual-tone LED flash, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and an f/2.0 aperture. This setup allows for decent photography in well-lit conditions, although low-light performance may not be as impressive. The front camera is an 8MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and an 85-degree wide-angle lens, suitable for selfies and video calls. Both cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps.
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Asus ZenFone 3S Max Price
At launch, the ZenFone 3S Max was priced competitively, targeting the mid-range segment. The exact pricing varied by region, but it generally fell within a budget-friendly bracket, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. The combination of a large battery, decent camera capabilities, and expandable storage made it a compelling choice for users who prioritize functionality over high-end specifications.
Asus ZenFone 3S Max Battery Life
One of the standout features of the ZenFone 3S Max is its massive 5000mAh battery. This large capacity ensures that the device can easily last a full day, even with heavy usage. The battery is non-removable, which is common in modern smartphones, but its size and efficiency make it a significant selling point for users who are often on the go and need a device that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Asus ZenFone 3S Max Additional Features
The ZenFone 3S Max supports 4G VoLTE, ensuring fast data speeds and seamless voice calls over LTE networks. It also features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS for connectivity. The device runs on Android 7.0 Nougat with Asus’s ZenUI 3.0, providing a user-friendly interface with several customization options. The presence of a fingerprint sensor adds a layer of security, although its functionality is somewhat limited by the need to press the power button first.