ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1) makes global debut in India

Team L&M

No sooner were the specs for the latest smartphones from the stable of Asus shared at the launch of ZenFone Max Pro M1 in New Delhi, everyone in the Peacock Ballroom at Hotel Pullman started speculating about its price range.

The journo sitting next to me mumbled, “Has to be in the Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000 bracket.” A couple of other visitors a row before mine told one another, “With such superb features and specifications, it has to be expensive. Don’t think, I’ll be able to buy it on or around the launch date of May 3, what say?” His friend was equally apprehensive, “My feeling is that it would be priced between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000.”

And perhaps they all were right. A smartphone with a 5000mAh battery (battery for up to 48 hours non-stop use — 42 hours talk time, 28 hours browsing, 199 hours of music playback, 20 hours of video playback), a 5.99 inch FHD+ full view display, a dual-camera system, powered by Qualcomm^® Snapdragon^™ 636 Mobile Platform with Adreno^™ 509 graphics for enhanced responsiveness and outstanding gaming performance, latest version Android 8.1, high-end audio components comprising an NXP Smart Amp, a 5 Magnet Speaker and a passive amplifier accessory ‘The Max Box’, for unmatched audio experience in its segment. And there’s lots more…

ZenFone Max Pro (M1)  is the result of an in-depth study into Indian consumer preferences. It is ASUS’ first smartphone to offer a pure, stock form of latest Android version – Oreo 8.1 The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) has an advanced dual-camera system that takes mobile photography to new heights. The rear camera focuses on the subject in less than the blink of an eye, and has a high-resolution 13MP sensor with a high-quality, f/2.2 wide-aperture lens that captures clearer photos, every time. The secondary 5MP rear camera is a dedicated depth-sensing camera for more accurate bokeh effect in portraits and close-ups, putting the subject in sharp focus while progressively blurring the background for a gentle yet powerful effect that really makes the subject stand out.

ZenFone Max Pro (M1) shoots video at up to 4K UHD resolution, allowing users to just point, shoot and share their memories, all captured with incredible levels of detail. The 8MP front camera enables the most indulgent selfies, with soft-light LED flash and a beautification feature that enables shots with removal of blemishes, balance facial features, enhance skin tone and more.

The smartphone’s exquisite design features a stylish aluminum-alloy body and 2.5D-curved display glass, and is available in two Deepsea Black and Gray finishes.

The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is built to last using solid metal, with a slim and light 180g body that’s precision-crafted to give it a luxurious feel without being bulky. The slim and elegant size and 2.5D-curved front edges make the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) exceptionally comfortable to hold, with significantly less bulk than a standard 6-inch phone.

The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) comes with two SIM slots supporting 4G LTE, and an additional microSD slot to expand storage by up to 2TB. Its convenient triple-slot tray lets users install two SIMs and a microSD card in one easy step.

ZenFone Max Pro (M1) smartphone is also the first smartphone to be co-marketed and distributed online under the recently announced partnership between ASUS and e-commerce marketplace, Flipkart.

On its part, Flipkart will launch its Complete Mobile Protection, India’s end-to-end post-sale assurance at a special introductory price of Rs 49 in partnership with Asus. It offers comprehensive coverage and ultimate convenience to the customer with doorstep pick up and drop service. In addition, there is an extra Rs 1,000 off over regular exchange of models and to spread buying cost a special no cost EMI up to 12 months on all credit cards and Bajaj Finserv Limited. The Vodafone offer on ZenFone Max Pro M1 is unique and offers benefits up to Rs 3,200. Offers include, Free additional data, free Red Shield Device security plan for 2 years and weekly telecom and non-telecom offers for youth customers. Prepaid customers shall get 10GB additional data free per month for 12 months (Rs 199 Plan and above) along with weekly telco and non-telco discount offers for youth consumers. Postpaid customers shall also receive 10GB additional data free per month for 12 months (Rs 399 Plan and above along with Red Shield (device security insurance plan free for two years on Red 499 Plan and above)

And when the prices were revealed, everyone’s jaw dropped — ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1) will be available in two variants — 3GB / 32GB for Rs 10,999 and 4GB / 64GB for Rs 12,999 from May 3, 2018 exclusively on +Flipkart. No one could believe what they had just heard… And indeed, it is a fact. With so much rolled into one phone at such an incredible price, it is surely time for a steal.