It’s been quite some time since the launch of the original ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1) with 3GB/4GB RAM and 32GB/64GB storage version. While that variant is a smartphone that is really, really affordable, many of our readers here are actually aiming for the 6GB RAM variant. More RAM is always better, right? But what else has changed? Let’s take a look at what’s new and what’s different between the 3GB RAM and 6GB RAM variants of the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1).
Since many aspects of these two smartphones are the same, we’ll be skipping over these parts of review:
- Design
- Connectivity and ports
- Display
- Software
- Charger
You can read our full review of the Zenfone Max Pro M1 4GB/64GB here.
The packaging is exactly the same. The only way you can actually differentiate between 3GB and 6GB version is by looking at the specs list behind the box.
Unboxing – Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1(6GB) Review
Unboxing experience is exactly the same. Nothing out of the ordinary or special with the 6GB RAM variant. Even the packaging is exactly the same. The only way you can actually differentiate between 3GB and 6GB version is by looking at the specs list behind the box. But that is expected between variants of the same device.
What’s different? – Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1(6GB) Review
There’s actually a table of differences between the variants of the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1). It’s quite confusing – and this table helps to clear things up.
The first notable difference between the 3GB/4GB and 6GB RAM variants is the camera. The 6GB RAM variant comes with a 16MP + 5MP dual rear-facing camera setup and a 16MP selfie camera. The second difference here is… well, the 6GB RAM of course. Every other thing remains the same.
Does the differences make a… difference?
We know two things have changed – the cameras and the RAM. We have already spoken in detail about the average camera of the 4GB version here.
But that was expected considering the extremely pocket friendly price. The 6GB version has a different camea set up and since the variant has come a couple of months post the launch of the 4GB one, we expect there to be improvements in the image quality.
Cameras – Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1(6GB) Review
During our extensive tests we found out that the camera definitely did better than the 3GB/4GB versions. The color reproduction was better, the sharpness was fine and the low light performance was slightly better too.
Kudos to Asus for attempting to improve upon the camera of a device which has sold extensively in in the Indian market. That said, the camera, while better, is not the best.
It still stays around the average mark albeit there is hardly any better option under Rs 15,000 in the market with respect to the camera.
Performance – Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1(6GB) Review
One might wonder and think that 6GB RAM variant will have better performance than 3GB RAM variant. And that’s somewhat true, but not entirely. Let me explain – but first, let’s take a look at the specs:
- 6-inch 18:9 aspect ratio IPS LCD display with 2160×1080 resolution
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset with 14nm FinFET technology 4x 1.6GHz Kryo 260 LP + 4x 1.8GHz Kryo 260 HP
- Adreno 509 GPU
- 6GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 64GB storage
- 5,000mAh battery
- Pure Android Oreo experience
If we focus solely on benchmarks to show the differences and benefits of having more RAM in a smartphone, then we won’t see anything at all. We compared the benchmark scores between the 3GB and 6GB RAM variant and found minimal performance difference.
Benchmarks focus more on CPU and GPU performance and there is no real way to judge the RAM management. As for real life usage, the 6GB version definitely has better RAM management and can be used without a hiccup irrespective of how many apps you have open.
What about the battery life? – Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1(6GB) Review
Actually, the 6GB RAM variant does have better battery life. Our theory is that this is due to the better RAM management on the device. In our tests, the 6GB variant did last a little longer than the 4GB version consistently. This is great as the phone makes for a great budget gaming phone for the younger generation.
Wrapping up – ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1) 6GB RAM review
In this entire review, we only focused on the differences and benefits of the 6GB RAM variant when compared to the 3GB RAM version. We have a slightly better camera, and more RAM. The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) itself, regardless of of the amount of RAM, is already a great phone. It uses the energy-efficient yet powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset alongside with a 5,000mAh battery, 6-inch screen with 18:9 aspect ratio with 2160×1080 resolution, and dedicated card slots for SIM1 + SIM2 + microSD. The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) can literally last for two days without any issues. And the best price is Asus’s pricing for the device. You can get your hands on the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1(6GB) for Rs 14,999 and if this isn’t value for money, we do not know what is!
