ASUS new launch- all new Zenfone Max. Review

ASUS launched its advanced version of one of its best-selling smartphones in the country – Zenfone Max on May 23, 2016. The biggest highlights of the phone are its long battery life, ability to be a portable charger for other devices, stunning good looks and an affordable price. It has brand new processor, increased memory and more personalisation options. 

I like the trendy colour options – black, orange and blue. It has extremely thin body. I love the metal-like edge and the back with the look and feel of embossed leather. I must say it looks very chic, fashionable and elegant.

It has an astonishing 5000 mAh battery which more than double as compared to any other phone in the same price range, the Zenfone Max can last longer without charging and is also capable of being a power bank for other gadgets making it an essential product for daily use.The accompanying OTG cable turns the phone into a charger to power up the users’ other gadgets, making it a useful everyday accompaniment.

Features

• ·        Powerful Performance: Octa-core processor, 2GB/ 3GB RAM variations and 32GB internal storage expandable up to 64GB
• ·        Uncompromising Battery: 5000 mAh battery with OTG cable that turns the Zenfone Max into an innovative charger for other devices
• ·        Inimitable Style: Sleek, durable and available in three interesting colours, the phone sports an air of luxury and offers heightened personalization
• Stunning Images: The new ZenFone Max has a 13 Megapixel, f/2.0-aperture rear camera with the ASUS PixelMaster 2.0 technology and dual-LED flash for natural-looking photography. It also features Laser Auto Focus technology that helps photography enthusiasts focus on an object in as fast as 0.03 seconds. ZenFone Max’s front camera is a 5 Megapixel, f/2.0-aperture camera with 85̊ wide-viewing angle that helps in incorporating more information and details into the picture.

Known for its 5000 mAh battery and stylish looks, the smartphone is meant for users who are always on the move and demand superior performance along with an elegant style. The new Zenfone Max is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Octa-Core processor and provides the users an option to opt for a 2GB or 3GB RAM. The internal memory of the phone has now been increased to 32GB, in addition to an expandable memory of up to 64GB. Zenfone Max with 2GB RAM is available for Rs. 9,999 and can be pre-ordered on Flipkart while Zenfone Max with 3GB RAM is available for Rs. 12,999 and can be purchased from Amazon, Snapdeal and Flipkart. The 3GB RAM variant will also be available at ASUS Exclusive stores and all other retail stores across India, at a later date.

Specification Sheet:

	Zenfone Max ZC550KL
	Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 1.5 GHz, Octa-Core
	Modem	GSM/GPRS/EDGE; WCDMA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+; FDD-LTE, DSDS
	Peak Data Rate	DC-HSPA+ (DL/UL): 42/5.76 Mbps; LTE CAT4 (DL/UL): 150/50 Mbps
	RF Band Support	IN GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 WCDMA: 1/2/5/8 ; TDD-SCDMA: 34/39                                                                               FDD-LTE Band: B1, B3, B5 TD-LTE:  38/39/40/41(2555-2655MHz only)
	OS	Android M 6.0.1
	Display	5.5" TFT LED Backlight (Typ 450 nits ) ; 1280 x 720 HD IPS
		16:9 , Wide active matrix; Glare type
		GFF Touch panel (Directly Bonding): Capacitive touch panel with 10 points multi-touch with 60ms response time
	Dimensions	156*77.5*10.55
	Weight	202g
	Battery Pack & Life	Typ:5000mAh, non-removable polymer battery
	Memory	LPDDR3 2GB/3GB
	Storage	eMMC 32GB
		Micro SD Card Support (Up to 64GB)
	Sensor	1. Accelerator 2. E-Compass 3. Proximity 4. Hall sensor 5. Ambient light sensor
	WLAN	Integrated 802.11b/g/n; WiFi-Direct
	Bluetooth	Bluetooth V 4.0 (EDR + A2DP)
		Bluetooth Profile: A2DP + AVRCP + HID + PAN + OPP
	FM Radio	Support
	GPS	Support GPS, aGPS, Gloness
	Interface	Micro USB
	Front Camera	5M wide view F2.0 / 85 degree
	Main Camera	13M auto focus F2.0/ 75 degree,
	Flash LED	Dual Flash Real Tone LED & laser focus(40cm)
	Vibrator	Yes
	Audio	Codec integrated into PMIC
	Microphone	Microphone*2 (one for de-noise)
	SIM	Micro SIM*2
	Button	Power and Volume Up/Down
	Accessories	Standard USB Cable , Adaptor, User Manual, Warranty Card, OTG cable
	Color	Black/ Orange/Blue
	Adaptor	5W
	Features	Support ─ Power Bank,  ASUS Zenflash, USB flash disk, USB Keyboard, USB mouse.
		OTG

Sonakshi Sinha is the brand ambassador of ASUS. Check her video about ASUS here.

The phone is priced in India at Rs.9,999 onwards

Milonga with Fernanda and Alejandro

Last evening we had a wonderful milonga with spectacular performances by Fernanda and Alejandro.

See more pictures here and their video at the bottom.

These maestros are mind blowing- very professional, friendly, great dancers and excellent teachers. They are a delight and pleasure to work with. I highly recommend them.

Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur

I had mentioned about Chokhi Dhani, previously in this blog post. 

This is day 2 in the same resort.

What I Wore:

Shift dress from Play Clan, previously worn here and here.

Pallazos worn here and here.

Sandals from Buenos Aires. Previously worn here and here.

Shades: Escada. Previously worn here

Bag: Desigual

It is all about intelligent mixing and matching with which you can even convert western outfit to a traditional Indian outfit or vice a versa. 

Chikan/ Lucknowi sari

It has been a while I have invested in a sari. It has become more common and comfortable to wear suits or dresses. But once in a while, it is nice to drape a saree. This Lucknowi, turquoise sari is from my old collection. It is a gorgeous, evergreen piece. 

Unveiling of a friend's portrait

Yesterday was a super nice party thrown by 2 friends. One of them had painted a portrait of the other and it was a party to unveil that portrait. All of us were chilling and having a great time over sumptuous food and drinks and of course, getting lots of pictures clicked. 

My friend with her portrait. She was the hostess of the party.

With the artist who painted the portrait.

Selfie time.