ASUS Philippines’ Zenfone Summer Sale Madness 2019: Critical Index’s Top Picks

Ren Sta. Ana
The Critical Index
Published in
4 min readMar 2, 2019

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If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, then you’re in luck. ASUS Philippines just launched its Zenfone Summer Sale Madness as of March 1, 2019.

Our top 3 picks include:

  1. ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1

SALE Price: PHP 6,995
Original Price: PHP 11,995

Battery Capacity: 4,130mAh
Display: 5.7 inches, 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio
SIM: Dual SIM
OS: Android 7 Nougat
Camera: Dual 16MP + 8MP (Rear), 8MP (Front)
Video: 1080p at 30fps
Internal Memory: Available in 64GB, 32GB and 16GB models
RAM: 4GB, 3GB and 2GB variants
Processor: Mediatek Octa-core
Dedicated SD Card Slot: Yes, up to 256GB MicroSD

Why get it?

If you need a basic, no-frills budget phone that can play your basic mobile games. It’s recommended to get at least the 3GB RAM/32GB internal memory model and above for running games.

It also features an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor and compass that are needed for apps that have an AR mode like Pokemon Go.

Read more about its specs here.

2. ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 (4GB)

SALE Price: PHP 8,995
Original Price: PHP 13,995

Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh
Display: 5.99 inches, 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio
SIM: Dual SIM
OS: Android 8.1 Oreo
Camera: Dual Bokeh 13MP + 5MP (Rear), 8MP (Front)
Video: 2160p at 30fps, 1080p at 30 to 60fps
Internal Memory: 64GB
RAM: 4GB
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Mobile Platform
Dedicated SD Card Slot: Yes, up to 512GB MicroSD

Why get it?

This model is still worth getting despite the release of the newer ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2, which we recently reviewed.

After all, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 is ASUS Zenfone’s “Battery King” of the bunch, with a 5,000mAh battery capacity. This model has enough power for up to 12 hours of gaming, according to its lab tests.

The processor and memory would be suitable for apps like Ragnarok Mobile, Azur Lane, Girls Frontline, PUBG and Mobile Legends.

While the battery can guarantee long gaming sessions, users are advised to download app killers to ensure background apps won’t bottleneck your RAM and result in throttling. This could also help reduce occasional minor heat buildup from the battery.

Read more about its specs here.

3. ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL

SALE Price: PHP 14,995
Original Price: PHP 19,995

Battery Capacity: 3,300mAh
Display: 6.2 inches, 1080 x 2246 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio
SIM: Hybrid-Nano Dual SIM
OS: Android 8.0 (Oreo), but upgradeable to 9.0 (Pie)
Camera: Dual 12MP + 8MP (Rear), 8MP (Front)
Video: 2160p at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 1080p at 30fps
Internal Memory: 64GB
RAM: 6GB
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Mobile Platform
Dedicated SD Card Slot: None. Uses SIM 2 Slot (up to 512GB)

Why get it?

While not having as much power as the Max Pro M1, it still boasts similar specs with key differences: The 6GB RAM and its upgradability to Android 9.0.

Compared to the 4GB of the Max Pro M1, the Zenfone 5’s 6GB gives more room for memory-heavy games. You might even not have to worry about background apps throttling the phone.

The upgradability of the OS could also ensure that your phone will still be compatible with future app updates. That and it’ll still be able to keep up with new games in the future.

The Hybrid-Nano Dual SIM might limit your choices between a 2nd SIM card or a higher-capacity MicroSD Card, but this won’t be an issue if you only use one main number.

Read more about its specs here.

Where to Get Them

According to sources from ASUS Philippines, these models will be available at the specified prices in all stores that carry their Zenfone product line.

These include outlets such as:

ASUS Concept Store at SM Megamall’s 4th floor Cyberzone area in Ortigas, Pasig City

Villman Computers branches such as Greenhills V-Mall 3rd floor, in San Juan City

Gigahertz Computer Systems branches such as Greenhills V-Mall 3rd floor, in San Juan City

So if you’re looking for an upgrade or a backup phone, now might be the time to head to your nearest dealer today.

The ASUS Philippines’ Zenfone Summer Sale Madness 2019 is valid while supplies last, according to our sources.

*Prices may change without prior notice.

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