Asus ZenFone Max (M1)

Asus ZenFone Max (M1) ZB555KL/ZB556KL
Asus ZenFone Max Plus (M1) ZB570TL
Asus ZenFone Max Pro (M1) ZB601KL/ZB602K
BrandZenFone
ManufacturerASUS
TypeMax (M1)/Max Plus (M1): Smartphone
Max Pro (M1): Phablet
Series
ZenFone Max
First released
Max (M1): February 27, 2018 (2018-02-27)
Max Plus (M1): November 28, 2017 (2017-11-28)
Max Pro (M1): April 23, 2018 (2018-04-23)
PredecessorAsus ZenFone 4 Max
SuccessorAsus ZenFone Max (M2)
RelatedAsus ZenFone 5
Asus ZenFone Live (L1)
GSM, 3G, 4G (LTE)
Slate
Colors
Max (M1):
  •   Deepsea Black
  •   Sunlight Gold
  •   Ruby Red
Max Plus (M1):
  •   Deepsea Black
  •   Sunlight Gold
  •   Azure Silver
Max Pro (M1):
  •   Deepsea Black
  •   Meteor Silver
DimensionsMax (M1):
  • H: 147.3 mm
  • W: 70.9 mm
  • D: 8.7 mm
Max Plus (M1):
  • H: 152.6 mm
  • W: 73 mm
  • D: 8.8 mm
Max Pro (M1):
  • H: 159 mm
  • W: 76 mm
  • D: 8.5 mm
WeightMax (M1): 150 g
Max Plus (M1): 160 g
Max Pro (M1): 180 g
Initial:
Current:
  • Max (M1): Android 8.0 Oreo + ZenUI 5.0
  • Max Plus (M1): Android 8.1 Oreo + ZenUI 5.0
  • Max Pro (M1): Android 10
Max (M1) (16 GB): Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm)
Max (M1) (32 GB): Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm)
Max Plus (M1): MediaTek MT6750T (28 nm)
Max Pro (M1): Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 (14 nm)
CPUMax (M1) (16 GB): Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
Max (M1) (32 GB): Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
Max Plus (M1): Octa-core (4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
Max Pro (M1): Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4×1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
GPUMax (M1) (16 GB): Adreno 308
Max (M1) (32 GB): Adreno 505
Max Plus (M1): Mali-T860 MP2
Max Pro (M1): Adreno 509
MemoryMax (M1): 2/3 GB LPDDR3
Max Plus (M1): 2/3/4 GB LPDDR3
Max Pro (M1): 3/4/6 GB LPDDR4X
StorageMax (M1): 16/32 GB
Max Plus (M1): 16/32/64 GB
Max Pro (M1): 32/64/128 GB
eMMC
microSDXC
  • Max (M1)/Max Plus (M1): up to 256 GB
  • Max Pro (M1): up to 2 TB
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM)
BatteryNon-removable Li-Po
  • Max (M1): 4000 mAh
  • Max Plus (M1): 4130 mAh
  • Max Pro (M1): 5000 mAh
Charging10 W
Rear camera
  • Max (M1) (ZB555KL): 13 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12 µm, PDAF + 8 MP, 17 mm (ultrawide)
    Video: 1080p@30fps
  • Max (M1) (ZB556KL): 13 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12 µm, PDAF
    Video: 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS
  • Max Plus (M1): 16 MP, f/2.0, 35 mm, PDAF + 8 MP, 17 mm (ultrawide)
    Video: 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS
  • Max Pro (M1) (3/4 GB RAM): 13 MP, f/2.2, 25 mm (wide), 1.12 µm, PDAF + 5 MP, f/2.4 (depth sensor)
    Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
  • Max Pro (M1) (6 GB RAM): 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF + 5 MP, f/2.4 (depth sensor)
    Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
  • All models: LED flash, HDR, panorama
Front camera
  • Max (M1): 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12 µm
    LED flash
  • Max (M1) (ZB556KL) (India): 13 MP, f/2.2, 35 mm
    LED flash
  • Max Plus (M1): 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12 µm
  • Max Pro (M1) (3/4 GB RAM): 8 MP, f/2.2, 26 mm (wide), 1 µm
    LED flash
  • Max Pro (M1) (6 GB RAM): 16 MP, f/2.2, 26 mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1 µm
    LED flash
  • Video: 1080p@30fps
Display
  • All models: IPS LCD, 18:9 aspect ratio
  • Max (M1): 5.45", 1440 × 720 (HD+), 247 ppi
  • Max Plus (M1): 5.7", 2160 × 1080 (FHD+), 424 ppi
  • Max Pro (M1): 5.99", 2160 × 1080 (FHD+), 404 ppi
SoundMono loudspeaker
ConnectivitymicroUSB 2.0 (OTG), 3.5 mm audio jack
Bluetooth: (A2DP, LE)
  • Max (M1) (ZB555KL): 4.2
  • Max (M1) (ZB556KL)/Max Plus (M1): 4.0
  • Max Pro (M1): 5.0
, NFC (market dependent for Max Pro (M1)), FM radio
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (Wi-Fi Direct)
Satellite navigation:
Data inputsTouchscreen multi-touch, microphone (1 on Max (M1); 2 on Max Plus (M1)/Max Pro(M1)), fingerprint scanner (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyroscope (Max Pro (M1)), Proximity sensor, compass
ModelMax (M1): X00PD
Max Plus (M1): X018D
Max Pro (M1): X00TD
References[1][2][3][4]

The Asus ZenFone Max (M1) (stylized as ASUS Zenfone Max (M1)) is a line of budget and mid-range Android smartphones manufactured, designed and marketed by ASUS as part of the ZenFone smartphone series. It serves as the successor to the Asus ZenFone 4 Max lineup.[5] The standard Asus ZenFone Max (M1) was unveiled on February 27, 2018,[6] the Asus ZenFone Max Plus (M1) on November 28, 2017,[7] and the premium Asus ZenFone Max Pro (M1) on April 23, 2018.[8] All deviced were equipped with a 2.5D curved protective glass.[9]

Design & build

The front panel of all models is made of glass. The body structure differs per variant: the ZenFone Max (M1) has a plastic unibody design,[10] the ZenFone Max Plus (M1) uses aluminum with plastic caps at the top and bottom, and the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) utilizes a plastic frame with a metal aluminum rear plate overlay. All three smartphones feature relatively thin bezels above and below the display for a 2018 device. From the back, the ZenFone Max Plus (M1) resembles the older Asus ZenFone 4 Max series, while the ZenFone Max (M1) and ZenFone Max Pro (M1) align closer with the design language of the ZenFone 5.

For the ZenFone Max (M1), the bottom houses a microUSB port along with microphone and speaker grilles; a 3.5 mm audio jack sits on top; the left side holds a triple card slot (2 Nano-SIMs + microSD card), and the right side contains the volume rocker and power key. The ZenFone Max Plus (M1) matches this layout but adds a secondary noise-canceling microphone on the top edge.

The ZenFone Max Pro (M1) rearranges elements by placing both the microUSB port, 3.5 mm audio jack, primary microphone, and loudspeaker on the bottom panel. A secondary microphone sits on top, the left side houses the card tray, and the right side features the hardware buttons.

The rear side of all models features a vertical or horizontal camera layout, an LED flash, and a centered fingerprint scanner. The front panel includes the earpiece speaker, front-facing camera, ambient light sensor, and proximity sensor. The standard and Pro variants also include a front-facing LED flash.

The smartphones were available in the following color options:

ZenFone Max (M1) ZenFone Max Plus (M1) ZenFone Max Pro (M1)
Color Name Color Name Color Name
Deepsea Black Deepsea Black Deepsea Black
Sunlight Gold Sunlight Gold Meteor Silver
Ruby Red Azure Silver

Specifications

Hardware and platform

The 16 GB storage variant of the ZenFone Max (M1) runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 system-on-chip, whereas the 32 GB version uses a Snapdragon 430. The ZenFone Max Plus (M1) is powered by a MediaTek MT6750T SoC, and the high-tier ZenFone Max Pro (M1) handles tasks via a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636.[11]

Battery

The internal battery capacity scales up across the models: the ZenFone Max (M1) has a 4000 mAh capacity, the ZenFone Max Plus (M1) has a 4130 mAh capacity, and the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) scales up to a bigger 5000 mAh capacity.

Camera

The ZenFone Max (M1) features a 13 MP main wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.0 and phase-detection autofocus (PDAF). The ZB555KL variant includes a secondary 8 MP ultra-wide lens, which is missing from the ZB556KL SKU. The Indian version of the ZenFone Max (M1) ZB555KL features a 13 MP selfie camera with a f/2.2 aperture, while global models feature an 8 MP camera with a f/2.2 opening.[6]

The ZenFone Max Plus (M1) uses a dual rear module containing a 16 MP sensor with a f/2.0 aperture and PDAF alongside an 8 MP ultra-wide lens. Front-facing capture is managed by an 8 MP wide lens with a f/2.0 aperture.

The premium ZenFone Max Pro (M1) features different sensors based on storage configs: the 6 GB RAM tier uses a 16 MP main shooter with a f/2.0 aperture and PDAF, while lower tiers feature a 13 MP primary lens with a f/2.2 aperture. Both configurations utilize a secondary 5 MP sensor with a f/2.4 aperture for depth calculation. The 6 GB RAM tier uses a 16 MP front shooter with a f/2.2 aperture, while the remaining versions drop down to an 8 MP sensor with a f/2.2 aperture.

Video capture on the ZenFone Max (M1) and Max Plus (M1), along with the front shooters of the Pro version, is limited to 1080p at 30fps. The rear setup on the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) can capture up to 4K video at 30fps.

Display

Every variant sports an IPS LCD assembly with a modern elongated 18:9 aspect ratio. The standard ZenFone Max (M1) features a 5.45" screen at HD+ resolution (1440 × 720) yielding a 247 ppi density.[6] The ZenFone Max Plus (M1) features a 5.7" display with a Full HD+ resolution (2160 × 1080) at 424 ppi, and the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) stretches to a 5.99" display using Full HD+ resolution (2160 × 1080) at 404 ppi.[7]

Memory and storage

The smartphones were distributed in several memory and storage configurations:[6]

Configuration Model
Storage RAM ZenFone Max (M1) ZenFone Max Plus (M1) ZenFone Max Pro (M1)
16 GB 2 GB Yes Yes No
32 GB 2 GB Yes No No
3 GB Yes Yes Yes
64 GB 4 GB No Yes Yes
6 GB No No Yes
128 GB 4 GB No No Yes

Internal storage on the ZenFone Max (M1) and Max Plus (M1) can be expanded using a dedicated microSD card slot up to 256 GB, whereas the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) supports cards up to 2 TB.

Software

The ZenFone Max (M1) originally launched with Android 8.0 Oreo running the ZenUI 5.0 skin overlay. The ZenFone Max Plus (M1) launched with an older Android 7.0 Nougat codebase and ZenUI 4.0 overlay, while the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) shipped with a clean, close-to-stock version of Android 8.1 Oreo without an ASUS user interface skin.[12] The ZenFone Max Plus (M1) was subsequently upgraded to Android 8.1 Oreo with ZenUI 5.0, and the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) received updates up to Android 10.

Reception

ZenFone Max M1

In terms of processing power, the Max M1 is equipped with a quad-core central processing unit (CPU) that provides consistent operational speeds, ensuring the device maintains stability during standard use without significant latency. GSMArena noted that the device's performance is highly competitive within its price bracket. Consequently, the handset is frequently categorized as an ideal entry-level smartphone, particularly suited for consumers transitioning from feature phones or those purchasing their first smartphone.[13]

ZenFone Max Plus M1

In independent testing, the ZenFone Max Plus M1 received criticism for its biometric security systems and thermal performance. TechRadar reviewer Mark Knapp noted that the device's fingerprint scanner exhibited frequent recognition failures, often requiring users to manually input a standard unlock pattern after multiple failed attempts. Additionally, while the smartphone included facial recognition technology, the implementation lacked a real-time viewfinder on the lock screen, making it difficult for users to properly align the front-facing camera. Even when alignment was achieved, the facial recognition system was reported to be highly inconsistent and prone to regular failure. Beyond biometric concerns, the device demonstrated notable thermal management issues during evaluation. The smartphone frequently generated significant heat under minimal load, and testing indicated that the phone would become noticeably warm even while idle or carried in a pocket. According to data from the pre-installed PowerMaster utility application, the device's internal temperature routinely exceeded 90 °F (approx. 32 °C) during periods of inactivity with no applications actively running, raising concerns regarding its power efficiency and passive cooling capabilities.[14]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Asus Zenfone Max (M1) ZB555KL - Full phone specifications". www.gsmarena.com. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  2. ↑ "Asus Zenfone Max (M1) ZB556KL - Full phone specifications". www.gsmarena.com. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  3. ↑ "Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M1) ZB570TL - Full phone specifications". www.gsmarena.com. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  4. ↑ "Asus Zenfone Max Pro (M1) ZB601KL/ZB602K - Full phone specifications". www.gsmarena.com. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  5. ↑ "ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M1 Now Available | News｜ASUS USA". www.asus.com. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Vlad. "Asus Zenfone Max (M1) has a 4,000 mAh battery, 18:9 slim-bezel display". GSMArena.com. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  7. 1 2 Peter. "Asus Zenfone Max Plus (M1) stretches to an 18:9 screen". GSMArena.com. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  8. ↑ Ivan. "Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 debuts with Snapdragon 636, 5,000 mAh battery". GSMArena.com. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  9. ↑ "ASUS Zenfone Max Pro (M1) review: A well-rounded budget smartphone". Android Authority. 2018-05-19. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  10. ↑ "Asus ZenFone Max M1 Review". Gadgets 360. Archived from the original on 2025-06-15. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  11. ↑ Prabhjote Gill (2018-07-25). "Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 levels up with a 6GB variant". TechRadar. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  12. ↑ Valiyathara, Anvinraj (2018-04-23). "ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 Launched with 18:9 Display, SD 636, 13MP+5MP Camera for Starting Price of Rs. 10,999". Gizmochina. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  13. ↑ "ZenFone Max M1 and Lite L1 hands-on review". GSMArena.com. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
  14. ↑ Mark Knapp (2018-03-30). "Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 review". TechRadar. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
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