Redmi announced the Redmi 7 yesterday, to take on the other budget smartphones out there. It turns out, it is one of the best value for money devices in its segment, which is something that the Redmi series is known for. However, the Redmi 7 faces stiff competition from a number of different manufacturers like Asus, Realme, and surprisingly, even from Samsung!

We currently don’t have a Redmi 7A model yet in the market unlike the sixth generation Redmi series which has a lower-end Redmi 6A model. So, at present, the cheapest current generation Redmi model that you can buy is the 2+16GB Redmi 7.

If you are looking at the 2GB RAM version, then the Redmi 7 hardly has any solid competitors. Priced just over $100, the phone is definitely a steal, given its beautiful design, decent SD632 processor and a large 4000mAh battery. But if you are looking to get yourself the 3GB RAM model, the competition gets stiff.

In China, the Redmi 7’s MSRP is roughly $120 after conversion for the 3GB + 32GB model. That’s a pretty aggressive price tag considering its specs, but if you look around, there are a few alternatives available, especially if you consider a competitive market like India.

For example, you have the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 with the same Snapdragon 632 processor as the Redmi 7 and there’s the Galaxy M10 with an Exynos 7870 SoC. These two models are priced very close to the Redmi 7. There is also the Realme C1 (powered by SD450) and even its elder sibling, the Realme 3, which is just about $10 more expensive but offers better camera features and a better processor.

So let’s take a closer look at each of these models that compete in the same segment as the Redmi 7.

First, let’s take a look at the best and cheapest 2GB RAM smartphones we have got right now.

• The three phones mentioned above are some of the best budget smartphones that you can purchase at around $100. Redmi 7 does take things up a notch by bringing Snapdragon 632 into the equation. Not to mention that 10W charger that comes bundled with the phone right out of the box.
• Personally, if my budget was under $110, I would definitely go for the 2+16GB model of the Redmi 7. While I agree 16GB is really small for a smartphone in this age, there’s a dedicated MicroSD card slot on board, which does make things better.
• Camera quality won’t be too different among the above three models, so I won’t comment on that. Even the display quality should be quite similar.
• However, that 10W charger with the Redmi 7 changes the equation. Given that the other two models come with a 5W stock charger, the Redmi model has a definite advantage in this regard. The other two phones are going to be painfully slow while charging.
• In terms of design, all three phones are well built. Realme C1 and Redmi 7 brings a few fancy options as well. However, I am a fan of that Nebula Red color of the new Redmi model. Also, that blue gradient option looks pretty slick for a $100 phone!
• I wouldn’t personally pick Galaxy M10 because it skips on Gorilla Glass for its screen protection and doesn’t even have a fingerprint sensor.
• But if I were to pick the Realme C1 instead of the Redmi 7 in this price segment, it would only be because I want 32GB storage. Plus, its lighter than Redmi 7.

But overall, at $100, I personally believe, the Redmi 7 shines among its 2GB RAM competitors.

• RELATED: Xiaomi Redmi Go officially announced at an extremely cheap price tag!

Now, let’s take a look at the best and cheapest 3GB RAM smartphones we’ve got.

If you are looking at the cheapest 3+32GB smartphones in the market, then the ones mentioned above are some of the best options available. The new Redmi 7 makes things even more exciting in this price segment (~$130).

• Among the phones mentioned above, Realme 3 is slightly more expensive. In fact, often you would compare the Realme 3 to the Redmi Note 7 model. But personally, I believe, Realme’s 3GB RAM model can take on the Redmi 7 in the same memory configuration. If you are looking for something with 3GB RAM on board, and if you can spend a few dollars more, then do it and get the Realme 3. For a few bucks more, it offers a more powerful processor with a slightly larger battery, as well as a feature-packed camera with a night mode as well (nightscape). For around $130, you can’t really go wrong with the Realme 3’s 3GB RAM model.
• But if you can’t spare a few bucks more, Redmi 7 is your best bet. Personally, I wouldn’t pick the Zenfone Max M2. I find Redmi 7’s design modern and lively. Also, you have Gorilla Glass 5 protecting that 6.26-inch HD+ screen. I also prefer MIUI over ASUS’ UI any day as the latter is still far from perfect.
• The only reason why I would go for the Zenfone model is because I would want something that’s lightweight. The Asus model is nearly 20 grams lighter than the Redmi 7, with the same battery capacity on board. So, if you are looking for something thinner and lighter at this price, the Zenfone Max M2 is your friend.

In conclusion, the Redmi 7 is the best choice if you are looking for a 2GB RAM phone priced at around $100.

But if I want something with more storage and RAM, like 3+32GB, I would go for the Realme 3. For $10 more, I get a more powerful chipset and a bigger battery than the 3GB model of the Redmi 7. If you don’t care for more processing power, the Redmi 7 is the next best device. I won’t be surprised if it also gets a Night Scene mode via a future update.  

What are your thoughts? Which one will you pick among these models and why? Also, did we miss out on a good model in this price segment?

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ASUS had launched the ZenFone Max Pro M1 and ZenFone Max M1 smartphones earlier this year. Today, the Taiwanese company has launched the ZenFone Max Pro M2 and ZenFone Max M2 as their successor editions through a launch event in India. Like their predecessor models, the newly announced Max Pro M2 and Max M2 offer value for money specifications and come with affordable price tags.

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 and ZenFone Max M2 Specifications and Features

The dimensions of the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 that comes with a curved 3D glass rear and a metallic frame are 157.8 x 75.5 x 8.5mm. The handset weighs 175 grams. A notched IPS LCD display of 6.26 inches is present on the smartphone. It produces full HD+ resolution of 2280 x 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19:9. One of the USPs of the ZenFone Max Pro M2 is that is the first affordable smartphone to arrive with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection.

The predecessor model was powered by Snapdragon 636. For the Max Pro M2, Asus has used the slightly older Snapdragon 660 chipset. A 5,000mAh battery powers the smartphone. The massive battery lacks support for fast charging.

The glass back of the ZenFone Max Pro M2 is fitted with a vertical dual camera system. It has a primary sensor of 12-megapixel Sony IMX486 with f/1.8 aperture. It is accompanied by 5-megapixel depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture. On the front is an LED flash assisted 13-megapixel selfie camera. A fingerprint reader resides on the rear shell of the smartphone.

For conveniently unlocking the ZenFone Max Pro M2, it is equipped with face unlock feature. It comes with other features such as dedicated microSD card slot, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, microUSB 2.0 and 3.5mm audio jack. It produces impressive sound output through its loudspeakers since it is equipped with 5-magnet speaker and NXT SmartAmp. The handset runs on Android 8.1 Oreo OS with no custom UI on it. The Android 9 Pie OS will be available for the smartphone in January 2019.

The ASUS ZenFone Max M2 is packed with weaker specs than the Max Pro M2 phone. It is a metal bodied smartphone that measures 158.41 x 76.28 x 7.7mm and weighs 160 grams. It has a 6-inch notched IPS LCD display that carries support for HD+ resolution of 1520 x 720 pixels.

The ZenFone Max M2 comes with Snapdragon 632 which also powers the Honor 8C smartphone that was unveiled recently. It receives power from 4,000mAh battery.

In the photography department, the ZenFone Max M2 offers 13-megapixel + 2-mgeapixel dual camera setup and an 8-megapixel selfie camera. The smartphone carries support for other features such as microSD card slot, Android 8.1 Oreo OS, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, microUSB 2.0 and 3.5mm audio jack. Fingerprint sensor and facial recognition are the two security features available on the ZenFone Max M1. Like the Pro model, the Max M1 is also blessed with 5-magnet speaker and NXT SmartAmp.

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 and ZenFone Max M2 Pricing and Availability:

Here are the pricings and color variants of the newly unveiled ZenFone Max Pro M2 and Max M2 smartphones:

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2
3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage – Rs. 12,999 (~$180)
4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage – Rs. 14,999 (~$209)
6 GB RAM + 64 GB storage – Rs. 16,999 (~$237)
Color Variants: Blue and Titanium

ASUS ZenFone Max M2
3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage – Rs. 9,999 (~$139)
4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage – Rs. 11,999 (~$167)
Color Variants: Blue and Black

The official sales of ZenFone Max Pro M2 will begin on Dec. 18 and the ZenFone Max M2 will be available for buying from Dec. 20. Launch day offers for both phones include no cost EMI and Complete Protection Plan by Flipkart for Rs. 99. These handsets will be exclusively available for purchase through Flipkart.

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ASUS will be announcing the ZenFone Max Pro M2 and ZenFone Max M2 in certain markets like India and Indonesia on Dec. 11. However, both the phones have gone official in Russia since they have been found listed on the Russian edition of the company’s website. The official listings of the phone have not only revealed their specs, but also their pricing.

The ASUS ZenFone Max M2 has a 6.3-inch IPS LCD screen that offers 19:9 aspect ratio. The notched screen offers HD+ resolution of 1520 x 720 pixels. The Snapdragon 632 chipsets the phone. It includes 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of native storage. It is equipped with a dedicated microSD card slot. For photography, there is an 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel vertical dual camera setup on the rear and a front-facing camera of 13-megapixel. The handset features a 4,000mAh battery.

The ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 has the same-sized notched display as the Max M2, but it carries support for Full HD+ resolution of 2280 x 1080 pixels. It features a smaller than the M2 handset. The Snapdragon 660 chipset powers the phone along with 4 GB of RAM. It has a native storage of 64 GB. A dual camera setup featuring 12-megapixel and 5-megapixel sensors are available on the backside of the Max Pro M2. It is also equipped with a 13-megapixel selfie snapper. Its packed with a massive 5,000mAh battery.

• Read More: ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 confirmed to launch in India on December 11 as Flipkart exclusive

Both phones are loaded with stock version of Android 8.1 Oreo OS. The Taiwanese company has already confirmed that the ZenFone Max Pro M2 will be the first mid-range phone to feature Gorilla Glass 6 protection. As it can be seen in the above renders, the ZenFone Max M2 has a metal unibody whereas the Max Pro M2 has a glass rear.

A third party Russian retailer is offering the ZenFone Max Pro M2 in 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage and 4 GB RAM + 128 GB storage versions. The official online store will begin the pre-orders of the Max Pro M2 from Dec. 12. It will be priced at RUB 17,990 (~$270) for the base model. The ZenFone Max M2 costs RUB 12,990 ($195) in Russia. These handsets are respectively available in Black and Blue colors in the country.

(source 1, 2, 3, 4|via)

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In the recent weeks, industry expert Roland Quandt had leaked the entire specifications of the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 smartphone that is scheduled to go official on Dec. 11. Quandt had also shared few details on the ZenFone Max M2 handset that is expected to go official alongside the Pro variant. Through a fresh report on Winfuture.de, he has revealed vital information such as pricing and specifications of the upcoming mid-range phones from ASUS.

Asus ZenFone Max M2 Specifications and Pricing

The metal-bodied ZenFone Max M2 will be equipped with a 6.3-inch LCD panel that will produce HD+ resolution of 1520 x 720 pixels. The screen resolution is a bit low for such a huge display. The notch present on the display is larger than the notch found on the Pro model. It seems to be sporting a narrower chin than the Pro variant.

The 1.8 GHz Snapdragon 632 SoC is expected to power the ZenFone Max M2. The 32 GB model of the phone may feature 3 GB of RAM. It will also include a microSD card slot. The handset may come in higher versions of RAM and storage.

A vertical dual camera setup featuring 13-megapixel and 2-megapixel sensors are available on the rear. Fore capturing selfies, it has an 8-megapixel shooter. The handset will be loaded with Android 8.1 Oreo OS. It will be packed with a 4,000mAh battery. The thickness of the ZenFone Max M2 will be 8mm and it will be weighing 165 grams. The ZenFone Max M2 variants could be priced between 160 euros (~$181) and 190 euros (~$215) in the Europe.

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 Specifications and Pricing

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 will also feature a 6.3-inch LCD screen. However, it will be equipped with a smaller notch and it will carry support for Full HD+ resolution of 2280 x 1080 pixels. The Snapdragon 660 chipset is present under the hood of the device. The SoC will be coupled with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. There could be higher model featuring 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of inbuilt storage. The Max Pro M2 will be loaded with Android 8.1 Oreo OS.

• Read More: ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 confirmed to launch in India on December 11 as Flipkart exclusive

For photography, the ZenFone Max Pro M2 will be coming with 13-mgeapixel + 5-megapixel dual camera setup on the rear and a selfie shooter of 8-megpixel. It will also carry support for NFC connectivity. The handset will be backed by a 5,000mAh battery. The Max Pro M2 will be sporting a slightly premium appeal since it will be featuring a glass and metal combination chassis. The handset will be weighing 180 grams and its thickness will be almost 9mm. In Europe, the ZenFone Max Pro M2 variants could be priced between 280 euros (~$317) and 300 euros (~$340).

(source)

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Popular leakster Roland Quandt had shared vital information on the upcoming ASUS ZenFone Max M2 and Max Pro M2 smartphones around two weeks ago.. Since then, the rumor mill has been consistently leaking information on the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 smartphone that is officially confirmed to debut on Dec. 11 in Indonesia. Today, the tipster is back again with more information on both smartphones.

According to Quandt’s latest report on WinFuture, both the smartphones will be sporting a similar design and these devices will mainly differ in specs. In terms of specs, the ZenFone Max Pro M2 features a smaller notch and thicker chin than the M2. The rear shell of the Max Pro M2 is made out of glass and has a shiny appeal whereas the Max M2 has a metallic back panel.

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 and Max M2 are both equipped with 6-inch IPS LCD display that carry support for full HD+ resolution of  2340 x 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9.

• Read More: Asus ROG Phone with 6-inch display and Snapdragon 845 SoC launched in India for Rs. 69,990 ($1,002)

The ZenFone Max Pro M2 will be featuring Snapdragon 660 chipset and 4 GB of RAM. It is expected to arrive in 64 GB and 128 GB storage options and a microSD card slot for more storage. For photograph, it will be fitted with dual camera setup that will feature a 12-megapixel Sony IMX486 primary sensor and a 5-megapixel secondary sensor. A recent leak had revealed that it will feature 5,000mAh battery like its predecessor model.

The ZenFone Max M2 is expected to feature Snapdragon 636 chipset and 4 GB of RAM. It is likely to be available in 32 GB and 64 GB storage choices and will also feature a microSD card slot for additional storage. The dual camera setup of the Max M2 will comprise of 13-megapixel primary sensor. There is no information available on the secondary sensor. Also, the exact size of the battery of the ZenFone Max M2 is still under the wraps.

(source)

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Following yesterday’s reveal of the model numbers of upcoming ASUS phones and info about a Chrome OS tablet in development, more details have surfaced about the specs of the ASUS phones. Again, the leaks are from Roland Quandt and are related to the ZenFone Max Pro (M2) and the Zenfone Max M2.

According to the serial leaker, the ZenFone Max Pro (M2) which has the model number ZB631KL will have a 6-inch full HD+ screen, 4GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage. It will be powered by the Snapdragon 660 processor which is still a worthy upgrade over the Snapdragon 636 which powers the ZenFone Max Pro (M1).

With respect to cameras, the phone will have three sensors on its back. Roland Quandt also mentions a 13MP sensor which may be the front-facing camera.

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 ZB631KL = 6in FHD+, 13MP, 4GB RAM, 64/128GB. Snapdragon 660 (SDM660), Triple Cam
ASUS ZenFone Max M2 ZB633KL = 6in FHD+, 13MP, 4GB RAM, 32/64GB. Snapdragon 636 (MSM8953), Dual Cam
ZB632KL (non-Pro), ZB634KL (Pro) are likely India specific variants

— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) November 14, 2018

Next comes the ZenFone Max M2 with model number ZB633KL. It will also sport a 6” FHD+ display but be powered by a Snapdragon 636 processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB/64GB of built-in storage. The ZenFone Max M2 will have a 13MP (front-facing) camera and dual cameras on its back.

READ MORE: ASUS ZenFone 6 prototype images reveal in-display camera and triple rear cameras

There is a caveat though. Roland Quandt adds that he isn’t sure about the screen size, resolution and storage of both phones but he is certain about their RAM, processors, and the number of cameras they have. He also mentions that the ASUS ZB632KL and the ASUS ZB634KL are Indian variants of the ZenFone Max M2 and the ZenFone Max Pro (M2) respectively.

(Source)

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The year is almost at an end which means the leak taps will soon be turned on in full force ahead of CES 2019 and MWC 2019. ASUS seems to have a number of products in development and details of some of them have leaked online.

The leaks come from Roland Quandt and it includes upcoming phones and a Chrome OS tablet. According to him, ASUS will soon launch a new Zenfone phone with model number ZB634KL which will have a triple camera setup on the rear.

ASUS ZenFone ZB634KL should launch "SOON" ™. Comes with triple cam setup on rear.

— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) November 12, 2018

Russian tech blog, Mobiletelefon, said the phone is definitely the successor to the Zenfone Max Pro (M1) based on the first two alphabets of the model number (ZB) which is the same as that of the Max Pro (ZB601KL). The site adds that the figure“63” in the model number means it will have a 6.3-inch screen while the alphabets “K” and “L” indicate a Snapdragon processor and 4G LTE respectively. As it stands, the ASUS ZB634KL should launch as the Zenfone Max Pro (M2).

And the last one: "it should launch "SOON" alongside with ZB631KL & ZB633KL, aka Zenfone Max Pro (M2) and Zenfone Max (M2). Still no signs of ZB632KL.

— Лазарев Олег (@LaOlTomsk) November 12, 2018

But that isn’t the only Max phone in development. There is also the ASUS ZB632KL which has a triple camera setup too as well as the ZB631KL and ZB633KL. The ZB633KL is presumed to be the Zenfone Max (M2).

Apart from the phones, ASUS is also working on a Chrome OS tablet and we are not surprised. After the launch of the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 and the Pixel Slate, we know it is only a matter of time before other manufacturers jump on the train. Also, seeing as Android tablets sales keep plummetting every year, Chrome OS may be the way to go.

Don't be surprised when ASUS launches what I think is its first Chrome OS tablet ~10inch screen. Could be one of the devices we get to see at #CES2019.

— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) November 12, 2018

Chrome OS brings a number of features that are of benefits to both the manufacturer and the user. First, the OS is the same on all devices irrespective of the manufacturer. There are no custom skins like you have on Android phones, so the UI is consistent.

READ MORE: Another ASUS ZenFone 6 (working) prototype surfaces in photos and hands-on video

Also, updates are handled by Google and are pushed to all devices at the same time. Google says Chrome OS devices will receive updates for at least 6 years from when the chipset appeared on the platform.

The ASUS Chrome OS tablet will have a 10-inch display and may be unveiled at CES 2019 in January.

(Sources: 1, 2, 3)

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After the success of its mid-range Zenfone Max Pro M1, the Taiwan-based Asus seems to be working on its successor. The Asus Zenfone Max M2 and the Zenfone Max Pro M2 have been certified by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) in Russia.

The certification processor has revealed the name of the upcoming phones as well as their model number. The Zenfone Max M2 carries model number ZB633KL, while the Zenfone Max Pro M2 has model number ZB631KL.

Further, it reveals that both the phone will be running Android Oreo operating system out-of-the-box, which is a bit disappointing given that it’s been a while since Google officially released the Android 9.0 Pie update and a few manufacturers have already started rolling out Android Pie to their devices.

The listing does not reveal anything related to the phone’s specifications. However, unlike the current models, the successor is expected to come with a notched display, probably a bigger one, given that most of the devices launched this year feature a notched display.

We are also expecting an upgraded processor for improved performance and a dual rear camera setup for enhancing the imaging capabilities. As for the battery, we expect the battery capacity to be similar to the 5,000mAh battery — same as the current models.

Read More: Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 India sales hit 1 million units in less than 6 months

While the specifications for the Zenfone Max Pro M2 and Max M2 are just a speculation at this point in time, the EEC listing has confirmed the existence of the phones. The listing suggests that the phone are currently in production stage, and we expect to see leaks related to the devices in the coming weeks.

(Via)

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