We previously reported that ASUS is prepping a successor of the ZenFone Max M1 to launch soon. At least, that is what is implied by its appearance on a number of certification portals in the recent past. We reported the handset with model number ASUS_X01AD getting certification at the Wi-Fi Alliance along with another variant ASUS_X01BD of the same model. Now, the ASUS_X01AD has appeared on Taiwan’s two certification portals NCC and NTBC. The alternate model number designated to the same handset is ZB633KL.
ASUS is a Taiwan-based OEM and hence the appearance of the model could signal the launch could be very close even though the company hasn’t made it official. It is rumoured to feature a Snapdragon 636 SoC while its bigger brother, the ZenFone Max Pro M2 is believed to be rocking a Snapdragon 660 SoC. The handset has model number ASUS_X01BD/BDA and is alternately labeled ZB631KL previously found on Wi-Fi Alliance. The Max Pro M2 will be launched on Indonesia on December 11.
Earlier:
November 21, 2018 – ASUS Zenfone Max M2 Appears On WiFi Alliance Certification
A mystery smartphone from ASUS has surfaced on the official website of the WiFi Alliance. The codenames of the ASUS mobile phones indicate they could be variants of the upcoming ASUS Zenfone Max M2, which should not be confused with ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2.
ASUS appears to have submitted two smartphone models to the WiFi Alliance for certification and approval. The devices are certainly classified as ‘Smartphones’ and even have the branding as ASUS Phone. We at MSP Gear believe ASUS is readying the capable yet highly affordable ASUS Zenfone Max M2 for launch, and the two individual listings could be the two variants of the ASUS handset.
Two Mystery ASUS Mobile Phone Models On WFA
Two mystery ASUS smartphones appeared on the WiFi Alliance’s official website recently. The two individual listings clearly mention the devices belong to the ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Moreover, the listings mention the product as ASUS Phone (Mobile Phone). They also mention the devices belong to the Smartphone subcategory.
One of the listing refers the mystery ASUS smartphone as ASUS_X01BD, while the other mentions the codename ASUS_X01BDA. The date of the last certification is November 20. Since it is the WiFi Alliance’s website, most of the details mentioned in the listings are pertaining to the WiFi connectivity standards. However, they do indicate the smartphones will run on Android 8.1 Oreo operating system.
ASUS Zenfone Max M2 on WFA
Both the listings indicate the mystery ASUS smartphones ASUS_X01BD and ASUS_X01BDA pack single-band WiFi. In technical terms, the devices can connect only to the 2.4GHz WiFi band which covers the 802.11 b/g/n standards. These devices do not have the ability to latch on to 5GHz WiFi band. Given the assumption the mystery ASUS smartphone is the Zenfone Max M2, the limitation seems accurate.
ASUS Readying ASUS Zenfone Max Pro (M2) As Well?
ASUS will be launching the ASUS Zenfone Max Pro (M2) in Indonesia. Interestingly, the smartphone maker confirmed the news through Twitter.
Incidentally, the ASUS Zenfone Max Pro (M2) and the ASUS Zenfone Max M2 have a very similar sounding name. Interestingly, even their codenames can be very confusing. A few days ago, the Zenfone Max Pro (M2), which will succeed the ASUS Zenfone Max Pro (M1), secured the TKDN certification, which is broadly equivalent to the FCC, EEC or 3C. The device has two variants codenamed ASUS_X01BDA and ASUS_X01BD.
The ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M2 (ZB631KL) is tipped to feature a 6-inch IPS LCD display with 1080 x 2280 Full HD+ resolution and a 19:9 aspect ratio. The device could get the powerful mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 AIE processor paired with Adreno 512 GPU. The upcoming budget Android smartphone is expected to be available with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. For further expansion, it will likely have a dedicated microSD card slot.
The biggest highlight of the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 is a triple-camera setup at the rear with a 13MP primary sensor.
ASUS Zenfone Max M2 Rumored Specifications, Features
The ASUS Zenfone Max M2 (ZB633KL) could also feature a 6-inch screen with Full HD+ resolution, 4GB RAM, and 32GB or 64GB of internal memory. It could have a standard dual camera setup on the back, with the primary camera getting a 13MP sensor.
The ASUS Zenfone Max M1 launched very recently. Hence its successor may not arrive soon. However, ASUS is clearly busy developing the successive iterations of its affordable Android smartphones that sport a very aggressive price.
