ASUS overhauled its strategy in the last two years, cleaning up its user interface and turning its attention to the value flagship segment. The move worked very well for the brand, with the ZenFone 6 one of the best in this category. ASUS also has a standout gaming phone and decent options if you’re on a budget.
Standout value
ASUS ZenFone 6
Staff pick
The ZenFone 6 is all about delivering flagship-class features for less. There’s a Snapdragon 855 chipset, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, 48-megapixel camera with a unique flip mechanism, and a massive 5,000mAh battery. The user interface is similar to pure Android, so there’s zero bloatware or overt customization.
$550 at Amazon
Level up
ASUS ROG Phone 2
ASUS has a rich heritage in gaming, and it channeled all of its learnings over the years into its gaming phone. In terms of raw hardware, few devices come close: there’s a Snapdragon 855+ chipset, 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, a sublime 120Hz AMOLED display, and a monstrous 6,000mAh battery that lasts two days.
$900 at B&H Photo
Still going strong
ASUS ZenFone 5Z
The ZenFone 5Z is still a great option, with the phone offering a Snapdragon 845, 6GB of RAM, 128GB storage, 12 + 8-megapixel rear cameras, and a 3,300mAh battery. The interface is close to pure Android, you get stereo speakers, a host of AI-based features, and a vibrant FHD+ display.
$500 at Amazon
Battery monster
ASUS ZenFone Max
There’s one thing you need to know about the ZenFone Max: it is a battery monster. In fact, the battery life is so good that you can use the phone as a power bank, charging other phones and accessories. Elsewhere, you get a decent 5.7-inch FHD display, MT6750T chipset, and it’s sold officially in the U.S.
$179 at Amazon
Fits every budget
ASUS ZenFone Max M2
The Max M2 is all about delivering decent hardware in the entry-level segment. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 632, and has a 13-megapixel main camera joined by a 2-megapixel shooter. There’s a 4,000mAh battery under the hood, with the phone lasting two days between charges without any issues.
₹6,999 at Flipkart
The ZenFone 6 is a value flagship that just works
If you’re in the market for value, you should take a look at the ZenFone 6. ASUS hasn’t left anything out here, with the phone offering stellar hardware combined with two-day battery life and clean Android. The large 6.4-inch screen is vibrant, you get Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC, and there’s even a 3.5mm jack.
Best of all, you get a bezel-less screen thanks to a unique motorized camera module that flips over to the front. The 48-megapixel camera at the back takes great photos, and because of the motorized camera you can use it to take selfies as well.
If you’ve decided that an ASUS phone isn’t for you, there are a lot of other Android phones available that might be more appealing to you.
