Explore the seductive power and subtle disappointments of the ASUS Max Pro M2. A true blend of performance and elegance under ₹17,000 — but is it the right choice for you?
A Seductive Introduction to an Affordable Contender
In a market overflowing with smartphone choices, standing out is more than just specs. It’s about experience — how a phone feels in your hand, how it responds to your touch, how it weaves itself into your life without noise. The ASUS Max Pro M2 is a device that draws you in with promise and keeps you lingering with performance. And yet, it’s not without its quiet frustrations.
There’s a pulse to this phone, a subtle heartbeat beneath the glass. It whispers power, but also nudges caution. Is this the perfect phone under ₹17,000? Not exactly. But it might just be the best your money can buy if you know what you’re looking for — and what to expect.
First Impressions: Eye Candy with a Bold Statement
The ASUS Max Pro M2 isn’t afraid to flaunt itself. Right out of the box, it radiates confidence. The glossy back with a glass-like acrylic finish shimmers under light, reflecting hues with a quiet sophistication. This isn’t a phone that hides in your palm — it wants to be seen, to be held, to be admired.
Despite its premium feel, the body is made of plastic, not glass. Still, the finish is done so tastefully that most wouldn’t notice unless they’re looking closely. Weighing just about 175 grams, it feels light without feeling cheap, and the curved edges make it comfortable for long use. Every contour seems carefully designed to melt into your grip.
Display: A Vivid Canvas with Minor Drawbacks
Flip the device and you’re greeted by a vibrant 6.26-inch Full HD+ display. With a resolution of 2280×1080 pixels and a tall 19:9 aspect ratio, it’s made for content. Be it streaming, gaming, or social scrolling, the colors are punchy, the brightness decent, and the viewing angles satisfactory.
The Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection is a rare feature in this price segment, and it’s genuinely reassuring. But not all is perfect. In strong sunlight, the display can struggle to stay clear. It lacks the peak brightness you’d find in higher-end models, which sometimes interrupts that seamless visual journey.
Performance: Power That Seduces You Daily
Now comes the part that genuinely excites. The ASUS Max Pro M2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 AIE processor, clocked at 2.2 GHz. Paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, depending on the variant, this phone doesn’t just promise speed — it delivers it with quiet intensity.
App launches feel instant. Multitasking is smooth. Games like PUBG Mobile, Asphalt 9, and even Call of Duty run respectably on medium settings. There’s a muscular flow in the way this phone handles pressure. It’s not blazing fast like a flagship, but for its price bracket, the fluidity is undeniably impressive.
Software: Pure Android, Pure Joy
One of the most refreshing aspects of the asus max pro m2 is its stock Android experience. No unnecessary bloatware. No flashy, buggy skins. Just a clean, uncluttered interface that feels intuitive and light.
Running on Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, it later received the Android 9 Pie update. While ASUS promised more frequent software support, updates have been slower than expected. That’s a downside — especially for those who expect timely patches and upgrades. Still, the day-to-day user experience remains fast and responsive.
Battery Life: A Silent Hero That Just Keeps Going
There’s something comforting about not having to reach for your charger before bedtime. The 5000mAh battery on this asus max pro m2 is, without a doubt, its most enduring strength. It’s not just long-lasting — it’s relentless.
On moderate to heavy usage, the phone easily lasts a full day and often stretches into the next. Whether you’re watching videos, gaming, or on back-to-back calls, the stamina is real. It’s one of those features you grow to love — and once you’ve had it, it’s hard to go back.
Charging, however, is a bit slow. With only 10W standard charging and a micro-USB port, it feels like ASUS missed an opportunity to push the phone into true greatness.
Camera: Passion with Limits
On paper, the asus max pro m2 dual rear camera setup — a 12MP primary sensor and a 5MP depth sensor — should impress. In good lighting, it actually does. Photos are sharp, colors natural, and the bokeh effect is surprisingly well executed. Portrait mode works decently, and daylight shots retain excellent detail.
But the magic dims as light fades. In low-light environments, the camera struggles with noise and focus. You can still get decent shots with a steady hand, but it doesn’t compete with night modes offered by newer mid-range models. The 13MP front camera fares better, producing clear selfies with adequate skin tone retention.
Sound and Media: A Full Sensory Ride
The five-magnet speaker backed by an NXP amplifier delivers louder, fuller sound than you’d expect. Whether you’re watching YouTube, streaming Spotify, or taking hands-free calls, the audio comes through with clarity. There’s a richness in the output, especially when paired with quality earphones.
While it won’t replace a dedicated speaker, it easily outperforms most phones in its price range. It’s that small, sensual bonus that enhances your everyday media experience without shouting about it.
Security: Quick Enough, Safe Enough
The rear-mounted fingerprint scanner is accurate and reasonably fast, though not the fastest in the segment. It does the job without fuss. The face unlock is software-based and works well in lit conditions, but struggles in darkness — a common trait among phones at this price point.
You’re not getting flagship-level security features here, but for daily unlocking and quick authentication, the Max Pro M2 holds up reliably.
Connectivity and Storage: Room to Breathe
The asus max pro m2 dual-SIM tray with a dedicated microSD card slot (up to 2TB expansion) is a thoughtful touch. It allows you to use two SIMs and still have room for more storage — a crucial feature for users with large media libraries or those who prefer offline content.
Connectivity is stable with 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 all working seamlessly. Calls are clear, and data connections hold strong. It’s not loaded with bells and whistles, but what it offers, it offers well.
Build Quality: Bold Yet Vulnerable
Despite the stunning appearance, the back of the asus max pro m2 is prone to fingerprints and scratches. It’s glossy, yes, but also fragile if left unprotected. A good case is not optional — it’s essential. The Gorilla Glass 6 at the front helps protect against accidental drops, but the back doesn’t share the same toughness.
It’s a phone that invites admiration, but also demands care. It’s gorgeous — but high maintenance.
Gaming: A Smooth Escape
For a phone under ₹17,000, gaming performance is one of its standout strengths. The Adreno 512 GPU handles graphics with finesse. Games run with minimal lag, and thermal control keeps the device from overheating even during extended sessions.
It’s not built for competitive-level gaming, but for casual to moderate users, it delivers an experience far better than expected. The haptics feel decent, and the screen size makes it enjoyable without overwhelming your grip.
Real-World Use: More Than Just Numbers
Where the asus max pro m2 really excels is in how effortlessly it becomes part of your daily life. It doesn’t just perform on paper — it performs in those messy, unpredictable, beautiful moments we call real life. When you need to pull out your phone to capture a sunset, stream a video in bed, or jump into a work call, it’s there. No fuss, no lag, no drama.
That’s the kind of value that spec sheets can’t always capture — the kind that truly earns loyalty.
Where It Falls Short
No phone is without fault, and the Max Pro M2 is no exception. The absence of fast charging and USB Type-C is hard to ignore in 2025. Software updates have been slower than promised. Low-light photography leaves room for improvement, and the glossy back requires constant cleaning or a case.
These flaws don’t ruin the phone, but they do remind you of the compromises that come with the price.
Price and Availability: The Final Temptation
With prices hovering around ₹11,000 to ₹15,999 depending on the variant and availability, the ASUS Max Pro M2 continues to offer stellar value. Even years after its release, it holds strong against newer competition in this price range.
You’re getting a phone that performs above its class — one that still turns heads and keeps up with everyday demands. And that alone makes it worth considering.
Should You Buy It?
Absolutely, if:
- You want strong performance and long battery life under ₹17,000.
- You prefer stock Android over heavy, bloated skins.
- You value a vivid display and decent gaming performance.
Maybe not, if:
- Fast charging and modern ports (USB-C) are dealbreakers.
- You need cutting-edge camera performance in all lighting.
- You want guaranteed and timely software updates.
asus max pro m2The Verdict: Beauty, Brain, and a Few Bruises
The ASUS Max Pro M2 isn’t trying to be everything for everyone. It’s bold, beautiful, fast, and enduring — but also imperfect in ways you’ll occasionally notice. And that’s okay.
Because what it offers for the price is more than just specs. It offers experience. It gives you confidence. It shares moments, supports your routine, and earns your respect with time.
It may not be the smartest phone on the market, but it’s certainly one of the most lovable in its range.