Head-to-Head: Huawei GR5 2017 vs ASUS Zenfone 3 Max 5.5

Head-to-Head: Huawei GR5 2017 vs ASUS Zenfone 3 Max 5.5

Here we go again, folks! This time, we’re pitting Huawei’s dual-snapper toting GR5 2017 (also known as the Honor 6X in other markets) against ASUS’s bang-for-the-buck phone, the Zenfone 3 Max 5.5 (ZC553KL).

Read:
Huawei GR5 2017 Initial Review: Most Affordable Dual-cam On The Block
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max ZC553KL Review: Mid-range Dilemma

Huawei GR5 2017

  • 2.1GHz HiSilicon Kirin 655 octa-core processor
  • ARM Mali-T830 MP2
  • 3GB of RAM
  • 5.5-inch FHD IPS display, 1920 x 1080 resolution
  • 32GB expandable storage, via microSD
  • 12-megapixel rear camera, with 2-megapixel secondary camera
  • 8-megapixel front camera
  • Dual SIM
  • 3G, LTE
  • WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS
  • Fingerprint scanner
  • 3340mAh battery
  • Android 6.0 Marshmallow (EMUI 4.1)
  • Php 13,990

ASUS Zenfone 3 Max 5.5 (ZC553KL)

  • 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor
  • Qualcomm Adreno 505
  • 3GB of RAM
  • 5.5-inch FHD IPS display, 2.5D glass, 1920 x 1080 resolution
  • 32GB expandable storage, via microSD
  • 16-megapixel rear camera, with laser AF, LED flash
  • 8-megapixel front camera
  • Dual SIM
  • 3G, LTE
  • WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS
  • Fingerprint scanner
  • 4100mAh battery
  • Android 6.0 Marshmallow (ZenUI 3.0)
  • Php 10,995

In the chipset department, the GR5 2017 is a clear winner, beating with a much faster, more power efficient SoC made using the 16 nm FinFET+ fabrication process. In terms of throughput, HiSilicon’s Kirin 655 is usually tiered with Qualcomm’s midrange offerings, while the Snapdragon 430 is generally meant for budget handsets.

Camera-wise, we can see that the Huawei’s handset pulls ahead of its ASUS rival with its dual rear camera setup. For its rear snappers, the GR5 2017 features a 12-megapixel camera working in tandem with a 2-megapixel sensor. The latter provides depth information to the primary camera, allowing users to add bokeh effects to their shots. ASUS’s single cam setup pales in comparison to that.

Comparing the two smartphones’ frames, both share an all-metallic chassis design with a matte finish. The Max arguably gets the upper hand here, as it comes with 2.5D glass, giving its build some needed curves for better ergonomics.

As for battery specs, on paper, ASUS’s handset comes up top with a beefier 4100mAh juice pack over Huawei’s 3340mAh battery. However, keep in mind that the Huawei GR5 2017 is built on the 16 nm fab process, while the Max’s SD 430 operates on an older 28 nm process technology. Generally, newer (lower) fab processes result in better chipset power efficiency. We’ll have to do more in-depth testing to determine the clear winner in this respect.

Everything else checks out the same for the two smartphones: fingerprint scanners, still-Marshmallow OSes, and still no fast charging technologies.

Huawei’s GR5 2017 comes at a higher price tag of Php 13,990, compared to ASUS’s Zenfone 3 Max 5.5 at a cheaper Php 10,995. If you’re hankering for an overall better phone with rear dual cameras, then you’re better off forking the additional 3K for the GR 2017. As for a reliable, no-frills, daily driver, you can’t go wrong in choosing the cheaper Zenfone 3 Max 5.5.

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