ZTE intros the Blade Z Max: an affordable 6-incher with dual cameras and impressive battery
Just like its predecessor, last year's ZTE Zmax Pro, the Blade Z Max will be offered as a timed exclusive to MetroPCS, and will come at a pretty competitive price point — $129. This is slightly higher than the Zmax Pro's $100 price tag, but it's still considerably cheaper than most other smartphones out there. So let's take a look at what this device is all about, shall we?
As far as ZTE devices go, the Blade Z Max is certainly a looker, thanks in large part to the combination of an aluminum frame and a grippy, textured back. And it's huge, too — with its 6-inch screen the device is certainly worthy of the "Max" moniker, while its Full HD resolution is a welcome change when compared with other devices at a similar price point.
Dual cameras enter the entry-level market
Just like the Zmax Pro, the Blade X Max offers a rear-facing fingerprint scanner. What's new here actually sits right above it: this is the latest device to jump on the dual camera bandwagon, sporting a weird combo of a primary 16 MP sensor, and a secondary 2 MP one, though the latter will be used primarily for the obligatory portrait mode. The front camera is also upgraded, and now produces images with an 8 MP resolution.Inside you'll find some pretty modest specs: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 chipset with 2 gigs of RAM and 32 GB of storage (expandable via SD card). There is, however, one particularly impressive aspect to the device: the large 4,080 mAh battery, which should provide more than enough juice for even the heaviest of users. The phone also supports Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 standard.
And last but not least, ZTE once again doesn't disappoint in the software department, thanks to the inclusion of the latest (though not for long) Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
The ZTE Blade Z Max can be pre-ordered exclusively through MetroPCS starting today, via this link, and will cost $129. Its actual release date, however, is in two weeks — Monday, August 28 — when it will become available online, as well as in select MetroPCS stores.
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