ZTE Zmax Pro hands-on: First-look

Introduction

ZTE has just announced the ZTE ZMax Pro. A 6-inch phablet with a fingerprint scanner, huge battery, and great specs for the price of only $99 after a $100 instant-rebate.

ZTE had us over for the New York unveiling of this successor to the ZTE ZMax 2.

The ZMax will not be available on AT&T like its successor. Instead, ZTE have have a deal with Metro PCS. The phone will hit Metro PCS stores starting August 1 with pre-registration open now. The first 5000 pre-registered customers who buy the phone will be mailed a free leather flip case.

ZTE ZMax Pro at a glance:

• Body: 6.50" x 3.30" x 0.35" (184mm x 94mm x 9.9mm) | 6.17oz (176g)
• Screen: 6-inch TFT LCD | Gorilla Glass 3 | 1080p (1920 x 1080px)
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset (1.5GHz octa-core CPU)
• Memory: 2GB RAM | 32GB ROM | Expandable storage via microSD up to 128GB
• Cameras: 13MP PDAF rear camera, 1080p@30fps video recording | 5MP selfie camera
• Battery: 3,400mAh integrated battery | Charge - 5V @ 2.1A
• Misc: FM Radio, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner

Press images: front • back • bottom • top

ZTE says the Zmax Pro breaks records for the best spec'd device under $100 and it's a better value than the costlier Samsung Galaxy J7 and the LG Stylo 2 because it either matches or outperforms the others on paper. Of course, you have to bear in mind that this price is for a unit locked to MetroPCS network. There is no contractual obligation for the carrier's services but for this price the phone won't take SIM cards from another carrier - not even T-Mobile's, even though T-Mobile owns the MetroPCS network and brand.

We've got hands-on photos for you to check out from the event as we take a fist look at the ZTE ZMax Pro.