By Jessica Oaks of FreshlyTechy
Phablet (smartphone and tablet) enthusiasts are in for a treat as China-based smartphone manufacturer, ZTE Corporation (SHE:000063), has released its first ZTE-branded smartphone in the U.S. market – the ZMax. In a sea of big competitors filled with Apples and galaxies upon galaxies of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:0059935), ZTE has entered the game with a slightly different approach. The Chinese smartphone and telecommunications-equipment maker has partnered with T-Mobile US Inc (NYSE:TMUS) for this particular smartphone introduction to represent ZTE’s mantra: “affordable premium,” boasting a durable, large-screen phone that functions with considerable ease, is comparable to the stiff competition, but retails for just $252 (without a service contract).
(Image Source: theverge.com)
ZTE ZMax features
The ZTE ZMax houses a 5.7-inch, 1280 x 720 resolution display, and although it’s not the sharpest visuals out there, the extensive battery life makes up for it. This phone’s 3400mAh battery fuels up to 14 hours of talk time (plus 15 days of standby) on one charge, placing it at the top rank in terms of battery life and surpassing its sharper-image counterparts such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and LG G3. The compensation of longer viewing, browsing, social networking and calling time for a third of the price compared to the other options available seems to be an acceptable trade-off for its slightly lackluster display.
Not lacking in power department, the ZMax operates on a quad-core, 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, and has 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of user memory and a microSD card slot, proving itself completely equip. Furthermore, its 8 MP camera on the back and a 1.6 MP forward-facing camera is almost identical to those on the iPhone.
In terms of business strategy, instead of allocating heavy investment in the mass market, ZTE plans to stick with a more grassroots-driven campaign that focuses on needs of consumers who are more budget conscious. The Chinese mobile device maker’s principles align perfectly with budget-friendly service provider T-Mobile, known as the “uncarrier” that provides customers with low-cost installment plans and free data packages. The two companies have highlighted how communication anytime, anywhere, doesn’t, and shouldn’t, need to be as expensive as it is. Through T-Mobile’s device payment program, ZMax purchasers will only need to pay $10.50 a month for 24 months. Additionally, because it is a T-Mobile phone, voice calls can be made and received over Wi-Fi, saving even more on data.
ZTE max first truly ZTE branded mobile in the U.S. Market
ZTE isn’t completely new to the U.S. market. It has manufactured other phones in the States; however, mobile carriers had previously rebranded those ZTE-produced mobile devices under different names. This ZMax will be the first, truly “ZTE-branded” phone to hit the United States, designed with ZTE logo and all. It’s the first of many more as every device put out by ZTE moving forward will have the inclusion of the ZTE logo – a huge step in progress and big way the brand will build its reputation when it lands in the hands of American consumers.
The U.S.-mobile market is about to experience a different but revitalizing phase with this exciting new addition of the ZTE ZMax. The Chinese manufacturer’s solid device presents premium quality at a straightforwardly low price. Phablet users will begin to realize the ultra-convenient lifestyle they have been living via similar but way pricier smartphone is not as necessary as once thought, causing a refreshing acceptance of the idea that premium can be affordable and will be obtainable with the ZTE ZMax.
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Author Bio: Jessica is a freelance journalist who loves to cover technology news and the ways that technology makes life easier. She also blogs at FreshlyTechy.com. Check her out on Twitter @TechyJessy.
Sources:
http://www.androidheadlines.com/2014/10/featured-review-zte-zmax-t-mobile-usa.html
http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/zte-zmax.html
http://www.cnet.com/news/how-zte-plans-to-woo-us-consumers-go-big-and-go-cheap/
