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The ZTE ZMax Pro packs in a lot for just a little money, making it one of the best values for an Android smartphone. However, its slim availability means that few will be able to experience it. This begs the question...
Who's this for?
This is the phone for people who want a large screen but don't have a lot of money to spend. The ZMax Pro isn't meant to be a flagship killer, so don't expect niceties like NFC or wireless charging.
Should you buy it?
If you're already on MetroPCS or T-Mobile, the ZTE ZMax Pro is an excellent buy. But let's be honest: you're probably not going to switch from your current carrier just to buy this $100 smartphone. Or, for those in the UK, Australia and elsewhere, you won't be able to. But if ZTE decides to sell it unlocked for its full $179 MSRP, it'll be a great deal for those looking for a mid-range smartphone.
Competition
Moto G4 Play
The Moto G4 Play is a great choice for a mid-range smartphone for $149 (£129, AU$249.) Its 720p display might not be the best for video, but it nails the essentials. Plus, Motorola's light software enhancements mean the phone should get updates fairly quickly.
Honor 5X
The Honor 5X features a smaller, but better looking display for $199 (£190, about AU$275). You'll also get decent battery life from its 3,000 mAh pack. If you can put up with Huawei's rather ugly, bloated interface and cheap-feeling materials, the Honor 5X is a good budget smartphone choice.
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3
The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is a budget phone with flagship specs. For $250 (£270, about AU$328) unlocked, you get a vibrant 5.5" screen, solid battery life, dual front stereo speakers and decent performance. While the ZTE ZMax Pro offers a larger screen, trading half an inch of screen real estate for more features may be worth it for some.
