ZTE Blade Max 3 (2017)
This phone boasts a 6 inch IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 chipset, and 2 GB of RAM.
Unravel its secrets, both the highs and lows!
Table of Contents
- ZTE Blade Max 3 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the ZTE Blade Max 3 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
ZTE Blade Max 3 specifications
| Brand | ZTE |
|---|---|
| Name | Blade Max 3 |
| Model | Z986U |
| Release date | 2017 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 6.31 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.49 x 3.3 x 0.35 inch |
| Colors | blue |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of the ZTE Blade Max 3 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v6.0.1 (Marshmallow) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 |
| CPU | Octa-core 2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Adreno 506 |
The ZTE Blade Max 3 comes with Android OS v6.0.1 (Marshmallow) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 6 inch |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 6 inch display should be big enough for our needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether we're reading, browsing, or watching. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 2 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 16 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If we use our smartphones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32 GB may be sufficient for our needs. We can expand the internal storage of the Blade Max 3 (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | Dual LED |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Blade Max 3 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | v4.2, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | USB Type-C |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. This ZTE phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. We can use Bluetooth to connect our Blade Max 3 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Blade Max 3 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, fingerprint, hall, light, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Fast charging, Quick Charge |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Blade Max 3 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. With fast charging, we can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this ZTE phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- appropriate screen size
- microSD slot
- Corning Gorilla Glass shield
Cons
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- low-capacity battery
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.