ZTE Blade Max 3: Pros and Cons
ZTE announced the launch of the Blade Max 3 smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 SoC, and 2 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v6.0.1 (Marshmallow) operating system. This phone has an IPS display, it provides wide viewing angles. This means the screen stays clear and consistent. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.
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. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
ZTE Blade Max 3 specifications
Brand | ZTE |
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Name | Blade Max 3 |
Model | Z986U |
Release date | 2017 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
Weight | 6.31 oz |
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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) |
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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 |
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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 your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you'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 |
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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 you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You 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 |
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Flash | Dual LED |
Selfie camera | 5 MP |
You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. 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 |
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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. You can use Bluetooth to connect your 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 you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
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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 |
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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, you 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.