ZTE

ZTE Max XL: Pros and Cons

Android OS v7.1.1 (Nougat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 MSM8940
Adreno 505
2 GB / 16 GB
6 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus

ZTE announced the launch of the Max XL smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 MSM8940 SoC, and 2 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v7.1.1 (Nougat) operating system. The IPS display of this phone has wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction and better contrast and black levels. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the ZTE Max XL 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 Max XL / 1

ZTE Max XL specifications

BrandZTE
NameMax XL
ModelN9560
Release date2017

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.35 oz
Dimensions6.5 x 3.3 x 0.37 inch
Colorsblue
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the ZTE Max XL 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 versionAndroid OS v7.1.1 (Nougat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 435 MSM8940
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 505

The ZTE Max XL comes with Android OS v7.1.1 (Nougat) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

ZTE Max XL / 1

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size6 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

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

RAM2 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. 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 Max XL (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

ZTE Max XL / 2

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 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 Max XL comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This ZTE phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Max XL 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

TypeLi-Po 3990 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3990 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Max XL does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Max XL smartphone has an accelerometer. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Max XL smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device.

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

Cons

  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley 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.
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