ZTE

ZTE Tough Max 2: Pros and Cons

Android OS v7.1.2 (Nougat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937
Adreno 505
3 GB / 32 GB
5 inch (720 x 1280 px)
16 MP, 4608 x 3456 px, autofocus

ZTE announced the launch of the Tough Max 2 smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937 SoC, and 3 GB of RAM. The Tough Max 2 series was launched with Android OS v7.1.2 (Nougat) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. This phone features a high resolution 720 x 1280 px IPS display. The size of screen is 5 inch. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (16 MP, 4608 x 3456 px, autofocus). Let's dive into what makes this device unique.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the ZTE Tough Max 2 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.

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ZTE Tough Max 2 specifications

BrandZTE
NameTough Max 2
ModelT85
Release date2017

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.4 oz
Dimensions5.67 x 2.81 x 0.43 inch
Colorsgray
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of ZTE Tough Max 2 is about 5.4 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v7.1.2 (Nougat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 505

The ZTE Tough Max 2 comes with Android OS v7.1.2 (Nougat) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

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Memory, storage

RAM3 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 3 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. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Tough Max 2 has 32 GB. You can expand the internal storage (32 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera16 MP, 4608 x 3456 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera8 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Tough Max 2 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
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Tough Max 2 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The Tough Max 2 has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of Tough Max 2 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Quick Charge

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Tough Max 2 smartphone has an accelerometer. The Tough Max 2 phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. The fast charging technology comes in handy when you need quick juice on your device. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

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

  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • 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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