• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

How is this phone compared to ZTE ZMAX?

bfldworker

bfldworker

Android Enthusiast
I love my ZMAX. Great phone with excellent potential.

That said.

How is the ZMAX Pro compared to the original ZMAX?

And the big one.

Do you think that there will be a upgrade to Nougat and/or supported from the likes of Cyanogenmod, etc, etc???
 
The ZTE Zmax Pro should get Nougat in a couple of weeks. The Zmax Pro is a very good phone for the price, I've never had the original Zmax, but this phone is very good, especially for the price. It's fast and fluid, it comes with 32GB of storage built in and has a microSD slot.

The antenna is really good too, so in areas where coverage is bad, this phone will get a better signal.

btw
Is your profile picture of Todd from SGA? I loved that show so much!
 
Zmax Pro= 1080p display, 32GB storage, finger print reader and octa core also more of a modern design.
Zmax OG= 720p display, 16GB storage, quad core and Root ;)

both have 2 gigs of ram... even tho pro is not rooted "yet" its still a great upgrade from the OG Zmax
 
The ZMAX PRO is a better phone in every way except for;

The earpiece speaker isn't as crisp and loud.

The main speaker isn't as loud.

Battery lasts a long time, but when you first get the phone the battery may seem to drain a bit faster. Eventually the battery situation evens out and it has almost as long a life as the original.

The fact that it uses a USB-C port is both good and bad. You may want to buy a little keyring adapter to carry with you in case you need an emergency charge and only have access to a mini USB.

The phone has not yet been rooted (if that's important to you). The original ZMAX took a long while to get root, so there's a chance that we'll eventually see root on the PRO.

Other than that... the phone has a sharper display, is faster, has a better OS, better camera, finger print scanner, better form factor, etc.
 
bfldworker said:
I love my ZMAX. Great phone with excellent potential.

That said.

How is the ZMAX Pro compared to the original ZMAX?

And the big one.

Do you think that there will be a upgrade to Nougat and/or supported from the likes of Cyanogenmod, etc, etc???
Click to expand...
Well in my opinion I have both devices.
Newer devices should always be considered an upgrade. In the case with the Zmax series it may be a toss up.
The Zmax pro is .3" larger in screen size and of course 1080 hp. Fingerprint sensor and a better stock camera than the original.
The Zmax original has a louder speaker and the overall sound is crispier. Could be the mixer.xml hack on the Zmax. Also the battery drain is a bit less consuming on the Zmax as well. My significant other reverted back to her original Zmax and prefers it over the Zmax pro due to performance and lag issues on the Zmax pro. Root ,roms,twrp.etc was very difficult to let go of. Wifi band 5ghz on the Zmax .Quit frankly im using my LG stylo on 6.0.1 rooted untiil or if the Zmax pro gets a development team like the Zmax had. Great community it was.
To get dev support on a non Nexus device was huge. The odds of it happening on the Zmax pro knowing the phone is exclusive to Metropcs. Unlikely.

My lg g stylo T-mobile variant but unlocked of course and the 1st Zmax both running 6.0.1 rooted out performs the Zmax pro in real time.
I've noticed since the Zmax pro stock settings set by the oem is set to interactive wich prevents changing the governers to performance and so on. Therfore lag when multi-tasking and heavy use. Those of you how are not technically inclined wont feel the difference nor understand this post.
 
Last edited:
Bought both phones shortly after each's release and the Pro is much much much better. I've had original zmax, stylo, k7, stylo 2 and k10 with metro and zmax pro is easily the best phone by a long shot.

Camera takes great pics, manual mode actually let's you set the focus distance, superb with macros, vids look great, shoots real slowmo. IMO takes best pics of the phones I mentioned above.

Battery lasts allll day. Charges incredibly quick for the mah. If I'm not on it, seems to take less then a minute per 1% charging.

1080 display is so clear and gorgeous, never realized how much more enjoyable high PPI makes using a phone. It feels weird when I use my low res tablet now.

32gb memory speaks for itself. I think system uses about 6-7gb out the box so at least 24gb usuable.

Processor and RAM is a beast. Runs quicker and smoother than stylo and k10. Rarely ever have game/app restart from switching between multiple heavy apps. Everything loads up quick as can be

6" screen is heaven. The brightness control is best I've seen on a phone. There is an automatic mode but you can adjust it so the surrounding amount of light vs display brightness stays at a ratio that is what you like, instead of a predetermined "screen is this bright @ this much of surrounding light". The brightness can be turned insanely high, I've never once had an issue outside where the sun was too bright to really see the screen good, not even close. At times it feels unreal how well you can see the screen in direct sunlight

Speaker may not be as loud or crisp as original zmax, but IMO that's just out of the box. Pro has Dolby equalizer settings and after messing with it, the overall sound is like 2x louder than stock settings and much clearer and heavier bass. Applies to all sound output, not just music which makes games even funner

It has the gyroscope so you can use AR mode on Pokemon lol

Fingerprint scanner is awesome and I think an improvement over LGs double tap on. Reads fast, turns on phone fast and provides great security without an extra step. Though setting up fingerprints may take a few times to get it so it always scans valid, as it seems to get a bit picky at times, but once you got it down, it's gold
Android boot can be password protected so the phone won't even start booting without password
The only downside at all is there is no root atm. But honestly it's such a great phone, especially for $100, I can def do without root for now.
 
jhgfrtu said:
Well in my opinion I have both devices.
Newer devices should always be considered an upgrade. In the case with the Zmax series it may be a toss up.
The Zmax pro is .3" larger in screen size and of course 1080 hp. Fingerprint sensor and a better stock camera than the original.
The Zmax original has a louder speaker and the overall sound is crispier. Could be the mixer.xml hack on the Zmax. Also the battery drain is a bit less consuming on the Zmax as well. My significant other reverted back to her original Zmax and prefers it over the Zmax pro due to performance and lag issues on the Zmax pro. Root ,roms,twrp.etc was very difficult to let go of. Wifi band 5ghz on the Zmax .Quit frankly im using my LG stylo on 6.0.1 rooted untiil or if the Zmax pro gets a development team like the Zmax had. Great community it was.
To get dev support on a non Nexus device was huge. The odds of it happening on the Zmax pro knowing the phone is exclusive to Metropcs. Unlikely.

My lg g stylo T-mobile variant but unlocked of course and the 1st Zmax both running 6.0.1 rooted out performs the Zmax pro in real time.
I've noticed since the Zmax pro stock settings set by the oem is set to interactive wich prevents changing the governers to performance and so on. Therfore lag when multi-tasking and heavy use. Those of you how are not technically inclined wont feel the difference nor understand this post.
Click to expand...
First, what has your significant other done to actually cause lag on the Pro. Second, I have the LG Stylo as well, and in no way does it outperform the Zmax pro in real time, no way. Everything I do is faster, and more fluid. I can have 20 apps open and active in memory, and I don't get any stutter whatsoever. The stylo struggles when more than 3 apps are open. Gaming, although not on par with say an S7, or G5 is also fluid, and settings for graphics can be set much higher, and have less frame rate drops than that of the stylo. This is the first phone that I've had that I am honestly OK with no development on it. I've always wanted something, especially on the stylo, because I wanted better performance. Don't need that here on this one, but it is fun to tinker.

Pros: Fast, fluid, 1080p, crisp display, fingerprint sensor is actually really good, Camera 13mp pretty good pics. Gorgeous design, excellent battery life(better than the stylo), 32gb, 2gb of ram but runs at a higher speed than anything that is on the snapdragon 410(higher memory bandwidth), accepts 256gb SD cards, dolby sound equalizer. QUICK CHARGE 3.0 (have to buy 3.0 adapter), phone charged from 40%-full in 20 minutes.

Cons: none. Just kidding. Lowlights pics are bad, speaker volume is a tad low, outdoor visibility although not bad does not get too bright(stylo has it beat there), color reproduction is not accurate (not noticeably bad, but could be better), screen flickers occasionally while playing graphics intensive games, performance drops when charging, no nfc, and metro pcs bloat(but that's all metro phones). Included charger not quick charge capable, have to buy your own.
 
The Governor on most phones is set to on demand. This is at interactive. A previous post started that this creates lag when multi tasking, this is untrue. Interactive was designed with multitasking in mind, and performs well on a good soc. Performances is the best, but it has the cpu running at full throttle all the time, and is horrible for battery life.

Also the big LITTLE configuration on the snapdragon 617 maximizes performance and battery life. The version of Android actually runs in 64bit unlike the stylo is 32bit(even though the 410 is 64bit capable. This means be better use of ram, faster multitasking, and memory speed. This is the best phone under $300 in Metros line up.
 
k28king1 said:
The Governor on most phones is set to on demand. This is at interactive. A previous post started that this creates lag when multi tasking, this is untrue. Interactive was designed with multitasking in mind, and performs well on a good soc. Performances is the best, but it has the cpu running at full throttle all the time, and is horrible for battery life.

Also the big LITTLE configuration on the snapdragon 617 maximizes performance and battery life. The version of Android actually runs in 64bit unlike the stylo is 32bit(even though the 410 is 64bit capable. This means be better use of ram, faster multitasking, and memory speed. This is the best phone under $300 in Metros line up.
Click to expand...

Well she uses facebook alot and youtube. She also is using an overclocked kernel with cpu max at 1.56 ghz and gpu maxed at 650mhz. She plays word feud as well. My lg stylo is maxed at 1.2 ghz and gpu 450 mhz. Governor set to performance/row. Im sure if the zmax pro can change aettings this post may have been different lol. All in all root plus custom kernel will always be a performance boost over a stock kernel all day. Rom is slimmed down no bloatware what so ever.
 
Last edited:
Oh I forgot to mention. After copying the Zmax pro stock camera apk, I installed it on my Zmax and wow it worked lol. I was using the CM13 MM rom of course. Good quality camera app. The only option not active on the zmax is the slow motion option. Every other camera functionality worked as if it was on the Zmax Pro. Gotta love root l :)
 
jhgfrtu said:
Well she uses facebook alot and youtube. She also is using an overclocked kernel with cpu max at 1.56 ghz and gpu maxed at 650mhz. She plays word feud as well. My lg stylo is maxed at 1.2 ghz and gpu 450 mhz. Governor set to performance/row. Im sure if the zmax pro can change aettings this post may have been different lol. All in all root plus custom kernel will always be a performance boost over a stock kernel all day. Rom is slimmed down no bloatware what so ever.
Click to expand...
My stylo was always set to performance, and It still doesn't even come close to the stylo in terms of raw performance, and everyday use. It's just not possible for the stylo to run better than the Zmax pro. The stylo runs on the Snapdragon 410 @ 1.19ghz on 4 cores, and the Zmax pro is on the Snapdragon 617 @ 1.19gz, the Stylo has 2gb of ram but is only 533mhz, whereas the Zmax pro has 2gb also but is 800mhz. The gpu is also noticeably weaker in the stylo. The Adreno 405 in the Zmax Pro has 48 pipelines and runs at 533mhz, and it supports Direct X 11. The 306 has a paltry 6 pipelines running at 450mhz, and it only supports the super old Direct X 9.3. The Zmax runs on a 64bit version of 6.0.1 marshmallow with all of the performance improvements that is afforded in the OS. The Stylo although running on a 64bit cpu is not running a 64 bit version of Android, it is only 32bit. The advantage of 64bit over 32bit is as follows:
jhgfrtu said:
Well she uses facebook alot and youtube. She also is using an overclocked kernel with cpu max at 1.56 ghz and gpu maxed at 650mhz. She plays word feud as well. My lg stylo is maxed at 1.2 ghz and gpu 450 mhz. Governor set to performance/row. Im sure if the zmax pro can change aettings this post may have been different lol. All in all root plus custom kernel will always be a performance boost over a stock kernel all day. Rom is slimmed down no bloatware what so ever.
Click to expand...
My stylo was always set to performance, and It still doesn't even come close to the stylo in terms of raw performance, and everyday use. It's just not possible for the stylo to run better than the Zmax pro. The stylo runs on the Snapdragon 410 @ 1.19ghz on 4 cores, and the Zmax pro is on the Snapdragon 617 @ 1.19gz, the Stylo has 2gb of ram but is only 533mhz, whereas the Zmax pro has 2gb also but is 800mhz. The gpu is also noticeably weaker in the stylo. The Adreno 405 in the Zmax Pro has 48 pipelines and runs at 533mhz, and it supports Direct X 11. The 306 has a paltry 6 pipelines running at 450mhz, and it only supports the super old Direct X 9.3. The Zmax runs on a 64bit version of 6.0.1 marshmallow with all of the performance improvements that is afforded in the OS. The Stylo although running on a 64bit cpu is not running a 64 bit version of Android, it is only 32bit. 64 bit capable phones have greater access to ram, they are better at multitasking and can have almost an endless amount of apps open in memory without stutter, that is also helped by androids native memory management. 32bit is finite and can only access finite amounts of memory. The 617 I the Zmax pro also uses the big LITTLE architecture. It's 8 cores, with faster memory. The little set is essentially the 410, it is 4 a53 cpu's running at 1.2ghz, and the big performance set is 4 a53 cpu's running at 1.5ghz. What your seeing with the Stylo is a mirage, most likely because you have a connection with the phone, so psychologically is "seems" that it runs better, but I assure you that is not the case. Again I have the Stylo, it's rooted and all, and I constantly use it o performance, with no apps in memory and it comes nowhere close in performance and everyday usability of the Zmax Pro.
 
dboyfloyd said:
Bought both phones shortly after each's release and the Pro is much much much better. I've had original zmax, stylo, k7, stylo 2 and k10 with metro and zmax pro is easily the best phone by a long shot.

Camera takes great pics, manual mode actually let's you set the focus distance, superb with macros, vids look great, shoots real slowmo. IMO takes best pics of the phones I mentioned above.
Click to expand...
For a phone that lacks Camera2 API, I was impressed it had manual controls for focus and shutter speeds at least. The Slo-Mo and Time Lapse are also good options as well, now I wish it had a single-frame option for anyone who might like to try animating with this!

32gb memory speaks for itself. I think system uses about 6-7gb out the box so at least 24gb usuable.
Click to expand...
My previous phone always had a gig left after I loaded it with appes, now I still have at least 5-6 gigs left, but I also added a 128gig card for my usual media files anyway so this worked perfectly for the price.

Processor and RAM is a beast. Runs quicker and smoother than stylo and k10. Rarely ever have game/app restart from switching between multiple heavy apps. Everything loads up quick as can be
Click to expand...
I'm only glad to know this is AR/VR ready for apps that use those fuctions. Definately made it an affordable phone for anyone to try Google Cardboard with.

It has the gyroscope so you can use AR mode on Pokemon lol
Click to expand...
I had to wait until I got this phone to really get into Pokemon Go.

jhgfrtu said:
Oh I forgot to mention. After copying the Zmax pro stock camera apk, I installed it on my Zmax and wow it worked lol. I was using the CM13 MM rom of course. Good quality camera app. The only option not active on the zmax is the slow motion option. Every other camera functionality worked as if it was on the Zmax Pro. Gotta love root l :)
Click to expand...
I'd be impressed if manual focusing works on that too. If anything, I sorat miss the "FX" options of the Zmax's stock app like neon, emboss or the blue tone, but that's OK, I didn't really use those at all.
 
anubis2048 said:
The ZTE Zmax Pro should get Nougat in a couple of weeks. The Zmax Pro is a very good phone for the price, I've never had the original Zmax, but this phone is very good, especially for the price. It's fast and fluid, it comes with 32GB of storage built in and has a microSD slot.

The antenna is really good too, so in areas where coverage is bad, this phone will get a better signal.

btw
Is your profile picture of Todd from SGA? I loved that show so much!
Click to expand...
I had the original zmax. I regretedly got rid of. I now have zmax pro. It's the best $99 phone period. Zmax 1 beefed up ,,=zmax pro
 
anubis2048 said:
The ZTE Zmax Pro should get Nougat in a couple of weeks. The Zmax Pro is a very good phone for the price, I've never had the original Zmax, but this phone is very good, especially for the price. It's fast and fluid, it comes with 32GB of storage built in and has a microSD slot.

The antenna is really good too, so in areas where coverage is bad, this phone will get a better signal.

btw
Is your profile picture of Todd from SGA? I loved that show so much!
Click to expand...


Yes, it is Todd. Great character that I would love to have seen more of I'd SGA continued.
 
My ZMAX died a rather sudden, crushing ass saving death (literally ass saving). Someone literally backed into me while I was on my bike and pinned me between their car and a cross walk signal pole. Part of the car that got me was jagged and the phone protected my butt.

Since then I have played with the ZMAX pro and several other phones I settled on my father Galaxy S7 Edge that I got a few weeks ago after he passed.

I am not a fan of flagship phones because of the hefty price tag that usually comes with top end phones. But I have no complaints.

But the ZMAX Pro is actually a great phone.
 
mussio said:
Zmax Pro= 1080p display, 32GB storage, finger print reader and octa core also more of a modern design.
Zmax OG= 720p display, 16GB storage, quad core and Root ;)

both have 2 gigs of ram... even tho pro is not rooted "yet" its still a great upgrade from the OG Zmax
Click to expand...
 
I do not need to post specs or anything we all know. Seems to be the case repeatedly, however all in a positive respect to the zmax pro.
I had iPhone
Galaxy
Blackberry in the day. I hear the new age bb is nice???
I gave up spending 5, 6 and 7 hundred dollars on phones. After a friend's young nephew bragged about how his large screen Chinese, HD phone (zmax original) was so reliable and well built for the price I talked my wife into one because of her notorious habit of loss, damage and general abuse. I put a armor drop safe case on it and off she went. The whole 7 months until she lost it (dropped it overboard) it worked flawlessly !
Not a hitch. No dropped calls, no fussing with routers... Etc
She bought another and I bought a zmax pro for both of us when it sold on a $99 promo I think it was Aug or Sept when it launched. Couldn't resist.
These phones just work. They satisfy every reasonable person's needs in a nice smartphone. No glitches. None. Wtf? Like a dream. You go over specs and reviews you be sold. Always some issues but not on the 3 ZTE phones I bought. This is a company I'll keep buying from while I laugh at the waste of money others spend unless their carrier is fishing business. Then they give the iPhone s and Samsung away. I would not trade the zmax pro for one. I am liking the Avon though. I recommend ZTE highly. A++
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom