Cricket Wireless' ZTE Grand X Max+
Debuting at CES 2015 earlier this month, and available from Cricket Wireless for $200, the ZTE Grand X Max+ is a budget prepaid handset running Android 4.4.4.
Slippery in the hand
The device measures 6.38 inches tall, 3.27 inches wide, and 0.31-inch thick. Given its size and the fact that its back panel is smooth and glossy, some users may find it difficult to maneuver comfortably with one hand.
Lightweight and thin design
Compared with other handsets its size however, the X Max+ is relatively light at 6.06 ounces. That's lighter than the Google Nexus 6, Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and Apple iPhone 6 Plus.
Sporting a 6-inch, 720p display
Similar to its predecessor, the phone sports a generous 6-inch touchscreen with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution. This time, however, it has an HD display. It's also bright, responsive, and easy to view under sunlight.
Running Android 4.4.4 KitKat
The Max+ runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat, and has your standard package of Google apps you'd come to expect, like the Chrome browser, Drive, Gmail, Maps, and more.Other third-party apps include AccuWeather, KingSoft Offices and AskMD, a medical reference and health consulting app.
Quad-core power inside
Powering the handset is a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor and a 3,200mAh battery with Quick Charge 1.0 technology from Qualcomm.
Surprisingly capable cameras
Taking brilliant photographs has rarely been a strong suit for ZTE devices (even its Nubia 5, which was billed as a "photographer's handset" fell short of its promises). But surprisingly, I was genuinely impressed with both the Max+'s rear- and front-facing cameras.
Three different shooting modes
Along with digital zoom and flash, the rear-facing 13-megapixel camera has three shooting modes. For all your daily, informal shots there's auto mode. Pro mode has more advanced editing tools, and fun mode lets you shoot with certain effects like panoramas.
Upping your selfie game
The front-facing 5-megapixel camera has an 88-degree wide-angle lens so you can fit more content into each frame.
Great phablet for the price
Despite its few drawbacks, the $200 Max+ stands out as one of the better values we've seen and is a top pick as far as budget phablets g. Click here for more information about ZTE handsets on CNET.