Contract-free Boost Max Android phablet available for $299.99
Previously unveiled as ZTE's Iconic Phablet, Boost's branded variant will sport the same spacious 5.7-inch screen, Android 4.1 operating system, and 4G LTE connectivity.
It looks like the phablet train isn't going to slow down anytime soon. Case in point: prepaid carrier Boost Mobile announced that it will offer its first phablet, the Boost Max, today for $299.99. The device is Boost's exclusive and carrier-branded variant of ZTE's Iconic Phablet, which was unveiled earlier this month at CES 2014.
Identical to what we saw in Las Vegas, the handset sports a generous 5.7-inch ID IPS touch screen with a 720p resolution. It features an 8-megapixel camera on the rear and a 1-megapixel secondary shooter in the front.
Powering the smartphone are an embedded 3,200mAh battery and a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor. With additional accessories not included in the box, the battery is capable of wireless charging. The Max also has 4G LTE connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0, and expandable memory up to 64GB.
Though it ships with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the device will have ZTE's Mifavor user interface layered on top. The UI remains relatively loyal to the vanilla Android OS, but it does have some extra features, such as split-screen multitasking for third-party apps.
Given its midrange specs, the handset won't be a high-powered performer. However, its reasonable $300 price tag, coupled with a relatively stylish design (CNET's Jessica Dolcourt noted that when she first took a look at the smartphone, its aluminum back lent it a premium appeal), should be able to satisfy consumers looking for an inexpensive phablet that's also contract-free.
For more on the Boost Max, check out our hands-on take on the identical ZTE Iconic Phablet.
