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Verdict
Although its low-end specs suggest it will be unremarkable, the ZTE Max XL is actually a pleasure to use. We were surprised that the Max XL was able to split-screen multitask and performed most tasks with just some split-second hesitation.
After using the ZTE Max XL for a week, we didn’t really itch to go back to a flagship phone. Sure, it’s only skilled with tackling the basics, the design is dated and its speaker is terrible, but the Max XL still did 90% of what we needed it to do without issue. Just don’t expect to play demanding 3D mobile games or multitask heavily.
For $130, you’re getting a lot of phone for your money. However, you will have to be a Boost Mobile or Sprint customer for this phone to make sense, which is a shame. We wish ZTE would sell an unlocked version of the Max XL.
Who’s it for?
The ZTE Max XL is for existing Boost Mobile or Sprint customers looking for a basic smartphone. The Max XL is also a great choice for someone graduating to his or her first smartphone. It’s also a great phone for those who can’t get to an outlet throughout the day as its 3,990mAh battery can last two days of light use.
Should I buy it?
If you’re a Boost Mobile customer, the ZTE Max XL is an excellent choice for a budget phone. The phone retails for a ridiculously low price of $130 and at the time of this writing, Boost Mobile is having a promotional price of $102. For everyone else though, the Max XL is not worth switching carriers for.
Competition
Blu R1 Plus
For a little more money, you can get the unlocked Blu R1 for $159. Amazon currently has a deal for $109, making the Blu R1 a steal. However, the Blu R1 lacks features like Android 7.1.1 Nougat and features a 720p screen versus the Max XL’s 1080p display.
If you’re not a Boost Mobile customer and don’t plan on switching, the Blu R1 is your next best bet.
Full review: Blu R1
ZTE Blade V8 Pro
If you can stretch your budget to $225, the ZTE Blade V8 Pro is an excellent choice for a mid-range smartphone. For the extra money, you’ll get a faster processor, one extra GB of RAM, NFC, a much better camera and nicer build quality with its metal frame and rubberized back.
However, the Blade V8 Pro comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow installed and it’s questionable if the phone will be updated to Android 7.0 any time soon. It’s a little strange that the budget Max XL features the latest version of Android while its more expensive mid-range brother doesn’t.
Full review: ZTE Blade V8 Pro
