TechGuySmartBuy Boost Max Review

2014 started off great for many and snowy for others. With all the hype of 2013 behind us ZTE and Boost Mobile introduced what could very well be their flagship, standout device.  The Boost MAX is the carrier’s 1st phablet.  Also a first, this no contract phablet priced under $300.  ZTE and Boost Mobile have started to break many firsts with the Boost MAX.  It also encompasses the latest Dolby Digital Plus audio technology.  Yes, the same company that brings you the awesome sound in your favorite movie has partnered with ZTE to bring you surround sound to your mobile phone. 

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Dolby Digital Plus might be my new favorite sound profile for mobile. 
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Built in a 9 mm thick body lies a well tuned device that will surpass all expectations.  A 3200 mAh battery life to keep you going with entertainment and music so you can indulge in the 5.1 virtual surround sound provided by the Dolby Digital Plus software.  The software includes:

Surround Decoder—creates a surround sound experience by converting
two-channel stereo audio into 5.1 channels
Surround Virtualizer—creates a virtualized 5.1 surround sound experience of stereo or multichannel content over built-in stereo speakers or over stereo headphones
Dialogue Enhancer—accentuates dialogue and specifically suppresses sounds that interfere with the dialogue 
This enhancement adds great sound to the Boost Max.  


“Not bad for a budget-friendly phablet offered on a respected network.”

Display

The Boost Max has a 5.7 inch HD IPS display, properly made with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.  With a screen this size you want only the best.  The display is capable of handling 2 applications, such as email and web browsing, at the same time with Smart View.  ZTE and Boost have definitely provided customers with the best.
Performance
ZTE has armed the Boost Max with Android 4.1.2 Jellybean though it is no KitKat it is still a an acceptable compromise for users.  Speed is fair with the Sprint LTE service though I spent much of my days in 3G.  It was not all bad, I stayed connected and had very little lag.  While the Boost Max is running a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core chipset, multitasking was not as easy as other devices but it worked.

As I stated previously there was some light lag.  The device has 8GBs of storage but is expandable up to 64GBs with a micro SD card.  Ready access memory (RAM) on the Max was at 1GB.  Not bad for a budget friendly phablet offered on a respected network.  The Boost Max also has low energy usage with the Bluetooth 4.0 and the battery also packs a wallop at 3200 mAh giving you more power.  ZTE has also thought of optional wireless charging with an accessory case that supports Qi charging standards.  An 8-megapixel shooter on the rear will allow for full 1080 HD video, while the front camera captures 720 HD video at just 1 megapixel.

“Though it is adequately priced, it is far from cheap.”
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Everyone that knows Boost Mobile knows that they are into affordable payment options by offering all of their devices as prepaid devices. The Boost Max will be no different.  You can also apply shrinking payments with Boost Mobile’s monthly bill.  With 6 consecutive on time payments you can watch your bill decrease by $5 every 6 months with their $55 Unlimited monthly plan.  This will continue to happen until you are paying just $40 a month.  With the Boost Max priced at just $299 this is more than just a great deal, this is more like Christmas from Boost and ZTE.  Check your local Boost Mobile to get yours and tell us what you think.
TG 2 Cents
TechGuySmartBuy Boost Max Review Grade

I feel like this device is a great alternative to anyone that is not looking for the standard Boost Mobile device.  This is definitely different in comparison to other devices.  Though it is adequately priced, it is far from cheap.  The Boost Max is a strong competitor in the budget friendly market and can potentially take on a few of the big names.  The difference will be whether Boost can handle some of the bigger carriers.  I was impressed with the match up of having Dolby working on the audio side of things.  The sound is clear and crisp and just what I would expect from Dolby.  I wouldn’t mind seeing more sound profiles but overall great sound enhancements.  But as far as the device itself, the price tag may prevent it from being great.

 

To Buy or Not To Buy

I would recommend this device to anyone on Boost Mobile looking to switch it up and get more aggressive with their technology.  Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t get more for your money.  ZTE and Boost Mobile proves that here with the Boost Max.  Also this can very well be a nice switch over for many customers looking to get out of contract pricing and shave off more from their monthly phone bill.  The question is: are you willing to pay the $299 premium to do so?

Thanks to the good folks at Dolby for the review unit.

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