ZTE's latest phones promise tall screens for under $200
The unlocked devices work with Verizon and most GSM carriers.
You don't have too many choices in the US when it comes to tall-ratio smartphones on a budget -- the Moto E5 series is on the short list. ZTE believes it can expand your options a little further. It's launching the Blade Max View (above) and Blade Max 2s (below), both of which offer 2,160 x 1,080 LCD screens, decent 1.4GHz Snapdragon 435 processors and 32GB of expandable storage for $200 and $180 respectively. The Max View is definitely the better value of the two, as it touts dual 16MP/2MP rear cameras and stereo speakers where the Max 2s carries a single 13MP rear camera and mono sound.
It might not surprise you to hear that these phones aren't likely to reach local shops. Instead, you can buy unlocked versions that support GSM carriers, Sprint and Verizon, going through either ZTE's online store or online retailers B&H and Newegg. The Max 2s will be available at "select wireless retailers," too. If there's a real drawback, it's that they're running Android Nougat (on the View) and Oreo (2s) -- don't expect a Pie update on either any time soon.
