ZTE ZMAX (T-Mobile/MetroPCS USA)

[Planterz]

ATTENTION: Discussion about this device has moved.

Please direct further discussion to this thread:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/general/zte-zmax-z970-guide-faq-discussion-t3053066


ORIGINAL POST:


I just came across this phone on T-Mobile's website, released earlier this week.

5.7" 720x1280 (258ppi) TFT screen
Quad core Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz, Adreno 305
2GB RAM
16GB built-in storage, microSD card up to 32GB
8MP camera, 1080p video
Android 4.4.2
LTE on band 4 and T-Mo's upcoming band 12 (and a couple other bands used by other companies in North America)

All for $252 off-contract (or $10.50/mo over 2 years).

I gotta say, I'm intrigued by this new phone. There's some obvious drawbacks/shortcuts; it's big for the screen size, the camera isn't fantastic, the screen is a bit dim/bland (according to a cnet review), no NFC, etc. But it's got a frugal, adequate processor with a big battery, runs a lightly skinned, nearly stock Android, has LTE (and T-Mo's LTE speeds here are amazing) and best of all, 2GB RAM, so it shouldn't lag or stutter.

I'm somewhat interested in this phone for myself, but I'll probably just wait to get a Nexus Shamu. But a friend (who's broke) of mine wants a bigass phone to watch Netflix on and play some games and emulators. Obviously the lowish pixel density is a drawback, but for what he'd use it for, it's perfectly fine.

For $252, this seems like an amazing bargain. Where else are you going to find a phablet with LTE at this price? But I'm not very familiar with ZTE. Build quality, longevity, software stability, updates, etc, are all in question for me.

Has anyone picked one up yet, or checked one out at a T-Mobile store? What have been your impressions on other ZTE devices?

 

[Lesharoturbo]

If @jcase has root why isn't he sharing? Has there been any proof? I don't get why he won't share his exploit.

Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app

Mostly because people keep bugging him by contacting him directly. Read back in the thread to understand the issue. He has nothing to prove.

 

[johnb380]

If @jcase has root why isn't he sharing? Has there been any proof? I don't get why he won't share his exploit.

Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app

@jcase already stated that in its current state his method of root is non transferable and unusable for any other phones. It's the way he went about it that is difficult and it is not possible to do on any phone that is not in his hands. Some exploits are difficult to reproduce that's just a fact. And he also stated that to make it user friendly, well say, and incorporate it in his app would take a month or more of work which is time and effort that he is not willing to put forth for a phone he cares nothing about.
And I'm sure the rude and degrading posts didn't help in persuading him to help us at all!

At least that is what I got out of his posts a week or so ago when he stated that he obtained root. But I am obviously inferring some of the above but I believe I'm correct in my assumptions.

Also most of you think that root is this one click easy method of exploiting the phone to obtain root and it can be yet not always is.

And all of you calling for a new thread will get the same result as this thread. This phone, this community does not have anyone that remotely knows what they are doing or even where to start in obtaining root functions for the Zmax. So I really don't see a need for another thread as you will just be starting over and end up going through all of the same exact things this thread has already gone though. Until we get a true DEVELOPER to get to work on this thing we won't be achieving root. And to believe other wise is just an exercise in futility. This thread is a general help thread and that's all it will ever be, plain and simple.

Sometimes the truth hurts but someone has to say this stuff because the level of fantasy and hope here is just not realistic.

Because Flat out you guys, whomever it was, that pissed off @jcase and the one guy who actually believed a CSR that ZTE was gonna unlock the bootloader to this phone, those are the people that screwed this whole thread and all its followers over! So be sure to thank them when you get mad about no root everyone!

 

[Meep70]

And I'm sure the rude and degrading posts didn't help in persuading him to help us at all!

Not to mention being tagged in many of the posts--still--even after clearly washing his hands.

 

[jcase]

If @jcase has root why isn't he sharing? Has there been any proof? I don't get why he won't share his exploit.

Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app

I've been dealing with serious medical issues, ive even ended up in the hospital because of them. I release things on my own time, and since they are my own no one is entitled to them. What i have for the ZTE is working but it is not in a release state, would still require a few hours of work to get it into that state that just anyone could run it and get root. I don't have the energy, nor at this point the care to do it when people are rude.

Instead of understanding that I am dealing with things more serious and important than a phone in life, people wanted to be rude. Last time people wanted to be rude while waiting for me to get stuff done was the Sony Z1s, my response was to send the details to Sony, and get myself on their security "hall of fame". I have no reason to release things when it stops being fun for me, as it did in this case. I did release it, after about 8 months or so, long after Sony patched it.

Proof? What proof do you want? Video/photo of root checker? I could patch the apk and fake that. Dump of something? Its well known i have emmc read/write hardware, I could just hook the phone up and dump everything, or even install su through that! The only valid proof is a proof of concept, period, and im not releasing that.

 

[John Laurinaitis]

Sorry for not wanting to see if you guys said this yet but... Now that the open source is out for the ZMAX (Z970), is there nothing we can do with that?

 

[johnb380]

Sorry for not wanting to see if you guys said this yet but... Now that the open source is out for the ZMAX (Z970), is there nothing we can do with that?

Its been out and that doesn't help in the least with root. That helps in building Rom and kernels depending on if it's kernel source or Aosp source. Which well never get Rom source for this phone so. Unless I'm wrong and don't know about the latter.
But either way it doesn't help for root M8!

 

[dongarritas]

I've been dealing with serious medical issues, ive even ended up in the hospital because of them. I release things on my own time, and since they are my own no one is entitled to them. What i have for the ZTE is working but it is not in a release state, would still require a few hours of work to get it into that state that just anyone could run it and get root. I don't have the energy, nor at this point the care to do it when people are rude.

Instead of understanding that I am dealing with things more serious and important than a phone in life, people wanted to be rude. Last time people wanted to be rude while waiting for me to get stuff done was the Sony Z1s, my response was to send the details to Sony, and get myself on their security "hall of fame". I have no reason to release things when it stops being fun for me, as it did in this case. I did release it, after about 8 months or so, long after Sony patched it.

Proof? What proof do you want? Video/photo of root checker? I could patch the apk and fake that. Dump of something? Its well known i have emmc read/write hardware, I could just hook the phone up and dump everything, or even install su through that! The only valid proof is a proof of concept, period, and im not releasing that.

So sorry about your health troubles brother....And even more sorry for the immature, rude and disparaging remarks, demands, and sense of entitlement that way too many people have posted. I honestly don't understand why the moderators have even allowed this thread to continue. Perhaps the low price of this device has attracted those of low character rarely seen ,or tolerated in other forums. I truly hope for your speedy recovery, as that is what is most important. I'TS JUST A DAMN PHONE PEOPLE!

 

[Darth]

Look after you @jcase !!

Hope everything is alright!?

This thread giving me Moto X bootloader flashbacks. :silly:

 

[biledigger]

@jcase

I wish you the best in your struggles and recovery mate. I've dealt with medical issues myself and am still doing so 3 years later. My suggestion is relax and try your best to heal up and get your body back into tip top shape. Get well soon @jcase and get back into actions of life. Take care mate.

 

[ubigred]

@jcase already stated that in its current state his method of root is non transferable and unusable for any other phones. It's the way he went about it that is difficult and it is not possible to do on any phone that is not in his hands. Some exploits are difficult to reproduce that's just a fact. And he also stated that to make it user friendly, well say, and incorporate it in his app would take a month or more of work which is time and effort that he is not willing to put forth for a phone he cares nothing about.
And I'm sure the rude and degrading posts didn't help in persuading him to help us at all!

At least that is what I got out of his posts a week or so ago when he stated that he obtained root. But I am obviously inferring some of the above but I believe I'm correct in my assumptions.

Also most of you think that root is this one click easy method of exploiting the phone to obtain root and it can be yet not always is.

And all of you calling for a new thread will get the same result as this thread. This phone, this community does not have anyone that remotely knows what they are doing or even where to start in obtaining root functions for the Zmax. So I really don't see a need for another thread as you will just be starting over and end up going through all of the same exact things this thread has already gone though. Until we get a true DEVELOPER to get to work on this thing we won't be achieving root. And to believe other wise is just an exercise in futility. This thread is a general help thread and that's all it will ever be, plain and simple.

Sometimes the truth hurts but someone has to say this stuff because the level of fantasy and hope here is just not realistic.

Because Flat out you guys, whomever it was, that pissed off @jcase and the one guy who actually believed a CSR that ZTE was gonna unlock the bootloader to this phone, those are the people that screwed this whole thread and all its followers over! So be sure to thank them when you get mad about no root everyone!

GREAT post. Reality.

 

[therealduckie]

I have started formatting the new FAQ/Guide thread. I am going to go through every page of this thread for all the root options people tried, all the helpful advice, etc and add it to that thread's lead post. I will post it here once it is "live".

Cheers and thanks

 

[StevCano]

I just purchased this phone and I gotta admit I like it a lot especially for the price it just sucks that there is no root available at the moment. I really appreciate anything that any devs can do to bring root to the zte zmax. and I am willing to donate as i am sure many othere are so don't let other people discourage you from doing what you do best

 

[therealduckie]

If someone wants to write up a FAQ or device guide or whatever, I'd be happy to add it to the original post...

Here is the preliminary page: http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/general/zte-zmax-z970-guide-faq-discussion-t3053066

I have to leave for a bit to deal with family. I will be back late tonight to add more content, but this should be a good start.

Cheers and thanks!

 

[totlth]

Has anyone tried the Qualcomm route? Just wondering cuz that's which way I'm heading.

Sent from my Z970 using Tapatalk

 

[4NDROID4LIFE]

I've been dealing with serious medical issues, ive even ended up in the hospital because of them. I release things on my own time, and since they are my own no one is entitled to them. What i have for the ZTE is working but it is not in a release state, would still require a few hours of work to get it into that state that just anyone could run it and get root. I don't have the energy, nor at this point the care to do it when people are rude.

Instead of understanding that I am dealing with things more serious and important than a phone in life, people wanted to be rude. Last time people wanted to be rude while waiting for me to get stuff done was the Sony Z1s, my response was to send the details to Sony, and get myself on their security "hall of fame". I have no reason to release things when it stops being fun for me, as it did in this case. I did release it, after about 8 months or so, long after Sony patched it.

Proof? What proof do you want? Video/photo of root checker? I could patch the apk and fake that. Dump of something? Its well known i have emmc read/write hardware, I could just hook the phone up and dump everything, or even install su through that! The only valid proof is a proof of concept, period, and im not releasing that.

OK didn't know about medical issues sorry. Hope you're doing OK. I had it wrong I thought you were rubbing it in people's noses that you had root and Cuz some people said dumb things to you that you were going to let the rest suffer. Take your time. If you release something that's great. I plan to get this phone as a backup to my g3 Cuz of band 12 support

Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app

 

[mdabeezy]

Bye bye. Zmax! Hello LG G3 (D851)

 

[mingolianbeef]

ZTE ZMAX Discussion Thread FAQ!

@Planterz

TL; DR for those that don't want to read: Use common sense in this thread.

FAQ (Please add to OP if it qualifies)

1. Do We Have Root/Bootloader Unlock/Kernel Source
No, No Yes

2. I'm a noob, don't flame me, do we have root...
WHO LOST MY FLAMETHROWER!!! (Comedic Relief), but no... we don't... neee-oooo-bbbb

3. Maybe we can ask [Dev name here for help]...
If you manage to find a dev that hasn't scanned the thread (usually for information about progress on development, only to find that other recruited devs have been flamed to smithereens by entitled know-it-alls), please, by all means, have them pay this device a visit!

4. What if we used the root app/exploit from [Phone/Tablet/Device Name Here]?
Nine times out of ten, if it's on the internet, it's been tried. Anything American, Chinese, Russian, German and alien has been run on this device in an attempt to root, ALL without success.

5. What if we set up a root bounty?
Already been tried, no bites

6. What if we petition ZTE?
Already been done... a hundred times... it took us months just to get kernel source. They have made it clear that cooperating with us in terms of bootloader unlocking and root are not something they are interested in.

7. This guy made me cry when he said something that hurt my feelings...
Get over it

8. I don't give a [explicit] about that [explicit] son of a [explicit] that is keeping root from us, stupid [explicit]...
All of our representatives are currently assisting other customers. Care meter: 0%... 1%... 2%... it appears our servers are experiencing technical difficulties with your request for us to care... goodbye.

9. I'm a dev (with no posts on XDA) that's super good at rooting and stuff, I'm here to save the day!
Put up or shut up (I mean that nicely). The adolescents in this thread don't take nicely to being led on and tend to become very disrespectful very quickly.

10. Have you seen this website that says it can root our device.
If it was true, there wouldn't be a thread discussing root. "The Unlockr" and "Unlock-bootloader.org" or something have verified spam links that do NOT root the device.
For all of you that were like me and thought "I Used to use The Unlockr back in the day, it's legit!" It used to be, it's just a click bait ad farm now that generates money off of its reputation, now.

11. I don't have all the experience in the world, but I'm willing to do the research it takes to root the device.
We welcome you.

12. [Dev name here] said he rooted this device, maybe if we sweet talk him, he'll release it...
Please don't start up this discussion...

13. FLLAAAMMMEEE WAAARRRR!!!!!
Fire extinguisher beats flame war. Go back to your cave... troll.

14. What if I have questions?
BEFORE YOU ASK IT IN THIS THREAD!!!! Google it, search on XDA, search within this thread, and read this FAQ. If it doesn't come up, then you ask your question.

15. If feel like something should be added to this FAQ.
Please consult the OP. I am simply providing the foundation.

 

[thereal_antiHackmasta]

I think I understand better why this thread keeps getting derailed & why very few are willing to help us achieve root. so if you will bear with me, here are a few facts and thoughts on the matter and how I think we can fix it.

1st, the majority of those purchasing this phone are not the usual educated, seasoned XDA members who seek out the best deals with the best hardware and the most options. The ZMax is primarily being purchased by people who saw a sign for a low price at a discount dealer. It's almost always a spur of the moment purchase after they went to the store looking for a new phone. Admittedly, I was one of them. I went from a Galaxy device to this when I saw the price.
I personally verified my findings with 3 separate phone stores(TMO and Metro), asking no less than 10 sales reps. It's a very common thread.

2nd, those coming here, as you can see in their post numbers, are new to XDA. In fact, they are new to rooting in general. Most have little to no experience in it, very little understanding of it, and are the least technical grouping of any phone owners on this site.
Look at everyone's post numbers. They are very low. Also, look at what they are posting. It's usually elementary-level understanding and steps most older XDA members took when rooting began with the G2. Nothing is new. It's all a rehash of the past.

3rd, the average age of users is either really young or really old. No one in between. Therefore, it points to the 2nd (above) answer in education. I am 45, but have been rooting and modding phones since the early 2000's. However, most people my age are luddites or not very tech-savvy. The younger users have an excited exuberance, but they lack the discipline and long-term involvement in the rooting community. The missing majority of seasoned members in their 20s means a lack of seriousness and knowledge in the thread.
Some in this thread have shown off how old they are, either by putting their obvious birth year in their username or by admitting to working with BBS's and old computer hardware, while the younger ones have been the most vocal, edgy and volatile.

So, how can we fix it? How can we stop from the emotional outbursts? How can we keep on track and get back on target?

The best way is to acknowledge the above is true. Accept that most everyone here was just looking for a cheap phone and feels oddly entitled to root. Then, we move past that and educate ourselves.
Next, we apologize to those in the community who were willing to help us in the beginning but our actions and ignorance ran them off. We accept that we were harsh, disrespectful & pushy.
Finally, we re-read the rules of the forum. Better acquaint ourselves with the proper way to post, the proper way to respond, and not repeat ourselves or post for attention.

When I put up a post to defend the abuse and outright nonsense that was pointed at jcase, many of you clicked 'thanks'. When I posted to defend the powerless, I was summarily pummeled and then had the first post in my 3 year history deleted. That moment showed me how emotionally everyone is taking this thread. We're obviously allowing it to overcome rational thought - me included. Let's all check those emotions. It's just a phone, not a primary bodily organ. Let's be reasonable, too. Being prone to outbursts, selfishness & poppycock is only going to push the better members and rooters away. We have a long road ahead of us if we want to earn their trust again. That journey begins with the first step.

So, we should all educate ourselves a bit more on the community and the phone. Maybe not hit "Submit Reply" before we think through our posts.

Thanks to the 5 of you who will actually read this. Sorry to those of you who think it is crass. I was extremely specific in my wording to avoid generalizations.
___________________________________________

On that note - AND BACK ON TOPIC... I know @Planterz said he was probably done with this thread, but - Can we append the top post with all the common fallacies, fakery, nonsense, jibberish and questions we're all tired of answering for the 20th time? As a first step, mentioning all the links to fake roots like "unlockr" will stop the many "Has anyone tried this yet?" posts that seem to permeate this thread.
We can also add all the other common items that keep getting repeated by those who do not (or are unable to) read the entire thread...which, to be fair, is 46 pages at 50 replies per page. We can not just assume everyone has the hours needed to go through that many posts. A summary of items would help everyone.
tl;dr - New person comes in asking a question we have had 20 times, we reply with a link to the first post -- and done.

Cheers

This sums up perfectly what has gone on in this thread. Thanks for getting us backbone track.

 

[4NDROID4LIFE]

Bye bye. Zmax! Hello LG G3 (D851)

Yeah I'm loving my d850. Currently running cm12 with a bomb over clock kernel.

Sent from my D850 T-Mobile SIM

 

[mdabeezy]

Yeah I'm loving my d850. Currently running cm12 with a bomb over clock kernel.

Sent from my D850 T-Mobile SIM

I'm about to purpledrake this bish... @jcase thanks for your talents in purpledrake and everywhere else in the scene... We appreciate your hard work mang!