The best budget 'phablets' you can buy (roundup)

With the success of big-screen handsets like the Samsung Galaxy Note series and the Apple iPhone 6 Plus, the once-doubted trend of phone/tablet hybrids (or "phablets") isn't going anywhere. In fact, there are plenty of devices available with 5.5-inch displays or larger, in a wide range colors, designs, and operating systems.

Some of these are high-end phones, like the devices I mentioned previously and the Google Nexus 6, and they cost a pretty penny -- sometimes upward of $650 unlocked. Then there are ones that aren't as expensive, but failed to impress us mobile editors at CNET.
 Fortunately, there are a few gems that are a compromise between these two ideals. Below I round up some of the best phablets that perform reliably and are competitively priced as well.

This low-cost ZTE handset is lightweight and has 4G LTE. Josh Miller/CNET

ZTE Grand X Max+

Currently available on the prepaid carrier Cricket Wireless for $200, the Grand X Max+ offers 4G LTE, a bright 6-inch HD display, and a nimble, wide-angle 5-megapixel front camera -- all in a thin and lightweight design that's easy on the eyes. Read the full review.

Want more Windows Phone? The expansive Lumia 1320 has you covered. Josh Miller/CNET

Nokia Lumia 1320

If you're a Windows Phone enthusiast looking for a phablet, and the Lumia 1520 is out of your budget, consider the 1320 instead. Its hardware may not be at the top of the game (especially its camera specs), but for $250 off-contract, this brightly colored 6-inch device will carry out the basics smoothly. Read the full review.

Huawei might not be a smartphone brand on the tip of your tongue, but its Ascend Mate phablet is worth checking out. James Martin/CNET

Huawei Ascend Mate 2 4G

"Ascend Mate 2 4G" may not be the catchiest name, but at 6.1 inches, it sure is memorable for pushing the phone/tablet size boundary. The handset also has solid call quality, a feature-rich front-facing camera, and a swift quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor. Read the full review.

The G Vista is a great on-contract value. Josh Miller/CNET

LG G Vista

Without a contract, the G Vista costs about $355 and $400 on AT&T and Verizon, respectively. That's still a good deal compared to top-tier phablets, but with a carrier agreement, the phone goes for only $50. With that price, it serves up a vibrant 5.7-inch screen, an 8-megapixel camera, and a number of useful LG software goodies. Read the full review.

T-Mobile users can nab the generously sized ZMax for about $250. Josh Miller/CNET

ZTE ZMax

Equipped with a 5.7-inch, 720p display, a long-lasting 3,400mAh battery, and Android 4.4 KitKat, the ZMax is a large device that won't break the bank. It costs $252 on T-Mobile (or 24 monthly payments of $10.50), and also includes the carrier's Wi-Fi calling feature. Read the full review.


Source : http://www.cnet.com/news/best-budget-phablets/