The ZTE ZMAXTM, a collaboration between T-Mobile and Univision, is a Univision Mobile 'phablet' that unites U.S.-dwelling Latinos with their Latin American families abroad.

Strong connections and close relationships are paramount; this is particularly true during the holiday season when division by land and water can be particularly devastating for families. Fortunately, technology has helped to mend and maintain familial bonds. Skype, Facebook, Google Chat and numerous other platforms have proven to be a godsend, and a source for continued community. And cellphones, with its standard talk, text and mobile internet, are additional tools helping Latinos to stay connected to their families south of the border and throughout Latin American nations.

Univision Mobile customers with any of the three monthly unlimited nationwide plans are offered 100 free minutes/month to call mobile or landline numbers from the U.S. to eight Latin American nations, including Mexico, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Peru, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica and Chile. 

Univision Mobile's $45/month plan includes up to 1 GB of data at 4G LTE speeds and the $55/month plan includes up to 3 GB of data at 4G LTE speeds plus 2.5 GB of data at 4G LTE speeds for UVideos. And because of the holiday season, subscribers earn 10X the normal number of international minutes, resulting in 1000 minutes for prolonged connectivity.

"Maintaining a strong connection is key for Latinos in the US with family and friends abroad," Gustavo Peña, Senior Marketing Manager at T-Mobile, said to Latin Post. "This holiday season, Univision Mobile is offering to new and existing subscribers 1,000 minutes a month to call mobile and landlines numbers in Latin America included with our unlimited 4G LTE plans without paying extra. Our subscriber will have the chance to talk their hearts out with family and friends in Latin America."

The enormous 5.7-inch HD screen on the ZTE ZMax is suited with Snapdragon Quad Core processor and 3400mAh battery. The Android 4.4 OS phone is also equipped with Bluetooth 4.0, 8-megapixel camera, LED camera flash, 4G LGE network  and Wi-Fi calling capability

Exclusive content is made available, including Univision shows and premieres, free music and videos from UVideos and Uforia, apps, events and opportunities to experiences behind-the-scene VIP access to Univision events and interactions with Univision television/radio personalities.

While those with small hands may find it difficult to man this phone with just one hand, the phone's screen size allows for optimal visibility. The ZMax is about 6.4 inches tall, 3.3 inches wide and 0.35 inches thick, and priced below the cost of many other mid-range smartphones on the market.

The LG G Vista, The MediaPad M1 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus are example of mid- to high-end large-screen phablet smartphone devices being used to approach the Latin America, Africa and other developing markets. The iPhone, in particular, seems to be attracting attention as it's claimed 41 percent of all phablet sales in the U.S. this past fall. And it's popularity is growing in Great Britain, although the iPhone outsold the 6 Plus four-to-one.

Nonetheless, the ZTE ZMax offers a large visible keyboard, a clear bright screen, visual voicemail, incredible language options, virus protection, security service (Lookout), task management app (App Source), a light indicator, and a 2-way, 5- to 10-minute activation process.