Smart phone help please: Currently have Android 5.1 on my phone

[steve2470]

I don't need anything fancy on my phone or a fast phone, etc etc

I browse a few websites when I'm waiting to see the doctor. I make a few phone calls and send a few texts.

The problem is, my current phone is "stuck" on Android 5.1. I have done a few hours of research on Google, and it appears there is no way for me to upgrade my phone past 5.1. The ONLY way is for me to go to AT&T and use the identical phone and that's just silly, IMHO.
My phone is an ZTE ZMax 2 (and yes I know all about the Chinese, not worried, not in the government or military, etc).

The only reason this is even an issue is because Pizza Hut will not support 5.1 any more. I use their app occasionally. Now I can no longer use it on my phone.

I realize, eventually, that probably ALL third-party app makers will abandon 5.1. Android is up to 9.0 now.

Feedback sought, please. Thanks in advance.

[Afromania]

1. Welp, your choices are based on what you want to do.

Based on your post, I assume you just want to change phones and not your cell phone company?

[steve2470]

2. eventually, yes, not in a hurry so far nt

[Afromania]

4. who are you using now?

[steve2470]

6. Consumer Cellular, so I could buy a new phone from them

I'm assuming they are at least on 6.0 if not 7.0.

[Afromania]

10. ok, seems like there is an update directly from ZTE that will update your phone to 6.0.1

current as of Sept 13, 2017 (version 27) upgradeable via a sd card. ATT dropped an update a couple of weeks ago (version 28) but you would need to be an ATT subscriber with it being over the air only.

Step by Step Guide
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mpk698f8yg0hzbn/ZTE%20ZMAX%202%20Z958%20Upgrade%20Guide%20%28Through%20an%20SD%20Card%29.pdf?dl=1

The Update
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/6vnn9duhqw69d6a/America%20Z958%20SD%20card%20software%20package%28339710B1512Z958V1.0.0B27%29.zip?dl=1


Don't know if you've seen this yet but here it is anyway. Good luck with whichever way you decide to go.

[steve2470]

11. oh thanks for that! I'll try it nt

[Afromania]

12. glad to help

also, here is the main page for your phone https://www.zteusa.com/zte-zmax-2-att

[PBC_Democrat]

3. Do a Google search for ...

the nearest Apple store -- go there and buy the Apple iPhone X.

You'll thank me in the end.

[kimbutgar]

5. You can buy a new smartphone for tracfone for $60 which has a more current android system

They have Lgs, Samsung’s etc. the refurnished ones work fine also.

[steve2470]

7. good idea, thank you nt

[HeartachesNhangovers]

8. Use your outdated phone to call Pizza Hut.

The only reason this is even an issue is because Pizza Hut will not support 5.1 any more. I use their app occasionally. Now I can no longer use it on my phone.

Honestly, there is no way I would "update" my phone or buy a new phone primarily to communicate with Pizza Hut. If Pizza Hut no longer has phones, or no longer answers their phones, I would find some other place to get pizza.

PS: I just checked and I have Android 5.1. I'm thinking of getting a new battery so my MotoX can continue another 5 years or so.

PPS: I'm not a cheapskate or a Luddite. I just think that consumerism is bad for the planet. I accept that smartphones are necessary for a modern life, but I reject that people should get new planet-destroying gadgets for trivial reasons.

[steve2470]

9. oh I agree, I'm not going to upgrade my phone just to communicate with them

I looked at my carrier website, and they have a Samsung phone for $100 that has Android 7.0. Just for future planning purposes.