The device targets heavy mobile users by increasing the visible screen area by 27% compared to the standard Neo 5 5G. According to ZTE Vice President Bai Keke, the goal is to evolve the gaming smartphone into a personal hub, integrating flagship-level thermal architecture and control engineering. The screen utilizes an 18.7:9 aspect ratio, which the manufacturer claims enlarges enemy silhouettes in competitive shooters by 40%. To support extended use, the display includes SGS-certified hardware-level eye-care technology and adaptive modes, such as an E-Ink setting for reading and a landscape stand configuration for media consumption.

Performance is managed by a MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset, supported by a 7,100mAh dual-cell battery. Heat management relies on a 30,000mm² cooling system featuring a dual-layer capillary vapor chamber. For gaming, the device introduces Neo Triggers 5.0 with a 990Hz sampling rate and 4.7ms latency. The hardware also includes AI-driven support through the Demi 2.0 copilot and a bypass charging feature that allows the unit to run on power directly from the charger to prevent thermal throttling. Available in Shadow Black, Titanium Gold, and Cyber Silver, the Neo 5 Max is launching initially in Southeast Asian markets with memory configurations up to 20GB of RAM.