ZTE became the latest vendor to offer a smartphone leasing plan, targeting US customers – the company said it is the second largest player in the country’s no-contract market.

It follows the introduction of a device financing plan by Apple, with reports that Samsung is set to follow with a similar proposition. It is available for unlocked devices and peripherals such as the Spro 2 Smart Projector.

“We are introducing leasing options because we believe advanced mobile technology should be available to everyone,” said Lixin Chen, CEO and chairman of ZTE USA.

Provided in partnership with finance company SmartPay Leasing, users can spread the cost of devices over six to 24 months and fees can also be paid off early without penalties.

If customers are up-to-date on monthly payments, upgrades can also be made at any time by returning the leased device “in good working order”.