Lenovo ZUK Z1 All Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Display and Design

The Lenovo ZUK Z1 features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This provides a sharp and clear viewing experience with a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is around 69.3%, which offers a decent display area for multimedia consumption and regular tasks.

In terms of design, the device measures 155.7 x 77.3 x 8.9 mm and weighs 175 grams, providing a solid feel in hand. The phone supports a dual SIM setup with dual standby, using Nano SIM cards, which is a handy feature for users who require separate lines for personal and professional use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the ZUK Z1 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 processor. The chipset is built on a 28 nm process and includes a Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU. The graphics are handled by the Adreno 330 GPU, which together with the processor, delivers smooth and efficient performance for most applications and games available at the time of its release.

The device is equipped with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which does not support expansion via microSD card. This configuration offers sufficient performance for multitasking and storing a fair amount of applications and media files.

Camera Capabilities

Photography on the Lenovo ZUK Z1 is managed by a single 13MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The camera features autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS), and dual-LED flash, enhancing the ability to capture clear images in various lighting conditions. The main camera supports video recording at 1080p@30fps and 1080p@60fps, delivering good video capture quality.

For selfies, the ZUK Z1 is equipped with an 8MP front-facing camera, which also allows for 1080p video recording at 30fps. The front camera provides adequate quality for video calls and casual selfies.

Battery Life and Charging

A standout feature of the ZUK Z1 is its large 4100mAh battery, which is non-removable and based on Li-Po technology. The device supports 18W wired charging, providing efficient energy replenishment. According to tests, the battery offers an endurance rating of 97 hours, with up to 526 hours of standby time and up to 38 hours of talk time on 3G networks.

Software and Interface

At launch, the ZUK Z1 ran on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, with an upgrade path to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The operating system provides access to Google's ecosystem of apps and services with integrated functionalities that enhance user experience. The phone likely features a customized user interface catered to optimize performance with available hardware.

Connectivity and Communication

The ZUK Z1 offers various connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and LE support, and USB Type-C 3.0, marking its presence as an early adopter of this now-common port standard. While the device supports GPS and GLONASS for positioning, it does not include NFC or Radio functionalities, which might be a consideration for some potential users.

Sound and Audio

The phone is equipped with a loudspeaker, standard for calls and media playback in terms of volume and clarity at the time of its release. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for connection with a wide range of audio accessories without additional adapters.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Lenovo ZUK Z1 has several sensors to enhance its user experience, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. An accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass are also present to provide comprehensive interaction for various applications.

Conclusion and Market Position

Released in September 2015, the Lenovo ZUK Z1 entered the market as a value-for-money proposition with compelling features such as a robust battery, a capable processor, and a decent camera setup. Priced around 320 EUR, the ZUK Z1 was a competitive option for users looking for mid-range smartphones with a balance of performance and price.

While the ZUK brand is no longer operational, the Z1 remains a noteworthy mention in Lenovo's history of mobile devices, showcasing the company's potential in delivering substantive technological experiences at compelling price points.