Design and Build

The Maxwest Orbit Z50 boasts a streamlined design characterized by its dimensions of 143 x 72 x 8.9 mm, making it both compact and easy to handle. Weighing 170 g, it's a lightweight option ideal for everyday use. The dual SIM capability allows users to maintain dual networks, which is a convenient feature for those juggling work and personal lines. The phone was released in June 2013, marking its place as one of the early adopters of slim profiles with dual stand-by SIM functionality. The overall build quality feels sturdy, and its 5.0-inch display screen strikes a fine balance between usability and size.

Display

The device is equipped with an LED-backlit IPS LCD screen, which offers vivid color reproduction and good viewing angles. The screen measures 5.0 inches with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 220 ppi. This resolution and display type are sufficiently crisp for most users, providing clear and vibrant visuals for both multimedia consumption and routine tasks.

Processor and Performance

Under the hood, the Maxwest Orbit Z50 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8225Q Snapdragon S4 Play chipset, coupled with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU. The graphics department is handled by the Adreno 203 GPU, which combined with 1GB of RAM, provides decent performance for basic applications and light gaming. While not built for high-end gaming or intensive multitasking, the device offers reliable performance for everyday use such as browsing the internet, checking emails, and using social media.

Operating System

The phone runs on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, which, at the time of its release, provided a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation. Jelly Bean brought several enhancements over its predecessors, including performance improvements and added functionality such as expandable notifications and a more refined Google Now experience.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will find the camera setup of the Maxwest Orbit Z50 to be fairly basic yet functional. The primary camera is an 8 MP shooter with autofocus, supported by a dual-LED flash. This setup can capture satisfactory images in well-lit conditions and offers video recording capabilities at 720p@30fps. The front-facing camera is a modest 2 MP unit, useful for video calls and casual selfies in reasonable lighting.

Storage and Memory

The device comes with 4GB of internal storage, which might seem limited, particularly for users looking to store numerous apps and multimedia files. Fortunately, the storage is expandable via a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to increase capacity to better suit their needs. Coupled with 1GB of RAM, the Maxwest Orbit Z50 manages to handle essential apps and functions effectively, though under stress it may show limitations in multitasking.

Connectivity

The Maxwest Orbit Z50 offers a range of connectivity options. It supports GSM/HSPA networks, with 2G and 3G bands ensuring connectivity for voice and data transmission. The connectivity suite includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities, ensuring robust wireless networking options. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP facilitates wireless media sharing and peripheral connection. The GPS feature allows for navigation and location-based services. Notably, there is no NFC support, but the device includes a stereo FM radio and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

A 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery powers the Maxwest Orbit Z50, which is removable, allowing users to replace it easily if needed. The battery life is rated at up to 24 hours talk time on 2G and up to 10 hours on 3G. In standby, it offers up to 900 hours on 2G and 750 hours on 3G, which translates to decent endurance for typical daily use, including calls, messaging, and moderate data usage.

Additional Features

Additional features of the device include an array of sensors: accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, which enhance the user experience by supporting various apps and functions. The device is available in black, white, and pink color options, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

Conclusion

Overall, the Maxwest Orbit Z50 is a smartphone that caters to basic needs, ideal for users seeking an affordable option with dual SIM capabilities and decent multimedia functionality. With its durable build, expandable storage, and satisfactory performance for everyday tasks, it represents a solid choice within its class. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations concerning high-performance requirements and internal storage capacity.