Orange San Francisco II Comprehensive Specs Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Orange San Francisco II

Orange San Francisco II, also known as ZTE Blade S, was a popular smartphone released in November 2011. It gained attention due to its affordable pricing and decent specifications for its time. Although it has been discontinued, the device remains an interesting part of mobile phone history, especially in the budget segment.

Design and Build

The Orange San Francisco II boasts a compact and sleek design with dimensions of 117 x 58.5 x 10.6 mm and a weight of 120 g. Its build is simple yet functional, catering to those who preferred a lightweight and easy-to-handle device. The phone utilizes a Mini-SIM format and was available in black, appealing to users looking for a professional and understated look.

Display

The device features a 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi. While the screen size and resolution might seem modest compared to today's standards, it was considered quite reasonable for budget phones in its era. The display could render 256K colors, providing an adequate visual experience for general use.

Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the Orange San Francisco II is an 800 MHz processor, which was capable of handling basic smartphone functions efficiently. It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, which was one of the most popular versions of Android at that time. The phone supports 512MB of RAM and includes a microSDHC slot for expanded storage, which was crucial for storing apps, photos, and other media files.

Camera Features

The main camera of the Orange San Francisco II is a 5 MP shooter with autofocus and an LED flash, enabling users to capture decent photographs in various lighting conditions. For its time, a 5 MP camera was noteworthy for a budget smartphone, allowing users to document everyday moments with relative clarity. Although less emphasized, the phone also includes a front-facing camera for selfie enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The device's removable Li-Ion battery provides up to 240 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This performance was sufficient for users to get through a typical day of communication without needing frequent charges.

Connectivity and Network

Orange San Francisco II supports GSM and HSPA technologies, covering 2G bands like GSM 900/1800/1900 and 3G bands such as HSDPA 900/1900/2100. It provides reliable connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR support, and GPS with A-GPS. The inclusion of a stereo FM radio with RDS and microUSB 2.0 added to the versatility of the device.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy music and media through standard headphones. The multimedia experience for Orange San Francisco II might not be groundbreaking, but it served the basic needs of users who wanted access to music and audio on the go.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device is equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality for various applications and user interactions. These sensors enabled smoother navigation and an improved user experience overall.

Price and Market Positioning

At a price of approximately 120 EUR at launch, the Orange San Francisco II was positioned as an affordable yet capable smartphone option in the market. Its competitive pricing and decent feature set made it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers and those new to the smartphone world.

Conclusion

While the Orange San Francisco II may no longer be in production, it remains a notable example of early smartphone innovation within the budget segment. Its combination of design, functionality, and affordability set a standard for other manufacturers to follow, making it a cherished device among its users.