Panasonic Eluga Z1 Pro Comprehensive Review Specs & Pricing

Design and Build

The Panasonic Eluga Z1 Pro features a sleek and modern design, with dimensions of 157.2 x 76.3 x 8.1 mm and a weight of 169 grams, making it a comfortable device to handle. The body is constructed with attention to detail, and its style is both contemporary and appealing to modern smartphone users. The phone is available in a range of colors including Black, Gold, and Blue, which allows users to choose according to their taste and preferences. The device is built to accommodate a hybrid dual SIM setup, supporting Nano-SIM and Micro-SIM with dual stand-by options.

Display

The Eluga Z1 Pro sports a 6.19-inch IPS LCD screen, offering a resolution of 720 x 1500 pixels. The display aspect ratio and screen-to-body ratio are around 80.4%, ensuring users get a more immersive viewing experience. Although the resolution might seem average compared to higher-end smartphones, it provides adequate clarity and color reproduction for everyday use and multimedia consumption. The screen is protected by Asahi Dragontrail Pro Glass, providing some measure of resistance against scratches and falls.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 chipset, the Panasonic Eluga Z1 Pro provides a balanced performance for its category. The Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU along with the PowerVR GE8320 GPU can handle daily tasks smoothly. For storage, the device comes in two variants: 32GB with 3GB RAM and 64GB with 4GB RAM, allowing for multitasking and storing of apps and media. Furthermore, storage can be expanded by using a microSDXC card, although it shares a slot with the second SIM, requiring users to choose between expanded storage or dual SIM functionality.

Camera Capabilities

The Panasonic Eluga Z1 Pro is equipped with a dual rear camera setup, featuring a 13 MP primary camera with PDAF and a 2 MP depth sensor. This configuration supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, offering users various gadgets to enhance their photography experience. The device supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. The front camera has an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, complete with an LED flash, ensuring that users can capture decent selfies and engage in video calls with reasonable quality.

Battery Life

The Eluga Z1 Pro houses a robust Li-Po 4000 mAh non-removable battery, which gives it a significant endurance in providing a full day’s worth of usage for average users. Depending on usage behavior, the battery can last longer with moderate use and proper power management, a considerable advantage for users frequently on the move. However, the phone does not boast fast charging capabilities, which may require users to allow a regular charge cycle to achieve full capacity.

Operating System and User Interface

Out of the box, the device runs on Android 8.1 Oreo, providing a user-friendly interface with a host of Google services and applications pre-installed. While it offers a stable and responsive user interface, users seeking the latest features might find the absence of newer Android versions limiting, depending on individual software update demands and app compatibility requirements.

Connectivity and Network

The smartphone comes with connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS with GLONASS, ensuring users stay connected wherever they are. The lack of NFC might be a downside for those relying on contactless payment solutions. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing robust network connectivity capabilities. Additionally, the phone features an FM radio, complete with RDS and recording options.

Audio and Extras

The device features a built-in loudspeaker for audio playback, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack which remains a sought-after feature for many users who prefer using wired headsets. Security features include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which affords users additional biometric security options beyond the standard PIN or pattern lock.

Price and Value

The Panasonic Eluga Z1 Pro is priced approximately at 200 EUR, placing it within the budget to mid-range category. Considering its features like a sizable battery, adequate camera setup, and appealing design, it offers decent value for users seeking a balance between functionality and affordability in a smartphone.