ZTE A261 Unveiled Specs Pricing Features & Flaws

Overview of ZTE A261

The ZTE A261 is a feature phone that was announced and released in 2009. Known for its simplicity and basic functionality, it's a device that caters to users seeking essential communication tools without the complexities of modern smartphones. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the ZTE A261's technical specifications, design features, and overall performance.

Network Technology

The ZTE A261 supports GSM technology, operating primarily on 900 and 1800 MHz frequency bands. However, it lacks more advanced data services like GPRS and EDGE, making it unsuitable for any internet browsing or data-based applications. This limitation confines its use strictly to voice calls and basic text messaging.

Launch and Availability

Introduced in 2009, the ZTE A261 has since been discontinued. During its release, it was targeted at users who needed a reliable and cost-effective communication device. Today, it is considered a vintage item, valued more for its nostalgia than its utility.

Body and Design

Weighing just 75 grams and measuring 108.5 x 46.8 x 13.3 mm, the ZTE A261 is lightweight and compact. These dimensions make it convenient to carry. It uses a Mini-SIM format, popular at the time of its release. The device is primarily available in black, offering a classic and understated look.

Display

The phone features a CSTN screen capable of displaying 65,000 colors. The display resolution of 128 x 160 pixels falls short of today's expectations, but for its time, it offered sufficient quality for the basic activities the phone was designed for.

Memory and Storage

The ZTE A261 comes with a phonebook capacity of 300 entries, and users can log the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. It lacks an expandable card slot, so storage is limited to the built-in capabilities for contacts and logs.

Camera

The ZTE A261 does not feature a camera, underscoring its focus on voice and text communications instead of multimedia functionality.

Sound and Audio Outputs

This device is limited in audio capabilities, lacking both a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This restricts its utility in media playback or call functions such as hands-free calling or music listening.

Communication Features

In terms of connectivity, the absence of Bluetooth, WLAN, positioning, and USB functionality limits the ZTE A261's interaction with other devices. There is no radio feature, which was a common inclusion in similar phones at the time.

Features and Functionalities

The phone provides basic SMS for messaging. It lacks modern services like MMS and a web browser. Games are included, but additional features like Java are not supported. The device is, therefore, ideal for users seeking a distraction-free mobile experience.

Battery and Power Management

Powering the ZTE A261 is a removable Li-Ion battery, offering up to 260 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. The battery performance, while modest by today's standards, is fairly typical for devices of its era.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZTE A261 represents a bygone era of mobile technology, focusing primarily on delivering basic communication capabilities with its streamlined design and simple features. Its lack of modern functionalities positions it as a collector’s item or a viable option for those who need an uncomplicated phone for essential uses.