Price and specifications of ZTE Anthem 4G advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of ZTE Anthem 4G

The ZTE Anthem 4G was an innovative smartphone for its time, launching in September 2012. Although it's now discontinued, this device was significant due to its support for 4G LTE networks, which was relatively new at that time. It was targeted at users who wanted a budget-friendly smartphone with decent performance and connectivity options.

Network and Connectivity

One of the standout features of the ZTE Anthem 4G was its network capabilities. It supported CDMA/EVDO/LTE technology, making it compatible with both 3G and 4G networks. The device worked on several bands, including CDMA 800/1700/1900/2100 and two 4G bands (2, 4). This ensured users could enjoy faster internet speeds and more reliable network connections.

Design and Build

The ZTE Anthem 4G measured 130.1 x 68.1 x 13.7 mm and weighed 189.9 grams. Its robust design made it a slightly bulky device, especially by today's standards. The phone featured a Mini-SIM slot and came only in black. The design might seem dated now, but it was fairly standard for the era.

Display

The device was equipped with a 4.3-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors. The resolution of the screen was 480 x 800 pixels, with a 5:3 aspect ratio, amounting to about 217 pixels per inch. While the display specs were not groundbreaking, they were more than sufficient for everyday tasks and media consumption.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the ZTE Anthem 4G ran on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. It had a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, which allowed it to handle the operating system and apps reasonably well. However, with only 512MB of RAM, multitasking capabilities were limited, especially with more demanding applications.

Memory and Storage

The phone's internal storage was on the lower side, with only 4GB, and even less (2.3GB) available to the user. However, it did feature a microSDHC slot, which allowed users to expand the storage further. This was a crucial feature for users who needed more space for their apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE Anthem 4G featured a 5 MP auto-focus main camera with an LED flash. This camera was capable of shooting videos at 1080p@30fps, a respectable capability for the time. The front camera was a VGA type primarily aimed at video calls rather than high-quality selfies.

Audio and Sound

For audio, the device came with a loudspeaker and the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. This allowed for easy audio connectivity options, whether using headphones or external speakers. The presence of a standard audio jack was a significant plus for users who preferred wired audio solutions.

Communication and Sensors

In terms of communication features, the ZTE Anthem 4G supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and could function as a wireless hotspot. Bluetooth connectivity was standard, and GPS was available for navigation. Unfortunately, it lacked NFC and radio features. For physical sensing capabilities, it included an accelerometer and a proximity sensor, which enabled basic gesture-based functionality and power-saving features.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1780 mAh battery. While the battery capacity might seem low by current standards, it provided sufficient power for a day’s worth of standard usage in that era. Standby time was quoted at up to 244 hours, with a talk time of about 4 hours, which was adequate for the average user back then.

Final Thoughts

Although now outdated, the ZTE Anthem 4G was a capable smartphone during its time for users who needed a reliable device on a budget. Its support for 4G LTE, decent camera capabilities, and expandable storage highlighted its appeal. However, the modest RAM and internal storage along with the outdated Android OS limited its long-term utility. As technology has advanced rapidly since its release, the ZTE Anthem 4G serves as a reminder of how quickly mobile technology evolves.