ZTE Blade Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Network

ZTE Blade was launched with GSM and HSPA technology, accommodating varying frequency bands. It supported 2G bands including GSM 900, 1800, and 1900, and 3G bands with HSDPA 900 and 2100 frequencies. The device offered impressive speeds for its time, featuring HSPA with download speeds up to 7.2 Mbps and upload speeds of 5.76 Mbps, allowing for efficient data transfer and enhanced connectivity.

Launch

Announced in October 2010, ZTE Blade was released a month later in November. While it is now discontinued, its initial release marked a significant step for budget smartphones, providing sophisticated features at an affordable price point, capturing the attention of tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers alike.

Body

With dimensions of 116 x 56.5 x 11.8 mm (4.57 x 2.22 x 0.46 in), the ZTE Blade was compact and easy to handle, weighing a mere 110 grams (3.88 oz). The device was ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand, with a sturdy build and a sleek design. It utilized a Mini-SIM format, which was standard for mobile phones during its time of release.

Display

The ZTE Blade featured a versatile display, either AMOLED or LCD, showcasing 256K colors. The screen size was 3.5 inches, covering ~53.2% of the device’s body with a screen-to-body ratio that offered a broad view for interactions. With a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a 5:3 aspect ratio, the display delivered a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi, ensuring clarity and vibrancy in visual output.

Platform

The device initially operated on Android 2.1 (Eclair), with potential upgrades to Android 2.2 (Froyo), enabling better performance and integration of additional features. At its core was the Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 chipset, paired with a 600 MHz ARM 11 CPU and Adreno 200 GPU, which together formed a competent combination for basic smartphone operations and app support during its era.

Memory

The ZTE Blade offered expandable storage with a microSDHC card slot, which included a 2 GB card out of the box. The internal memory stood at 512MB RAM, 512MB storage, accommodating basic app usage and media storage. This configuration underscored the device's position as a functional yet budget-friendly smartphone option.

Camera

The main camera on the ZTE Blade was a 3.15 MP sensor with autofocus capabilities, providing simple photography options and basic video recording features. While it didn't include a dedicated selfie camera, the main camera was utilized for occasional selfies and social media captures, reflective of smartphone trends at the time.

Sound

The device supported sound features including a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering users the comfort of traditional audio connections, which was a significant factor for user convenience and media consumption.

Comms

The ZTE Blade supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with hotspot functionality, specifically available in the Android 2.2 upgrade. Bluetooth 2.1, A2DP, and EDR facilitated wireless connections and media sharing. Additionally, GPS and A-GPS were available for navigation, alongside a stereo FM radio with RDS for entertainment and real-time audio broadcasting. Connectivity was further enhanced by a micro USB 2.0 interface for data transfer and charging.

Features

A range of sensors were integrated into the ZTE Blade, including an accelerometer, proximity sensors, and a compass, broadening its functionality. The device's browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, ensuring access to online services and browsing experiences consistent with mobile technology standards of the time.

Battery

The ZTE Blade was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1250 mAh battery. It offered a stand-by time of up to 192 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours, sufficient for moderate daily use. The battery was designed to accommodate typical use cases, and the removable aspect allowed easy replacements and troubleshooting.

Misc

The device was available in a classic black color, appealing to users who preferred understated and professional aesthetics. Upon release, the device was priced at approximately 170 EUR, marking it as an affordable entry-level smartphone option that did not compromise on necessary features and usability.