ZTE Blade L5 Plus Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of ZTE Blade L5 Plus

The ZTE Blade L5 Plus is an entry-level smartphone that was announced and released in April 2016. Though it's now discontinued, during its run, it was known for providing basic smartphone functionality at an affordable price. The device is targeted towards consumers who need a reliable phone for essential tasks without the bells and whistles of higher-end models.

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE Blade L5 Plus features a simple and sturdy design. It measures 143 x 72 x 8.3 mm and weighs 160 grams, which gives it a reasonably compact and lightweight form factor. The body supports a dual-SIM configuration, a useful feature for users who need to manage multiple phone numbers. The phone is available in two colors: gray and white, allowing a bit of personalization in terms of aesthetic preference.

Display

Equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, the ZTE Blade L5 Plus offers decent screen clarity and brightness. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and an approximate pixel density of 294 ppi, the display is suitable for browsing the web, viewing photos, and watching videos. Although it doesn't stand out with the vivid colors of some higher-end smartphones, it serves its purpose well for everyday use.

Performance

The smartphone is powered by the Mediatek MT6580 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. The CPU is a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, while the GPU is Mali-400MP2. The overall performance is modest, as expected from an entry-level device. It's equipped with 1GB of RAM, which can handle basic multitasking needs but might struggle with more demanding apps and games.

Storage

The ZTE Blade L5 Plus comes with 8GB of internal storage. While this might not be sufficient for users with extensive app and media storage needs, it includes a dedicated microSDHC card slot. This slot allows for storage expansion, which can help manage additional data and files, making the device more versatile.

Camera

Focusing on essential photography features, the ZTE Blade L5 Plus includes an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus. The camera is supported by an LED flash, aiding in low-light conditions. Users can capture moderate-quality images and record videos, but the overall output is limited compared to modern smartphone standards. The 2 MP front camera caters to basic selfie and video calling needs.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2150 mAh battery. While not particularly large by today's standards, this battery is adequate for a full day of light usage, considering the energy efficiency of the device's hardware. Users can easily replace the battery, a practical feature that's becoming less common in contemporary smartphones.

Software

Running on Android 5.1 Lollipop, the ZTE Blade L5 Plus delivers a straightforward user experience with access to basic Android functionalities and Google services. However, users may miss out on more recent features and improvements available in newer Android versions. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, catering to individuals who appreciate simplicity and ease of use.

Connectivity

The phone supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, offering reasonable connectivity options for voice and data services. The device features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE, and GPS for basic navigation needs. Lack of NFC and limited LTE support might be a drawback for some users, but there is an FM radio for entertainment, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sound and Additional Features

The ZTE Blade L5 Plus includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output. This inclusion allows users to enjoy music and calls through both headphones and external speakers. Accelerometer and proximity sensors add to the utility of the device by enabling screen auto-rotation and maintaining screen efficiency.

Price Value Ratio

With a price tag of around 90 EUR at launch, the ZTE Blade L5 Plus offered a compelling value for those looking for a practical, cost-effective smartphone solution at that time. Despite its limitations, its affordability and fundamental feature set made it a viable choice for economically-minded consumers or as a secondary backup phone.

Conclusion

Overall, the ZTE Blade L5 Plus served its purpose as a budget-friendly, entry-level smartphone during its production run. While it may not stand out with premium features or high-end performance, it successfully addressed the needs of users seeking a basic mobile phone experience without breaking the bank. As newer models continue to emerge, the ZTE Blade L5 Plus remains a testament to the significance and demand for no-frills devices in the ever-evolving smartphone landscape.