ZTE Blade L8 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Uncovered

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE Blade L8 is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, catering to the needs of users who seek straightforward communication and media usage. At 137.4 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm and weighing 144 grams, the device is compact and lightweight, fitting comfortably in the hand. The phone’s build incorporates a durable plastic body that contributes to its light weight, making it easy to carry and handle. The matte finish on the Blue and Black color options adds a touch of elegance to the overall design, while effectively resisting fingerprints.

Display

The device features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 960 pixels. The screen offers a standard 18:9 aspect ratio, providing a pixel density of approximately 215 ppi. While these specifications are typical for a budget phone, the display delivers clear and bright visuals for daily tasks. The IPS technology ensures good viewing angles, allowing users to view content from various positions without significant color or brightness distortion.

Performance

Under the hood, the ZTE Blade L8 is powered by a Unisoc SC7731E chipset based on a 28 nm process. This setup includes a quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU and a Mali-T820 MP1 GPU. While this hardware configuration is suitable for basic tasks such as calling, texting, and web browsing, it may show its limitations when handling heavy applications or multitasking extensively. The phone runs on Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), which is optimized for low-end devices, ensuring smoother performance by consuming fewer resources compared to regular Android versions.

Memory and Storage

The ZTE Blade L8 comes with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. This amount of RAM allows the device to run essential applications but may struggle with intensive multitasking or running demanding apps. To accommodate more data, users can expand the storage capacity via a microSDXC card, addressing the potential restriction of 16GB internal storage, making room for more photos, music, and apps.

Camera

For photography, the ZTE Blade L8 is equipped with an 8 MP autofocus main camera. It includes features like LED flash and HDR mode, helping to enhance photos taken in low light conditions or high-contrast environments. The camera can record videos at 720p at 30fps, which is adequate for basic video needs. The 5 MP front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls, though the quality aligns with the entry-level nature of the device.

Battery

The phone is powered by a 2000mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery. Given the efficiency of Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) and the relatively low power consumption of the hardware, the battery can last throughout a day of moderate usage. However, more intensive usage could deplete the battery faster, necessitating regular charging.

Connectivity

In terms of network capabilities, the Blade L8 supports GSM and HSPA technology, with support for 2G and 3G bands. While there is no 4G LTE support, users can still enjoy decent network connectivity for calls and mobile data. The device is also equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 4.2 for peripheral connections, and GPS with GLONASS for navigation. It includes an FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, the lack of NFC limits quick data exchange and contactless payments.

Sound and Multimedia

The ZTE Blade L8 features a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing basic audio functionality. While the sound qualities from both the speaker and through headphones are adequate for everyday use such as calls and casual music listening, they are not designed for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity experience.

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), the software experience is centered around efficiency. Android Go is a lightweight operating system offering a streamlined version of Google's key applications, designed specifically for devices with limited processing power and memory. Users can benefit from the simplicity and ease of navigation in the interface, while enjoying access to the Google Play Store for an array of apps. The presence of an accelerometer helps in motion sensing applications and games that require such input.

Price and Value

With an approximate price of 60 EUR, the ZTE Blade L8 presents itself as an affordable entry-level smartphone option. Its specifications support basic smartphone usage, appealing primarily to first-time smartphone users or individuals in need of a secondary, backup device. While it doesn't offer the latest technology advances, it effectively covers the essentials for communication and light entertainment.

In conclusion, the ZTE Blade L8 stands out in its category as an accessible option for users requiring a functional, cost-effective smartphone. It meets standard requirements effectively, providing a satisfactory user experience for its target demographics without overstretching budgets.