ZTE Blade Qlux 4G Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE Blade Qlux 4G offers a variety of connectivity options suitable for a mid-range smartphone. This device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. It's specifically designed to operate with network bands such as 2G (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2), 3G (HSDPA 900 / 2100), and 4G LTE bands (3, 40 - India). The device's capability to handle HSPA and LTE speeds ensures a reasonably fast browsing and downloading experience, making it a viable option for users who need reliable connectivity on a budget.

Launch Details

The ZTE Blade Qlux 4G was announced and released in June 2015. Despite its initial appeal, the phone has since been discontinued. However, it remains a respected choice among its peers owing to its competitive specifications at an affordable price point at the time of its release.

Build and Design

The device's build dimensions are 134.5 x 67.4 x 10.3 mm, and it weighs 154 grams. It supports a dual-SIM configuration, allowing users to manage two micro-SIM cards with dual stand-by capability. This feature enhances its utility for users managing both personal and professional contacts. The build quality feels durable and offers a comfortable grip, though the design aesthetics are relatively simple and utilitarian.

Display Characteristics

Equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD, the ZTE Blade Qlux 4G boasts a display resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 218 ppi. While the display isn't the most vibrant or high-resolution by today's standards, it offers adequate performance for tasks such as browsing the web and streaming videos. The screen's viewing angles and color reproduction are decent, typical of IPS LCD technology, providing a satisfactory visual experience for the price range.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the ZTE Blade Qlux 4G runs on a Mediatek MT6732M chipset built on a 28 nm process. It includes a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and a Mali-T760MP2 GPU. The device originally shipped with Android 4.4.4 KitKat, but it is upgradable to Android 5.0 Lollipop. While the 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSDHC) may seem limiting, it is important to remember that during its release, these specifications were considered reasonable for budget smartphones.

Camera Specifications

The main camera of the ZTE Blade Qlux 4G is an 8 MP shooter with autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama features. It is capable of recording video at 720p@30fps. In some regions, such as Malaysia, the main camera resolution is slightly lower at 5 MP. The front-facing camera is 5 MP in India, offering decent selfies for social media use. In Malaysia, however, it comes with a 2 MP sensor, which may limit the quality of video calls and selfies somewhat.

Audio and Communication Capabilities

The phone is equipped with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker for media playback. For wireless communication, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for wireless audio, GPS with GLONASS for navigation, and FM radio. The absence of NFC is a downside, although the inclusion of microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer is standard for this category.

Battery Life

Powering the ZTE Blade Qlux 4G is a removable 2200 mAh Li-Ion battery. The device promises up to 250 hours of stand-by time on both 2G and 3G networks, as well as up to approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes of talk time on 2G and 9 hours and 40 minutes on 3G. The battery's life might not be exceptional by today's standards, but for a budget device released in 2015, it delivers reasonable longevity.

Additional Features

Additional features include sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which facilitate easy handling of the device. The ZTE Blade Qlux 4G was available in a classic black color, catering to those preferring a traditional look. At its release, the phone retailed for about 70 EUR, placing it firmly within the budget category while offering substantial features for its price.

Conclusion

The ZTE Blade Qlux 4G is a commendable device in the budget smartphone sector. It excels in providing basic smartphone functionalities while ensuring adequate performance and connectivity options. The dual-SIM capability, 4G support, and decently performing camera make it a suitable option for consumers seeking affordability without compromising essential features. Though it may not compete with the latest offerings in terms of performance and design, its legacy as a capable budget device remains notable.