ZTE Blade V8 Mini Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE Blade V8 Mini sports a sleek and compact design with dimensions of 143.5 x 70 x 8.9 mm, making it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. Weighing in at only 141 grams, it's remarkably lightweight for an all-metal design. This phone's build invites a premium feel, enhanced by its available color options like Gold and Rose Gold that add a touch of elegance.

The device features a hybrid dual-SIM setup, allowing users the flexibility to either use two SIM cards or expand storage using a microSDXC card. The fingerprint sensor is conveniently located at the back, perfectly positioned for quick access, adding security and ease of use.

Display

The Blade V8 Mini is equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen, offering a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. Despite its modest resolution, the display provides decent sharpness and color reproduction, making it suitable for media consumption such as streaming and browsing. The screen has a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 68.6%, maximizing display space while keeping the phone size compact.

Performance

Under the hood, the ZTE Blade V8 Mini is powered by a Snapdragon 435 chipset built on a 28nm process. Accompanied by an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 505 GPU, the device offers a balance of power efficiency and performance. Although not groundbreaking, it handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming with relative ease.

The phone comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. This combination enables smooth multitasking for average users, although heavy users might find the RAM limiting under strenuous conditions.

Camera

Featuring a dual-camera setup on the back with a 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, the Blade V8 Mini provides a decent photography experience for users interested in capturing memories on the go. The dual-camera configuration allows for effects like bokeh, adding an artistic touch to portraits.

Features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR further enhance photo quality in varying lighting conditions. For video recording, the device can shoot at 1080p@30fps.

The selfie camera houses a 5MP sensor, accompanied by an LED flash to facilitate good-quality selfies, even in low-light environments.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable 2800mAh Li-Ion battery, which provides adequate battery life, lasting through a typical day of usage with moderate activity. However, heavy users may find themselves recharging towards the end of the day. The absence of fast charging means longer charging periods, which is fairly typical for a phone at this price point.

Operating System and Software

The ZTE Blade V8 Mini runs on Android 7.0 Nougat, offering a polished and intuitive user experience. While it may not have the latest Android features, Nougat brings along functionalities such as split-screen multitasking and improved notifications. ZTE has made minimal customizations to the OS, enabling a near-stock Android experience that appeals to users preferring simplicity.

Network and Connectivity

The Blade V8 Mini supports various network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring compatibility with a range of carriers and global networks. Internet speeds are modest but sufficient for standard tasks thanks to HSPA and LTE capabilities.

In terms of connectivity, the phone includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, and FM radio. However, it lacks NFC, which might be a drawback for users accustomed to mobile payments and quick device pairing.

Audio and Multimedia

For entertainment, the Blade V8 Mini is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring traditional headphone use alongside speaker playback. Audio quality is satisfactory for general use, whether for media playback or voice calls.

Sensors and Features

The ZTE Blade V8 Mini integrates a range of sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These contribute to an overall enhanced user experience through improved security and usability.

Conclusion

The ZTE Blade V8 Mini is a budget-friendly smartphone that balances design, performance, and photography features. While it may not boast cutting-edge specifications, its blend of a decent camera, solid build quality, and comfortable user interface make it an attractive choice for those seeking a functional and stylish yet economical option. Its price, approximately 160 EUR, positions it well for consumers on a budget looking for reliable everyday use.