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ZTE Blade X9 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2015, December
Camera
13MP
Battery
3000mAh
Processor
Snapdragon 615
Screen
5.5"
Storage
16GB , microSDXC
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 5.1, nubia UI 3

Design and Build

The ZTE Blade X9 boasts a sleek and modern design, characterized by its dimensions of 155.3 x 77.2 x 8.6 mm and a weight of 160 grams. The device has a contemporary look with its white/silver color options, providing a touch of elegance. The body is constructed to house a 5.5-inch display, balancing between size and portability. The hybrid dual SIM slot adds versatility for users who either want to use two phone lines or expand storage via a microSD card.

Display Quality

The ZTE Blade X9 features a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. This ensures crisp and clear visuals, whether browsing the web, watching videos, or gaming. The display accounts for roughly 69.6% of the screen-to-body ratio, allowing for a moderately immersive viewing experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the X9 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset with an octa-core processor. This CPU is split into two quad-core Cortex-A53 clusters, one clocked at 1.5 GHz and the other at 1.0 GHz, which facilitates efficient task handling and power conservation. The Adreno 405 GPU supports graphical demands for casual gaming and multimedia consumption. The device is equipped with 2GB of RAM, adequate for standard multitasking tasks in its time.

Storage Capacity

The ZTE Blade X9 provides 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDXC card as it utilizes a shared SIM slot. This expansion allows users to increase storage capacity for apps, pictures, and other media files, accommodating the needs of varied users.

Camera Features

The primary camera on the ZTE Blade X9 is a 13 MP shooter with an aperture of f/2.2, complete with autofocus capabilities. It offers features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes to enhance photography. The camera can record videos in 1080p at 30fps, suitable for capturing high-quality video content. The front-facing camera has a 5 MP sensor with the same aperture, adequate for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The device is fueled by a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, which offers a balanced power-to-performance ratio, capable of lasting a full day under moderate use. The battery life is complimented by the device’s efficient hardware, including its processor and display technology.

Operating System and User Interface

The ZTE Blade X9 operates on Android 5.1 Lollipop with ZTE’s proprietary nubia UI 3. This combination ensures a smooth user experience with access to a variety of apps and services from the Google Play Store. The user interface provides a customizable and user-friendly experience.

Connectivity Options

This smartphone supports various connectivity options, including GSM for 2G, HSPA for 3G, and LTE for 4G networks, facilitating high-speed internet access. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS for navigation, and FM radio. Unfortunately, it does not support NFC, which limits contactless payment capabilities.

Additional Features

The ZTE Blade X9 includes several sensors: a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass for navigation and other applications. An audio jack offers compatibility with a wide range of headphones and audio devices, while a microUSB 2.0 port is used for charging and data transfer.

Price and Market Position

Released in December 2015 and later discontinued, the ZTE Blade X9 was priced at approximately 170 EUR. It was positioned as an affordable mid-range smartphone, appealing to users who need a balanced mix of performance, design, and functionality without a premium price tag.

Conclusion

The ZTE Blade X9 stands as a testament to ZTE’s efforts to deliver a budget-friendly smartphone with respectable specifications. While it may not compete with the high-end devices of today, its design, display, and functionality were quite appealing at the time of release, making it a suitable option for the average consumer looking for a reliable smartphone experience.

ZTE Blade X9 Key Features

  • Network: Supports GSM / HSPA / LTE technology for faster connectivity.
  • Display: 5.5-inch IPS LCD with 1080 x 1920 pixels providing a clear and crisp viewing experience.
  • Performance: Powered by Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 chipset, with an octa-core processor for efficient multitasking.
  • Camera: 13 MP main camera with features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama for high-quality photos.
  • Selfie Camera: 5 MP front camera for decent selfies.
  • Memory: 16GB internal storage with 2GB RAM, expandable via microSDXC slot.
  • Battery: Non-removable 3000 mAh battery ensuring decent battery life.
  • Convenience: Includes a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.
  • Audio: Equipped with a 3.5mm jack and loudspeaker for versatile audio options.
  • Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, and FM radio.
  • Design: Slim dimensions with a stylish white/silver color option.

Disadvantages of ZTE Blade X9

  • Discontinued model, which may lead to lack of support and updates.
  • Outdated operating system (Android 5.1 Lollipop).
  • Limited internal storage of 16GB, with only 2GB of RAM.
  • Uses hybrid SIM slot, restricting simultaneous use of dual SIM and microSD card.
  • Older chipset (Qualcomm Snapdragon 615), which may not support newer applications efficiently.
  • Absence of NFC support, limiting contactless payment options.
  • Non-removable battery, reducing options for easy battery replacement.
  • Average camera performance with only 13 MP for the main camera and 5 MP for the selfie camera.
  • No fast charging support, leading to longer charging times.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41
Speed HSPA, LTE
Launch
Announced 2015, November. Released 2015, December
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 155.3 x 77.2 x 8.6 mm (6.11 x 3.04 x 0.34 in)
Weight 160 g (5.64 oz)
SIM Hybrid Dual SIM
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 5.1 (Lollipop), nubia UI 3
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 405
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 16GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, f/2.2, AF
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 5 MP, f/2.2
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP
Positioning GPS
NFC No
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
Colors White/Silver
Price About 170 EUR

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