ZTE Flash InDepth Review Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to ZTE Flash

The ZTE Flash, released in November 2012, marked another step in the evolution of smartphones, combining a variety of features that catered to the diverse needs of users. ZTE, a multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company from China, has continued to expand its global presence with offerings such as the Flash. Although the device has been discontinued, it remains a noteworthy example of smartphone technology from its era. This article will delve into the various aspects of the ZTE Flash, from hardware specifications to software capabilities, giving a comprehensive look at what made this device stand out during its time.

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE Flash was designed with durability and usability in mind. It featured dimensions of 133.9 x 65.7 x 9.7 mm (5.27 x 2.59 x 0.38 in) and weighed 142 g (5.01 oz), providing a comfortable and lightweight handling experience. The device sported a sleek black design complemented by rounded edges, making it a visually appealing gadget. The phone utilized a Mini-SIM slot, which was typical for devices released during that period.

One of the standout features of the ZTE Flash was its Corning Gorilla Glass protection, which enhanced the screen's durability against scratches and impact. This addition assured users of the phone's longevity and consistent performance in everyday use.

Display

The device was equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. This resulted in a pixel density of approximately 326 ppi, providing sharp and vibrant images. The screen-to-body ratio was roughly 63.5%, which was competitive for smartphones at that time. The IPS technology ensured that the display produced accurate colors and had wide viewing angles, making it suitable for various types of multimedia consumption.

Performance and Hardware

The ZTE Flash was powered by a Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU and an Adreno 225 GPU. This hardware combination provided a balanced performance, enabling the device to handle various applications and tasks efficiently. Although not a powerhouse by modern standards, it was adequate for typical smartphone operations in 2012.

With 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, users had a decent amount of space for their applications and files. Additionally, the device included a microSDXC card slot, allowing for expanded storage to accommodate the growing demand for space driven by multimedia content.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE Flash’s camera capabilities were one of its strong suits. It boasted a 12.6 MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash, capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps. This was a remarkable feature at the time, allowing users to capture high-quality photos and videos with ease. The front-facing camera was a single 1 MP shooter, adequate for basic selfies and video calls.

The inclusion of features like autofocus ensured that users could capture images with good detail and clarity, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, thanks to the integrated LED flash.

Battery Life

Powering the ZTE Flash was a removable Li-Ion 1780 mAh battery. This provided a standby time of up to 216 hours and a talk time of around 8 hours. While not extraordinary, the battery life was sufficient for regular daily use, allowing users to go through their day without the constant need for recharging.

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE Flash supported a range of network technologies including CDMA, EVDO, and LTE, making it a flexible choice for various carriers. The device's LTE capabilities allowed for faster data speeds, with a maximum download speed of 100 Mbps and upload speed of 50 Mbps, in addition to EV-DO Rev.A speeds of 3.1 Mbps.

Connectivity options were comprehensive, with the device supporting Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot features. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support facilitated wireless connections with other devices, and GPS with A-GPS support enhanced navigation. The inclusion of NFC expanded the phone's utility for applications such as contactless payments, which were gaining traction during that period.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, the ZTE Flash offered a user experience consistent with other contemporary Android devices. The OS provided a smooth and intuitive interface, allowing users to easily navigate through different settings and applications. The device benefited from the flexibility and app ecosystem associated with Android, enabling users to access a wide range of applications from the Google Play Store.

Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the ZTE Flash was equipped with an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors contributed to the device's overall functionality, enhancing user interaction and application capabilities. The device also included a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and built-in loudspeaker, catering to users' audio needs.

Price and Market Reception

At the time of its release, the ZTE Flash was priced at approximately 360 EUR. It was positioned as a mid-range smartphone, targeting users who desired quality features without venturing into the higher-end price brackets. While the ZTE Flash did not achieve the widespread recognition of some competitors, it found a niche audience appreciative of its balance between functionality and affordability.

Conclusion

The ZTE Flash represented a solid offering from ZTE, especially for those who sought a reliable smartphone without the premium price tag. It embodied a balance of design, performance, and features that reflected the demands of its time. Though no longer available in the market, the device remains a testament to ZTE’s ability to deliver products that can cater to a variety of consumer needs while maintaining strong value propositions.