ZTE Grand S3 InDepth Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The ZTE Grand S3 boasts a sleek and modern design with dimensions of 155 x 77 x 9.8 mm, making it comfortable to hold despite its large display. The dual SIM capability allows for enhanced flexibility for both personal and business communications. Designed with a silver finish, the Grand S3 exudes a sense of sophistication. The body is robust yet lightweight, making it ideal for everyday use.

Display

The ZTE Grand S3 features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display offering a Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. With a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi, the display provides vivid colors and sharp details. The screen-to-body ratio of around 69.9% ensures a large viewing area, which is excellent for multimedia consumption, gaming, and browsing.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Grand S3 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 chipset, equipped with a quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. This setup delivers a smooth and responsive experience, capable of handling most applications and games without a hitch. The 3GB of RAM further enhances multitasking, allowing users to switch between apps seamlessly. The phone comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via the microSDXC slot to accommodate larger files and applications.

Camera

The ZTE Grand S3 is equipped with a 16 MP rear camera featuring autofocus, dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama capabilities. It captures high-quality images in various lighting conditions and records video in 4K at 30fps. The 8 MP front camera is excellent for selfies and offers video recording at 1080p. The camera setup, though dated by today's standards, was competitive at the time of its release and offers decent overall performance.

Battery Life

The device houses a non-removable Li-Ion 3100 mAh battery, providing ample power to last through a day of moderate use. While not exceptional by current benchmarks, the battery life was quite adequate at the time, providing users with enough power for web browsing, media use, and regular communications without the constant need for charging.

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 4.4 KitKat, the ZTE Grand S3 offers a user-friendly interface with access to a host of Google services and applications. Although the operating system is outdated now, at the time, it provided a stable and intuitive user experience. The device does not support some of the latest app updates and features but covers the essential functions needed for everyday smartphone activities.

Connectivity

The ZTE Grand S3 supports a wide range of network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, ensuring robust connectivity for users across different regions. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for fast wireless internet speeds and Bluetooth 4.0 for efficient data transfer. The inclusion of GPS, GLONASS, and BDS ensures precise navigation and location services, though it lacks NFC and a radio.

Additional Features

The device includes several sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enhancing its functionality for various applications. It retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to those who prefer traditional audio connections over the newer wireless alternatives. Its microUSB 2.0 port, while not as fast as newer USB standards, serves adequately for charging and data sync purposes.

Conclusion

The ZTE Grand S3 emerged as a feature-rich smartphone with a focus on display quality, camera capabilities, and overall performance in its time. Despite its discontinuation, it holds a place as a versatile device suitable for users seeking basic to moderate smartphone functionalities. While it may not meet the requirements of tech enthusiasts today, its competitive pricing of about 300 EUR during its release made it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking quality and performance.