ZTE Grand S II Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network Specifications

The ZTE Grand S II supports various network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and EVDO. This diversity allows users to enjoy stronger network connectivity across regions. The device supports 2G bands of GSM 850/900/1800/1900, and 3G bands including HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100. It provides speeds up to 21.1/5.76 Mbps on HSPA and EV-DO Rev.A up to 3.1 Mbps, surprisingly good for a device launched in 2014.

Launch and Availability

First announced in December 2014, the ZTE Grand S II was promptly released in the same month. Although innovative at its time, the phone has since been discontinued. While it was available, it catered to a mid-range audience with its reasonable pricing and practical specifications.

Design and Build

The ZTE Grand S II sports an elegant design with dimensions of 157 x 77 x 7.9 mm and a weight of just 120 grams, making it comfortable to hold and operate. Its slim profile at 7.9 mm thick is particularly impressive given the technological limitations of its release period. The phone supports a Micro-SIM card and is available in a classic silver color, appealing to users who favor minimalist aesthetics.

Display

This device boasts a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, featuring a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, delivering clear and vibrant visuals. With a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi, users can expect crisp text and detailed images. The 16:9 aspect ratio offers an immersive viewing experience suitable for video streaming and gaming.

Platform and Performance

Under the hood, the ZTE Grand S II is powered by Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) OS. The device is equipped with a Qualcomm MSM8674-1 Snapdragon 800 chip manufactured on a 28 nm process. It also features a quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. These specs make the phone quite capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming at the time of its release.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone comes with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage, which was standard for devices in its category. Additionally, it includes a dedicated microSDHC card slot for expanded storage, allowing users to increase storage capacity significantly, which can be particularly beneficial for media storage and app installations.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE Grand S II is outfitted with a 13 MP main camera with autofocus. This camera setup is complemented by LED flash and HDR capabilities, enabling better performance in low light and improved dynamic range in photos. It can shoot videos at 1080p@30fps, ensuring good video quality. On the front, a 5 MP selfie camera offers 1080p video recording as well, allowing for clear video calls and decent selfie captures.

Audio and Connectivity

The ZTE Grand S II includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5 mm headphone jack for audio output, adhering to user preferences for wired audio solutions. Connectivity options cover a range of modern standards for its time, including dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for location services, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, the device does not support NFC, indicating a limitation regarding contactless payments and data exchange.

Sensors and Additional Features

Essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass are included in the ZTE Grand S II. These sensors enhance various functionalities in the phone, from screen orientation adjustments to participation in augmented reality applications.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery, the ZTE Grand S II provides a standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. This battery specification delivers adequate performance but might require frequent charging with intensive use, a characteristic common in devices launched during its period.

Pricing and Value

Upon release, the ZTE Grand S II was priced at approximately 180 EUR, making it a competitive option in the mid-range smartphone market. Considering its display quality, processor capabilities, and camera performance, it offered a good value for money to consumers looking for balanced features without a high-cost burden.