ZTE Groove X501 Unveiling Specs Price Pros & Cons

Overview of the ZTE Groove X501

The ZTE Groove X501, announced in November 2012, is an entry-level smartphone that was designed to cater to basic smartphone users. Equipped with a Snapdragon S1 processor and running on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), this device offers a glimpse into the early days of smartphone development. Though now discontinued, it serves as a solid representation of technology during that period.

Design and Build

The ZTE Groove X501 has a compact design with dimensions of 118.6 x 62.5 x 13.9 mm, making it easy to hold and use with one hand. The weight of 127.6 grams adds to its portability, and the device utilizes a Mini-SIM format. Its black exterior gives it a sleek, understated appearance. Despite the thicker profile by modern standards, its build was adequate for its time.

Display

Featuring a 3.2-inch TFT display, the ZTE Groove X501 offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 41.1%, the display provides 256K colors and offers a basic visual experience suitable for tasks such as calling, messaging, and moderate multimedia usage. The pixel density of ~180 ppi ensured text and images were adequately clear for the phone’s capabilities.

Performance

Under the hood, the ZTE Groove X501 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7627 Snapdragon S1 chipset, alongside an 800 MHz CPU and Adreno 200 GPU. This configuration was typical of budget smartphones at the time, offering enough power for basic applications and multitasking. While not suited for demanding applications or games, the device managed essential functions effectively.

Memory and Storage

The device is equipped with 1GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM, providing just enough space for essential apps. For additional storage needs, the phone supports microSDHC cards, with a dedicated slot and a 4 GB card included. While the internal memory is limited, the expandable storage option was a valuable feature for users looking to store more photos, music, and apps.

Camera Features

The ZTE Groove X501 is equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera capable of video recording at 352x288 resolution. Though modest, it allows for basic photography and video capture that suffice for non-intensive purposes. Additionally, a VGA front-facing camera is present for simple video calls or selfies.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the Groove X501 supports CDMA / EVDO technology with 2G and 3G bands including CDMA 850 / 1700 / 1900 and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. The device enables a data connection at speeds up to 3.1 Mbps using EV-DO Rev.A. Other features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS for location services, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

The phone harbors a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, promising standby times of up to 300 hours and talk times of up to 5 hours. For a device of its class and time, these figures offer a reasonable battery life, suitable for daily tasks without frequent recharging.

Audio and Additional Features

On the audio front, the phone provides a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring users can enjoy music and calls through either the built-in speakers or external audio peripherals. The presence of an accelerometer allows for basic motion detection, enhancing application usability.

Conclusion

The ZTE Groove X501, priced at approximately 100 EUR during its release, was an accessible option for users seeking a no-frills smartphone experience. Despite being outdated by modern standards, it provided essential smartphone functionalities and connectivity options which were appealing in its era. Today, it stands as a symbol of early mobile technology and innovation.