Price and specifications of ZTE Imperial advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of ZTE Imperial

The ZTE Imperial was a compact, budget-friendly smartphone released in June 2013. Primarily targeting users looking for a practical device without high-end specifications, the Imperial featured a simple design and standard performance, suitable for everyday use and basic smartphone tasks.

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE Imperial featured modest dimensions and was relatively heavier compared to other smartphones of its time, weighing 153.4 g. It sported a solid plastic build with dimensions of - x 65.5 x 12.2 mm. The thicker build provided durability, though it lacked the sleekness of more modern designs. The device came in black, offering a classic look that appealed to a wide range of users.

Display Features

The ZTE Imperial housed a 4.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels at a 5:3 ratio. While the screen-to-body ratio was approximately 57.9%, offering a reasonable display size for its class, the pixel density of 233 ppi delivered acceptable clarity for everyday tasks such as browsing and using social media.

Performance and Software

Powering the device was a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, which was capable of handling basic operations and most Android applications available at the time. The ZTE Imperial ran on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which was user-friendly and supported a wide range of applications. Although not the most powerful configuration, it sufficed for users seeking fundamental smartphone functionality.

Memory and Storage

The device included 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. While the internal storage was limited for today's standards, it was extendable via a microSDHC slot, allowing users to store more photos, apps, and media content without significant constraints.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and LED flash, the ZTE Imperial was capable of capturing decent images under good lighting conditions. It also supported video recording, suitable for capturing standard video content. A front-facing camera enabled basic video calling features, though its specifications were minimal.

Connectivity Options

The ZTE Imperial supported CDMA, EVDO, and LTE networks. It featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, providing essential connectivity features. Additionally, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP was available for wireless connections to peripherals. GPS was included for navigation, but the device did not support NFC or radio features.

Battery Life

A removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery powered the Imperial. Providing up to 280 hours of standby time and roughly 12 hours of talk time, the battery performance was adequate for users who required moderate daily usage without frequent charging.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device came equipped with an accelerometer and proximity sensor, delivering basic sensor functionality crucial for tasks such as auto-rotate and call management. Despite its limited feature set, the Imperial served well as an entry-level smartphone.

Pricing and Market Position

Priced at approximately 230 EUR at launch, the ZTE Imperial was marketed as an affordable smartphone option for users not requiring the latest technology in mobile devices. Although it has since been discontinued, its value lay in providing essential smartphone operations at an accessible price point, making it suitable for a significant segment of the market.