ZTE Kis 3 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

ZTE Kis 3 Overview

The ZTE Kis 3 is a budget-friendly smartphone that was announced and released in May 2014. This device was designed to offer essential smartphone functionalities to users who are seeking a basic phone that can handle everyday tasks without any frills or premium features. Although it has been discontinued, the Kis 3 still remains a notable device for its time due to its simplicity and affordability.

Design and Build

The ZTE Kis 3 features a compact body with dimensions of 126 x 65 x 11 mm, making it a comfortable size for users who prefer smaller, more manageable phones. It weighs in at 120 grams, which adds to its portability. The phone is built with a mini-SIM card slot, occupying less space within the design. Available in classic Black and Blue colors, the Kis 3 presents a straightforward and minimalist aesthetic.

Display

This device is equipped with a 4.0-inch IPS LCD display. This screen type offers decent color reproduction and viewing angles, although by today's standards, it might not compete with the higher resolution and more vivid displays found in newer smartphones. The resolution stands at 480 x 800 pixels, which translates to about 233 pixels per inch. While this is not exceedingly sharp, it is sufficient for basic multimedia consumption and daily operations.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the ZTE Kis 3 runs on the Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system. It is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7225A Snapdragon S1 chipset, which was a common choice for entry-level smartphones of its era. The CPU is a single-core Cortex-A5, paired with an Adreno 200 GPU. This configuration is capable of handling basic tasks such as calling, texting, browsing, and simple app usage without much hassle. However, it may struggle with more intensive applications given its limited processing power.

Memory and Storage

The device offers 512MB of internal storage and 256MB of RAM. Although this is very modest by any standard, especially when compared to modern smartphones, it provides just enough space for essential apps. For users needing additional storage, the ZTE Kis 3 supports microSDHC cards through a dedicated slot, allowing for extended storage capabilities to store extra apps, media, and files.

Camera

For photography, the ZTE Kis 3 comes with a single 3.15-megapixel rear camera. It is a basic camera suitable for taking simple snapshots in well-lit conditions. Video recording capabilities are capped at 480p at 15 frames per second, fulfilling basic video capture needs. Notably, the device does not include a front-facing camera, aligning with its position as a basic smartphone focused on essential features.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery. While this battery size may seem small, it is appropriate considering the phone’s low power requirements. Users can expect up to 250 hours of standby time and around 4 hours of talk time, which are modest figures that reflect the phone’s budget nature. The removable battery design allows users the flexibility to replace the battery if needed.

Communication and Connectivity

The ZTE Kis 3 supports GSM and HSPA networks, ensuring connectivity for calls and mobile data in many regions. For wireless connectivity, the phone includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1. Although it lacks NFC capabilities, it does have an FM radio and GPS support, making it functional for various basic communication and navigation tasks. The phone also features a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio devices. This is another feature highlighting the phone’s focus on essential functionality. Users can enjoy music, podcasts, and other audio media through the FM radio feature as well.

Sensors and Additional Features

For additional functionality, the ZTE Kis 3 is equipped with an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These sensors help manage screen rotation and proximity-based screen actions. Despite its simplicity, these basic sensor features allow the device to perform necessary smartphone functions effectively.

Market Position and Audience

The ZTE Kis 3 was marketed as an affordable smartphone option for users who require the core functionalities of a smartphone without extra costs associated with high-end devices. Its low price of approximately 60 Euros made it accessible to students, first-time smartphone users, or anyone looking for a simple secondary phone for general use.

Conclusion

Despite being discontinued, the ZTE Kis 3 remains an interesting device to consider for its basic yet functional features, which made it a practical choice for many users at the time of its release. It exemplified the move towards making smartphones accessible to a broader audience by focusing on the basics and staying budget-friendly. Today, it stands as a reminder of the evolving nature of smartphone technology and the balance between cost and functionality.