ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S

The ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S, released in the last quarter of 2012, marks a period where Android tablets were establishing themselves as a popular choice among consumers. This device was a part of ZTE's attempt to capitalize on the growing demand for portable yet powerful tablets. Discontinued now, it nonetheless serves as an example of early 2010s technology, which provided users with decent hardware and software capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, allowing for 2G coverage across GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, and 3G coverage through HSDPA 900 and 2100 bands. This allowed for decent internet speeds with HSPA capabilities reaching up to 14.4 Mbps on download and 5.76 Mbps on upload. Such specifications were adequate for its time, offering stable connectivity for general browsing and moderate media consumption.

Design and Build

The device measures 194 x 120 x 12 mm, making it relatively portable and easy to handle with a weight of 400 grams. It features a standard design with a Mini-SIM slot, accommodating basic telecommunication needs. The 7.0-inch display had a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 61%, which, although not bezel-less, provided a sufficient screen area for users to interact with. The physicality of this device is complemented by its sleek black color, which adds a touch of elegance to its appearance.

Display

Equipped with a TFT display, the ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S brings forth an 800 x 1280 pixel resolution, maintaining a 16:10 aspect ratio that sharper visuals at ~216 ppi pixel density. Although TFT technology was common at its release time, it may lack the vibrancy and viewing angles offered by modern IPS or AMOLED displays. However, for standard applications and media usage, it provided a satisfactory user experience.

Performance and Platform

Operating on Android 3.2 (Honeycomb), the device runs the Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3 chipset powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion processor. The GPU is Adreno 220, decentralizing graphic processing to ensure an efficient handling of media and graphical tasks. At the time of its release, such a combination provided a balanced performance for average tasks, despite not being suitable for heavy multitasking or intensive gaming.

Memory

The ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S comes with 16GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM. Unfortunately, it lacks a card slot for expandable memory, which could be considered a limitation for users who require extensive storage for applications, media, and files. In the context of 2012, even though 16GB might have been enough for basic usage, it could easily fill up with apps and media, given the growing file sizes.

Camera

The main camera features a 5 MP sensor with autofocus capabilities. It is able to record video, catering to casual photography and video recording needs. On the front, there is a 2 MP camera which, while not particularly outstanding, suffices for video calls and basic selfies. In the context of its time, the camera configuration aligns with many entry-level tablets and smartphones.

Sound

For audio, the ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S includes stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience compared to mono speakers. It also supports a 3.5mm audio jack, providing users with the flexibility to use standard headphones or external speakers without needing an adapter.

Communications

Wireless communication options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with support for mobile hotspot functionality, which allows the device to serve as an internet access point to share a connection with other devices. The Bluetooth version is 2.1 with A2DP and EDR support, enabling basic data transfer and connectivity with peripherals. Despite lacking a built-in radio, this tablet supports GPS and A-GPS for location services. However, it employs a proprietary USB port, which could limit cable compatibility but was a common practice at the time.

Sensors and Features

The tablet integrates basic sensors such as an accelerometer and compass, ensuring smooth orientation detection and basic navigation capabilities. These sensors also enhance the user experience with various applications and contribute to more interactive gaming and augmented reality apps.

Battery Life

Its non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery was a rather decent offering for the time, capable of supporting prolonged use between charges. The battery size supports the moderate power requirements of the device, making it suitable for extended usage such as reading or media playback without frequent recharging.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S, while now discontinued, represents an important phase in tablet development. It provided a balanced approach to portable computing at a time when this product category was gaining popularity. Its hardware specifications were adequate for basic use, covering essential needs from connectivity to multimedia consumption. Although it might feel outdated by today's high standards, it resonates as an exemplar of the era's technological capabilities.