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ZTE Nova 35 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2013, Q3
Camera
3MP
Screen
3.5"
Storage
512MB 256MB RAM , microSDHC slot
Ram
256MB RAM
Operating System
Android 4.0

Introduction to ZTE Nova 3.5

The ZTE Nova 3.5 was a smartphone rooted in the era when Android was rapidly evolving, offering an affordable device option for users who needed basic smartphone functionalities. Released initially announced in February 2012 and released commercially in the third quarter of 2013, the phone was part of the budget segment aimed at delivering value without a hefty price tag. Although discontinued, it served as an option for first-time smartphone users or those requiring a backup phone with essential features. Below, we delve into the various aspects of its specifications and performance.

Design and Build

The ZTE Nova 3.5 presented a straightforward and classic design with dimensions measuring 112.4 x 59.9 x 11 mm. This compact build made it easy to handle, even for users with smaller hands. The phone supported a mini-SIM card and came in a standard black color. Despite the lack of modern, sophisticated aesthetics and lightweight build, it provided a robust structure which allowed durability for everyday use.

Display

The phone featured a 3.5-inch TFT display which supported 256K colors, offering basic picture quality with a resolution of 360 x 480 pixels. While not comparable to modern standards, the display was adequate for viewing photos, browsing the web, and working with simple applications. This amounted to a pixel density of around 171 ppi, which sufficed for reading text and viewing icons clearly without causing much strain on the eyes.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the ZTE Nova 3.5 provided the essential benefits of a smartphone OS at the time. It offered users access to a variety of apps available on the Google Play Store. The phone was powered by an 800 MHz CPU, which while modest, could handle basic tasks such as calling, texting, and using lightweight applications. With 256MB RAM, multitasking was limited, but for users with basic needs, it met expectations.

Camera

The device offered a single rear camera with 3.15 megapixels, accompanied by basic video recording capabilities. It wasn't designed for high-quality photography but sufficed for casual snaps and simple video captures. The front VGA camera allowed for rudimentary video calls with applications supporting video conferencing.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the ZTE Nova 3.5 came with 512MB storage, paired with 256MB of RAM. One of the advantages was the inclusion of a microSDHC card slot that allowed users to expand storage, compensating for the limited internal capacity. Although this wouldn’t accommodate vast quantities of data, it was sufficient for media files, photos, and basic documents.

Battery

The device was equipped with a removable Li-Ion battery, which was a standard at the time. Although the capacity specifics are not detailed, this type of battery could support basic usage throughout the day, reflecting the limited power demands of the hardware and software in use. Its removability ensured that users could replace the battery if it degraded over time, adding to the device's longevity.

Connectivity Features

ZTE Nova 3.5 incorporated connectivity essentials including GSM and HSPA technologies. It supported a variety of network bands, allowing users to connect both on 2G and 3G networks. Furthermore, it supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for local internet access and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The device also featured Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless audio and GPS with A-GPS support for basic navigation services.

Additional Features

This smartphone included a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by many users for audio without needing adapters. It also incorporated sensors such as accelerometer, proximity, and compass, which allowed simplified user interactions with applications relying on sensor data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZTE Nova 3.5 served as a modest entry into the smartphone world during its time. It catered to users looking for essential functionalities without the frills of higher-end devices. While superior models have since flooded the market, the simplicity, durability, and expandability of the Nova 3.5 made it a reliable choice for minimalistic smartphone needs or as a secondary device.

Key Features of ZTE Nova 3.5

  • Supports GSM and HSPA network technologies.
  • 3G bands include HSDPA 900 / 2100 for better connectivity.
  • Compact dimensions: 112.4 x 59.9 x 11 mm, making it easy to handle.
  • 3.5-inch TFT display with 256K colors for vibrant visuals.
  • Resolution of 360 x 480 pixels at a 4:3 ratio for clear viewing.
  • Powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS.
  • Email processing with an 800 MHz CPU.
  • Expandable storage via microSDHC card slot.
  • Includes a 3.15 MP main camera for basic photography.
  • VGA front camera for selfies and video calls.
  • Equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack and loudspeaker for sound output.
  • Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, and microUSB 2.0.
  • Includes essential sensors: Accelerometer, Proximity, and Compass.
  • Removable Li-Ion battery for convenience.
  • Comes in an elegant Black color.

ZTE Nova 3.5 Disadvantages

  • Lack of 4G LTE support, limiting faster internet connectivity options.
  • Outdated Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system, which lacks recent updates and features.
  • Low processing power with the 800 MHz CPU, which can result in slower performance and lag.
  • Limited internal storage of 512MB and 256MB RAM, restricting app installation and multitasking.
  • Basic 3.15 MP main camera, providing lower quality photos compared to modern standards.
  • VGA front camera, offering low-quality selfies and video calls.
  • Discontinued status, meaning no official support, updates, or repairs available.
  • No weight information available, which might be a concern for some users.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA
2G bands GSM 900 / 1800
3G bands HSDPA 900 / 2100
Speed HSPA
Launch
Announced 2012, February. Released 2013, Q3
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 112.4 x 59.9 x 11 mm (4.43 x 2.36 x 0.43 in)
Weight -
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type TFT, 256K colors
Size 3.5 inches, 37.9 cm2 (~56.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 360 x 480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~171 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
CPU 800 MHz
Memory
Card slot microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal 512MB 256MB RAM
Main Camera
Single 3.15 MP
Video Yes
Selfie camera
Single VGA
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Bluetooth 2.1, A2DP
Positioning GPS, A-GPS
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion battery
Misc
Colors Black

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