Unveiling the ZTE Nubia Z11 mini Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE nubia Z11 mini supports various network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, enabling users to enjoy a strong and reliable connection across different regions. The phone is equipped with multiple 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of carriers worldwide. Users can expect speedy data transfers with support for HSPA and LTE technologies, facilitating seamless browsing and streaming experiences.

Launch and Availability

Announced in April 2016 and released in May 2016, the ZTE nubia Z11 mini quickly garnered attention for its promising specifications at a competitive price. However, as with many devices from this era, it has since been discontinued, limiting its availability primarily to used markets or specific regional stockists that may still carry the device.

Body and Design

The ZTE nubia Z11 mini boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 141.4 x 70 x 8 mm and a weight of 138 grams. This compact form factor makes it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. The phone features a hybrid dual SIM setup, allowing users to use two nano SIM cards or expand storage via the microSD slot.

Display

Equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen, the Z11 mini provides sharp and vibrant visuals with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 69.6% ensures that the device remains compact while maximizing display space, making it ideal for watching videos and gaming on the go. The high pixel density of ~441 ppi contributes to clear and detailed images, enhancing the overall user experience.

Platform and Performance

The ZTE nubia Z11 mini runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with the nubia UI 3.9 overlay, offering a user-friendly interface and a variety of customization options. At its core, the device is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU that comprises four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.2 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.5 GHz. This configuration, along with the Adreno 405 GPU, ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. However, users may experience some limitations when running graphically intensive applications.

Memory and Storage

With 64GB of internal storage, the ZTE nubia Z11 mini provides ample space for storing photos, videos, and applications. Additionally, the device comes with 3GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking and ensuring a responsive user experience. The microSDXC slot allows for further expansion of storage, using the shared SIM slot to accommodate the card.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE nubia Z11 mini is equipped with a 16 MP main camera featuring a f/2.0 aperture, 1/2.8" sensor size, and 1.12µm pixel size. The inclusion of phase detection autofocus (PDAF) allows for rapid and accurate focusing, enhancing the device's photography abilities in various lighting conditions. Users can expect high-quality images with features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR. The main camera also supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.

For selfies and video calls, the 8 MP front camera with a f/2.4 aperture ensures good quality images, aided by its 1/3.2" sensor size and 1.4µm pixels. It also supports 1080p video recording, making it a versatile option for capturing personal moments and engaging in video chats.

Audio and Sound

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, satisfying the audio needs of a wide audience. These features ensure that whether users prefer speakers or headphones, they can enjoy a satisfactory audio experience without additional adaptors or complicated setups.

Communication Features

The ZTE nubia Z11 mini is well-equipped in terms of wireless communications, offering dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for high-speed internet access and seamless connectivity. The Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA support also facilitate easy sharing and streaming. Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and LE allows for efficient wireless data exchange with other devices.

Positioning services include GPS and GLONASS, ensuring accurate and reliable navigation. While NFC is not supported, users can enjoy FM radio and a USB Type-C connection that supports OTG, providing versatile connectivity options.

Sensors and Additional Features

A suite of sensors enhances the Z11 mini's functionality, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure access. Additional sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass contribute to a comprehensive smartphone experience, supporting various applications and features that rely on these inputs.

Battery and Charging

The phone is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery, providing enough capacity to last through a typical day of moderate use. While it may not support rapid charging technologies available in more recent models, the battery size is adequate given the device's specifications and power requirements.

Colors, Models, and Pricing

Available in classic colors such as Black, White, and Gold, the nubia Z11 mini caters to diverse style preferences. The model number NX529J is associated with this device. When initially released, the smartphone was priced around 160 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option in the mid-range smartphone market. Its competitive pricing, paired with its robust feature set, makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers.