Price and specifications of ZTE nubia Z11 mini S advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of ZTE nubia Z11 mini S

The ZTE nubia Z11 mini S was announced and released in October 2016. This smartphone was designed to deliver a reliable mobile experience with a blend of powerful specifications and sleek design elements. Although the device has been discontinued, it left a lasting impression in the mid-range smartphone market by offering advanced features at a competitive price.

Design and Build

The Z11 mini S is characterized by its refined aesthetics, featuring dimensions of 146.1 x 72.1 x 7.6 mm, making it compact and easy to handle. With a weight of 158 grams, it balances between being lightweight and having a solid feel. The smartphone offers a hybrid dual SIM slot (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), which enhances its functionality by allowing users to manage two numbers simultaneously or choose additional storage over a secondary SIM card.

Display Quality

Equipped with a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, the Z11 mini S delivers vibrant colors and sharp images. The resolution stands at 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 16:9 ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 424 ppi. This high resolution ensures that users enjoy detailed visuals whether they're viewing photos, videos, or web content.

Performance

Under the hood, the Z11 mini S is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 chipset, built on a 14 nm process. This ensures efficient energy consumption while providing enough power for everyday tasks. The octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Adreno 506 GPU make it capable of handling multitasking and graphics-intensive applications with relative ease. Available in two storage variants, 64GB with 4GB RAM and 128GB with 4GB RAM, users have the flexibility in choosing a model that fits their storage needs. Additionally, the device supports microSDXC, albeit via a shared SIM slot, further expanding storage capabilities for those who require more space.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup of the Z11 mini S is one of its standout features. On the rear, it houses a 23 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, equipped with PDAF for fast and accurate focusing. Features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode enhance photo quality and shooting versatility. For video enthusiasts, the rear camera can record at 1080p@30fps. The front-facing camera is a 13 MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture and PDAF, designed to capture high-quality selfies and facilitate video calls.

Battery and Charging

This smartphone is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery that provides a respectable balance between capacity and form factor. Supporting 18W wired charging, the Z11 mini S can be efficiently charged to ensure users stay connected without prolonged downtime.

Connectivity and Network

The Z11 mini S supports a range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, allowing for comprehensive cellular connectivity. The device is equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA, enhancing wireless networking capabilities. Additional connectivity features like Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS, NFC, and USB Type-C with OTG support cater to a wide array of user needs, from close-range data transfer to effective navigation.

Sound and Additional Features

As for audio, the smartphone includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with most audio peripherals. Sensor-wise, it provides a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, facilitating both security and practical utility. The inclusion of an FM radio adds more listening options for users who enjoy broadcast content.

Software Experience

The Z11 mini S runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with ZTE’s custom nubia UI 4 on top. This interface offers a range of customization options, useful pre-installed apps, and an overall user-friendly experience that caters to both beginner and advanced users. Despite being an older version of Android, it still provides a robust and stable platform for various applications and services.

Conclusion

The ZTE nubia Z11 mini S offers a well-rounded package with its solid performance, capable camera system, and comprehensive connectivity options. While newer models have since replaced it, this smartphone remains a noteworthy device from its production period, particularly for those seeking an affordable yet feature-rich smartphone.

Specifications Summary

• Network Technology: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
• Launch: Announced and released in October 2016
• Body: 146.1 x 72.1 x 7.6 mm, 158g, Hybrid Dual SIM
• Display: 5.2 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels, IPS LCD
• Platform: Android 6 (Marshmallow), nubia UI 4
• Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625
• Memory: 64GB/128GB storage, 4GB RAM, microSDXC
• Main Camera: 23 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
• Selfie Camera: 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
• Battery: 3000 mAh, 18W wired charging
• Colors: Black, White, Gold
• Price: About 220 EUR