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ZTE Nubia Z17 Mini A Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices and Features

Release Date
2017, April
Camera
13MP
Battery
2950mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Snapdragon 652
Screen
5.2"
Storage
64GB , microSDXC
Ram
4/6GB RAM
Operating System
Android 6.1, nubia UI 4

Overview of ZTE nubia Z17 mini

The ZTE nubia Z17 mini, released in April 2017, offers a combination of strong performance, elegant design, and competitive features at an affordable price. This smartphone showcases ZTE's commitment to providing quality devices that cater to the needs of different types of users, whether they are interested in photography, gaming, or daily multitasking.

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE nubia Z17 mini supports a range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. It is compatible with various bands, ensuring reliable connectivity almost anywhere in the world. Users can enjoy high-speed data connections with its robust support for HSPA and LTE, making it a suitable choice for streaming video content or browsing the web.

Design and Build Quality

Measuring 146.7 x 72.5 x 7.5 mm and weighing 155 grams, the Z17 mini combines portability with a solid feel. Its build quality reflects durability and elegance, providing a hybrid dual SIM slot that can accommodate either two SIM cards or a single SIM card and a microSD card for expanded storage. The device's front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring resistance to everyday scratches and impacts.

Display Characteristics

The device features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 424 ppi. The vibrant display ensures sharp text, vivid images, and a pleasant viewing experience from various angles, suited for media consumption and gaming.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the ZTE nubia Z17 mini is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 processor for the standard edition and Snapdragon 653 for the high edition. This octa-core setup includes a mix of 1.95 GHz Cortex-A72 and 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, paired with an Adreno 510 GPU. This hardware configuration ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming.

Memory and Storage Options

Offering flexibility in terms of memory, the device comes with two RAM options: 4GB and 6GB, both accompanied by 64GB of internal storage. Users can expand storage via the microSDXC option, which uses the shared SIM slot, thereby balancing between additional storage or dual SIM functionality.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE nubia Z17 mini features a dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 13 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. Enhanced with PDAF and dual-LED flash, it supports HDR photography and can capture 4K videos at 30fps for impressive clarity. For selfie enthusiasts, the device offers a 16 MP front camera capable of 1080p video recording, ensuring high-quality images and video calls.

Audio and Media

The smartphone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by audiophiles, enabling the use of traditional wired headphones. The loudspeaker provides clear sound output, making it suitable for gaming and media playback.

Software: Operating System and User Experience

Running on Android 6.1 Marshmallow with ZTE's customized nubia UI 4, the device offers a user-friendly interface with numerous customization options. While the software version may seem dated compared to recent releases, it still provides a stable and effective user experience for the essential smartphone functionalities.

Connectivity Features

The ZTE nubia Z17 mini offers comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, and USB Type-C for modern connectivity standards. It also features FM radio and OTG support, enabling versatile usage across different connectivity needs.

Battery Life and Charging

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 2950 mAh battery, the ZTE nubia Z17 mini supports 18W fast charging. While the battery capacity may not be the largest on the market, the provision for fast charging helps users quickly restore battery levels during short breaks.

Sensors and Added Features

The device is fitted with essential sensors, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security, an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. These sensors provide practical features that enhance daily usage, such as improved navigation and personalized screen settings.

Color Variants and Pricing

The nubia Z17 mini is available in several elegant colors: Elegant Black, Gold Black, Champagne Gold, and Red, allowing users to choose a style that matches their personal preference. Priced at approximately 170 EUR, the device offers great value for its features, attracting budget-conscious consumers seeking quality and performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZTE nubia Z17 mini presents itself as a balanced smartphone, offering a variety of features that cater to different segments of users. Its appealing design, robust performance, and versatile features make it a reliable choice for those seeking a mid-range phone with substantial capabilities at an accessible price point.

Key Features of ZTE nubia Z17 mini

  • Supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks for versatile connectivity.
  • Compact design with dimensions of 146.7 x 72.5 x 7.5 mm and lightweight at 155 g.
  • 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass protection.
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 652/653 chipset with Octa-core CPU for smooth performance.
  • Available with 64GB internal storage and options for 4GB or 6GB RAM, plus microSD support.
  • Dual main camera setup featuring 13 MP PDAF and 2 MP depth sensor; 4K and 1080p video recording.
  • High-resolution 16 MP selfie camera supporting 1080p video.
  • Includes standard 3.5mm audio jack and loudspeaker support.
  • Comprehensive connectivity options: dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, FM radio, and USB Type-C.
  • Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor along with accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass sensors.
  • 2950 mAh battery with 18W fast charging capability.
  • Available in stylish color options: Elegant Black, Gold Black, Champagne Gold, and Red.

Disadvantages of ZTE nubia Z17 mini

  • Uses older Android 6.1 (Marshmallow) operating system out of the box, which may not support the latest applications and features.
  • Hybrid Dual SIM design means you must choose between using a second SIM card or expanding storage with a microSD card.
  • Battery capacity of 2950 mAh may not be sufficient for heavy usage throughout the day.
  • Non-removable battery design can be inconvenient for users who prefer to swap batteries rather than recharge during the day.
  • Although the device supports fast charging at 18W, it might not be as fast compared to newer fast-charging technologies.
  • The display to body ratio of ~70.1% is lower compared to more modern phones with higher screen-to-body ratios.
  • The version of Corning Gorilla Glass protection is unspecified, which may raise concerns about durability.
  • Bluetooth 4.1 is outdated, as newer devices are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, which offer improved range and data transfer rates.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41
Speed HSPA, LTE
Launch
Announced 2017, April
Status Available. Released 2017, April
Body
Dimensions 146.7 x 72.5 x 7.5 mm (5.78 x 2.85 x 0.30 in)
Weight 155 g (5.47 oz)
SIM Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~70.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)
Platform
OS Android 6.1 (Marshmallow), nubia UI 4
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 (28 nm) - Standard editionQualcomm MSM8976 Pro Snapdragon 653 (28 nm) - High edition
CPU Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 510
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP, (depth)
Features Dual-LED flash, HDR
Video 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 16 MP, f/2.0
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio
USB USB Type-C, OTG
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 2950 mAh, non-removable
Charging 18W wired
Misc
Colors Elegant Black, Gold Black, Champagne Gold, Red
Models NX569J, NX569H
Price About 170 EUR

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