ZTE Nubia Z17s The Ultimate Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE nubia Z17s supports a variety of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, making it a versatile device for connectivity across different network types. It supports 2G bands for both SIM 1 and SIM 2 (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) as well as 3G bands (HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100) for Europe and China. In terms of 4G LTE connectivity, it supports a wide range of bands (1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41) specifically in China. The device offers high-speed data transfer with HSPA speeds of 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE speeds (3CA) of Cat9 450/50 Mbps.

Design and Build Quality

Announced and released in October 2017, the ZTE nubia Z17s is designed with a sleek and sturdy build. The dimensions of the phone are 147.5 x 72.7 x 8.5 mm, and it weighs 170 grams. It features a durable design with a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, a glass back, and an aluminum frame that adds a premium feel to the device. The phone is equipped with a Dual SIM slot (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), allowing users to maintain two numbers simultaneously, which is convenient for managing both personal and professional contacts.

Display Characteristics

The Z17s boasts a 5.73-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2040 pixels, yielding a pixel density of approximately 403 ppi. This ensures that the display is crisp and clear, providing users with a great visual experience whether they’re watching videos or browsing photos. The display has an 81.7% screen-to-body ratio, offering a more immersive viewing area. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, providing resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Platform

The device runs on Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) with ZTE’s custom nubia UI 5.1 overlay, offering a combination of features from stock Android with additional customization options. Nestled inside the device is the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipset built on a 10 nm process. This octa-core processor setup includes 4x2.45 GHz Kryo and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo cores, which balances performance and energy efficiency. The Adreno 540 GPU ensures that graphical performance is top-notch, handling games and media with ease.

Memory and Storage Options

The ZTE nubia Z17s offers two configurations for memory and storage: one with 64GB of internal storage combined with 6GB of RAM, and another with a more generous 128GB of storage paired with 8GB of RAM. However, the device lacks a microSD card slot, meaning storage expansion is not an option. Users need to choose their preferred storage capacity carefully based on their usage habits and requirements.

Camera Features

The camera setup on the nubia Z17s is one of its highlighted features. At the back, it sports a dual camera system with a 12 MP primary lens featuring an f/1.8 aperture, PDAF, 1/2.55" sensor size, and a pixel size of 1.4µm. The secondary camera is a 23 MP lens with an f/2.0 aperture and supports autofocus and 2x lossless zoom. The dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode further enhance the photographic capabilities. The device supports video recording at 4K@30fps and 1080p@30fps. On the front, the phone features a dual 5 MP selfie camera setup capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps, suitable for video calls and selfies.

Audio and Sound Quality

The nubia Z17s comes with a loudspeaker that ensures clear output for calls and media playback. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be inconvenient for users who prefer wired headphones. The absence of the headphone jack suggests the use of USB Type-C port headphones or wireless Bluetooth alternatives.

Communication Capabilities

The phone supports various communication features like dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA for seamless connectivity. Bluetooth 4.1 allows for efficient wireless data transfer and device connectivity. For navigation, it is equipped with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS technologies. Notably, the device includes NFC, supporting contactless payments and data transfer, although it lacks a built-in FM radio. Data transfer and charging tasks are managed through the USB Type-C with OTG support.

Sensors and Additional Features

A fingerprint sensor positioned at the rear of the device allows for quick and secure device unlocking. The phone also features an array of other sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enriching user interaction capabilities and enhancing the overall experience.

Battery and Charging

Powering the ZTE nubia Z17s is a non-removable Li-Po 3100 mAh battery. It supports fast charging with 26W wired (QC4), capable of charging 50% in just 25 minutes, making it quite convenient for users needing a quick power boost throughout the day.

Color Variants and Pricing

The ZTE nubia Z17s is available in two color variants: Aurora Blue and Black Gold, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal. Priced around 360 EUR, it provides a competitive option for users looking for a high-performance device with solid build quality and camera capabilities at a mid-range price point.