ZTE Nubia Z18 A Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The ZTE nubia Z18 impresses with its sleek design and solid build quality. The phone measures 148.6 x 72.6 x 8.6 mm and weighs 172 grams, making it comfortable to hold and easy to operate with one hand. The rear of the device is crafted with a premium glass finish that gives it a sophisticated look. The rounded corners and edges further enhance the ergonomic feel of the phone. It is available in several attractive colors: Black, Red, and Stary Night.

Display

Featuring a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, the ZTE nubia Z18 offers a robust visual experience. The screen boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels with an 18:9 aspect ratio, providing a pixel density of about 403 ppi. This ensures that images and text appear sharp and detailed. The display is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which adds a layer of durability, protecting the screen from scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Powering the nubia Z18 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, manufactured with a 10 nm process. The octa-core processor consists of four high-performance Kryo 385 Gold cores clocked at 2.65 GHz and four energy-efficient Kryo 385 Silver cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, offering a balance between performance and power efficiency. The Adreno 630 GPU ensures powerful graphics performance, making the device suitable for gaming and multimedia consumption.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes in two variants: one with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, and another with 8GB of RAM paired with 128GB of storage. This configuration provides ample space for apps and data along with smooth multitasking capabilities. However, note that there is no card slot for memory expansion, so users must manage with the internal storage capacity.

Camera Capabilities

The nubia Z18 is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the back. The primary sensor is a 24 MP with an f/1.6 aperture, dual pixel PDAF, and OIS, ensuring excellent photo quality even in low-light conditions. The secondary 16 MP camera with an f/1.6 lens supports autofocus and enhances depth and detail in photos. Features like Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode add versatility to the photography experience. For video recording, the rear camera supports 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps.

The front-facing camera is an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of taking decent selfies and video calls, and supports HDR and 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Battery Life

Equipped with a Li-Po 3450 mAh non-removable battery, the nubia Z18 offers reliable battery life, sufficient for moderate to heavy usage throughout the day. Furthermore, the battery charges via wired fast charging with 18W and Quick Charge 4 technology, ensuring quick recharge times that can keep you powered throughout your busy schedule.

Software and User Interface

The ZTE nubia Z18 operates on Android 8.1 Oreo with the company's custom nubia UI 6 skin on top. This provides users with an intuitive and customizable interface with additional features and enhancements over stock Android. While it may not be the latest version of Android, the UI remains functional and user-friendly, albeit less updated compared to current software standards.

Connectivity Options

The device supports multiple connectivity technologies, including 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE bands, ensuring wide network compatibility and strong reception. It includes dual SIM support with nano-SIM slots and dual standby functionality. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac along with dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA are present for strong wireless internet connectivity. It also has Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connection to other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

For navigation and positioning, the phone supports GPS, GLONASS, and BDS. However, it lacks NFC, which might be a downside for those relying on mobile payments. There is no FM radio support either, but the USB Type-C port enables OTG functionality for connecting various peripherals.

Additional Features

The ZTE nubia Z18 is equipped with several sensors, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing device usability and security. However, it does not feature a 3.5mm audio jack, pushing users towards wireless audio solutions or USB Type-C adapters.

Price and Availability

Initially launched in September 2018, the ZTE nubia Z18 was priced at approximately 400 EUR at the time of release. It continues to be available across various markets, though newer models with updated features and specifications are likely to be preferred. Nonetheless, its attractive pricing and feature set make it a competitive choice in its segment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZTE nubia Z18 is a well-rounded smartphone offering solid performance, excellent camera capabilities, and a beautiful design. While it may lack some modern features like NFC and expandable storage, its competitive price and powerful hardware ensure it remains a viable option for those seeking a steadfast and stylish smartphone experience.