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ZTE Nubia Z5 Comprehensive Review Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2012, December
Camera
13MP
Battery
2300mAh
Processor
Snapdragon 600
Screen
5.0"
Storage
32GB
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 4.1.1

Overview of ZTE nubia Z5

The ZTE nubia Z5, launched in December 2012, stands as a hallmark of design and functionality in the Android smartphone market of its time. Despite being discontinued, it remains a fascinating subject for those interested in the evolution of mobile technology. With powerful specifications and a sleek aesthetic, the ZTE nubia Z5 was designed to compete directly with the flagship models of its era.

Design and Build

The ZTE nubia Z5 is crafted with both aesthetics and ergonomics in mind. Its dimensions measure 137.9 x 69.1 x 7.6 mm, making it impressively slim and easy to handle. Weighing only 126 grams, the device is lightweight yet retains a solid build quality. The use of premium materials contributes to both the device's durability and its high-end look. The Z5 is available in two classic color options: White and Black.

Display Characteristics

One of the key features of the ZTE nubia Z5 is its 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen, which boasts a Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This translates to a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, promising vibrant colors and sharp details. The display's 16:9 aspect ratio fits comfortably in hand, while the scratch-resistant glass adds an extra layer of protection against damage and wear.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the ZTE nubia Z5 is powered by a Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon 600 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait 300 CPU and an Adreno 320 GPU. This combination ensures smooth performance across various applications, from basic tasks to more demanding processes. The device is equipped with 2GB of RAM and offers 32GB of internal storage, though it lacks a card slot for expandable memory.

Camera Features

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Z5's camera capabilities. The main camera is a 13 MP single lens with autofocus, accompanied by an LED flash for low-light conditions. Users can capture high-resolution images and shoot videos at 1080p@30fps. In addition to standard shots, the camera supports features like panorama mode. The front-facing camera is a 2 MP sensor, suitable for selfies and video chats.

Battery and Power Management

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2300 mAh battery, which, given the efficiency of the chipset and the display, offers a reasonable battery life for moderate use. While it may not match the battery longevity of contemporary smartphones, it suffices for day-to-day activities such as browsing, calling, and media consumption.

Software and User Interface

The ZTE nubia Z5 operates on Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. Although this version of Android is quite outdated by modern standards, it provided a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of applications through Google Play at the time of the device's release.

Connectivity and Network Capabilities

In terms of connectivity, the ZTE nubia Z5 supports GSM and CDMA network technologies, with 2G bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G bands supporting HSDPA 2100. The device offers HSPA speeds of 21.1/5.76 Mbps, which are sufficient for browsing and streaming content during its time. Furthermore, the phone includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities.

Additional Features and Sensor Specifications

Other notable features include Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for location services, NFC support, and an FM radio feature. In terms of sensors, the nubia Z5 is equipped with an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack, a valued feature for users who prefer wired audio solutions.

Final Thoughts

Although the ZTE nubia Z5 is considered outdated by today's smartphone standards, it remains a study of ZTE's innovative approach to marrying design and functionality. The device's robust set of features - from its elegant design and high-quality display to its capable hardware - made it a competitive option for consumers during its release. Its legacy is evident in the way it balanced numerous attributes that were appreciated by its users, marking it as a distinctive chapter in the history of Android smartphones.

ZTE nubia Z5 Key Features

  • Technology: Supports GSM, CDMA, and HSPA networks
  • Display: 5.0 inches IPS LCD with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution
  • Display Protection: Features scratch-resistant glass
  • Processor: Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait 300
  • Chipset: Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon 600
  • Memory: 32GB internal storage with 2GB RAM
  • Main Camera: 13 MP with autofocus and LED flash
  • Video: Capable of recording 1080p at 30fps
  • Selfie Camera: 2 MP
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi with dual-band, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, NFC
  • Audio: Equipped with loudspeaker and 3.5mm jack
  • Sensors: Includes accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass
  • Additional Features: FM radio and DLNA functionality
  • Battery: 2300 mAh Li-Ion, non-removable
  • Design: Lightweight at 126 g and slim design with 7.6 mm thickness

ZTE nubia Z5 - Key Disadvantages

  • No card slot for expandable storage, limiting memory expansion.
  • Uses outdated Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean) operating system, which may not support newer applications and functions.
  • The device is discontinued, which means limited support and updates.
  • Battery capacity is relatively low at 2300 mAh, potentially impacting battery life for modern usage demands.
  • Lacks support for 4G LTE networks, only supporting GSM/CDMA/HSPA, which can affect internet speeds and connectivity options.
  • Front camera is only 2 MP, which is low by modern standards for selfies and video calls.
  • Priced at about 520 EUR, it may be considered high for the features offered by today's standards.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 2100
Speed HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2012, December. Released 2012, December
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 137.9 x 69.1 x 7.6 mm (5.43 x 2.72 x 0.30 in)
Weight 126 g (4.44 oz)
SIM Yes
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~72.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)
Protection Scratch-resistant glass
Platform
OS Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean)
Chipset Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon 600
CPU Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait 300
GPU Adreno 320
Memory
Card slot No
Internal 32GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, AF
Features LED flash, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 2 MP
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP
Positioning GPS
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable
Misc
Colors White, Black
Price About 520 EUR

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