Unveiling ZTE Nubia Z5S Specs Pricing Pros and Cons

Network Capabilities

The ZTE nubia Z5S is equipped with a variety of network capabilities that make it a versatile choice for users. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring a wide range of network standards are covered. This smartphone can work with 2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, which are quite common globally. Additionally, it supports 3G bands via HSDPA and 4G bands through LTE, although the availability of LTE is market-dependent. The device offers robust speed options with HSPA and LTE, alongside GPRS and EDGE for 2G data usage.

Launch and Availability

The ZTE nubia Z5S was announced in November 2013 and made its debut in the market by December 2013. However, like many models of its time, it has since been discontinued. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a noteworthy mention in the lineage of ZTE smartphones due to its distinct specifications at the time of its release.

Design and Build

This device showcases a sleek design with dimensions measuring 137.7 x 68.8 x 7.6 mm (5.42 x 2.71 x 0.30 in), making it quite slim and easy to handle. Weighing just 126 grams (4.44 oz), it is light and portable. It supports a single SIM configuration, which was quite standard for smartphones released during that period. The black and white color options provide classic choices appealing to a variety of preferences.

Display

The ZTE nubia Z5S features a 5.0-inch IGZO IPS LCD, offering a vivid and sharp display. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, this display configuration results in a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, ensuring crisp and clear visuals. The screen accounted for about 72.7% of the body, allowing for a more immersive experience when viewing content.

Performance

Under the hood, the ZTE nubia Z5S runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset built on a 28nm process. The CPU is a Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400, designed for efficient performance and responsiveness. Graphics are handled by the Adreno 330 GPU, allowing for smooth rendering of visuals and a decent gaming experience for the time.

Memory and Storage

The device comes in two storage variants: 16GB and 32GB, both paired with 2GB of RAM. Unfortunately, there is no card slot available for expanding the storage, which could be a limitation for users who require more space for their applications and media.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE nubia Z5S is equipped with a capable 13 MP rear camera featuring autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS). The camera's features include an LED flash, panorama mode, and HDR, providing versatility for different photographic needs. It can capture video at several resolutions, including 4K, 1080p, and 720p at an impressive 120fps. On the front, a 5 MP selfie camera is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps, adequate for video calls and selfies.

Audio and Interface

The smartphone includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was an essential feature for many users during its release time. This allows for easy connectivity with headphones and external audio devices.

Connectivity and Sensors

For seamless connectivity, the ZTE nubia Z5S is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP is available for wireless file transfers and connectivity. The presence of GPS ensures accurate location tracking, while the infrared port provides additional options for device control and connectivity. The phone also supports FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 is available for charging and data transfer.

Sensors included are the accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, contributing to various functionalities like screen rotation and more.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a non-removable Li-Ion 2300 mAh battery. While not as large as today's standards, it was reasonable for its time and capable of sustaining the phone for a full day of moderate usage.

Pricing and Conclusion

The ZTE nubia Z5S was launched with a price tag of about 290 EUR. At its release, it offered a competitive package of features and specifications, making it a considerable option for users seeking quality performance and robust photographic capabilities. While it is now discontinued, it stands as a testament to ZTE's efforts in providing robust smartphone solutions during that era.