ZTE nubia Z5S mini NX403A Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Design and Build

The ZTE nubia Z5S mini NX403A is crafted with a focus on modern aesthetics and usability. With dimensions of 134.8 x 65.8 x 7.6 mm and a weight of just 120 g, it fits comfortably in hand and is easy to carry. The slim profile enhances portability while maintaining durability. Available in an array of colors such as White, Green, Pink, Yellow, and Blue, the device is both visually appealing and a reflection of personal style. The device houses a micro-SIM slot, which was typical of smartphones released in 2013.

Display

The Z5S mini features a 4.7-inch IGZO IPS LCD screen, offering vibrant colors and clarity with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 312 ppi, ensuring sharp images and text. The display occupies around 68.7% of the front panel, providing a decent screen-to-body ratio that maximizes viewing area while keeping the device compact. The use of IGZO technology is particularly notable for its energy efficiency and improved display performance.

Performance

At the heart of the ZTE nubia Z5S mini is the Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon 600 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 CPU and an Adreno 320 GPU. This configuration was robust at the time of release, capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly and running multiple applications without significant lag. The device comes with 2GB of RAM, which complements the processor, assuring reliable multitasking and efficiency.

Software

Running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, the ZTE nubia Z5S mini offers a user-friendly interface and access to numerous applications through the Google Play Store. While Android 4.2.2 may lack some of the features and security enhancements of newer versions, it remains adequate for basic smartphone functions and app compatibility from the period of release.

Camera

The photography capabilities of the Z5S mini are centered around its 13 MP rear camera, equipped with autofocus and LED flash, offering features like panorama and HDR modes to enhance image quality in various lighting conditions. The camera can record videos at 1080p@30fps, which was standard for high-definition recording at that time. The 5 MP front camera serves well for selfies and video calls, providing sufficient quality for most users' needs.

Storage

With 16GB of internal storage, the ZTE nubia Z5S mini provides a reasonable amount of space for apps, media, and documents. For users requiring additional storage, the device includes a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing for expanded capacity—an advantageous feature for those with extensive media libraries or large app collections.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. While this capacity may seem modest by modern standards, it was typical for smartphones at the time. The removable nature of the battery supports easy replacement and extended usage, as spare batteries can be swapped in when needed, ensuring the device remains operational throughout the day with moderate use.

Connectivity

Connectivity options on the Z5S mini include support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and EVDO networks, providing versatility in terms of carrier compatibility and data speeds with HSPA at 3.1 Mbps. Wi-Fi capabilities include dual-band frequency support, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot features, catering to modern networking needs. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP facilitates wireless connections to peripherals, while GPS and GLONASS ensure precise location tracking. The presence of FM radio adds an additional layer of entertainment and information access.

Additional Features

Other features include standard sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, which enable a variety of functionalities, from motion detection to navigation. Despite lacking NFC, the Z5S mini includes useful features like microUSB 2.0 with OTG support, accommodating data transfer and peripheral connectivity. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack allows for traditional wired headphones, appealing to users who prefer conventional audio solutions.

Conclusion

Overall, the ZTE nubia Z5S mini NX403A was a well-rounded smartphone for its time, offering a balance of performance, design, and features. While discontinued and succeeded by newer models, it remains a testament to the advances in mobile technology during its era, catering to users seeking a compact and capable device without compromising on essential features. Its competitive pricing made it an attractive option in the mid-range smartphone market in 2013.