ZTE nubia Z5S mini NX405H Full Specs Pricing & Performance Insights

Overview

The ZTE Nubia Z5S mini NX405H, launched in August 2014, was introduced as a mid-range smartphone. Featuring an elegant design and a decent set of specifications, the Z5S mini aimed to satisfy users looking for both performance and affordability in a compact form factor. Despite its discontinuation, the device remains noteworthy in discussions around smartphones from the early 2010s.

Design and Build

The ZTE Nubia Z5S mini is characterized by its sleek and minimalist design. With dimensions of 134.9 x 65.8 x 8.6 mm and a weight of 117.9 grams, the phone is both lightweight and easy to handle. The use of a micro-SIM card and a form factor that fits comfortably in the user's hand make it a practical choice for everyday use. Available in black and white colors, the device's scratch-resistant glass offers an added layer of protection against everyday wear and tear.

Display

The Z5S mini boasts a 4.7-inch IGZO IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The screen’s density of approximately 312 ppi ensures sharp and vibrant visuals, suitable for both media consumption and everyday tasks. The screen-to-body ratio of ~68.6% provides a good balance between display size and device compactness, making it an ideal size for users who prefer screens that aren’t overwhelmingly large.

Performance

Under the hood, the ZTE Nubia Z5S mini is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. The quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU combined with an Adreno 305 GPU ensures effective performance for basic to moderate tasks. Paired with 2GB of RAM, the device can handle multitasking and moderate usage without significant lag. However, performance might falter when running more demanding applications or games.

Software

This smartphone runs on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, which, though outdated by current standards, was equipped with features that catered well to users at the time of the phone’s release. The availability of various apps and services, coupled with a user-friendly interface, made it a compelling choice for first-time smartphone users or those requiring essential functionality without the complexities of more modern systems.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Z5S mini features a 13 MP sensor with autofocus, LED flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities. It is capable of shooting 1080p videos at 30fps, which was a standard resolution for phones during its release era. On the front, a 5 MP selfie camera is available, which, while basic, allows users to conduct video calls and capture self-portraits adequately.

Battery Life

The Z5S mini is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. It offers up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours and 40 minutes of talk time on 3G, which denotes reasonable battery life for day-to-day usage. Although not exceptional, its battery efficiency is adequate for users who engage in light to moderate phone activities.

Storage

The phone comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC slot. This allows users to store more apps, media files, and documents beyond the built-in storage capacity. The combination of on-device and expandable storage is beneficial for those who accumulate a variety of multimedia content.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, the Z5S mini ensures dependable connectivity across 2G, 3G, and 4G bands. Users can access high-speed internet and experience smoother connectivity when required. Features like Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and FM radio add to the phone’s connectivity options, although the absence of NFC may be a downside for those interested in using contactless payment systems.

Audio and Sound Features

The device is equipped with a standard 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to connect a variety of headsets and earphones. The presence of a loudspeaker adds to the on-device media playback experience. Although not designed specifically for audiophiles, the sound quality fulfills the typical user's needs for casual listening.

Sensors and Additional Features

The ZTE Nubia Z5S mini includes several sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors facilitate enhancements in gaming, augmented reality applications, and general ease of use in various scenarios. The phone, being user-friendly, combined with its budget-oriented build, is suitable for consumers who prefer functionality and convenience.

Pricing and Market Impact

Priced at approximately 210 EUR at launch, the ZTE Nubia Z5S mini catered to mid-range budget consumers looking for affordable smartphones with decent specifications. Despite being discontinued, its impact remains in the mobility transitions towards compact, capable, and cost-effective devices.

Conclusion

The ZTE Nubia Z5S mini NX405H represented a significant offering in the mid-range smartphone market in 2014. With its compact design, adequate performance, reasonable camera functionality, and attractive pricing, it addressed the needs of a specific segment of users. While technology and user expectations have evolved significantly since then, the ZTE Nubia Z5S mini remains a noteworthy part of smartphone developmental history.