ZTE Open Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of ZTE Open

The ZTE Open is a smartphone developed by the Chinese telecommunications company ZTE Corporation. It is notable for being one of the first smartphones to run the Firefox OS, an open-source operating system developed by Mozilla. Released in 2013, the device was aimed at emerging markets and users looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with the essentials of modern mobile technology.

Design and Build

The ZTE Open has a compact and straightforward design. With dimensions of 114 x 62 x 12.5 mm, it fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to carry around. While the weight is unspecified, the device is generally lightweight due to its plastic build. It features a Mini-SIM configuration and was available in two color options: Blue and Orange. The ZTE Open's design is utilitarian, focusing on function rather than luxury or premium aesthetics.

Display

The device sports a 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 165 ppi, which is modest by modern standards but sufficient for basic tasks and applications. The screen-to-body ratio is about 51.6%, showcasing a display that is decent for viewing content, albeit with basic clarity and color reproduction associated with entry-level TFT screens.

Performance

The ZTE Open is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7225A Snapdragon S1 chipset, featuring a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU and an Adreno 200 GPU. This hardware setup provides enough capability to handle fundamental operations such as calling, messaging, and running light applications available through the Firefox OS ecosystem. The device comes with 256MB of RAM, which is minimal but manageable given the lightweight nature of Firefox OS.

Storage

The internal storage of the ZTE Open is 512MB ROM. While not much by today's standards, it was sufficient for the device's intended use as an entry-level smartphone. Additionally, the presence of a microSDHC slot allowed users to expand storage, with a 2GB card included, making it possible to store more apps, music, and basic multimedia content.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera, the ZTE Open could capture basic images and videos suitable for casual photography and social sharing. It did not include advanced features like autofocusing or LED flash, emphasizing its role as a phone for basic image capturing rather than professional photography. The absence of a selfie camera reflects its focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Software and User Experience

Running on Firefox OS 1.0, the ZTE Open was part of Mozilla's initiative to promote web-based applications and open standards in the mobile industry. Firefox OS emphasized HTML5 applications, which could run seamlessly across platforms. Users could download apps from the Firefox Marketplace, which offered a range of utilities, games, and social networking tools suited to the platform's capabilities.

Connectivity

The ZTE Open offered essential connectivity features for its time, including GSM and HSPA network support allowing for speeds up to HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps. The device included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR for wireless peripherals, GPS for location services, and a stereo FM radio for entertainment. It had a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, though NFC was not supported.

Battery Life

The device housed a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery. This capacity was modest, but given the energy-efficient hardware and software, it could deliver adequate battery life for daily tasks. The removable nature of the battery allowed for easy replacement or swapping, extending the device's service life and usability.

Sensors and Other Features

The ZTE Open was equipped with basic sensors, such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which aided in functionalities like auto-rotate and power management during calls. The phone maintained a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was standard for audio connectivity, allowing users to use their favorite headsets without additional adaptors.

Market Position and Impact

Targeting emerging markets and budget-conscious consumers, the ZTE Open provided an affordable entry point to smartphone technology. Its use of Firefox OS was intended to present an alternative to the dominant iOS and Android platforms, emphasizing web-based applications and the ethos of open-source software. While it didn't make significant market inroads, it contributed to expanding options for consumers and supporting diversity in operating system choices.

Conclusion

The ZTE Open is a testament to the diverse experimentation within the smartphone market in the early 2010s. Though its hardware was basic, it represented an effort to democratize access to modern mobile technology via an open-source operating system. It holds a place in history as one of the initial steps towards making smartphones accessible to all, though its discontinuation signifies the challenges faced by new operating systems in a competitive landscape dominated by established giants.