ZTE Open L Full Specs Pricing & Performance Review

Introduction to ZTE Open L

The ZTE Open L is a smartphone that was announced in March 2015. Despite its cancellation, this device was originally intended to run on the open-source Firefox OS 2.2, which was a unique feature at the time. The phone was designed to offer basic smartphone functionalities through an intuitive platform centered around web-based applications.

Design and Display

The ZTE Open L sports a physical dimension of 145.5 x 72.8 x 9.4 mm, which provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip for users. It was designed to accommodate a micro-SIM. Its front panel is dominated by a 5.0 inches TFT display featuring a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, equating to a modest pixel density of approximately 196 ppi. Although this display specification may not have compared to higher-end devices of its time, it was suitable for basic tasks such as browsing, messaging, and casual media consumption.

Performance and Platform

At the heart of the ZTE Open L is the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset, built on a 28nm process, paired with a quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 304 GPU. These specs provide sufficient power for basic operations and the core functionalities of the Firefox OS 2.2, which emphasizes the use of web apps developed using HTML5 and JavaScript.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of onboard storage, which was considered entry-level for its time. Additionally, it supports expandable storage via a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to extend the device's storage capacity for more apps, photos, and other media.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE Open L is equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera with an autofocus feature and an LED flash. This allows users to capture basic photos and videos, making it suitable for everyday photography needs. On the front, it features a 2 MP selfie camera, catering to casual video calls and selfies.

Battery and Power Management

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2200 mAh battery, which provides enough juice for a full day of moderate use. The removable battery is an advantageous feature, offering users the flexibility to replace it easily if necessary.

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE Open L supports a range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE bands. Specifically, it accommodates 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900), 3G bands (HSDPA 900/2100), and 4G bands (3, 7, 8, 20), ensuring good network compatibility in multiple regions. The device also offers connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for navigation, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Audio and Additional Features

The ZTE Open L includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, enabling standard audio output options for users. It's equipped with basic sensors such as an accelerometer and a proximity sensor, which enhance user interaction with the device.

Conclusion

While the ZTE Open L was ultimately cancelled, it remains a part of the historical landscape of smartphone evolution. It was positioned to offer basic smartphone capabilities through a unique operating system, and although it didn't launch, it contributes to the story of mobile technology development. Its features highlight the trend of providing affordable, simple smartphone solutions in an ever-advancing technological world.