ZTE Optik Comprehensive Review Pricing & Features Unveiled

Overview

The ZTE Optik is a tablet that marked its presence in early 2012. With a combination of solid hardware and the then contemporary Android operating system, it aimed to provide a reliable mobile computing experience at a competitive price. Targeted primarily at budget-conscious consumers and those looking for a basic yet efficient tablet, the Optik carved a niche for itself in a competitive landscape.

Design and Build

The ZTE Optik boasts a compact and utilitarian design. Measuring 193 x 119.4 x 13.2 mm and weighing in at 400 g, it's slightly on the heavier side for a 7-inch tablet. The black body with rounded edges gives it a professional appearance, while the build quality is robust enough to withstand everyday handling. The device features a Mini-SIM slot, which complements its cellular capabilities. Although not the sleekest device on the market, it serves its purpose for users preferring a more substantive feel.

Display

The tablet is equipped with a 7.0-inch TFT display, providing a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. This results in a decent pixel density of approximately 216 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 61.7%, which was reasonable for its time. While the TFT technology doesn't offer the vibrant colors or wide viewing angles of more advanced displays like IPS or AMOLED, it offers reliable performance suitable for basic multimedia consumption, reading, and web browsing.

Performance

At the heart of the ZTE Optik is the Qualcomm MSM8660 Snapdragon S3 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion processor and Adreno 220 GPU, providing a balanced performance for its class. Coupled with 1GB of RAM, the device can handle day-to-day tasks such as browsing, social media, and light gaming with relative ease. However, intensive applications and multitasking may push its limits.

Software

The device runs on Android 3.2 Honeycomb, an operating system tailored for tablets. This version of Android brings features like a redesigned user interface, improved multitasking, and a host of Google services optimized for larger screens. Although updates beyond Android 3.2 were not available, which limits access to newer apps and features, it still offers a functional and user-friendly experience within its capabilities.

Camera

For photography, the ZTE Optik houses a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus. While it can't compete with the high-resolution sensors found in modern devices, it suffices for casual photography and video recording. There is also a 2 MP front-facing camera, useful for video calls and selfies, albeit with limited quality.

Storage

The tablet comes with 16GB of internal storage. For users needing more space, there's a dedicated microSDHC card slot, expanding storage capability and allowing for additional media storage. While 16GB is modest by today's standards, it was typical for tablets from this period.

Battery Life

Powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery, the ZTE Optik offers a satisfactory battery life. Under normal usage conditions, users can expect to get through a full day of use, making it adequate for on-the-go productivity and entertainment.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the ZTE Optik is equipped with a range of options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, and GPS with A-GPS support. While it lacks modern features like NFC and 5G, its approach to connectivity was adequate for 2012. The microUSB 2.0 port supports charging and data transfer.

Network Capabilities

The tablet supports CDMA and EVDO networks, specifically on 800/1900 MHz bands for 2G and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO for 3G. With EV-DO speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps, it offers a reliable mobile data experience, although it does not support GSM or LTE networks, which could be a limitation depending on regional carrier compatibility.

Sound and Multimedia

The ZTE Optik features stereo speakers, providing a better audio experience than typical mono speakers. It also includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for personal audio listening. This makes the tablet suitable for basic media consumption like music and video playback.

Sensors

The device includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer and compass, which support applications and features that rely on orientation and navigation data.

Price and Availability

Originally priced around 230 EUR, the ZTE Optik appealed to budget-conscious consumers looking for a capable tablet without breaking the bank. However, as of now, the device has been discontinued, making it primarily available through second-hand markets.

Conclusion

The ZTE Optik, while no longer cutting-edge, provides a fascinating glimpse into the tablet technology of 2012. With functional hardware, reasonable performance, and a competitive price point, it served as a noteworthy option for users in its heyday. Although it might not meet modern standards, its design and feature set made it a valuable tool for early adopters of tablets. For those interested in legacy technology or in need of a basic secondary device, the ZTE Optik remains an interesting choice.