ZTE Orbit Comprehensive Guide to Specs Pricing Features and Drawbacks

Overview and Introduction

The ZTE Orbit, first announced in February 2012 and released in September 2012, is a noteworthy device from ZTE Corporation that aimed to bring a solid Windows Phone experience at an affordable price point. Although the device has been discontinued, it remains an interesting piece of technology, reflecting the mid-tier smartphone market of its time. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deeply into the specifications, design, performance, and overall user experience of the ZTE Orbit.

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE Orbit features a compact and sturdy design with dimensions measuring 119.4 x 63.5 x 10.2 mm and a weight of 136.4 grams. The device's build is solid, with a plastic body that was typical for smartphones in its price range during that period. It supports a Mini-SIM card and was offered in a classic black color, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a simple, professional-looking design.

Display

Equipped with a 4.0-inch TFT display, the ZTE Orbit offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, which results in a pixel density of approximately 233 pixels per inch. This resolution was standard for mid-range devices at the time, providing adequate sharpness and clarity for everyday tasks such as browsing, social networking, and multimedia consumption. The screen-to-body ratio of around 60.1% indicates moderately thick bezels, which contribute to the device's compact form factor.

Performance

Under the hood, the ZTE Orbit is powered by a 1.0 GHz processor, paired with 512MB of RAM. This combination, while modest by today's standards, was sufficient to handle the Windows Phone 7.5 Tango II operating system effectively. The OS is known for its smooth and responsive interface, ensuring that basic operations and applications run seamlessly on the hardware provided. However, multitasking and handling more demanding applications could lead to noticeable slowdowns given the limited RAM available.

Storage

The internal storage of the ZTE Orbit is 4GB, which is relatively limited, especially considering that there is no option for expandable storage via a microSD card slot. This limitation requires users to rely heavily on cloud storage solutions or manage their files judiciously to avoid running out of space for apps, media, and other data.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE Orbit's camera setup includes a single 5MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. It is capable of capturing video at 720p@30fps, providing respectable performance for casual photography and videography. While there is no front-facing selfie camera, the main camera's capabilities suffice for basic photography needs, capturing images with acceptable quality in well-lit conditions.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1600 mAh battery, which offers up to 220 hours of standby time and approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes of talk time. These figures suggest that while the ZTE Orbit can last through a day of moderate use, heavy users might need to recharge more frequently. The removable battery design allows users to replace the battery easily, extending the device's lifespan through continued use.

Connectivity and Network

In terms of connectivity, the ZTE Orbit supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and EVDO, with support for 2G GSM bands and 3G HSDPA bands. It offers several connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR, microUSB 2.0, and NFC. Additionally, it includes GPS and A-GPS for positioning needs, as well as a stereo FM radio with RDS, enhancing its utility as a mobile media device.

Audio and Sound Quality

The ZTE Orbit comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering users flexibility in audio consumption. The stereo sound output is decent for personal listening, making the device suitable for media playback and voice calls. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories available in the market.

Additional Features and Sensors

The device is equipped with essential sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which were fairly standard for smartphones at the time. These sensors enhance the overall user experience by enabling features such as screen rotation and navigation support.

Conclusion

The ZTE Orbit, with a retail price of about 230 EUR, offered an entry-level smartphone experience that was competitive for its time. The device's performance, driven by its Windows Phone operating system, compact design, and essential features, made it an appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers. Despite its limited storage and mid-range specifications, the ZTE Orbit remains a notable example of ZTE's approach to providing affordable yet capable mobile devices.