ZTE PF200 Unveiling Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of ZTE PF200

The ZTE PF200 was introduced to the market in early 2012 and released in the fourth quarter of the same year. It was an ambitious attempt by ZTE to establish a strong presence within the mid-range smartphone market by offering a robust feature set and competitive specifications. Although it has been discontinued, the ZTE PF200 remains notable due to its unique offering at the time of release. Below, we delve into its specifications, strengths, and the impact it made in the mobile industry.

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE PF200 supports multiple network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, providing users with versatile connectivity options. It supports 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900), 3G bands (HSDPA 900/1900/2100), and unspecified 4G LTE bands. The speed specifications, including HSPA and LTE, were considered competitive during its time of release, allowing users to experience faster internet browsing and data download/upload capabilities.

Design and Build

The ZTE PF200's design was typical of smartphones from its era, equipped with a mini-SIM slot. While there are no specific details about its dimensions and weight, the device was designed to be compact and user-friendly. The use of an IPS LCD screen provided vibrant color and clarity, enhancing the user experience when interacting with the phone.

Display Characteristics

Featuring a 4.3-inch IPS LCD display, the ZTE PF200 offered a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This resulted in a pixel density of approximately 256 pixels per inch (ppi), ensuring that images and text were displayed crisply. The screen size and resolution made it suitable for watching videos, browsing, and gaming with satisfactory clarity and detail.

Software and Performance

The device ran on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), an operating system known for its user-friendly interface and multitasking capabilities. The dual-core 1.2 GHz processor ensured that users experienced smooth performance in daily operations. While it might not compare to modern processors, it was a competent performer for applications and tasks prevalent during its release time.

Memory and Storage

One of the notable limitations of the ZTE PF200 was the lack of expandable storage, as it did not include a card slot. This could have been a constraint for users who wanted to store large amounts of data or apps. While other storage configurations exist, the absence of expandable storage options required users to rely on internal memory alone.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE PF200 was equipped with an 8 MP main camera, complete with autofocus and an LED flash, enabling users to capture decent-quality photos. The inclusion of LED flash improved low-light photography. The device also supported video recording capabilities. Additionally, the ZTE PF200 featured a 2 MP front-facing camera suitable for video calls and simple selfies, though not as advanced compared to today's standards.

Audio and Multimedia

Audio features included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, adhering to standards consumers expected for personalized music and media consumption. These features allowed for flexibility in audio connectivity and ensured that users could enjoy their media without requiring adapters or additional accessories.

Connectivity Options

The ZTE PF200 supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities for wireless internet connectivity. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP was included for data transfer and peripherals connection. GPS with A-GPS supported navigation needs, while NFC allowed for contactless data exchange, a distinctive feature for its time. MicroUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) enabled data transfer and connectivity with other devices, including direct TV output.

Sensors and Additional Features

The inclusion of an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass enriched the usability of the device. These sensors facilitated various applications, from gaming to navigation. Although these sensors are standard today, their effectiveness showcased ZTE PF200's adequacy in meeting consumer expectations at that time.

Battery Life

The smartphone was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, a common feature in devices from its era, which allowed users to replace the battery when its performance declined. This option extended the device's usability spanning several battery cycles.

Conclusion

In summary, the ZTE PF200 was a compelling entry in the mid-range smartphone market when it was released. Even as technology continued to advance rapidly, the ZTE PF200 provided an insightful glimpse into the evolution of mobile devices. Presenting a reasonable mix of features and performance capabilities, it was a favorable choice for consumers seeking reliable performance without premium price tags during its active period in the market.