ZTE Score Unveiling Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to ZTE Score

The ZTE Score is a smartphone that was introduced in September 2011. It was targeted at budget-conscious consumers in search of an affordable entry-point into the smartphone world. Though it has since been discontinued, its blend of features and price point made it a noteworthy option during its time.

Design and Build

The ZTE Score features a compact body with dimensions measuring 112 x 61.4 x 12.5 mm, making it easy to handle and fit comfortably in most pockets. The device weighs just 122 grams, which adds to its portability. It uses a Mini-SIM card and comes in a simple black finish, emphasizing functionality over flash.

Display

Equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT screen, the ZTE Score provides modest display capabilities. The screen has a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a pixel density of approximately 165 ppi. While it doesn't compete with modern smartphone displays, for its time and price range, it offered adequate clarity for basic usage such as browsing and media playback.

Hardware and Performance

At the heart of the ZTE Score is a 600 MHz processor, paired with 512 MB of internal storage and a microSDHC card slot for expandable storage. A 4 GB microSD card is included. The performance is basic, catering to essential smartphone functions and light applications, aligning with its positioning as a budget device.

Camera

The device comes with a single 3.15 MP rear camera capable of capturing basic photos and videos at 320p with 15 frames per second. However, there is no front-facing camera, which limits its capabilities for selfies and video calls. Nevertheless, it provides a baseline camera experience for budget users.

Software and Interface

Running on Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, the ZTE Score includes features that were typical for Android phones of that era. The operating system provides access to various apps and services available on Google Play, though it is important to note that newer applications may not support this dated version of Android.

Connectivity

The device supports CDMA network technology, facilitating 2G and 3G bands, with data speeds up to 3.1 Mbps on EV-DO Rev.A. It offers connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and EDR, in addition to GPS with A-GPS for navigation. Notably, it lacks FM radio but compensates with a microUSB 2.0 connection for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

The ZTE Score is powered by a removable 1200 mAh Li-Ion battery, offering up to 250 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time. While these figures may seem limited by today’s standards, they were reasonable for a device of its specifications and price bracket during its launch period.

Sensors and Other Features

This smartphone includes essential sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which were standard for providing functional user interactions and navigation aid.

Conclusion

Although the ZTE Score has been discontinued, its legacy as an entry-level smartphone reflects the technological landscape of the early 2010s. It offered a balanced mix of features for its price, serving as an accessible option for users exploring smartphones for the first time. While the hardware and software are outdated compared to modern standards, the ZTE Score fulfills its intended purpose of providing basic smartphone functionality at an affordable price.

Price and Availability

Initially, the ZTE Score was priced at about 90 EUR, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, as the model is discontinued, it may only be available through secondary markets or used phone resellers.