The ZTE Star 1 was introduced in April 2014 and made an immediate impact on the market with its blend of capabilities paired with an attractive price point. It is especially noteworthy for people who appreciate a device that offers a perfect blend of aesthetics and usability. The device was discontinued, having left its mark as a budget-friendly smartphone offering many of the features found in more expensive phones.
The ZTE Star 1 is remarkably slim, with dimensions of 139 x 69 x 6.6 mm, and it weighs just 130 grams, which makes it not only stylish but also highly portable. It features an IPS LCD display, and the design optimally balances the screen-to-body ratio of approximately 71.9%. With a choice of colors such as pink, black, and white, this phone was attractive to a wide range of users. However, it uses a Mini-SIM which is a bit outdated by today's standards.
The ZTE Star 1 sports a crisp 5.0-inch display, with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels rendering clear and vibrant visuals. The IPS LCD technology provides broad viewing angles, making the screen easy to read under various lighting conditions. Its pixel density of approximately 441 PPI ensures that images and text appear sharp and detailed.
Under the hood, the ZTE Star 1 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, and an Adreno 305 GPU. While not considered powerful by today's standards, at its launch, this configuration was adequate for handling everyday tasks smoothly. Alongside 2GB of RAM, it provided the bandwidth necessary for general smartphone activities without significant slowdowns.
Photography enthusiasts appreciated the ZTE Star 1's camera capabilities. The main camera is an 8 MP shooter with autofocus and dual-LED dual-tone flash which enhances its ability to capture quality photos in a balanced light. For video, the device's capacity to record is reliable if basic by modern standards. The 5 MP front-facing camera was also a desirable feature for video calls and selfies.
With 16GB of internal storage, the ZTE Star 1 provides enough space for a fair amount of apps, media, and documents. The addition of a dedicated microSDXC card slot afforded users the flexibility to expand this storage according to their needs, which is a crucial feature for those who plan to store large amounts of media or files on their phone.
The ZTE Star 1 is equipped with a non-removable 2300 mAh Li-Po battery. Despite its moderate capacity, the phone performs well regarding standby and talk time, offering up to 460 hours of standby and up to 20 hours of talk time. This performance was adequate for users looking for a phone that would last a working day without frequent recharging.
Running Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the ZTE Star 1 supports many essential applications and services needed. While not up-to-date with the latest Android releases, it was standard for the time and provided a user-friendly experience. In terms of connectivity, it covers GSM / HSPA / LTE networks, fitted for use in environments where basic telecommunication services are a necessity. The addition of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and micro USB 2.0 OTG ensures that it can fulfill multiple connectivity needs.
The ZTE Star 1 addresses audio needs with a loudspeaker and the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which provides versatility in sound output. Sensory features include an accelerometer and proximity sensor, forming the standard for basic smartphone functions at the time of its release.
The ZTE Star 1, sold at around 200 EUR, demonstrated an attractive proposition for those seeking solid smartphone functionality coupled with approachable design and reasonable performance. While technology has progressed since its release, the ZTE Star 1 remains a notable example of a smartphone that struck a balance of features at its price point during its time in the market.
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