Price and specifications of ZTE Star 2 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build

The ZTE Star 2 is a sophisticated device with a sleek and modern design. The dimensions of the smartphone are 140.3 x 69.2 x 6.9 mm, making it compact and easy to hold. Weighing just 130g, the phone is lightweight and comfortable for daily use. The construction is enhanced by a premium finish, available in both black and white, giving users options to match their personal style. The device features a micro-SIM slot, characteristic of its time, supporting robust connectivity options.

Display

The ZTE Star 2 boasts a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 71%, it offers a substantial screen area for an immersive viewing experience. The resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels alongside a pixel density of about 441 ppi guarantees sharp and vibrant images, offering excellent clarity suitable for both multimedia consumption and everyday tasks. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the ZTE Star 2 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974AB Snapdragon 801 chipset, a reliable choice for its time. It features a quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. This combination ensures smooth performance when it comes to multi-tasking and running graphics-intensive applications. The device originally comes with Android 4.4 KitKat, offering users access to a wide range of applications and features.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone is equipped with 2GB of RAM, which was adequate for the time of its release, providing fluid performance for multiple applications running simultaneously. It offers 16GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded via a microSDXC slot, giving users flexibility to store more data, apps, and media files.

Camera

For photography enthusiasts, the ZTE Star 2 features a 13 MP main camera with autofocus capabilities. The camera is enhanced with dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama modes, allowing users to capture high-quality images in various lighting conditions. In terms of video capabilities, it can record 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p videos at 60fps, providing excellent video quality. The front-facing camera is 5 MP, suitable for selfies and video calls, and also supports video recording at 1080p@30fps.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 2400 mAh battery. While offering up to 350 hours on standby and up to 20 hours of talk time, it provides sufficient endurance for regular use without the need for frequent recharging. This battery life makes the ZTE Star 2 a reliable companion for users on the go.

Connectivity

The ZTE Star 2 supports multiple bands and connectivity options including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring that users can maintain high-speed network connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, GPS, GLONASS, and Bluetooth 4.0, as well as Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot functionalities. However, it lacks NFC capabilities, which is something to consider for users reliant on contactless payments. The phone is equipped with an infrared port, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support.

Sensors and Other Features

In addition to standard smartphone features, the ZTE Star 2 includes a range of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These augment the user experience, providing enhanced functionality and interactive features.

Conclusion

Although discontinued, the ZTE Star 2 represents a blend of performance and style. Aimed at users seeking a smartphone with solid specs at an affordable price circa 330 EUR, it delivers compelling features. While advancements in technology have introduced new options to the market, the Star 2 remains a testament to ZTE's innovation during its release period in December 2014.