ZTE U900 Full Specs Price Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview and Historical Context

The ZTE U900 is a device that reflects an interesting period in smartphone development around the early 2010s. Released in Q3 of 2011, the ZTE U900 was part of a wave of Android-based devices that aimed to capture consumer interest with emerging technology and affordability. At the time, manufacturers were balancing hardware limitations, software capabilities, and design aesthetics to meet rising consumer expectations.

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE U900 sports a classic smartphone design, typical of the early 2010s. It features a compact plastic body designed to be lightweight and portable. While the exact dimensions and weight are unspecified, it housed a Mini-SIM and was finished in a single color choice: white. Despite a modest exterior, the build was robust enough to withstand daily use. The front of the device is dominated by a 3.5-inch TFT display which was popular during that period for its balance of performance and production cost.

Display Characteristics

Featuring a 3.5-inch TFT screen capable of displaying 256K colors, the display of the ZTE U900 offers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi. This was considered adequate at the time for basic browsing, media consumption, and communication functions. The 5:3 aspect ratio provided a comfortable viewing experience for the majority of applications available during its release.

Hardware and Performance

The ZTE U900 runs on the Android-based OPhone 2.0 operating system, a platform developed to offer a customizable and user-friendly experience. The device included basic hardware that allowed for smooth operation of essential applications. Although specific details on the processor and RAM are not available, the inclusion of a microSD slot enabled users to expand storage, which was critical for multimedia storage and app installations at the time. The simple hardware architecture ensured ease of use and reliability for day-to-day tasks.

Camera Capabilities

The ZTE U900 is equipped with a 3.15 MP autofocus main camera. While modest by modern standards, this camera was suitable for capturing photographs with a reasonable quality for personal use. It also allowed for video recording, a feature that appealed to many users who were beginning to explore video content creation on mobile devices. For selfies and video calls, a VGA front-facing camera was included, delivering just enough quality for basic communication and social networks.

Battery Life

The ZTE U900 is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery. This design gave users the flexibility to replace the battery after extended use or carry spares for additional usage time without needing a recharging source. Although the specific battery capacity is unspecified, the hardware and software optimizations likely allowed it to provide a satisfactory usage time comparable with other devices of that era.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the ZTE U900 was well-equipped for its time. It supported GSM and HSPA technologies on both 2G and 3G bands. The device also supported GPRS and EDGE for internet connectivity where HSPA was not available. Additional features included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 2.1 for device pairing and file sharing, GPS with A-GPS for location services, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Audio and Additional Features

The device offered a standard audio experience with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was the norm at the time for personal audio consumption. It included sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing functionality and interaction with applications that required motion detection or orientation adjustment. Furthermore, the browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, providing a decent browsing experience.

Conclusion

The ZTE U900, although now discontinued, serves as a reminder of the rapid innovation and diversity in the smartphone market during the early 2010s. Its features were reflective of the user needs and technological advancements of its time. By incorporating essential features within a cost-effective framework, the device captured the interest of consumers who were exploring mobile technology. Today, it stands as a historical piece in the evolution of ZTE's smartphone lineup and the broader smartphone industry.