ZTE X990 The Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of ZTE X990

The ZTE X990 is a QWERTY keyboard phone that was announced and released in March 2010. It runs on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional operating system, which places it in the category of smartphones that were popular in the early 2010s. Although it has been discontinued, the device was notable for its functionality and compactness, providing a user-friendly experience in a small package.

Design and Build

The ZTE X990 features a compact and lightweight design with dimensions of 107 x 61 x 12 mm and a weight of 90 grams. Its build allows for easy portability and comfort in holding. A physical QWERTY keyboard is one of its standout features, catering to users who prefer tactile feedback. The device also supports a mini-SIM card, which was standard at the time.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 2.5-inch TFT resistive touchscreen. The screen supports 256K colors and has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels with a 4:3 ratio, resulting in approximately 160 pixels per inch. This display was typical for devices of the period, striking a balance between usability and battery efficiency.

Performance

Running on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional operating system, the ZTE X990 offers a user interface tailored for productivity and business applications. While specific details about the processor and RAM are not provided, the device's primary use case indicates it was intended for basic smartphone functionalities rather than resource-intensive applications.

Storage and Expandability

Internally, the ZTE X990 is equipped with 5MB of storage. To accommodate more data, it offers a microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand storage and manage larger files and applications more effectively.

Camera

The device is fitted with a 2MP main camera, capable of capturing basic snapshots and videos. This camera specification reflects its role as an entry-level smartphone rather than a dedicated photography device. The absence of a front-facing camera aligns with the design trends of many smartphones of this era.

Battery Life

The ZTE X990 is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery. It offers up to 480 hours of standby time and approximately 8 hours of talk time, which demonstrates its efficiency in handling day-to-day tasks without requiring frequent recharges. The removable battery allows users to carry a spare if needed, extending its usability.

Connectivity

Connectivity options include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless peripherals and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. Although it does not offer WLAN or GPS, it features stereo FM radio with RDS, catering to users interested in radio functionalities. Its network capabilities are limited to GSM technology.

Sound and Multimedia

Audio features in the ZTE X990 include a built-in loudspeaker, but it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limits the use of traditional wired headphones. This design choice suggests a focus on wireless audio solutions or using the included accessories.

Additional Features

The ZTE X990 includes a WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browser, facilitating web browsing capabilities for users. Despite lacking advanced sensors, the phone provides essential functions for the era it was released in.

Conclusion

In summary, the ZTE X990 represents a smartphone designed for users preferring physical keyboards, basic smartphone functionalities, and good battery life. It appeals to an audience that values practicality and efficiency over cutting-edge features. Although discontinued, its specifications provide a snapshot of mobile phone technology in the early 2010s.