ZTE Xiang Comprehensive Review Specs Prices & More

Launch and Market Position

The ZTE Xiang was announced in 2009 and subsequently released in March of the same year. At that time, it positioned itself as a mid-range smartphone aimed at users who desired balanced functionality between business and personal use. Although the device has since been discontinued, it left a mark as a representative of early smartphone technology.

Network and Connectivity

The device supported GSM and HSPA technology, facilitating a diverse range of cellular communication capabilities. Offering connectivity on both 2G and 3G bands, it allowed for considerable flexibility for global users. Its speed capabilities reached up to HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps, a decent range for its time position in the market, ensuring users could perform basic online tasks efficiently.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 114 x 66 x 11.9 mm and a weight of 120 g, the ZTE Xiang was compact and lightweight, catering to users who valued portability. It featured a full QWERTY keyboard, a notable design choice aimed at business users who required extensive typing functionality. The use of a Mini-SIM card was standard for devices of its period.

Display Characteristics

The device came equipped with a 2.5-inch TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying 65K colors. Its screen-to-body ratio was approximately 25.7%, which was typical for smartphones of its era. The resolution stood at 320 x 240 pixels, offering a pixel density of roughly 160 ppi, providing clear visuals for text and basic images.

Hardware and Performance

Running Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, the ZTE Xiang provided a professional operating environment. It was powered by a Qualcomm MSM7225 Snapdragon S1 chipset with a 528 MHz ARM 11 CPU. While it did not feature a GPU, this was expected for business-oriented phones of its time. The device also included 256MB RAM and 128MB ROM, with additional storage capabilities through a dedicated microSDHC slot.

Camera Functions

The ZTE Xiang featured a single 3.2 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, allowing for basic image capture. Though limited by contemporary standards, it was suitable for occasional photography needs. A secondary front-facing camera was also present, adding to its utility for video conferencing, albeit with limited quality.

Audio and Media

The sound capabilities included a loudspeaker, but the omission of a 3.5mm audio jack meant users needed to rely on other means of audio connectivity. Despite this, the ZTE Xiang provided a stereo FM radio with RDS, expanding its multimedia offerings.

Communication and Navigation

In terms of communication, the device supported Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, ensuring a range of short-range connectivity options. GPS and A-GPS were available for navigation, which was a valued feature for users on the go. The presence of a microUSB 2.0 port facilitated charging and data transfer.

Web and Browser

Browsing capabilities were provided via a WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browser, which allowed basic internet navigation. Although basic by current standards, these capabilities were sufficient for checking emails and simple web browsing.

Battery Life

The ZTE Xiang was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery. This allowed for up to 200 hours of standby time and approximately 4 hours of talk time, serving as a reliable companion for its users during an average day of usage.

Aesthetic and Color Options

The device was available in classic black and silver colors, appealing to users who preferred traditional and professional aesthetic choices.

Overall Impression

Reviewing the ZTE Xiang, one can appreciate its position as a business-oriented device with sufficient functionalities to cater to its target market. From its practical design to its reliable performance chipset, it provided an all-encompassing experience suited for its launch period. The ZTE Xiang may be discontinued, but it remains a testament to the advancing technological landscape of mobile devices during the late 2000s.