The launch of ZTE's latest smartphone has many questioning why anyone would spend money on a high-end device when they can get all the functionality witha mid-range cheaper model. Boasting a spectacular camera, this should be a winner on the market.
The budget smartphone sector is picking up steam and is quickly becoming a threat for the top-shelf devices. That rings true even more now with the launch of the ZTE Nubia 5S mini LTE smartphone that's listing for under $300. Running on Android the phone has captured the attention of observers for its smooth functionality and solid camera.
Preorders of the new device began this week via online retailer Amazon for $279.99. Analysts say the handset offers a number of features that should attract buyers. Notably is the 13 megapixel camera as well as a front-facing five megapixel camera that will make those selfies that much clearer.
"We have seen these cameras on some of the latest phones today, but not together on a single device and certainly not on a device at this price," wrote one analyst.
ZTE is seen as one of the rising mobile phone manufacturers in the United States. The company already garners some nine percent of the Android market, making it the third most popular cell phone company behind Samsung and LG.
And the specifications on the phone should excite almost all smartphone users. It is equipped with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Quad Core with Adreno 305 GPU at 1.3 GHz, delivers 16GB of internal storage (that can be expanded to 32GB with a microSD card), Bluetooth 4.0 and weighs in at only 120 grams.
While the camera has been its biggest selling point for analysts, the battery life is a major drawback, according to one analyst.
"I was most disappointed with the 5S mini's battery life. With light use, I could get it to last a full day, from the time I get up to the time I go to bed, but anything beyond that and I had to stop and charge the battery...The 5S mini's smaller battery and less efficient processor definitely hold it back in that regard," wrote the analyst.
But then again, the Apple iPhone has been plagued with battery complaints and that has not stymied its popularity.
ZTE came into popularity earlier this year after its Firefox OS-powered Open C went on sale via eBay for only $99, Tech Times reports.
