Smartphones ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS and mini 4 / 64GB

Chinese manufacturer ZTE and its subsidiary brand Nubia have once again delighted their fans with the launch of two Z17 smartphones, thus making consumers a little confused about the names. One came out under the name ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS, the second without the S in the name. What is the difference between these smartphones, what are the main characteristics of the ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS and mini, the advantages and disadvantages of the devices, let's try to figure it out in this article.

About company

The Chinese company ZTE was founded in 1985. Now it is one of the best manufacturers of communication devices, including mobile phones of the most popular models. Its offices, located in many countries of the world, provide thousands of jobs for people with various professional skills.

The corporation pays special attention to research in the field of electronic technology, innovative development of advanced computer technology. For these purposes, 18 research centers have been established around the world.

The Russian consumer got acquainted with the products of this company in 2000. To this day, the company's representative offices continue to successfully cooperate with Russian mobile operators. And since it is still believed all over the world that our market is still developing, then every self-respecting company wants to gain a foothold in it. The rapidly growing demand for the company's products allows it to increase the pace of production of phones and smartphones with two SIM cards, high-quality 2.5D displays, the best processors, excellent cameras, in quality similar to professional ones, in a case made of durable high-quality materials.

ZTE can offer the Russian consumer the best models of smartphones and phones in the rating of quality goods that meet the most demanding and demanding taste.

Equipment

Smartphones feature a modest, no-frills package.

The white cardboard box contains:

• Smartphone ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS or mini 4 / 64GB;
• Charger;
• USB cable - Type C;
• Clip;
• User's manual;
• Warranty card;
• The ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS comes with a headphone adapter, since it does not have a separate output for the audio system.

Power supply specifications - NB-A520A: 100-240V ~ 50 / 60Hz 300 mA, 5V = 2000 mA.

The length of the cord is 99 cm.

You can buy a smartphone with an additional protective film and a silicone case as a gift, it all depends on where to buy this gadget and how generous the seller is.

Design and display

Design

Nubia, having skipped the logically expected models after Nubia 11, immediately released 17 modifications of its smartphone. It should be noted that the company did not skimp on the color scheme of the gadget and took care of its pleasant appearance. The ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS smartphone is presented in a color that is definitely unusual for smartphones, albeit without too much hype.

In addition to the usual black and rare, but still familiar to consumers, blue, manufacturers have added a turquoise color, which not only cannot go unnoticed, but, together with the glass case, causes a storm of emotions.

The ZTE Nubia Z17 mini 4 / 64GB smartphone is presented in four primary colors. Red, blue, white and black. In addition, black has another design variety that makes it unique, elegant and luxurious nobility. An excellent black device with gold accents pleases the eye.

In all versions of the color scheme for the models, the red color of the buttons on the front panel remains unchanged. The size of the Z17 Mini is generally accepted for a smartphone of this class. The 5.2-inch device is quite comfortable in the hand, without the danger of slipping out and breaking on the floor. The sleek 3D glass case for the Nubia Z17 miniS or the metal case for the Nubia Z17 mini 4 / 64GB has two plastic inserts for better connection quality. Materials and build quality are quite reliable, here manufacturers can be calm about their development. In the black version of the design, the color does not have any extraneous shades, striking with a clean deep black tint.

Now about the front panel. The front camera, as expected, is located at the top of the screen. There is also a proximity sensor and a microphone for speakerphone. At the bottom of the front panel is the touchscreen navigation bar. Of the three navigation buttons, the central one is designed as a red ring. Two more control buttons on both sides of the central one will be quite difficult to see even in complete darkness. Display glass, rounded at the edges, flat, protected from damage.

The Nubia Z17 miniS has a central button combined with a fingerprint scanner.

The left side has a slot for a pair of nano-Sim cards or one + microSD card.

On the right side is the volume rocker and the power button.

Above is the headphone jack 3.5 mm mini jack.

ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS the upper edge is not burdened with a mini jack, which is rather unusual, and certainly not practical.

The bottom edge is an external speaker, microphone and Type-C port for charging the device and connecting a computer or a removable flash drive. The ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS also connects headphones to the Type-C port.

The rear camera system and LED flash, protected by sapphire crystal, are located on the back of both devices.

For the Nubia Z17 mini smartphone, the fingerprint scanner is in its usual place - on the back cover.

The dimensions of the smartphone do not stand out from the usual range of gadgets of the same class. Height - 146.65 mm, width - 72.5 mm, but the thickness is only 7.45 mm, which has become a pleasant trifle for users, however, if this device seems too thin, then putting on a case, you can feel a kind of impressiveness, although with a weight of 155 grams it is quite difficult.

Display

The display with a diagonal of 5, 2 ″ is protected by toughened impact-resistant 2.5D-Gorilla Glass. Display resolution - 1920 x 1080 pixels. Contrast - 1500: 1, brightness - 450 nits, which allows the image to match the FullHD format. Thanks to the polarizing layer, the color rendition is very pleasant and correct. There are no distortions and color transitions, the viewing angles are wide.

The image is visible from all sides from any angle. In any light, as well as in complete darkness, the image quality on the screen remains at the same level. In the sun, the matrix does not merge into one gray spot. The screen image is as bright and clear as it would be under normal conditions.

With a long work with the device, of course, a huge number of prints will remain, but getting rid of them is quite simple thanks to the oleophobic coating. If you set yourself the goal of buying a protective glass, then the task will be quite feasible, which is already pleasing.

The gadget is as if created for watching videos in high quality resolution and for playing games in active mode.

Main characteristics

Memory

The device is available in two versions: the base Z17 mini has 4 GB of RAM, the improved modification of the Z17 miniS received a Snapdragon 653 processor and 6 GB of RAM. Both smartphones ZTE Nubia Z17 mini are designed for 64 GB of internal memory.

It should be borne in mind that out of the declared number of gigs of RAM, more than two are occupied by the system. The remaining memory is at the complete disposal of the owner.

CPU

All the differences between smartphones ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS and mini 4 / 64GB are in the stuffing. Both devices are overclocked by 8 (4 + 4 (1.95 GHz + 1.4 GHz)) cores or Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 processor, or Qualcomm MSM8976 Pro Snapdragon 653, clocked at 1.95 GHz.

They work smartly and cope with any task perfectly.

For overclocking graphics, the Adreno 510 processor is used, which also has a fairly high performance.

Performance

Smartphone users generally can't complain about performance. They are both pretty nimble, apart from minor flaws. Games, video playback, animation, opening Google pages and various applications, picture-in-picture function, everything works clearly without brakes. Maybe the interface doesn't work very well, but it doesn't dull - that's for sure.

Battery

The gadget is equipped with a non-removable 2950 mAh battery in the Nubia Z17 mini. And 3 200 mAh - for the Z17 miniS. This is not much, but in this case the battery capacity does not negatively affect the gadget's performance. Its autonomy is increased thanks to various saving modes in the settings. If you actively use your smartphone to watch videos, play games and surf the Internet, its charge is enough for the whole day.

The Nubia Z17 mini does not have fast charging, and the Z17 miniS has the ability to quickly recharge. The battery accepts a current of up to 1.5 A. For a full charge, you need 2 - 2, 5 hours of connection to the outlet. The phone does not heat up both during operation and while charging.

Camera

The devices are equipped with a Sony IMX258 dual camera.Both are 13 MP, both are f / 2.2, under a sapphire crystal. This is where the similarity of the parameters ends. Monochrome one of the two cameras became a rather strange decision of the Z17 mini developers.

In the Z17 miniS, both cameras are exactly the same, although this does not allow you to take pictures of the quality that has become usual for Nubia gadgets.

Since there is no autofocus or optical stabilization, the quality of the photos will be highly dependent on the settings and light saturation. The ability to adjust makes the images quite competitive, but requires training and skill.

Apertures can be set in the range from f / 1.0 to f / 16.0, so how the camera will take pictures - with what sharpness, focus and aperture, the user can choose. In addition to the settings, HDR helps to increase the brightness of the resulting images. Shooting in HD quality with a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels will not leave indifferent fans to click the shutter.

The front camera of the Z17 mini, unlike the modified Z17 miniS, also does not have autofocus, which reduces the quality of images, it has a resolution of 16 megapixels, f / 2.0, and an angle of view of 80 °. But control in one of the selected modes slightly improves the quality of pictures. The front camera can shoot in DNG / RAW modes.

According to the selected shooting modes, photos are sorted in the device memory into created folders.

You can shoot video in Full HD (1080p) mode with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Unlike photo mode, video shooting does not have manual settings. In addition, due to the lack of auto stabilization, the image almost always shakes.

Sample photo:

operating system

Operating system Android v 6.0. Nubia UI 4.0 firmware based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Nubia Z17 mini! Accordingly, animation, and page turning, and triggering on touch at the level of the sixth version, not higher. This must be taken into account when purchasing.

Although the novelty is quite productive in the global firmware with a Russian-language interface, it accepts any programs quite tolerably, without losing the speed of response to commands. If there is a need and desire to install new programs, look for firmware, then the owner can at least update the operation of the operating system, of course, considering that it will not be possible to reach the seventh version.

But the Nubia Z17 miniS is already equipped with Android 7.1 and clear global firmware, which has a positive effect on the device's performance.

Safety

The fingerprint scanner works smoothly, without failures, you just have to apply your finger not with an easy movement, but a little more confidently.

If the unlocking fails, you will have to wait a couple of seconds before making a second attempt, or trick the scanner by putting another finger on it, and then make the right click.

Thus, the safety of your phone is always in your hands.

In addition to the fingerprint scanner, both devices protect user information with the Virtual Private Network system on the Internet.

Useful features

Excellent gesture recognition mode. Swipe works clearly without delay, revealing the desired page.

The picture-in-picture mode is quite efficient, if not to say that it is very convenient and even necessary when you want to watch a video and look at social networks.

Phones support the Internet in 2G, 3G, 4G modes, and WiFi operates in the 2.4G to 5G range, and you don't have to sit near the router for this. Communication is maintained along the entire perimeter of the apartment, including the balcony.

GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 and GLONASS connect and work quickly and reliably.

For simple melodies on a call, an external speaker will justify itself, although for music lovers who have high-quality headphones, since the gadget does not include a branded headset, the music will sound in FLAC format. FM-radio will become a faithful companion for music lovers. In this case, the sound is produced quite high quality, although without any frills.

For fans of active games, we can say one thing - you can drive into "tanks" until your hands get tired, these devices will withstand any battle without overheating, delighting you with decent graphics and a stable reaction rate to commands.

Dual sim system

The dual sim system can be completely replaced with one SIM + microSD, which cannot but cause complaints from consumers. Although it is still there. The connection quality is quite consistent with the level of smartphones. Extraneous noise is not disturbing. Audibility is within normal limits.

The cards work in alternating mode. The type of nano-SIM cards, as befits a self-respecting smartphone.

The cost

Since there are two versions of the smartphone ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS and mini 4 / 64GB, it is not difficult to guess that they are both rated to different degrees. The average price for these phones was set at 13,010 rubles.

The version with 4GB of RAM is priced at 12,250 rubles.

The same one that can be considered advanced and updated is priced up to 16,350 rubles.

Of course, it is expected that the price level will change over time, taking into account some of the shortcomings of this line. If we talk about how much these gadgets cost with all the pluses and minuses, this will be decided by the reviews of the owners and customer demand. At the moment, their price can only be judged on the manufacturer's requests.

The question of where to buy profitably can be decisive in the search for these gadgets. Most of the internet markets are putting up a smartphone for sale. It can be bought on AliExpress and E-Katalog, Yandex.Market, CITILINK, GearBest and others.

Advantages and disadvantages

Nubia Z17 mini

Each device has its own invaluable advantages, and Nubia Z17 mini is no exception.

• The popularity of the Nubia Z17 models in itself can be considered one of the advantages of this product;
• Nice, active, elegant design gives the phone a certain zest;
• Does not overheat;
• NFC is;
• The Troika card can be read without problems;
• According to the owners, 4G works stably on MTS and Beeline;
• For an inexpensive device in this segment of goods, the case is assembled quite well without any extraneous creak and backlash;
• For the global firmware version, Android Pay is quite viable;
• Games on this gadget bring pleasure not only from the process, but also from the image, sound and action.

• Combined slot for SIM and memory card;
• The power buttons and volume control are somewhat weak and work quite loudly;
• There is not enough richness of the picture;
• Autofocus and optical stabilization are absent;
• The pictures are pretty good during the day. As you have to photograph in the evening and at night, so problems arise. Pictures lose brightness when cloudy;
• Since the phone is declared as a camera phone, I would like to have a more equipped camera system, and not bring its work into obvious and rather noticeable shortcomings;
• Gesture control is not recognized at once;
• Speaker performance could be better;
• The lack of a "native" headset is rather strange for the modern market;
• Android 6 on the system, of course, upsets, as well as
• Lack of fast charging.

Nubia Z17 miniS

• Incredible in style and design. This is his huge plus;
• Strong middle peasant, with a claim to individuality;
• The rear camera system from Sony is certainly a big plus;
• NFC works great, which is good news;
• Games are just like in the movies, drive - I don't want to;
• The speed of work is amazing;
• The phone costs its money.

According to the reviews of the owners, a certain range of negative aspects can also be identified.

• Chinese characters are present, even if you use the English interface;
• Bad firmware, not certified (Gpay does not work);
• An adapter for headphones, and generally the absence of a native headset, is incredibly upsetting;
• No radio. If this is not a minus, then not a plus, that's for sure;
• Front panel fingerprint scanner. This takes some getting used to. This is especially troublesome when working with a gadget.

conclusions

What can be said in conclusion, summing up the review of smartphones that are presented as camera phones. When talking about how to choose the best phone with good performance for your needs, consider the ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS or the Nubia Z17 mini 4 / 64GB.

Both gadgets combine the qualities of MIUI and Flyme, if such a shell suits you, then Nubia is the device that you need.

The matrix is ​​fully consistent with the sixth version of the android, otherwise it would not work adequately.Android 6 in ZTE Nubia Z17 mini also cannot be competitive for too long, but if you are not chasing new products, if you like good old familiar things, then, again, the functionality of this device will suit you for a long time. The lack of fast charging function will become an unpleasant feature of this gadget.

It is better not to take photos with incomplete lighting with this device. In addition, not all firmware and programs are suitable for it, therefore, one should not expect any outrageous solutions from this Nubia. Everything is strict and logical at the level of the sixth android. No more. In the daytime and in the presence of additional lighting, the device takes fairly high-quality pictures, creating the desired three-dimensional effect with a dual module of the front camera. Although a more striking result was expected from Sony IMX258 cameras with a resolution of 13 megapixels.

At the same time, the Z17 miniS works to the fullest of its Android 7.1, for which one can quite thank the developers, it looks quite stylish, feels good in the hand and is comfortable to work with, which is also not unimportant. Exotic individual design and unusual body colors put it slightly above its brothers, but do not spoil Nubia's reputation as a promising developer of amazing phone models. The new capabilities of dual camera systems put it in line with other gadgets from well-known manufacturers. The device has firmly established itself in the middle class segment of the smartphone market.

When the question arises, which manufacturer is better to give preference to when choosing a quality budget product, then ZTE Nubia's reputation in the world market can help you choose a quality product. Thinking about which model is better to buy, pay your attention to the ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS and mini 4 / 64GB smartphones. Whatever selection criteria you are guided by, the characteristics of these models can please and even surprise you.