Smartphones ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS and mini 4/64GB

The Chinese manufacturer ZTE and its sister brand Nubia once again delighted their fans by launching two Z17 smartphones on the market, thereby causing consumers to get a little confused about the names. One came out under the name ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS, the second - without S in the title. 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 understand this article.

About company

The Chinese company ZTE was founded in 1985. Now it is one of the best manufacturers of communication equipment, including mobile phones of the most popular models.Its representative 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 technologies, innovative developments of advanced computer technology tools. 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 on it. The fast-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, similar to professional quality, in a case made of durable quality materials.

ZTE can offer the Russian consumer the best smartphones and phones in the ranking of quality products that meet the most demanding and exacting taste.

Equipment

Smartphones have a modest package without frills.

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, as 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.

Cord length - 99 cm.

You can buy a smartphone with an additional protective film and a silicone case as a gift, it all depends on where you 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 the 17th modification of its smartphone. It should be noted that the company did not stint on the color design 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 also, coupled with a glass case, causes a storm of emotions.

Smartphone ZTE Nubia Z17 mini 4/64GB is presented in four primary colors. Red, blue, white and black. In addition, black color has another variety of design, which gives it originality, elegance and luxurious nobility. An excellent device in black with gold accents pleases the eye.

In all versions of the color solution for 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 lies quite comfortably in the hand, without the danger of slipping out and breaking on the floor. The sleek 3D glass body of the Nubia Z17 miniS or the metal body of the Nubia Z17 mini 4/64GB has two plastic inserts for better call 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 pure 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 hands-free calling. At the bottom of the front panel is a touch navigation pad. 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.

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

The edge on the left is equipped with a slot for a pair of nano-Sim cards or one + microSD.

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

At the top is a 3.5mm mini jack headphone jack.

ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS top face is not burdened with a mini jack, which is rather unusual, and certainly not practical.

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

The rear camera system and LED flash, protected by sapphire glass, 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 are not out of 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 a case on it, you can feel some 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 tempered impact-resistant 2.5D- Gorilla Glass glass. The display resolution is 1920x1080 pixels.The contrast ratio is 1500:1, the brightness is 450 nits, which allows the image to correspond to the FullHD format. Thanks to the polarizing layer, the color reproduction is very pleasant and correct. There are no distortions and color transitions, the viewing angles are wide.

The image is visible from all sides in 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 image on the screen is as bright and clear as in normal conditions.

With a long work with the device, of course, there will be a huge number of prints, 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 turn out to be quite feasible, which is already pleasing.

The gadget seems to be created for watching videos in high resolution quality 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 disposal of the owner.

CPU

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

They work smartly and cope with any task perfectly.

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

Performance

Smartphone users generally sin to complain about performance. They are both quite nimble, except for 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 so fast, but it's not stupid - that's for sure.

Battery

The gadget is equipped with a 2950 mAh non-removable battery in Nubia Z17 mini. And 3200 mAh for Z17 miniS. This is not so much, but in this case, the battery capacity does not negatively affect the operation of the gadget. Its autonomy is enhanced by various saving modes in the settings. With the active use of a smartphone for watching videos, playing games and surfing the Internet, its charge is enough for the whole day.

Nubia Z17 mini does not have fast charging, while Z17 miniS has the ability to quickly recuperate. The battery accepts current 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 during charging.

Camera

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

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 familiar to Nubia gadgets.

Since there is no autofocus and optical stabilization, the quality value of the photos will greatly depend on the selected settings and the saturation of the lighting. The possibility of adjustments makes the pictures quite competitive, but it requires training and skill.

Apertures can be set in the range from f / 1.0 to f / 16.0, so how the device will take pictures - with what sharpness, focus and aperture, the user chooses. In addition to settings, HDR helps to increase the brightness of the resulting images. Shooting in HD quality with a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels will impress those who like 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 the pictures, it has a resolution of 16 megapixels, f / 2.0, and a viewing angle of 80 °. But control in one of the selected modes slightly improves the quality of the pictures. The front camera can shoot in DNG / RAW modes.

In accordance with the selected shooting modes, photos are sorted in the device's memory into created folders.

You can shoot video in Full HD (1080p) mode with a maximum resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Unlike photo mode, video shooting does not have manual settings. In addition, due to the lack of auto stabilization, the image almost always trembles.

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, page turning, and touch response at the level of the sixth version are no higher. This must be taken into account when buying.

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, given that it will not be possible to reach the seventh version.

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

Safety

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

If the unlock fails, you will have to wait a couple of seconds before making a second attempt, or trick the scanner by placing 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

Great gesture recognition mode. Svayp works clearly without delay, revealing the desired page.

The picture-in-picture mode is quite functional, 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 Internet in 2G, 3G, 4G modes, and WiFi operates in the range from 2.4G to 5G, and for this it is not necessary to sit near the router. Communication is maintained around the entire perimeter of the apartment, including the balcony.

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

For simple melodies on a call, an external speaker will justify itself, although for music lovers who have high-quality headphones, since a branded headset is not included in the gadget's package, the sound of music will be revealed in FLAC format. FM-radio will be a faithful companion for lovers of musical novelties. At the same time, the sound is produced quite qualitatively, although without any frills.

For lovers of active games, one thing can be said - you can drive in "tanks" until your hands get tired, these devices will withstand any battle without overheating, delighting you with decent graphics and a stable response rate to commands.

dual sim system

The dual sim system can be completely replaced by one SIM + microSD, which cannot but cause complaints from consumers. Although she is still there. The quality of communication is quite consistent with the level of smartphones. Extraneous noises do not disturb. Hearing is within the normal range.

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

Price

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

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

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

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

The question of where to buy profitably can be decisive in the search for these gadgets. Most online markets put 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 invaluable advantages, Nubia Z17 mini is no exception.

• The popularity of Nubia Z17 models in itself can be considered one of the advantages of this product;
• Pleasant, active, elegant design gives the phone some zest;
• Does not overheat;
• NFC is;
• The Troika card reads 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 qualitatively without extraneous creaking and backlash;
• For the global firmware version, Android Pay is quite viable;
• Games on this gadget give 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 quite loud;
• There is not enough juiciness of the picture;
• Autofocus and optical stabilization are absent;
• During the day, the pictures are pretty good. As you have to take pictures 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 recognized more than once;
• Speaker performance could be better;
• The absence of a "native" headset is rather strange for the modern market;
• Android 6 in the system, of course, upsets, as well as
• No fast charging.

Nubia Z17 miniS

• Incredible in style and design. This is his huge "plus";
• Strong middle peasant, with an application for individuality;
• The rear camera system from Sony is of course 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 is worth the money.

According to the reviews of the owners, it is possible to determine a certain range of negative points.

• There are Chinese characters, even if you use the English interface;
• Bad firmware, not certified (Gpay not working);
• The headphone adapter, and the lack of a native headset in general, is incredibly upsetting;
• No radio. If this is not a minus, then it is not a plus, that's for sure;
• Fingerprint scanner on the front. You need to get used to this. This is especially annoying 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 starting a conversation about how to choose the best phone with good performance for your needs, think about ZTE Nubia Z17 miniS or Nubia Z17 mini 4/64GB.

Both gadgets combine the qualities of MIUI and Flyme, if you are satisfied with such a shell, 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 a fast charging feature will be an unpleasant feature of this gadget.

It is better not to take photos in low light on this device. In addition, not all firmware and programs are suitable for it, therefore, you 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 quite high-quality pictures, creating the desired three-dimensional effect with the dual front camera module. Although Sony IMX258 cameras with a resolution of 13 megapixels were expected to have a brighter result.

At the same time, Z17 miniS works to the fullest of its Android 7.1, for which it is quite possible to 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 colors of the body put it a little above its brothers, but do not spoil the reputation of Nubia as a promising developer of amazing phone models. New features of dual camera systems put it on a par 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, the reputation of ZTE Nubia in the global market can help you choose a quality product. Thinking about which model is better to buy, pay attention to 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.