Mobile World Congress 2018 is here, and it’s the perfect opportunity for ZTE to showcase its latest smartphones. While we’re still waiting on official word about an Axon 7 successor, ZTE has unveiled the newest smartphones in its popular Blade lineup, as well as ZTE’s first Android Go device: the ZTE Tempo Go.
ZTE Blade V9 and Blade V9 Vita
| Specifications | ZTE Blade V9 Vita | ZTE Blade V9 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.45″ | 5.7″ |
| Resolution, Aspect Ratio | FHD+; 18:9 | FHD+; 18:9 |
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 435; 8x Cortex-A53 @1.4GHz |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 450; 8x Cortex-A53 @1.8GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 506 |
| RAM & Internal Storage | 2GB + 16GB; 3GB + 32GB |
3GB + 32GB; 4GB + 64GB |
| MicroSD Expandability | Yes | Yes |
| USB Port | microUSB | microUSB |
| Rear Camera | Dual; 13MP Autofocus + 2MP Fixed Focus | Dual; 16MP Autofocus + 5MP Fixed Focus |
| Front Camera | 5MP Fixed Focus | 8MP Fixed Focus |
| Battery | 3200 mAh | 3100 mAh |
| Android Version | Android 8.1 Oreo | Android 8.1 Oreo |
| Pricing (onwards) | €179 (~$220) | €269 (~$330) |
The ZTE Blade V9 and ZTE Blade V9 Vita are the latest entrants in ZTE’s V-series lineup, bringing a refreshed design to the budget and early-mid range segment. With these devices, you get the classic combination of metallic mid-frame and a glass back. The V9 and V9 Vita sport a fullscreen FHD+ display with an 18:9 aspect ratio.
The handsets’ other highlights include a dual camera setup on the back. The Blade V9 boasts improved low-light camera capabilities, something which ZTE says it’s confident consumers will appreciate in the phone’s price segment. Android 8.1 Oreo ships on the devices, though it is not immediately clear if it is a skinned version of the OS as with previous Blade devices.
The rest of the specifications are nothing out of the ordinary. The Blade V9 is clearly the superior of the two — the Blade V9 Vita offers lesser hardware at a more affordable price point. The Blade V9 will be made available to customers in Spain, Germany, Russia, Mexico, and China for €269 (~$330) onwards, while the V9 Vita will be made available in the same regions for €179 (~$220).
ZTE Tempo Go: ZTE’s First Android Go Device
We are beginning to see more and more OEMs jump onto the Android Go bandwagon, providing cheap and affordable entry-level devices with Android GO, an optimized version of Android Oreo. ZTE’s contribution to Go comes in the form of the ZTE Tempo Go.
The ZTE Tempo Go features a 5-inch FWVGA (480 x 854) display, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 Mobile Platform, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage and microSD expandability up to 32GB. The phone has a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera, and is powered by a 2.200 mAh battery.
Of course, the highlight of the device is Android Oreo (Go edition). With an optimized suite of Google apps, Android Go devices focus on providing a streamlined Android experience at the entry level. And the Tempo Go aims to do just that with Android Go out of the box.
The Tempo Go is sold unlocked for GSM/UMTS/LTE networks and is available online at ZTE USA’s website for $79.99.
What are your thoughts on the ZTE Blade V9, Blade V9 Vita, and ZTE Tempo Go? Will the newest ZTE devices help the company fight the competition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!