Gadget Review: ZTE V5

Price: Rs 10,999 1/2

Specs: 5-inch IPS display (1280 x 720 pixels), quad core 1.2Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB + microSD, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, dual SIM support, USB host, Android 4.4, 2,400mAh, 165 grams

Pros: Stylish design, build quality, impressive front and rear camera, gorgeous display

Cons: User interface lacks option to switch between running apps, bulky design



ZTE is not a popular name in India. However, they are among the top 10 smartphone manufacturers in the world. They have already launched a few phones in India and now with this new phone, they're training sights on the mid-range segment.

The V5 is an impressive looking handset — it has a curved back panel, dual speaker slots and a semi-matte finish. Special mention goes to the blue breathing light which doubles up as home button and notification light.

Though it felt heavy at 165 gram for a device with 5-inch display, we were impressed by the amazing display. The highlights are the cameras. The 13MP primary camera takes fantastic images.

The camera interface is zippy and offers a pro mode for users who want to play around with advanced settings like focus lock, ISO, exposure and so on. The front 5MP wide-angle camera is also good. Powered by a 1.2Ghz Snapdragon 400 processor, the phone has 1GB RAM and 4GB internal storage.

Considering that these specifications are now available in phones starting Rs 6,000 onwards and phones in the above Rs 10,000 range now offer at least 2GB RAM, this was a disappointment. Software is a segment that requires work from ZTE.

While the Nubia user interface is loaded with useful features, it's loaded with animations that slow it down. Plus, you cannot switch between apps. Settings like backup/reset, accessibility and storage are in different sub-menus instead of in the usual settings menu.

Battery life lasted a full day with mixed usage. It could do better in terms of hardware and user interface.

Also See: Asus Zenfone 5



Price: Rs 10,000

Specs: 5-inch IPS display (1280 x 720 pixels), dual core 1.6Ghz Intel Atom processor, 2GB RAM, 8GB + microSD, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, dual SIM support, Android 4.4, 2,110mAh, 145 grams.