Low cost Android handsets are both a blessing and a curse. While it allows the operating system to infiltrate low-income markets, it also creates a low-quality perception to some. For example, anyone who buys an iPhone gets a quality device with a good experience; there is no low-quality version. Conversely, an Android buyer can buy a low-spec dud that can sour the experience.
Not all low-cost Android smartphones are duds, however; quite the contrary. Google's previous generation Nexus 5 was an incredible value, as is the OnePlus One. Today, a new low-cost phone enters the market by way of eBay -- the ZTE Blade S6 Plus. The value is quite remarkable, as not only is the price low, but the specs are very impressive.
"Similar to the Blade S6, the Blade S6 Plus is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 octa-core chipset and Adreno 405 image processor, and runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop with ZTE's customizable MiFavor 3.0 user interface. The Blade S6 Plus boasts a larger JDI Super Screen 5.5-inch HD display with In-Cell technology for better and more vibrant image quality, as well a higher-capacity 3000mAh battery", says ZTE.
John Lin, Managing Director of eBay Greater China explains, "we are thrilled that ZTE has again decided to debut their latest device on eBay. Through our global marketplaces, we will partner with ZTE to introduce their excellent products to our 155 million customers worldwide".
The phone is downright sexy, featuring beautiful lines and curves. While both the hardware and UI design are a bit Apple-esque, I would not call it a copy by any means. Quite frankly, the interface, called "MiFavor 3.0", looks prettier than stock Android. I would love to try it.
Sadly, "worldwide", does not include the USA. This is very unfortunate, as the $300 Blade S6 Plus is on sale for a shockingly low $270. If you look at the below specs, you can see how remarkable the pricing really is.
ZTE Blade S6 Plus specs |
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Network | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS: 900/2100 LTE: B1/B3/B7/B8/B20 (2100/1800/2600/900/800) |
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Platform | MSM8939 | ||||
Operating System | Android L | ||||
Size | 156.6×77×7.7mm | ||||
Display | 5.0 inch, 720p HD with In-Cell Technology | ||||
Camera | Sony IMX214 13M AF + 5M wide-angle FF | ||||
Battery | 3000mAh | ||||
Interface |
5pin Micro USB, 3.5mm Earphone Port |
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Memory | 16GB eMMC+2GB LPDDR3 | ||||
Color |
Silver |
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Features |
3FF Dual SIM, Dual mic |
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So what countries can buy the phone? ZTE shares the following countries and links to purchase.
- Russia, Brazil, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova: http://www.ebay.com/itm/351354473428
- Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden: http://www.ebay.de/itm/371291826458
- United Kingdom: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351354473084
- France: [ebay.fr]
- Spain: http://www.ebay.es/itm/201317680003
- Italy: http://www.ebay.it/itm/361253874312
To my American readers, do you wish the ZTE Blade S6 Plus was available here? To readers in available countries, will you buy it? Please tell me in the comments.