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ZTE Optik review

6.5/10 AVG.
RATING
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ZTE Optik
ZTE Optik
ZTE Optik
ZTE Optik
...


6.5/10
Informr score
The ZTE Optik currently has an Informr score of 6.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 6 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

If you’re looking for a 7-inch Android tablet with basic Wi-Fi connectivity, you have a wide range of different models to choose from. However, if your aim is to find something with not only Wi-Fi but also 3G cellular connectivity, then the number of choices drops significantly. One of the few true 3G-enabled Android tablets available on the market today is the ZTE Optik. Also going by the name v55, it comes with Android 3.2 Honeycomb pre-installed. And yes, it supports 3G data through CDMA networks.

The 7-inch 1280x800 touchscreen display on the Optik is one of its best features. It is framed quite nicely by a rounded black casing which conveniently weighs only 400 grams and measures 13mm thick. As far as hardware goes, it’s pretty well-equipped. It has wireless features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS with A-GPS, plus it has 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded even further with a microSD card. A 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon CPU keeps things running smoothly along with 1GB of RAM. If you care a lot about camera performance, you’ll be pleased to find a 5 megapixel snapper on the Optik’s back. If there’s one thing that isn’t so pleasing about it, however, it’s the 4.4 hour battery life when surfing with Wi-Fi.

The Optik was made to answer the market’s need for a low-cost Android tablet with built-in 3G wireless connectivity. And indeed, it can be acquired rather inexpensively. If you plan on getting it for yourself however, remember that a monthly service contract is necessary in order to fully enjoy that 3G data convenience. Those data costs, as some of us know all too well, can really add up in the long run.

Need to Know: ZTE Optik

1. Comes in portable 7-inch form factor with HD touchscreen display. (The Good)

2. Default software can be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. (The Good)

3. The battery won’t last a full day with heavy use. (The Bad)

4. The monthly service fee for 3G data may end up costing much more than the tablet itself. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
4000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TabletPCReview
TabletPCReview

The ZTE Optik from Sprint is a low-cost 7-inch Android tablet, just like the Kindle Fire, B&N NOOK Tablet, and Lenovo A1. So what makes this 3G tablet special? It could be 16GB internal storage with expandable microSD, Great display with 216 pixels per inch, Decent build quality w...

- Vince Font, TabletPCReview
Brighthand
Brighthand

In the case of the ZTE Optik, that aforementioned $99 price tag may lure you in, but don’t be fooled. For a 2-year contract that’ll run you a minimum of $30 per month, you’re looking at $820 when all is said and done. In case you were wondering, that amount translates to “WAY...

- Vince Font, Brighthand
Android Police
Android Police

ZTE's Optik is a decent device. It certainly doesn't set any precedents, but for a 7" tablet that costs $99 on contract, it's definitely not bad. If you don't mind a somewhat lacking video/photo capture experience and can figure out the Optik's finicky video playback, this tablet can provide a smoot...

- Liam Spradlin, Android Police
Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag

At just $99, Sprint's ZTE Optik is enticing. But when you take into account the fact that you'll end up paying at least $579 for 3G speeds, it starts to look significantly less appealing. Yes, a $99 Honeycomb tablet may seem like the holy grail for budget-conscious families, but we'd suggest steppin...

- Daniel Howley, Laptop Mag
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

The ZTE Optik is cheap enough that it falls into the impulse purchase category, and users who drop $99 on the Optik will definitely get their money’s worth. It is a capable tablet that will perform all the basic tasks without issue, but if you’re expecting more than average from a tablet the Optik i...

- Brian K., PhoneArena


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Quick view

Screen Size
7"

The ZTE Optik's screen size is 7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Snapdragon MSM8660 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 5+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
4000mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 4000 mAh battery. ZTE's performance ratings are 4 days standby time, 4 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

ZTE Optik Specs

Overview
Release Date February 5, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

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Processor Snapdragon MSM8660 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
EV-DO Rev. A
Mobile / Cellular Data
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 2.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, HID
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, ISO, White balance, Exposure, Saturation, Anti Banding, Contrast, Sharpness
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors Unknown
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density Unknown
Size 7 inches
Sensors Motion / Accelerometer
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 4 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 4 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 4 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 19.3 x 11.9 x 1.3 cm (7.6 x 4.7 x 0.5 in)
Weight 400 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Swype
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: OTA
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR, WAV, QCP
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): ZTE v55
Related Links Manual (PDF)
ZTE Optik Reviews
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