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ZTE Flash review

6.7/10 AVG.
RATING
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ZTE Flash
ZTE Flash
ZTE Flash
ZTE Flash
...


6.7/10
Informr score
The ZTE Flash currently has an Informr score of 6.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 3 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The ZTE Flash defeats the common wisdom that you get what you pay for. Priced as a mid-range phone, the Flash has specs found in high-end smartphones: 4G LTE connectivity, a 12.6 megapixel rear camera with LED flash, and an HD display, among other things.

With rounded curves similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus, the Flash sports an eco-friendly design. It's powered by a decent 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor and 1GB of RAM, a 4.5 inch touch-screen with 960 x 540 pixel resolution, and boasts impressive add-ons like NFC for contact-less payments, Bluetooth 4.0, and an up to 32GB microSD expansion slot to complement the paltry 8GB of internal storage.

Aside from the storage, a drawback is that the device is pre-loaded with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS that was released in October 2012. ZTE has not announced a schedule for the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update.

Attractively price contract-free or on contract with Sprint, the ZTE Flash will likely hit the mark for many in the smartphone market.

Need to know: ZTE Flash

1. The ZTE Flash has whopping specs without the hefty price tag. (The Good)

2. The HD display plus IPS technology provide nice viewing angles and crisp images. (The Good)

3. The Flash is not running on the latest Android operating system. (The Bad)

4. The device only has 8GB of internal storage. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
4.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.5"
12+ MP
Camera
Camera
12+ MP
1780 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Cnet
Cnet

With the 12-megapixel Sprint Flash, ZTE attempts to break new ground in features, but the Flash is a poor choice both as a phone and as a camera.

- Lynn La, Cnet


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the ZTE Flash user manual here.


ZTE backs up the Flash with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Flash has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact ZTE support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find ZTE's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




Resources


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Quick view

Screen Size
4.5"

The ZTE Flash's screen size is 4.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8960 Dual-core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
No

Internal memory is No. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1780mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1780 mAh battery. ZTE's performance ratings are 9 days standby time.

ZTE Flash Specs

Overview
Release Date November 14, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8960 Dual-core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage No
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.78 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
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
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama, Comic, Negative, Sketch, Scene Mode, Anti-band
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1780 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 454 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 9 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.2 x 6.6 x 1.0 cm (5.2 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 147 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
ROM: 8GB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, WAV, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA/WPA2
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): ZTE N9500
Related Links Manual (PDF)
ZTE Flash Reviews
Where to buy ZTE Flash
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