ZTE Grand S3 (2015)
This phone comes equipped with a 5.5 inch IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AC chipset, and 3 GB of RAM.
Discover its hidden sides, both good and bad!
Table of Contents
- ZTE Grand S3 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the ZTE Grand S3 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
ZTE Grand S3 specifications
| Brand | ZTE |
|---|---|
| Name | Grand S3 |
| Model | GS3 |
| Release date | 2015 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 6 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.1 x 3.03 x 0.39 inch |
| Colors | silver |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of ZTE Grand S3 is about 6 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v4.4 (KitKat) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AC |
| CPU | Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 |
| GPU | Adreno 330 |
The ZTE Grand S3 comes with Android OS v4.4 (KitKat) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.5 inch |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 px |
| Multitouch support | yes, up to 5 fingers |
The 5.5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 3 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 16 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
The smartphone has 3 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services we use. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The Grand S3 has only 16 GB. We can expand the internal storage (16 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 16 MP, 5312 x 2988 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | Dual LED |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Grand S3 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Grand S3 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 3100 mAh |
|---|
The Li-Ion 3100 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. We can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by ourselves.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Dual SIM |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Grand S3 smartphone has an accelerometer. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this ZTE phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- microSD slot
- Dual SIM support
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.