ZTE

ZTE Nubia Z17 Mini: Pros and Cons

Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 MSM8976
Adreno 510
4 GB / 64 GB
5.2 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

ZTE announced the launch of the Nubia Z17 Mini smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.2 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 MSM8976 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The Nubia Z17 Mini comes with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) pre-installed. This phone has an IPS display, it provides wide viewing angles. This means the screen stays clear and consistent. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the ZTE Nubia Z17 Mini smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

ZTE Nubia Z17 Mini / 1

ZTE Nubia Z17 Mini specifications

BrandZTE
NameNubia Z17 Mini
ModelNUBIAZ17MS
Release date2017

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.47 oz
Dimensions5.77 x 2.85 x 0.29 inch
Colorsblack, gold
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the ZTE Nubia Z17 Mini is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v6.0 (Marshmallow)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 652 MSM8976
GPUAdreno 510

The ZTE Nubia Z17 Mini comes with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5.2 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5.2 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

ZTE Nubia Z17 Mini / 1

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The ZTE Nubia Z17 Mini comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. You can expand the internal storage of the Nubia Z17 Mini (64 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera16 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Nubia Z17 Mini offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for their rear camera systems.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.1, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Nubia Z17 Mini supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Nubia Z17 Mini smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Nubia Z17 Mini has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The Nubia Z17 Mini comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 2950 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 2950 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Nubia Z17 Mini does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass, Dual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Nubia Z17 Mini smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

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

  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley 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.
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