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ZTE Grand X review

5.9/10 AVG.
RATING
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ZTE Grand X
ZTE Grand X
ZTE Grand X
ZTE Grand X
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5.9/10
Informr score
The ZTE Grand X currently has an Informr score of 5.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 4 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Sturdy and solid design
  • Decent battery life
  • Smooth performance

What's bad

  • Poor screen responsiveness
  • Poor viewing angles on screen
  • Mediocre camera

Smartphones are no longer a luxury item anymore and ZTE proves that with the Grand X. As a mid-range device, the Grand X didn't blow reviewers away with its spectacular design. They describe very functional and solid looking, albeit chunky at 110 grams. It sports the standard curved edges and rounded corners of many other smartphones and, as to be, sports an all plastic chassis. While it is fairly slim at 0.37 inches, it is overall quite large measuring in at 5.7 x 2.87 inches.

The large size is to compensate for the 5-inch, 540p display. The resolution of the screen might be better than other smartphones in its class, but experts still found it lacking mainly in the brightness and color vibrancy department. Tech Radar notes, "…there's a slightly washed-out feel evident in pictures and videos…" Other critics also noticed the viewing angles were very narrow and they quickly experienced washed-out colors when they tilted the screen. Besides this, many also experienced issues with touch responsiveness noting it occasionally took several taps or swipes for an action to register.

At the handset's core are the 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM. No reviewer would label the phone as a speed star, but they were able to execute basic tasks smoothly though not necessarily instantaneously. They add that gaming, even with more graphics intensive apps, was also fairly smooth with hardly any lags and no crashes. Unfortunately, it only comes with 4G of internal storage so there isn't much room to download too many apps. Due to the lower resolution screen and less powerful processor, reviewers were able to eke out around 11 hours of life during moderate usage from the Grand X's 2,300mAh battery.

The kindest thing reviewers could say about the 5MP rear camera is "passable." They describe the camera overall as slow with it taking a few seconds to start up and several more seconds to actually take a picture. While slow, experts still were able to take sharp and clear images in decent lighting, though they add that colors were fairly muted. The app itself is fairly barebones with just a couple scene modes, face detection, x4 digital zoom and panorama mode. There is none of the familiar advanced effects or HDR modes that many competitors are adding, so it isn't the best option for the enthusiastic phoneagrapher.

Reviewers are split over the ZTE Grand Max. Trusted Review states, "…pound-per-pound you get more for your money…" On the other hand CNET notes, "Although the ZTE Grand X is inexpensive…[there are] many other Android phones that perform faster and better at the same price or less."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
2300 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Cnet
Cnet

Although the ZTE Grand X is inexpensive for a prepaid device, Cricket has many other Android phones that perform faster and better at the same price or less. The most inexpensive option is the $60 LG Optimus L70. Like the Grand X, the handset isn't LTE enabled, and it has a smaller, 4.5-inch display...

- Lynn La, Cnet


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


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


If your Grand X 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.




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Quick view

Screen Size
5"

The ZTE Grand X's screen size is 5 inches with 540 x 960 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8212 Quad core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system (OS).

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

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

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2300mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2300 mAh battery.

Grand X Specs

Overview
Release Date August 7, 2014
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8212 Quad core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.07 W/kg
Body: 1.01 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+ 21.1
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
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 No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Night mode, Self-timer, White balance, Anti-band
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 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 540 x 960 pixels
Pixel Density 220 pixels
Size 5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2300 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 17.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.5 x 7.3 x 0.9 cm (5.7 x 2.9 x 0.4 in)
Weight 172 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): ZTE Z777
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
ZTE Grand X Reviews
Where to buy ZTE Grand X
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