ZTE aims to become world’s third largest smartphone vendor
In its latest quarterly earnings report, Lenovo become the world’s third largest smartphone vendor. Now, ZTE has its eyes on the title, aiming to become the world’s third largest smartphone manufacturer in three years time.
ZTE plans to achieve this goal by sponsoring more NBA teams in order to boost ZTE’s brand in the United States. The Shenzhen-based company already sponsors three NBA teams, and its tripled its US marketing budget last year. Considering that the company’s US smartphone shipments jumped nearly fifty percent in 2014, and they plan on another 20% rise this year, ZTE seems to be on the right track.
Interestingly, ZTE’s jump in shipments are rising, even though US lawmakers are voicing security concerns when it comes to Chinese telecommunications. Huawei was under investigation for a year and half under espionage allegations, where the White House wasn’t able to find any clear evidence. However, vulnerabilities in Chinese telecommunication equipment still remain a concern.
What’ll really be interesting to see is how popular their smartphones will be after they ditch Android in favor of an in-house operating system.
Either way, ZTE does create some quality smartphones. It’ll be interesting to see how popular their devices become in the US and where they’ll stand in three years.
source: Reuters
Come comment on this article: ZTE aims to become world’s third largest smartphone vendor
ZTE launches Nubia Z9 Mini in India for Rs. 16,999 exclusively via Amazon
The Indian smartphone market is fiercely contested, with new handsets released almost daily. Today sees ZTE launch its Nubia Z9 Mini smartphone exclusively via Amazon India for Rs. 16,999 (+-$266). Let’s have a look at what the Nubia Z9 Mini offers in return.
Specifications:
- Metal and glass body
- 5-Inch IPS Full HD display (Sharp) 441ppi and Corning Glass 3 protection
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Octa-core @ 1.5GHz (64-bit)
- Adreno 405 GPU
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB Internal storage
- MicroSD card support (up to 128GB)
- 16MP Rear-facing camera with ISO and flash
- 8MP Front-facing camera
- Dual-SIM and LTE support (150 Mbps)
- FM Radio
- 3,000mAh non-removable battery
- Dimensions: 14.1 x 0.8 x 7cm
- Weight: 145 grams
- Customisable rear panel
- In the box: Handset, charger and data cable
With its metal and glass construction, the ZTE Nubia Z9 Mini is attempting to offer a smaller smartphone with premium construction. And for the most post it would appear to have succeeded. The sticking point could be that price of Rs. 16,999 ($267), which could prove a little too costly. Let us know what you think of the Nubia Z9 Mini in the comments below.
Source: Amazon
Via: PhoneArena
Come comment on this article: ZTE launches Nubia Z9 Mini in India for Rs. 16,999 exclusively via Amazon
ZTE Nubia Z9 Mini arrives in India, exclusively sold via Amazon

Back in March ZTE formally announced the Z9 Mini, a slightly smaller and more budget-friendly alternative to ZTE’s Nubia Z9 flagship. Now the Nubia Z9 Mini is making its way over to India, which is noteworthy in the fact that this is the very first time the Nubia brand has ever been sold in the country.
The Nubia Z9 Mini will be offered exclusively through Amazon India and at a price of just Rs. 16,999 (or about $267). So what do you get for the money? The Z9 Mini is powered by a 64-bit Snapdragon 615 with 2GB RAM. Other specs include a 5-inch 1080p display, 16GB storage, microSD, a16MP main cam, 8MP front cam, dual-SIM, LTE, a 2900 mAh battery, and Android 5.0 running the Nubia skin.
While many brands only over a limited number of devices for sale when launching in India, the Z9 Mini is fully in stock now for your ordering pleasure. The big question is whether or not the Z9 Mini will be able to compete with other similarly priced and spec’d devices available in India.
So how about it, anyone planning on picking one up? If not, what similarly priced devices would you personally recommend over this for Indian consumers looking for a solid mid-range handset?
Recent price drops for Boost Mobile
Is it time for a new smartphone for you or someone you know? We’re here to help you out in whatever way possible. Be it in the form of covering major announcements, creating buyer’s guides or something else, we aim to please.
Today we’re compiling a list of devices that have been discounted in the last few days. Specifically, we’re looking at Boost Mobile. We have been keeping our eyes open, bouncing around between the official carrier sites, Amazon, and Best Buy.
Here are some of the models that have seen a decent price drop ($10+) in the last couple of days. Perhaps your next phone is among these.
- LG Optimus F3 Black dropped $24.00 to $58.99 (Boost Mobile)
- Samsung Galaxy S5 White 16GB dropped $37 to $494.86 (Boost Mobile)
- ZTE Boost Warp 4G dropped $12 to $87.99 (Boost Mobile)
- HTC Desire 510 dropped $0 to $69.99 (Boost Mobile)
The post Recent price drops for Boost Mobile appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Are Huawei and ZTE looking to be less dependent on Android?
Among all of the hardware manufacturers using Android as their operating system, the Chinese companies seem to be the most reluctant on going all-in with Google’s offering.
Huawei and ZTE are reportedly going in the direction of Xiaomi by exploring options to become less dependent on Android. In fact, there are rumblings that Huawei has prepared a new device that features an operating system developed in-house. The operating system, currently referred to as Kirin OS, has apparently been in development for three years and works with a Huawei-made Kirin processor.
It sounds like Huawei is going for the do-it-yourself approach with two major areas of a mobile device. There may even be a possibility we see this device revealed at Huawei’s June 2 event.
Source: GizmoChina
Come comment on this article: Are Huawei and ZTE looking to be less dependent on Android?
Hardware manufacturers take notice of MediaTek’s deca-core processor
The upcoming Helio X20 processor, developed by MediaTek, has reportedly received attention from plenty of the largest Android device manufacturers. Companies that have expressed interest in the deca-core processor include Sony, LG, HTC, ZTE, Lenovo, Meizu, Huawei, and Xiaomi. The only major companies missing from that list are Samsung and Motorola, but they have their reasons. Samsung utilizes in-house Exynos processors while Motorola has a close relationship with Qualcomm to take from their Snapdragon line.
The heightened interest in the Helio X20 processor could allow MediaTek to become the go-to for such components. MediaTek has released processors of all levels at competitive prices for hardware manufacturers. The Helio X20 is being aimed at high-end devices and carries a price of about $241.
Source: DigiTimes
Come comment on this article: Hardware manufacturers take notice of MediaTek’s deca-core processor
Android Authority this week – May 10, 2015
Android fans, this week brought us the kind of news we all love and anticipate: the firsts sighting of a new Android version. Buried inside the Google I/O schedule is a clear reference to Android M, all but confirming that Google will at least preview Lollipop’s successor later this month. The week also brought us a juicy report on Huawei’s upcoming Nexus; the Galaxy S6 was again in the spotlight, for reasons good and bad; Google launched interesting new features for its apps and services; Oppo teased its latest flagship; Sony launched the selfie-centric Xperia C4; ZTE raised the ante with the luxurious Nubia Z9; and info about the OnePlus 2 leaked out.
Inside AA HQ
If you follow our YouTube channel, you probably spotted a video from a new contributor, Bailey Stein. Bailey is a student and lives in Michigan, and like the rest of our team, he is incredibly passionate about mobile technology. He will be contributing videos regularly and this BLU Selfie review is his first. Make him feel welcome!
SoundGuys.com has a new brand new design! We think it’s cleaner and nicer and it will make reading the excellent news and reviews by Kris Wouk’s and Adam Molina’s even nicer. Plus, there’s infinite scrolling and a couple of other goodies. Let us know what you think.
This week we reviewed the LG G4, and we were positively impressed. Josh gave the device an excellent 9 out 10 score, putting LG’s curved creation in very select company. The G4 is yet to go on sale, but you can win it already in our beloved weekly giveaway! Good luck!
Android Authority Podcast
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Gift guide: It’s not too late to buy Mom something nice. Here are some nice ideas
- Review: The LG G4 is here! How does it fare against the competition? Find out in our review
- Camera shootout: The results of our blind camera test are in: Galaxy S6 vs Honor P8 vs One M9
- Review: How about a new smartwatch to go with that LG G4? We review the LG Watch Urbane

Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
Google updates
- Google is experimenting with Dart to create faster, smoother Android apps
- Google tests converting websites so they load 4x faster over slow connections
- Google’s latest acquisition will help make Calendar, Inbox and other apps ‘smarter’
- Google Plus introduces new Pinterest-like feature, Collections
- Google Hangouts Chrome app could be in line for a redesign
- Google adds food delivery option to search results

Galaxy S6 in the news
- Yes, a special Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man edition is coming!
- Galaxy S6 features either ISOCELL or Sony image sensors, here’s the difference
- Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge reportedly getting camera improvements with Android 5.1.1
- Some Galaxy S6 owners are seeing a purple speck on photos taken with the front-facing camera
- Galaxy S6 getting performance improving update in Europe

Oppo R7 teasers

Android M: first sighting
Android M will supposedly be revealed at Google I/O 2015
Google to unveil Voice Actions at I/O: control any app with just your voice
The official Google I/O 2015 schedule is now available

Xperia C4 is here

Nubia Z9

Testing the waters for OnePlus 2

Huawei Nexus details
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
Here are the specifications of the ZTE Nubia Z9 with a borderless 2.5D display
ZTE’s Nubia Z9 smartphone has been teased for quite some time now, but the device has finally gone official sporting a very impressive specs sheet and an interesting design.
While the display of the handset is 1080p (5.2 inch panel), it’s the design that will grab your attention at first glance. ZTE has utilized a 2.5D curved glass, which we’ve also seen on the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
There are practically no side bezels here, which was a trend sparked off by the LG G2 a couple of years ago and has positively impacted the market. Other features of the smartphone include an octa core Snapdragon 810 SoC, 3 or 4GB of RAM, 32GB/64GB of internal storage, a 16-megapixel f/2.0 camera on the back, an 8-megapixel front camera, Android 5.0.2 Lollipop and a 2,900 mAh battery.
The top end model also comes with TIO (three-in-one) fingerprint scanning technology, which lets you scan fingerprints from the power button as well as the volume rockers. The exact functionality of this feature is yet to be understood completely, but it seems to be a novel idea.
In the audio department, the Nubia Z9 uses the NeoSound 4.0 and a AKM4961 Hi-Fi processor with Dolby 7.1 surround sound, so multimedia lovers will instantly be attracted to the handset.
The company will have three tiers of the smartphone known as Classic, Elite and Exclusive. The Classic model features 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and is priced at 3,499 CNY ($563). The Elite variant has 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage on board with a price tag of 3,999 CNY ($644).
The top end Exclusive edition model has same amount of RAM and storage as the Elite version, but comes with the aforementioned TIO fingerprint scanner. This model is pretty expensive with a quoted price of 4,499 CNY or $725.
Come comment on this article: Here are the specifications of the ZTE Nubia Z9 with a borderless 2.5D display
ZTE’s new Nubia Z9 is a specs powerhouse with 0.8mm bezels and unique side controls

ZTE just unveiled the latest addition to its premium Nubia brand, and it’s a looker. The Nubia Z9 features top specifications, a smooth metallic design with very thin bezels, and touch controls on the side of the device.
The Nubia Z9 is the latest device to make use of a so called “bezel-less” design, though there are actually 0.8mm bezels around the Z9’s 5.2-inch Full HD display. The result is quite stunning, and the curved sides of the 2.5D protective glass accentuate the illusion of a side to side screen.

The rest of the design is quite minimalist, especially on the back, while the front features capacitive navigation keys, and, in the Premier version of the device, a fingerprint sensor. There’s also a dedicated camera shutter button on the side, something we wished we saw on more Android devices these days.
On the inside, the Z9 features a 64-bit Snapdragon 810 SoC, Qualcomm’s most powerful processor right now, overheating controversy notwithstanding. The octa-core proc is coupled with either 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage (for the Elite Edition) or 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage (for the Classic Edition). The two editions share the other specs, including a 16MP Sony IMX234 camera on the rear, a 8MP wide viewing angle selfie shooter, a 2,900 mAh battery, LTE, a HiFi audio chip, and an IR blaster.

The Classic Edition (2GB RAM) is black, while the Elite Edition (4GB RAM) is golden. The Premier Edition mentioned above is identical to the Elite model, save for the addition of the fingerprint sensor embedded in the home key.
Now for the Nubia Z9’s original selling point: FIT. Standing for Frame Interactive Technology, this feature allows you to accomplish various tasks by tapping and swiping on the sides of the beveled sides of the screen. For instance, you can launch the camera by touching the screen in four points, the way you would normally hold the phone to shoot a pic in landscape mode. Or, you can swipe with your fingers on the sides of the phone to adjust screen brightness.

On paper, this functionality sounds great, but we will have to see how it works outside the confines of marketing materials. With a bezel-less phone, it’s important for software to differentiate between an intentional touch and the inadvertent touch of the user’s palm. Adding accurate gestures to this interface without a ton of false alarms sounds very tricky.
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The Nubia Z9 will initially be available in China starting May 21, with pre-registrations now open. No details on the Z9’s availability in other countries. This is no budget offering to take on Xiaomi, like the Star 2, and the price shows it: the Classic version costs the equivalent of $560, the Elite version is $645, while the Premier will set you back a handsome $725. ZTE is serious about giving its best when it comes to the Nubia brand, and the price reflects that. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Nubia’s near bezel-less phone also has a grip-sensitive frame
Oppo may have already shown off its near bezel-less prototype phone back in March, but local rival Nubia has actually released a handset featuring the same optical trickery on the edges (and let’s not forget that Sharp did it first). Dubbed the Z9, this dual-Nano SIM flagship device packs a 5.2-inch 1080p Sharp-made display, a Snapdragon 810 chipset and either 32GB of storage with 3GB RAM (black “Classic Edition”) or 64GB of storage with 4GB RAM (gold-colored “Elite Edition”). But never mind these boring figures, because the real treat here is the “Frame interactive Technology” or “FiT” in short, which enables grip and gesture-based control on the aluminum mid-frame. It seems rather handy, if you’ll pardon the pun.

One use case with FiT is that you can quickly unlock the Z9 with a pre-defined grip, though that’s obviously not as safe as the good old passcode (or fingerprint recognition on the upcoming “Premier Edition”). With your usual single-hand grip, you can switch between apps by flicking your thumb up or down the metallic frame. You can also quickly toggle the camera by just holding the phone horizontally with four fingertips, but you’ll have to avoid holding the phone the same way while doing other things. Another good one is you can adjust the screen brightness by sliding your fingertips along both sides of the phone. The last one is our favorite: squeeze the phone twice to toggle single-hand mode, and the smaller screen will automatically shift to your thumb’s side; but you can also set this squeeze action to taking screenshots. Nubia says third party apps are welcome to make use of the Z9’s FiT technology, so the possibilities are endless.
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The rest of the device is rather attractive as well. For photography, the Z9 is one of the first phones to use Sony’s new IMX234 CMOS sensor (LG G4 also has it) to power its 16-megapixel, f/2.0 main camera with optical image stabilization plus 4K video recording; and there’s also a generous 8-megapixel, f/2.4 wide-angle selfie camera that uses Sony’s efficient 1.4μm sensor (the main camera’s 1/2.6-inch IMX234 has smaller 1.12µm pixels).
Both imagers can be triggered with the dedicated camera button on the frame, and the new NeoVision 5.1 camera UI seems to be just as intuitive as its predecessor, offering advanced features like touch metering that can be independent of touch focus, as well as independent touch white balance setting, full manual mode (which still reminds us of Lumia Camera), star trail mode, light painting mode, time lapse mode and, of course, the usual set of beautification tools.

Other goodies inside the 8.9mm-thick Android L device include an IR blaster, a 2,900 mAh battery, AKM’s AK4961 audio chip, three capacitive Android keys (from left to right: Menu, Home and Back), NFC and radios for a whole bunch of networks: FDD-LTE Bands 1, 3 and 7 (sorry, no love for the US, but Canada’s Bell and Rogers do support Band 7), WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100 (works on AT&T, Bell and Rogers), CDMA2000/EV-DO Rev. A on 800 and China’s TD-LTE plus TD-SCDMA.
As ZTE’s premium brand, Nubia charges much more than most of its local rivals for its phones. The off-contract “Classic Edition” Z9 is asking for 3,499 yuan or about $560, whereas the “Elite Edition” Z9 will cost 3,999 yuan or about $645. There will even be a 4,499 yuan or $725 “Premier Edition” if you want that fingerprint reader on the power button (so yes, it’s on the mid-frame). There’s no date for the top model just yet, but folks in China can already pre-register for the other two ahead of their May 21st launch.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Via: Engadget Chinese
Source: Nubia (Chinese)















