An unmissable beat from ZTE, the nubia Music, is an entry-level marvel aimed at the audiophile community and music enthusiasts. Priced competitively, this device brings an array of music-focused features to the table without breaking the bank.
The ZTE nubia Music appeals to users who prioritize superior sound quality, a decent camera setup, and a robust battery life. If you're someone who needs a powerhouse for gaming or advanced photography, you might want to look elsewhere. But if music is your jam, the nubia Music might just hit all the right notes.
Body: Harmonious Design and Build
As evident from the pictures, the ZTE nubia Music promises a vibrant presence with its eye-catching yellow variant, alongside other color options. The build is designed for comfort, making it easy to handle during long listening sessions or while on calls. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | ZTE nubia Music |
|---|---|
| General |
|
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Mass | N/A |
| Colors | Yellow, others |
While the exact dimensions of the ZTE nubia Music are under wraps, we can make an estimate based on its 6.6-inch display and 20:9 aspect ratio, assuming thin left and right bezels with a moderate bottom bezel, as we see in the pictures of the product. Those dimensions suggest a screen height-to-width ratio conducive to a modern, elongated form factor, and translate to a phone that is relatively tall and moderately wide, fitting comfortably in the hand without feeling overly bulky.
The ZTE nubia Music's estimated dimensions should provide a comfortable grip for most users. The elongated body helps distribute the weight more evenly across your hand, reducing the strain during long listening sessions or extended usage. The slim design further enhances grip comfort, making it easy to hold for prolonged periods, whether you're browsing through playlists, reading, or chatting.
As for portability, the nubia Music should fit into most pockets without any trouble. Its moderate width ensures it won't feel cumbersome; you can easily carry it around in your pocket or a small bag, making it a convenient companion for on-the-go music lovers.
Coming to the aesthetics, the vibrant yellow variant (as the one color we could make out from the pictures) adds a splash of personality, making the ZTE nubia Music stand out. For users who prefer a more subdued look, other color options are available, catering to different style preferences.
In summary, the ZTE nubia Music promises to be both comfortable to hold and portable enough for daily use. Its ergonomic design, combined with vibrant color options, makes it an appealing choice for music enthusiasts who value both functionality and style. Whether you're at home enjoying your favorite tracks or out and about, the nubia Music is designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
Well, the lack of an official IP rating on the ZTE nubia Music is a bit like not having a raincoat for your device, right? Now, if you're the type who occasionally dances in the rain or takes your phone on outdoor adventures, it might be a smidgen concerning. But fear not! There are knight-in-shining-armor solutions.
First off, a protective case. A rugged, shock-absorbing case can be a game-changer, shielding your device from accidental drops and unforeseen tumbles. It's like giving your nubia Music a superhero cape - it might not make it completely waterproof, but it certainly adds a layer of defense.
Next is a screen protector. Imagine it as your nubia Music's invisible shield against scratches and nicks. A quality screen protector not only maintains the pristine look of your display but also provides an additional layer of protection against the occasional encounter with keys or loose change in your pocket.
As your phone does not have an official IP rating, a bit of common sense goes a long way. Avoid placing it precariously close to liquids - coffee cups and tech rarely make good companions. If you're caught in a sudden downpour, consider stashing your nubia Music in a safe pocket or, better yet, inside that stylish bag of yours.
In essence, while your ZTE nubia Music might not come with a "waterproof" badge, a thoughtful combination of a protective case, screen protector, and a dash of environmental mindfulness can keep your device gleaming and functional through the twists and turns of daily life.
Display: Visuals in Sync with Your Playlist
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
The ZTE nubia Music boasts a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate. This screen size, combined with a 720×1612 pixel resolution (a 20:9 aspect ratio), ensures a smooth visual experience, whether you're watching music videos or scrolling through playlists. This display offers decent clarity and color reproduction, though it may not be the sharpest in its class.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | ZTE nubia Music |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.6″ (168 mm) diagonal |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90 Hz |
| Resolution (px) | 720×1612, about 267 PPI |
IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels offer superior viewing angles compared to other LCDs. This means that colors remain consistent and vibrant even when viewed from different angles, making it ideal for sharing content with friends or using the phone in various orientations. IPS displays are known for their accurate color reproduction. This is particularly beneficial for media consumption, ensuring that images and videos look natural and true to life.
Also, IPS LCDs typically offer good brightness levels, enhancing visibility in outdoor conditions. This is important for those who spend a lot of time outside and need their display to remain readable in bright sunlight.
The nubia Music's higher refresh rate of 90 Hz means the screen refreshes 90 times per second, resulting in smoother animations and transitions. This is noticeable when scrolling through menus, browsing the web, and navigating through apps, providing a more fluid user experience. For gaming and fast-paced activities, a 90 Hz refresh rate can make interactions feel more responsive. While the ZTE nubia Music isn't a gaming powerhouse, the higher refresh rate still enhances general usability and visual fluidity.
With a resolution of 720×1612 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 267 PPI, the ZTE nubia Music's display falls into the HD+ category. This resolution ensures text and images are sufficiently sharp for everyday use, though it may not match the crispness of higher-resolution displays. The 720p resolution is adequate for a variety of content types, including:
- Social Media and Browsing: Viewing photos, reading articles, and scrolling through social media feeds will be smooth and visually pleasing.
- Video Streaming: HD videos will look good on this display. Streaming content from services like YouTube and Netflix at 720p will provide a decent viewing experience without excessive data consumption.
- Casual Gaming: For light to moderate gaming, the display's resolution and refresh rate will offer a satisfactory experience.
However, there are types of contents that may benefit from a higher resolution display, such as:
- High-Resolution Content: For tasks that demand higher detail, such as professional photo editing and watching 4K videos, the 720p resolution might feel lacking. Users accustomed to Full HD (1080p) or higher resolutions might notice a difference in sharpness and clarity.
- Text and Fine Details: When viewing content with small text or intricate details, the lower resolution may result in less crispness compared to higher-resolution displays.
In conclusion, the ZTE nubia Music's display strikes a balance between performance and practicality, making it a suitable choice for its target audience. While it may not cater to the highest-end visual demands, it excels in providing smooth, vibrant, and reliable performance for everyday use and music-centric activities.
The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles and accurate colors, while the 90 Hz refresh rate enhances overall smoothness and responsiveness, making it a compelling choice for users prioritizing both audio and visual quality within a budget-friendly package.
Networks: Stay Connected, Stay Tuned
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
The ZTE nubia Music supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring reliable connectivity for streaming and downloading music.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.
SIM
The dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) setup keeps you connected, making the ZTE nubia Music an ideal companion for those on the go.
Chipset: Performance Meets Efficiency
The ZTE nubia Music leverages the Unisoc SC9863A chipset. This 28-nm octa-core processor, comprising two types of cores, coupled with the IMG8322 GPU provides adequate performance for daily tasks and music-related applications. While it's not built for heavy multitasking or high-end gaming, it handles music playback and general smartphone usage efficiently. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | ZTE nubia Music |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 + 4×1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | IMG8322 |
The ZTE nubia Music is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, built on a 28-nm process. While this is not as advanced as the manufacturing nodes used in high-end chipsets (e.g., 6 nm or 4 nm), it still provides adequate efficiency for an entry-level device.
The octa-core CPU in the Unisoc SC9863A consists of two sets of cores:
- High-Performance Cores (1.6 GHz): The four higher-clocked Cortex-A55 cores handle more demanding tasks that require extra processing power. These tasks include launching applications, multitasking, and processing-intensive activities like basic image editing and running multiple background services.
- Efficiency Cores (1.2 GHz): The four lower-clocked Cortex-A55 cores are designed for efficiency, handling less demanding tasks such as background updates, idle processes, and routine operations like messaging, browsing, and music playback. These cores ensure the phone operates efficiently, conserving battery life during lighter tasks.
- Daily Use: The CPU and GPU combination is well-suited for everyday smartphone activities. Tasks like calling, texting, browsing the internet, and using social media apps will run smoothly.
- Media Consumption: Streaming music and videos, including HD video playback, are handled efficiently by this configuration.
- Light Gaming: Casual games and less graphically intensive games will run without significant issues, providing a decent gaming experience for users not looking for high-end gaming performance.
- Productivity Tasks: Basic productivity tasks such as using office applications, note-taking, and managing emails are well within the capabilities of this chipset and CPU-GPU setup.
- High-End Gaming: More graphically demanding games that require higher frame rates and detailed graphics might not perform well. You might experience lag, lower frame rates, or reduced visual quality.
- Advanced Multitasking: Running multiple heavy applications simultaneously or engaging in complex multitasking might push the limits of the Unisoc SC9863A, leading to slower performance or occasional stuttering.
- Professional Applications: Intensive applications such as professional photo and video editing, 3D modeling, and other resource-heavy software are beyond the optimal performance range of this chipset.
- Future-Proofing: As applications and operating systems become more resource-intensive over time, the Unisoc SC9863A might struggle to keep up with future demands, making it less suitable for those looking for long-term performance reliability.
The IMG8322 GPU is integrated into the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, providing basic graphical processing capabilities. While it may not compete with more advanced GPUs found in high-end devices, it is adequate for handling standard visual tasks and casual gaming.
With these components working in tandem, the nubia Music's processing prowess is adequate for a number of tasks, including:
However, there are tasks that might demand a more powerful configuration, such as:
In summary, the ZTE nubia Music's Unisoc SC9863A chipset, with its octa-core CPU and IMG8322 GPU, provides a balanced performance suitable for everyday tasks and light to moderate usage. The dual-core configuration efficiently balances power and efficiency, making it ideal for typical daily activities and casual media consumption. However, users seeking high-end gaming, advanced multitasking capabilities, or professional-grade performance might find this configuration lacking.
For its target audience - music enthusiasts and everyday users - the processing prowess of the ZTE nubia Music is adequate, ensuring smooth operation for its intended applications and use cases.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | ZTE nubia Music |
|---|---|
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB |
| Memory Card Slot | Unspecified |
With 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, the nubia Music offers ample space for storing your favorite tracks, apps, and more.
Cameras: Capturing Moments
The dual-camera setup on the back includes a 50 MP wide primary sensor with PDAF and a secondary camera. The main camera setup supports features like LED flash and HDR, and it can record videos at 1080p at 30 fps. This setup is suitable for capturing decent photos and videos, although it's clear that the focus of this phone lies elsewhere.
Details about the selfie camera are unspecified, but it does support video recording, ensuring you can still capture and share your moments on social media.
Rear Camera
The ZTE nubia Music is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the back. Let's explore the roles of these lenses and the features that enhance the photography experience. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | ZTE nubia Music |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 2 (Dual) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide), N/A (unspecified) |
| Autofocus | PDAF, N/A |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
| Other Features | LED flash, HDR |
The 50 MP primary sensor is designed to capture detailed and sharp images, especially in well-lit conditions. The high resolution allows for significant cropping and editing flexibility without losing much detail. As a wide lens, it captures a broader field of view, making it ideal for landscape photography, group shots, and architectural photography.
The exact specifications and purpose of the secondary lens are not detailed, but secondary lenses in budget and midrange phones typically serve as depth sensor (for enhancing portrait mode shots by creating a bokeh effect, which blurs the background and keeps the subject in sharp focus), macro lens (for close-up shots to capture fine details of small subjects, such as flowers and insects), or, less commonly, ultrawide lens (for capturing more of the scene in a single shot).
Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) helps the camera focus quickly and accurately on the subject. It uses dedicated sensors to detect phase differences and adjust the lens position accordingly. This is particularly useful for capturing moving subjects and achieving sharp focus in varying lighting conditions. By enabling faster focus, PDAF enhances the camera's ability to perform in lower light scenarios, reducing the chances of blurry images.
The LED flash provides additional light when shooting in dark environments. It helps illuminate subjects, ensuring that photos taken at night or in poorly lit areas are visible and clear. Apart from aiding in photography, the LED flash can also serve as a flashlight, adding utility to the device.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) captures multiple exposures of the same scene and combines them to create a single image with balanced highlights and shadows. This ensures that neither the bright nor the dark areas are overexposed or underexposed. By balancing the exposure, HDR helps in preserving details in both the bright and dark areas of a photo, making it particularly useful for high-contrast scenes like sunsets and backlit subjects.
In conclusion, the ZTE nubia Music's main camera setup offers a versatile photography experience tailored for everyday use. Key features like PDAF, LED flash, and HDR enhance the camera's performance across various scenarios, from well-lit outdoor shots to challenging low-light conditions. While it may not rival high-end smartphones in terms of advanced photography capabilities, it provides a reliable and competent camera experience for users looking to capture life's moments with clarity and ease.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | ZTE nubia Music |
|---|---|
| Resolution | N/A (unspecified) |
| Video Recording | Yes |
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Tunes
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | ZTE nubia Music |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Non-removable |
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
The 5000 mAh non-removable battery is one of the standout features of the ZTE nubia Music. This substantial battery capacity ensures you can enjoy your favorite tunes for extended periods without worrying about frequent recharges.
Sound: The Symphony of Features
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | ZTE nubia Music |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes (large speaker, 600% higher volume than regular smartphone speakers): DTS:X Ultra enabled |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | Yes (dual) |
The sound capabilities of the nubia Music are where it truly shines. Featuring a large speaker with a volume output 600% higher than regular smartphone speakers and DTS:X Ultra sound technology, this phone offers an unparalleled auditory experience. Additionally, it includes dual 3.5 mm jacks, allowing two users to plug in and enjoy music simultaneously - a rare and thoughtful feature for a music-centric phone.
With the inclusion of DTS:X Ultra, the ZTE nubia Music elevates its audio capabilities by offering spatial, object-based sound, enhancing the overall multimedia experience. This makes it an excellent choice for users who value high-quality audio in their mobile devices, whether for movies, music, gaming, or any other media consumption.
DTS sound processing works its magic by refining the audio signals, bringing out the subtleties and nuances in the sound. It creates a sense of space and dimensionality in the audio. This is particularly beneficial when watching movies or playing games, as the sound feels more expansive, allowing you to pinpoint the direction of audio cues with greater precision.
DTS:X Ultra is an advanced audio technology that enhances audio playback by making it more dynamic and spatial. Regular DTS formats provide excellent surround sound but are limited in terms of adaptability to different listening environments and personalization. DTS:X Ultra adapts to various playback environments and user preferences, offering a tailored audio experience that can adjust based on the device and listening context.
Further, standard DTS formats are widely supported in home theater systems, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and streaming services. DTS:X Ultra is designed with modern multimedia devices in mind, including tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles, providing enhanced audio for these platforms.
Connectivity
With support for WLAN, the ZTE nubia Music ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.
The nubia Music features Bluetooth, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices.
Plus, with GPS, you'll never lose your way, whether you're navigating the urban jungle or exploring off the beaten path.
However, if NFC is on your must-have list, you might want to explore other options.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.
Sensors
The ZTE nubia Music comes equipped with the following sensors, in addition to other, unspecified ones:
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking.
So, is the ZTE nubia Music worth it?
For its price, the ZTE nubia Music offers a compelling package for music lovers. Its standout features - such as the enhanced loudspeaker, dual headphone jacks, and large battery - make it a strong contender in the entry-level segment. However, the lower display resolution and the unspecified details in the camera and sensor departments might be drawbacks for some users.
If your primary use case revolves around enjoying high-quality sound and long battery life, the ZTE nubia Music is definitely worth considering. For those seeking advanced camera capabilities or higher performance metrics, you might want to explore other options.
Feature (top) image credit: ZTE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is ZTE nubia Music release date?
The ZTE nubia Music has been release in May 2024. It was announced on the 28th February, 2024.
What is ZTE nubia Music price?
The ZTE nubia Music is priced EUR 145.48 (about USD 158).