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Lenovo ZUK Z1

September 2015 7/10 Rating Updated Sep 6, 2026

In brief: The Lenovo ZUK Z1 was a mid-range smartphone released in 2015, notable for its large battery, the inclusion of Cyanogen OS (for global versions), and early adoption of USB Type-C. It offered solid performance for its time with a Snapdragon 801 chipset and a full HD display.

Display5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD

ChipsetSnapdragon 801

Main Camera13 MP with OIS

Battery4100 mAh

💰 Lenovo ZUK Z1 Price

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

Type	IPS LCD
Size	5.5 inches
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels, Full HD (~401 ppi density)
Protection	Oleophobic coating

Platform

OS	Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to Cyanogen OS 12.1 (Global) or ZUI (China)
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (MSM8974AC)
CPU	Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
GPU	Adreno 330

Memory

RAM	3GB LPDDR3
Internal Storage	64GB
Card Slot	No

Main Camera

Modules	13 MP, f/2.2, autofocus, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
Sensor	Sony Exmor RS IMX214
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR
Video	1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Modules	8 MP, f/2.2
Video	1080p@30fps

Battery

Type	Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable
Charging	Fast charging (5.3V/2.5A, ~2.5 hours for full charge)

Body

Dimensions	155.7 x 77.3 x 8.9 mm (6.13 x 3.04 x 0.35 in)
Weight	175 g (6.17 oz)
Build	Metal frame, plastic back
SIM	Dual Nano-SIM

Comms

WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth	4.1, A2DP, LE
GPS	Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
NFC	No
Radio	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.0, reversible connector

Launch

Announced	2015, August
Status	Released 2015, September. Discontinued.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional battery life
Highly customizable Cyanogen OS (global version)
Good build quality with a metal frame
Early adoption of USB Type-C 3.0
Responsive fingerprint sensor
Affordable price point at launch

Cons

Average camera performance
Fingerprint sensor can be inconsistent
No expandable storage via microSD card
Older Snapdragon 801 processor at release compared to some flagships
Limited software updates after initial release

★ Our Verdict

The Lenovo ZUK Z1 offered excellent value with its large battery and Cyanogen OS, though its camera and long-term software support were areas for improvement.

The Lenovo ZUK Z1, released in 2015, is now a vintage smartphone. While it boasted impressive battery life and the highly customizable Cyanogen OS, its hardware is significantly outdated by modern standards. Performance will be slow for current apps, the camera is mediocre, and there will be no official software updates. It might appeal to collectors or enthusiasts interested in its historical significance, particularly its early adoption of USB Type-C and Cyanogen OS. However, for daily use, especially for demanding tasks or photography, newer budget smartphones offer vastly superior performance and features at a comparable or lower price point. Consider it only if you appreciate older tech or need a very basic, long-lasting device for non-intensive tasks, and are comfortable with potential security risks due to lack of updates.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

Lenovo ZUK Z1 smartphone
USB Type-C 3.0 cable
Travel charger (5V~2A)
User guide
Warranty card
SIM ejector tool

Standard manufacturer's warranty was typically one year at the time of release.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Lenovo ZUK Z1 released?

The Lenovo ZUK Z1 was officially announced in August 2015 and became available for purchase in September 2015.

What operating system did the Lenovo ZUK Z1 run?

Globally, the Lenovo ZUK Z1 shipped with Cyanogen OS 12.1, based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop., it ran ZUI, also based on Android 5.1.1.

Does the Lenovo ZUK Z1 have expandable storage?

No, the Lenovo ZUK Z1 does not feature a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It comes with 64GB of internal storage.

What is the battery capacity of the Lenovo ZUK Z1?

The Lenovo ZUK Z1 is equipped with a large, non-removable Li-Po 4100 mAh battery, known for providing excellent battery life.

Does the Lenovo ZUK Z1 support USB Type-C?

Yes, the Lenovo ZUK Z1 was an early adopter of the USB Type-C 3.0 port, offering a reversible connector and faster data transfer speeds.

Is the camera on the Lenovo ZUK Z1 good?

The Lenovo ZUK Z1 features a 13 MP main camera with OIS and an 8 MP selfie camera. While it was decent for its time, many reviews noted its camera performance as average compared to competitors.