ZTE Blade III smartphone
ZTE

ZTE Blade III

September 2012 4/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The ZTE Blade III is an entry-level Android smartphone released in September 2012, featuring a 4.0-inch display and running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Positioned as an affordable option, it offered basic smartphone functionalities for its time. It was part of ZTE's popular Blade series, known for delivering value for money.
Display4.0" TFT, 480x800 pixels
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S1 MSM7227A
Main Camera5 MP autofocus
Battery1600 mAh Li-Ion

💰 ZTE Blade III Price

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT, 65K colors
Size4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density)

Platform

OSAndroid 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S1 MSM7227A
CPU1.0 GHz Cortex-A5 (single-core)
GPUAdreno 200

Memory

Internal4GB (2.5GB user available), 512MB RAM
Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32GB

Main Camera

Single5 MP, autofocus
FeaturesGeo-tagging
Video480p@30fps

Selfie Camera

SingleNo

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1600 mAh battery

Body

Dimensions123 x 63.5 x 10 mm (4.84 x 2.5 x 0.39 in)
Weight130 g (4.59 oz)
SIMMini-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP
GPSYes, with A-GPS
RadioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedSeptember 2012
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Very affordable price point at launch
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Expandable storage for media and apps
  • Ran Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a modern OS for its era

Cons

  • Extremely limited internal storage and RAM
  • Low-resolution display by modern standards
  • Basic camera without flash
  • Outdated operating system with no further updates
  • Poor performance for contemporary applications
  • Small battery capacity for prolonged use
★ Our Verdict

While a decent budget smartphone for its release year, the ZTE Blade III's specifications are severely outdated, making it impractical for modern daily use.

The ZTE Blade III is a historical piece from 2012 and is not recommended for anyone seeking a functional smartphone in the current market. Its outdated Android 4.0 operating system, minimal processing power, and lack of support for modern applications mean it cannot handle contemporary tasks or apps. This device would primarily appeal to collectors, technology enthusiasts interested in smartphone evolution, or those needing a very basic feature phone for calls and texts only, if compatible with current networks. For any practical smartphone use, even on a tight budget, consider models released within the last few years that offer current software support and significantly better performance.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • ZTE Blade III Handset
  • Removable Battery
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Wired Headset
  • Quick Start Guide

Standard manufacturer's warranty at the time of purchase, typically one year.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the ZTE Blade III released?

The ZTE Blade III was officially announced and released in September 2012.

What operating system does the ZTE Blade III run?

The ZTE Blade III launched with Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich.

Does the ZTE Blade III have expandable storage?

Yes, the ZTE Blade III supports expandable storage via a microSDHC card, up to 32GB.

What are the main camera specifications of the ZTE Blade III?

The ZTE Blade III features a single 5 MP main camera with autofocus. It does not have a flash.

Is the ZTE Blade III suitable for modern use?

No, the ZTE Blade III is not suitable for modern daily use due to its severely outdated hardware and software, which cannot support current applications or provide adequate performance. It is primarily a collector's item.

What is the screen size and resolution of the ZTE Blade III?

The ZTE Blade III features a 4.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels.