ZTE Obsidian smartphone
ZTE

ZTE Obsidian

August 13, 2015 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The ZTE Obsidian is an entry-level Android smartphone released in August 2015, primarily for T-Mobile. It features a compact 4.5-inch display, a quad-core MediaTek processor, and runs Android 5.1 Lollipop, targeting budget-conscious users.
Display4.5" TFT, 480 x 854 pixels
ChipsetMediaTek MT6735M
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash
BatteryRemovable 1800 mAh Li-Ion

💰 ZTE Obsidian Price

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTFT
Size4.5 inches
Resolution480 x 854 pixels
ProtectionNot specified

Platform

OSAndroid 5.1 (Lollipop)
ChipsetMediaTek MT6735M
CPUQuad-core 1.0 GHz ARM Cortex-A53
GPUARM Mali-T720 MP2

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32 GB
Internal4GB 1GB RAM

Main Camera

Single5 MP
FeaturesLED flash
VideoYes

Selfie Camera

Single2 MP

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1800 mAh
Talk timeUp to 6 hours (3G)

Body

Dimensions137.4 x 68.6 x 10.2 mm (5.41 x 2.70 x 0.40 in)
Weight137.5 g (4.87 oz)
SIMMicro-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP
PositioningGPS, A-GPS
NFCNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedAugust 2015
StatusAvailable. Released August 13, 2015

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Very affordable price at launch
  • Compact size for easy handling
  • Came with Android 5.1 Lollipop (at release)
  • 4G LTE support for faster data speeds
  • Storage expandable via microSD card

Cons

  • Low-resolution display
  • Limited internal storage (4GB)
  • Basic camera performance (5MP/2MP)
  • Only 1GB of RAM, impacting multitasking
  • Modest 1800 mAh battery capacity
  • Outdated specifications by current standards
★ Our Verdict

The ZTE Obsidian offered basic smartphone functionality and 4G LTE at an extremely affordable price point upon its release, making it a good value for budget-conscious users despite its modest specifications.

The ZTE Obsidian, released in 2015, is an extremely outdated smartphone by today's standards. While it was a budget-friendly option with 4G LTE at its launch, its low-resolution display, minimal storage, and basic camera capabilities make it unsuitable for modern smartphone use. It would struggle with current apps, security updates are non-existent, and battery life would be severely limited. This device is only recommended for collectors or for extremely basic, non-internet-dependent tasks if found at a near-zero cost. For anyone seeking a functional smartphone, even on a tight budget, newer entry-level models offer significantly better performance, features, and security. Do not purchase this phone for daily use in 2026.

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

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • ZTE Obsidian smartphone
  • Removable battery
  • Wall charger
  • USB cable
  • Quick Start Guide

Standard manufacturer's warranty, typically one year from the date of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the ZTE Obsidian released?

The ZTE Obsidian was officially released on August 13, 2015.

What operating system does the ZTE Obsidian run?

Upon its release, the ZTE Obsidian ran on Android 5.1 (Lollipop).

Does the ZTE Obsidian support 4G LTE?

Yes, the ZTE Obsidian was notable for supporting 4G LTE connectivity at its budget price point.

Can the storage on the ZTE Obsidian be expanded?

Yes, the ZTE Obsidian includes a microSDHC card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 32 GB.

What are the main camera specifications of the ZTE Obsidian?

The ZTE Obsidian features a 5 MP main camera with an LED flash and a 2 MP front-facing camera.

Is the ZTE Obsidian still a good phone to buy today?

No, the ZTE Obsidian is severely outdated by modern standards. Its specifications are too low for current apps, it lacks security updates, and its overall performance would be very poor for daily use in 2026.