ZTE Blade A711 Review

Performance and Benchmarks

After using the Blade A711 as a daily driver, we were contented with the performance that it showed. Lags were kept to a minimum thanks to the tandem of the Snapdragon CPU and 2GB of RAM. Transitions when switching from one app to the other were also fluid. The only time we noticed little hiccups were when we played resource-heavy games with a number of apps still running in the background. Still, it was not a major let down and easily tolerable. We used it for browsing and updating our social media sites, taking photos and videos, and some casual gaming every now and then. We would say the Blade A711 handled those tasks confidently.

Activating its fingerprint scanner for unlocking the screen requires you to tap the different areas of your finger (index finger works best) into the sensor. Once your print is registered, you may unlock the screen by scanning your finger, but you still need to press the power button first. We noticed that it was quick to scan, but you really have to put the tip of your finger exactly into the sensor and not a bit off.

We’ve downloaded our usual benchmarking apps and let this device go at it. Below are the scores:

• AnTuTu v5.7.1 – 31,538
• Quadrant Standard – 22,429
• Vellamo – 1,573 (Multicore), 1,163 (Metal), 2,056 (Chrome Browser)
• PCMark: 3,508
• 3DMark (SlingShot ES 3.0): 55

Regarding software bugs such as randomly shutting down, ZTE says that they have already fixed the issue before sending the stocks here in the Philippines. True enough, we didn’t experience any app crashing or anything of that sort. Another issue that users in different countries were complaining about was the temperature of the device getting really high. During our entire time with the Blade A711, the only part where it got warm (but not too warm) was when we ran the benchmarks. It even kept its cool during our battery test that had the device playing videos for hours.

Connectivity and Call Quality

One offering that is much-appreciated in this sub-Php8K phone is its LTE connectivity. It yielded average-good results after using it for a couple of days. It was hard to get an LTE signal where we reside in Bacoor, Cavite, but the reception got stable when we were around Makati. Using it for calls, both parties sounded clear and audible, with the background noise sounding like it was toned down a bit.

Battery Life

Running our standard battery benchmarking app, the Blade A711 lasted 7 hours and 45 minutes. As for our video loop test while the phone is in Airplane Mode, 50% volume and brightness, and battery-saving feature turned off, we were able to squeeze out 10 hours and 41 minutes from its 3000mAh battery.

Conclusion

The ZTE Blade A711 definitely doesn’t look its price with an all-metal body. With its attempt to look like a premium device, it would easily pass as a mid-ranger just by looking at its form factor. The 1080p resolution and IPS panel team up to produce detailed images, although a noticeable bezel surrounds it. It can take vibrant photos at day, but tends to dull the colors down at night. Daily performance was also reliable and lags were kept on the down low.

For a 5.5-inch device with Full HD resolution, it lasted pretty long at over 10 hours thanks to its 3000mAh battery. Signal reception for LTE could go wonky or stable, depending on your location. Finally, simple things like the notification ring light add a nice touch to both its aesthetics and functionality. So to answer the question we asked at the beginning of this review, the combination of offerings from ZTE’s Blade A711 resulted in a capable device that has the bells-and-whistles from higher-tier smartphones while asking for a budget-friendly price.

It is scheduled to be available exclusively to Lazada on January 14, 2016, at 12 noon for Php7,690USD 131INR 11,109EUR 125CNY 954. See listing here.

ZTE Blade A711 (Blade X9) specs:
5.5-inch Full HD IPS display, 401ppi
1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 octa-core CPU
Adreno 405 GPU
2GB RAM
16GB internal storage
up to 128GB microSD (via SIM 2 slot)
13MP rear AF camera w/ LED flash
5MP front camera
Dual-SIM
4G LTE, 3G HSPA+
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP
GPS, A-GPS
FM Radio
DTS Audio
Fingerprint scanner
Android 5.1 Lollipop w/ Nubia UI 3.0
3,000mAh battery
155.3 x 77.2 x 8.6 mm
160g

What we liked about it:

• All-metal body
• Detailed display
• With ample light, shots have good vibrance
• Reliable performance
• Fingerprint scanner
• LTE connectivity
• Notification ring light

What we didn’t like:

• Produces dull colors on low-lit areas
• Rear camera is a bit protruding