ZUK Z1 Review

ZUK Z1 Review

Table of Contents

Performance and Benchmarks

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Powering the device is a Snapdragon 801 processor with 3GB RAM. It may be an older chip, but it is still capable of handling all you throw in the phone — even resource-heavy games such as Asphalt 8. The Z1 also gets a bit warm at the back, and mostly at the metal sides when you’re playing or doing intensive tasks by (up to 40.5°C on Du Battery Saver’s monitoring). We checked it with our benchmarks, and here’s what we’ve got:

* AnTuTu – 46,743
* Quadrant Standard – 26,418
* Vellamo – 3,353 (Chrome), 1,673 (Metal), 1,881 (Multicore)
* 3DMark – 18,756 (Ice Storm Unlimited)

Given that it has a processor from last year. the performance benchmarks in AnTuTu puts it on par with other powerful smartphones such as the Meizu MX4, Motorola Moto X, or even the ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE551ML.

Connectivity and Call Quality

Calls were good on the Z1. The call speakers produces clear sounds and the microphone is audible to be heard by the other party. Connectivity wasn’t an issue as well, as we got to be connected to a lot of wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data. Sadly, there no Dual LTE connectivity as only the SIM 1 tray can offer 4G signals, leaving the other on a lower mobile data signal capacity.

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There’s also the fingerprint scanner, which happens to be a responsive one with a lot of added features in. The scanner works really well, even if you have to swipe your finger over the button instead of the touch imprint method used on other devices. The Z1, sadly, doesn’t have NFC, so you will have to go through the longer method of pairing to another device.

Transferring files from the phone to the PC using the USB-C port isn’t a hassle and takes a breeze. It’s a welcome treat for those looking for a new standard in wired connectivity, as it is reversible and you won’t have problems putting the cord in. You might have to buy additional cords due to the nature of the port itself: USB-C is not yet common for smartphones in the country, and you might need to bring a cord along with you every time due to its scarcity at the time of this writing.

Battery Life

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The Z1’s 4100mAh battery can get you through up to two days with light to moderate usage of calls, SMS, and internet browsing both on mobile data and Wi-Fi. Our PCMark test gave the ZUK Z1 a 9 hours and 2 minutes work battery life. Meanwhile, our standard video loop test kept the phone running for 13 hours and 20 minutes. With a 2A 5V quick charge adapter, charging the phone takes about two to three hours to full.

Conclusion

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Combining a minimal yet mixed look and a software well-integrated to perform, the ZUK Z1 is poised to stand up against the competition as a bang-for-the-buck device. At Php15,299, you get to have a smartphone capable of offering great performance with good battery life and added features in tow.

With that being said, the absence of storage expansion via a microSD card slot may drive away users who prefer to expand the available storage. Its non-removable back is susceptible to fingerprints and smudges. Nevertheless, the phone is great for those who need a capable SD801-equipped phone with great battery life at a price less than that of the flagships.

ZUK Z1 specs:
5.5-inch Full HD IPS display @ 1920 x 1080 resolution, 401ppi
2.5GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor
3GB RAM
64GB internal storage
13MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture, IMX214 sensor, dual-tone LED flash, OIS
8MP front camera with OV8865 sensor
Dual-SIM (nano)
4G LTE
USB Type-C and USB 3.0
4100mAh battery w/ fast-charging tech
U-Touch fingerprint reader
8.9mm thick
Cyanogen OS 12.1 (based on Android 5.1.1)

What we liked about it:
* Good display even in outdoor environments
* Good battery life
* Great performance
* USB-C
* Cyanogen offers great customization options
* Well-responsive fingerprint reader

What we didn’t like about it:
* Device is a fingerprint and smudge magnet
* No expansion storage available

12 Comments

Aaron Gwapz Giray says:

9 years ago

nice so ganda naman nyan edi wOw! malina camera hahahaha bibili ako nyan ma try nga..
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Sed says:

9 years ago

Hello, does anyone know where can I buy a case for this phone? Thanks!
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Joey says:

9 years ago

I bought my ZUK Z1 at the Lenovo Store at the Digital Exchange Glorietta 3. Look fo Jessica. :)
The ZUK Z1 though almost 1:1 with the OnePlus One, performs way better. The battery definitely rocks! 24hrs on a single charge, mobile data always on and some online games.
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Joey says:

9 years ago

no case available for this yet. as for wifi and data connectivity, relative to my OnePlus One and Nexus 5, the ZUK Z1 is performing just as good. in terms of mobile data, it has better reception esp with LTE.
Sed says:

9 years ago

Hello Joey, is the wifi connection good on this phone?
Zorounggoy says:

9 years ago

may case or flip cover na bang available?

Jay says:

9 years ago

where is ZUK Z1 avaialable?
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Aaron Gwapz Giray says:

9 years ago

its available sa store syempre..
mandirigma says:

9 years ago

may nakita din ako sa ABC Store Robinsons Ermita/Manila.
Carl Lamiel says:

9 years ago

Hi Jay! The ZUK Z1 is currently available at MemoXpress, Abenson, and Electroworld outlets.

Paul says:

9 years ago

Smartphones like this should bring some excitement to the midrange above 10k-below 30k segment.

Usually on the public commute I see folks with either the budget phones at below 10k (CM Flare, Galaxy J etc), or they’re those with the latest iPhone or high end Galaxy S at above 30k.

Now with this first offering by ZUK, Vibe P1 and Phab Plus from Lenovo, Xperia M5 and C5 Ultra from Sony, and even Galaxy A8 from Samsung, customers have more choice if they want to spend more for decent specs and imported brand quality… without sacrificing their entire Christmas bonus. ;)
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