The ZTE Blade S6 is the newest smartphone from China-based phone maker ZTE. Targeted for the young demographic, the device is decidedly budget-friendly even as it features an octa-core chipset and runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop, the latest version of the Android mobile operating system.
The ZTE Blade S6 also comes with a 13-megapixel camera on the rear side, then complemented nicely with a 5-megapixel camera on the front side.
As for ZTE Blade S6's display screen, the Chinese company lists its latest mobile device as a 5-inch HD handset that has an IPS screen with full HD resolution.
With regards to its hardware specifications, the ZTE Blade S6 runs on a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, the company's first eight-core chip. This is further supported with 2 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM) and 16 gigabytes of internal storage. Users can choose to expand the memory through the device's microSD card slot. The smartphone also has a 2,400 mAh battery.
In terms of network connectivity, the ZTE Blade S5 supports LTE networks on five bands (1, 3, 7, 8, and 20). In addition to this, the handset also comes with radios for Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, global positioning system (GPS), and FM.
The device is also equipped with the usual set of smartphone sensors that include an accelerometer, a compass, a gyroscope, and ambient light. According to ZTE, the smartphone can support Hi-Fi audio.
Because the ZTE Blade S6 only uses the LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 8 and 20, the device is most likely intended for Asia-based users only (ZTE is after all, based in China). Also, the device may look like an iPhone at first glance. Which might make some wonder: is ZTE trying to ride on the immense popularity of the new iPhones models?
Still, competing directly with Apple would be a tall order for ZTE, even if it is operating on home turf. Recent reports indicate that iPhone sales in China now outpace that of the United States.
But ZTE, and other Chinese phone makers, do have costs on their side. A big reason they are successful in the last few years is their knack of introducing smartphones that have nifty features but come with a very budget-friendly price.
While not the cheapest one out there, ZTE's newest offering does relatively come cheap. The ZTE Blade S6 will be offered at a price of $250. When launched, the device will be available in pink-matte finish and silver editions. For now, ZTE has not yet released any information regarding carrier availability and exact launch date.
