Amir ZulkarnainThe Blade V50 Design is ZTE’s latest budget-friendly smartphone, offering a solid set of features at an affordable price point.
With a 6.6-inch FHD+ display boasting a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, a powerful 50MP main camera, and a hefty 5,000mAh battery supporting 22.5W fast charging, it promises an impressive user experience. Storage won’t be an issue either, with a generous 256GB onboard.
Under the hood, it operates on Android T and is driven by the capable Unisoc T606 octa-core processor coupled with 8GB of RAM. In this review, we’ll delve deeper into the Blade V50 Design’s performance across various aspects to determine its overall value.
Specification table
| Specs | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Unisoc T606 Octa-Core 1.6GHz |
| GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 256GB |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 22.5W Fast Charge |
| Display | 6.6″ FHD+ 2408*1080 LCD with 90Hz refresh rate |
| Camera | Rear: 50MP + 2MP + 2MP; Front: 8MP |
| Connectivity | WiFi 2.4G/5G, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, VoLTE, VoWiFi |
| Security Features | Side Fingerprint, Face Unlock |
| Operating System and Updates | Android T |
| Additional Features | 3.5mm audio jack, MicroSD slot |
Performance and User Experience
While not a powerhouse, the Blade V50 Design handles basic tasks and apps smoothly. Its Unisoc T606 processor performs comparably to the MediaTek Helio G80 or Snapdragon 662, allowing for casual gaming and multitasking with minimal lag. With 8GB of RAM and Fusion RAM technology, apps stay in memory, reducing loading times.
The standout feature is its display: a large 6.6-inch FHD+ screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing sharp and smooth visuals. Though vibrant, brightness may struggle in direct sunlight. The teardrop notch housing the selfie camera is unobtrusive.
Software-wise, the Blade V50 Design offers mostly stock Android with ZTE customizations, running on Android T. It includes useful features like dark mode, gesture navigation, and digital wellbeing. While the UI is clean, there’s some bloatware and occasional ads. ZTE’s update policy for the Blade V50 Design remains unclear, but ideally, it should receive at least one major OS update along with regular security patches.
Camera Quality and Features
The Blade V50 Design sports a triple camera setup on its rear, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. In favorable lighting, the main camera captures decent photos with good detail and color reproduction. However, it struggles in low-light conditions, resulting in noisy and blurry images. Unfortunately, it lacks features like optical image stabilization (OIS), night mode, or an ultra-wide-angle lens.
The depth sensor aids in creating a bokeh effect for portrait shots, yet it occasionally blurs the wrong areas, compromising accuracy. As for the macro sensor, it enables close-up shots of small objects but delivers low-resolution and quality images.
For selfies and video calls, the 8MP front camera is at your service. While it offers a beauty mode to enhance features, it may sometimes render an unnatural appearance. The front camera can record videos up to 1080p resolution at 30fps.
Battery Life and Charging
Featuring a spacious 5,000mAh battery, the Blade V50 Design ensures a full day of moderate usage on a single charge. Its 22.5W fast charging capability via USB-C swiftly boosts the battery from zero to 50% in approximately 30 minutes. However, it lacks support for wireless charging or reverse charging functionalities.
Design and Build Quality
The Blade V50 Design sports a plastic body with flat sides and rounded corners, boasting a glossy finish that reflects light, lending a gradient effect to the back. Available in Diamond Black, Sunrise Violet, and Beach Green, the phone feels robust and ergonomic in the hand, albeit slightly heavy (207g) and thick (8.3mm).
Equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner that’s both fast and reliable, the device also features a dependable face unlock function. Additionally, it offers a 3.5mm audio jack and a MicroSD slot for expanded storage. A single speaker at the bottom delivers satisfactory volume for media consumption, though it may lack bass and clarity.
Price and Availability
In Malaysia, the Blade V50 Design is priced competitively at RM599, considering its specifications and features. You can purchase it from the official ZTE store on Lazada and Shopee, as well as from authorized retailers and dealers. The phone includes a one-year warranty and a complimentary screen protector.
Conclusion
The Blade V50 Design stands as a solid entry-level smartphone, delivering considerable bang for your buck. Its highlights include a generous FHD+ display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, a robust 50MP main camera, a substantial 5,000mAh battery with fast charging capabilities, and ample 256GB storage. Additionally, it operates on Android T and features conveniences like a fingerprint scanner and a 3.5mm audio jack.
However, it does come with some drawbacks. These include a modest processor, average camera performance, a plastic body build, and pre-installed bloatware and ads. Moreover, it lacks certain features such as OIS, night mode, an ultra-wide-angle lens, wireless charging, and reverse charging.
For those seeking an affordable smartphone that handles everyday tasks capably with some added perks, the Blade V50 Design is worth considering. However, if you require more power or versatility, exploring other options may be advisable.