ZTE Blade S6

“Buyers who do not see long battery runtimes and decent speakers as top priority and are looking for a high-performance, affordable smartphone should certainly take a look at ZTE's Blade S6.”

“It’s never easy summing up how a smartphone is to use each and everyday. Like a new pet, there’s a period of adjustment where the two of you bond, or sometimes not. In an odd way, this applies to phones. Could I live with it everyday, or would I be desperate to go back to my usual Android smartphone even before the review was over? The Blade S6 and I bonded rather well. There’s no annoying software, very little extra setup outside of the usual Google processes, and the battery lasts a sensible amount of time, even when connected to an accessory. I never thought twice about slipping it into my pocket each morning, and didn’t miss my regular Android phone for the duration of the review. It did everything I wanted it to, without any fuss. I’d want to find a case though, because that may stop the infernal creaking.”

“ZTE has turned out a highly capable Android smartphone for a very reasonable price.In terms of power and photographic capabilities, it wipes the floor with the Motorola Moto G, which is only a little cheaper. However, ZTE could learn a thing or two about design from the current budget champ, as the Blade S6 simply doesn't look or feel very nice in the hand.It's not balanced or attractive enough to take the affordable handset crown, then, but power-hungry Android fans on a budget may want to consider it as an option.”

“At a touch over £150 the ZTE Blade S6 is a great-value Android Lollipop phone with strong general performance and an attractive iPhone 6-like build. Dual-SIM and 4G LTE connectivity, a selection of smart gestures and a capable Sony camera all add to this phone's appeal, but its battery life is no better than average and we're not so keen on the idea of having all our apps by default laid bare on the home screen.”