ZTE Optik
Key specs
Critic consensus
“ZTE's Optik is a decent device. It certainly doesn't set any precedents, but for a 7 tablet that costs $99 on contract, it's definitely not bad. If you don't mind a somewhat lacking video/photo capture experience and can figure out the Optik's finicky video playback, this tablet can provide a smooth, enjoyable everyday use experience.”
“At just $99, Sprint's ZTE Optik is enticing. But when you take into account the fact that you'll end up paying at least $579 for 3G speeds, it starts to look significantly less appealing. Yes, a $99 Honeycomb tablet may seem like the holy grail for budget-conscious families, but we'd suggest stepping up to the $199 Kindle Fire instead.”
“The ZTE Optik is cheap enough that it falls into the impulse purchase category, and users who drop $99 on the Optik will definitely get their money’s worth. It is a capable tablet that will perform all the basic tasks without issue, but if you’re expecting more than average from a tablet the Optik is not for you. The entry-level price point and quality hardware make the Optik a good everyday tablet, even at the $350 off-contract price for those who don’t want a data plan. It is not for the power users, but it is for the average Joe and that is exactly what Sprint and ZTE are going for.”
“The ZTE Optik from Sprint is a low-cost 7-inch Android tablet, just like the Kindle Fire, B&N NOOK Tablet, and Lenovo A1. So what makes this 3G tablet special? It could be 16GB internal storage with expandable microSD, Great display with 216 pixels per inch, Decent build quality with nice design. In the case of the ZTE Optik, that aforementioned $99 price tag may lure you in, but don’t be fooled. For a 2-year contract that’ll run you a minimum of $30 per month, you’re looking at $820 when all is said and done. In case you were wondering, that amount translates to “WAY too much” in cheapskate lingo. Strip away the contract, and you’re left with a bill teetering on the brink of $349, in which case those not interested in 3G connectivity can get away relatively cheap.”
Watch before you decide
What people say
Only a few ratings so far, not enough to show a trend yet.
1 rating so far
The ZTE Optik i purchased seems to be a wonderful low cost device with a 16GB internal storage & a Great display with 216 pixels per inch runs on a Android 3.2 Honeycomb. Im quite satisified with this tablet. Value for money
In Depth
If you’re looking for a 7-inch Android tablet with basic Wi-Fi connectivity, you have a wide range of different models to choose from. However, if your aim is to find something with not only Wi-Fi but also 3G cellular connectivity, then the number of choices drops significantly. One of the few true 3G-enabled Android tablets available on the market today is the ZTE Optik. Also going by the name v55, it comes with Android 3.2 Honeycomb pre-installed. And yes, it supports 3G data through CDMA networks.
The 7-inch 1280×800 touchscreen display on the Optik is one of its best features. It is framed quite nicely by a rounded black casing which conveniently weighs only 400 grams and measures 13mm thick. As far as hardware goes, it’s pretty well-equipped. It has wireless features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS with A-GPS, plus it has 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded even further with a microSD card. A 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon CPU keeps things running smoothly along with 1GB of RAM. If you care a lot about camera performance, you’ll be pleased to find a 5 megapixel snapper on the Optik’s back. If there’s one thing that isn’t so pleasing about it, however, it’s the 4.4 hour battery life when surfing with Wi-Fi.
The Optik was made to answer the market’s need for a low-cost Android tablet with built-in 3G wireless connectivity. And indeed, it can be acquired rather inexpensively. If you plan on getting it for yourself however, remember that a monthly service contract is necessary in order to fully enjoy that 3G data convenience. Those data costs, as some of us know all too well, can really add up in the long run.
Need to Know: ZTE Optik
1. Comes in portable 7-inch form factor with HD touchscreen display. (The Good)
2. Default software can be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. (The Good)
3. The battery won’t last a full day with heavy use. (The Bad)
4. The monthly service fee for 3G data may end up costing much more than the tablet itself. (The Bad)
What people actually want to know
When was the ZTE Optik released?
The ZTE Optik was released on February 5, 2012.
How long does the battery last on the ZTE Optik?
The ZTE Optik has a 4,000 mAh battery.
Does the ZTE Optik have a headphone jack?
Yes, the ZTE Optik has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Where can I get support for the ZTE Optik?
Visit ZTE's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the ZTE Optik manual?
You can view and download the ZTE Optik manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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