ZTE isn't a name we hear a lot of here in the U.S. smartphone market, but we thought you may want to know about their newest Android-powered smartphone. The handset you're looking at above is the ZTE Skate (inspired by a skateboard), which sports a 4.3-inch display of unknown resolution, 800MHz CPU, Adreno 200 GPU, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, and Android 2.3. Expect the Skate to launch worldwide in May, although there's no mention of any sort of U.S. release.
While it may not feature a Tegra 2 core or crazy high-end camera, the ZTE Skate seems like a decent Android handset, especially since it has a nice, big display and Gingerbread preloaded. That's why it's kind of a disappointment that we likely won't be seeing the Skate arrive stateside any time soon, if we ever do. Here's to hoping that ZTE's got something up its sleeve for U.S.-based customers that's similar to the Skate.
ZTE Unveils Skate Smart Phone at GSMA Mobile World Congress
Featuring a large 4.3-inch screen and Android 2.3 operating system
14 February 2011, Shenzhen – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock
code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of
telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today launched its flagship
Android smart phone, Skate, at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2011 in
Barcelona. The company also announced its new “Light Your Smart World” strategy,
under which ZTE will promote its entire range of signature smart products, including
tablet devices, internet TV boxes and smart phones.
Inspired by the skateboard, the ZTE Skate is fashionably thin and lightweight at only
120g, featuring a large 4.3-inch screen to provide an optimal web surfing experience
to consumers. It uses the Android 2.3 operating system, an 800MHz processor and
the Adreno 200 graphics processing unit (GPU) to support the widescreen, high-
definition display. In addition, the ZTE Skate also incorporates a 5MP camera,
multimedia Bluetooth extension, A-GPS capability, hardware compass, and G-
sensor.
The open Android operating system ensures that Skate can run an extensive range
of apps, meeting not only the in-depth customization needs of operators, but also
providing a user-friendly UI, and convenient and powerful multimedia features. Skate
supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE at 900/1800/1900MHz and HSDPA/UMTS at 900/
2100MHz, as well as WiFi internet access.
The ZTE Skate is expected to be available from May 2011 in markets worldwide.
The smart phone launch also kicks off ZTE’s “Light Your Smart World” smart product
strategy. At GSMA Mobile World Congress 2011, ZTE will showcase a range of
smart terminals including its Android-based Amigo slide phone designed for young
and fashionable users, the highly successful Blade Android smartphone, and the
FOR RELEASE
F952 handset running Brew MP and supporting the WAC (Wholesale Applications
Community).
An IDC report shows that ZTE has become one of the world’s top five handset
makers – in 2010 the company’s global shipment of handsets reached 60 million
units and terminal products over 90 million units. Signature models such as the
ZTE Blade and ZTE Light became bestsellers across multiple markets, achieving
outstanding sales records in more than 30 countries including Europe and Japan,
within a very short period of time. The ZTE Blade was also frequently referred to as
the “Most Valuable Smartphone” by media in these markets.
About ZTE
ZTE is a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions
with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline,
wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made
products and services to over 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to
meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s
2009 revenue led the industry with a 36% increase to USD 8,820.7 million. ZTE commits 10
percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range
of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound
corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact.
ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and
Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ).
For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.
