Beau HD gets his hands on the recently-announced ZTE Star 2. The Star 2 features a quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor with 2GB of RAM, 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, 5-megapixel front-facing camera, 5-inch 1080p display, and it runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat. It also features a new voice assistant application that is powerful enough to open apps, toggle WiFi, and play or pause music playback.
A couple of new ZTE devices were released at CES 2015. One of these devices was the ZTE Star 2, which this quick hands-on review:
The ZTE Star 2 has a square body that makes it feel like a Sony Xperia device. Built with a nice aluminum frame on the sides and glossy Gorilla Glass back cover, the phone fits comfortably on one hand.
The phone runs on a Snapdragon 801 Quad-Core processor with 2 GB of RAM. It comes with a 13MP rear camera and a secondary front-facing camera with a resolution of 5MP. Its 5-inch 1080p screen is capable of displaying some of the best graphics available.
While the phone runs on Android OS, it is surprising to discover that it doesn’t have an app drawer. Instead, downloaded apps are found on the Home Screen; making it similar to iOS. Just like other Chinese-released devices, this was a common feature to make the phone feel less like an Android device.
One notable feature on the ZTE Star 2 is that it takes voice control to a new level. By long pressing on the home button, the Voice Control assistant is awakened. This function can help open apps, play music, toggle Wi-Fi, and activate camera. Basically, control the entire phone. With a preset command, the phone can also be unlocked by the assistant. And by raising the phone to the head, the assistant will boot up and ask whom to call.
The ZTE Star 2 will be available in the coming months with a price of $400 off-contract.
