After weeks of seemingly endless leaks that we have covered here time and time again, the ZTE Grand S has now been officially launched. Indeed, ZTE came through with its plan to debut its latest flagship Grand series smartphone at the biggest consumer electronics expo on the planet, Consumer Electronics Show 2013.
The Grand S is ZTE’s very first smartphone equipped with a Full HD screen, meaning it offers users a native resolution of 1920×1080 pixels on the screen. This should allow effortless viewing of web sites in full screen mode. The official press release also touts the Grand S as the world’s thinnest 5-inch Full HD quad-core smartphones. And since it’s only 6.9mm thin, that’s pretty hard to contest.
The ZTE Grand S boasts many top-of-the-line hardware features, such as the aforementioned quad-core processor, which is actually a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro running at 1.7GHz, 2GB RAM, and 16GB storage. It also has a 13-megapixel autofocus rear camera with flash and the ability to capture 1080p video, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for videoconferencing and self-shots, microSD card support and finally, 4G LTE network connectivity.
When it comes to software, the ZTE Grand S will rely on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean as the default operating system. Like many other smartphones, it will run a custom skin on top of the stock Android UI, which is similar in appearance to HTC’s Sense UI.
It would be a mistake for ZTE to not do a worldwide release for the Grand S, given its excellent hardware and software feature-set. The company plans on releasing it first in China, where it will be available for purchase online throughout Q1 2013. Check out the full press release below.
Check out our hands-on video with the ZTE Grand S at CES 2013!
Introducing more High-end Smartphones with Power and Style in 2013
LAS VEGAS, N.V. – January 9, 2012 – From the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, today announced the world debut of the ZTE Grand S – 5.0 FHD LTE. As the flagship handset in ZTE’s high-end Grand Series line of products, the ZTE Grand S is the company’s first FHD smartphone and the world’s thinnest within 5 inch FHD quad-core smartphones, enabled by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. Developed by ZTE, the ultrathin body and high definition display of the ZTE Grand S offer consumers the latest in style, quality and functionality.
From the full-website display which enables optimal content browsing, to the 4G LTE high-speed network which powers a world-class multimedia experience, the ZTE Grand S offers cutting-edge features for even the most discerning smartphone user. The blazingly fast 4G LTE network allows for top-speed downloading and establishes the handset as a premier gaming and movie-viewing portal. Furthermore, the ZTE Grand S offers smartphone photography mavens advanced functions for more vivid self-photography and video calling effects. With face recognition, anti-shake and a panoramic camera, the ZTE Grand S truly presents a high-quality multimedia option for today’s smartphone audience.
The introduction of the ZTE Grand S completes the new Grand Series, which also includes the Grand Era and Grand X. In the series, the ZTE Grand X is for consumers with a passion for high tech, the ZTE Grand Era is for the most advanced smartphone user and the ZTE Grand S is the flagship handset offering the perfect combination of art and technology. The ZTE Grand S represents the company’s latest entry in a new era of smartphone design, which will continue in 2013 with the introduction of additional high-end smartphones.
“The ZTE Grand S gives our customers the latest in technology, functionality and style. We understand that today’s consumers call for advanced features and state-of-the-art multimedia options in their handsets, and the ZTE Grand S confidently addresses those demands,” said Mr. Kan Yulun, Corporate Vice President of ZTE Corporation and CTO of the ZTE Mobile Device Division. “It is fitting that we can announce the world debut of the ZTE Grand S at CES 2013, the world’s largest annual innovation event.”
Key features of the ZTE Grand S include:
- 4G LTE –Customers can expect fast download speeds of 100 Mbpsand upload speeds of 50 Mbps in 4G LTE Mobile Broadband coverage areas
- Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 1.7GHz quad-core CPU
- Android Jelly Bean operating system
- 13M AF camera with Flash and 2M FF 1080P video
- Expert hardware and software safety protection standard – Palm Manager helps users manage mobile phone software, optimize electricity use and protect private information
- 5 inch FHD screencapable of full-website display
- Dolby Digital surround soundMemory: 2GB RAM + 16GB EMMC
- Dimensions: 142*69*6.9mm
The ZTE Grand S was introduced at a special press event at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will remain on display at the ZTE booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth #36612) throughout CES.
The ZTE Grand S will be available for online purchase in China first in Q1 of 2013.
