ZTE Blade V60 Design (aka ZTE Blade V60 Vita): Entry-Level Power With Midrange Features On A Budget

Body

The ZTE Blade V60 Design has a modern look with dimensions of 164.2×75.3×8.6 mm, making it comfortable to hold despite its large screen. Weighing 198 g, it feels solid in hand, but not too heavy. With three color options - Champagne Gold, Dark Blue, and Sunrise Violet - it caters to both minimalist and vibrant style preferences. Here are the relevant specs:

The body of the ZTE Blade V60 Design is definitely designed with comfort and style in mind. Those measurements represent a pretty standard size for a modern smartphone, meaning it's large enough for an immersive viewing experience without being too bulky.

For long sessions, whether you're gaming or binge-watching, the phone's dimensions make it manageable. The relatively thin profile of 8.6 mm strikes a balance between sleekness and ergonomics. You can comfortably hold it for long periods without feeling like you're holding a brick.

However, with a weight of 198 g, it does lean towards the heavier side. For reference, this is roughly the weight of a midrange smartphone with a bigger battery. While it won't feel too heavy in the hand for short tasks, if you're holding it for extended periods (like while reading or gaming), you might start to notice the weight.

When it comes to carrying it in a pocket, the phone should slip in just fine, but you may feel it due to the weight, especially in lighter fabrics like summer pants or gym shorts. In a bag, it would be hardly noticeable.

Glass backs exude a high-end, luxurious feel that many users appreciate. They reflect light beautifully, adding to the phone's aesthetic appeal. The Blade V60 Design features a mirror-like reflective glass, which feels smooth to the touch. It is quite durable and resistant to scratches and minor impacts.

However, glass is more prone to shattering if dropped compared to other materials. And glass surfaces tend to attract fingerprints and smudges, requiring regular cleaning to maintain their pristine look.

The ZTE Blade V60 Design comes in three striking colors: Champagne Gold, Dark Blue, and Sunrise Violet. Each color has its own personality, and here's a breakdown of who they might suit:

• Champagne Gold: This color is for users who want a touch of elegance and class. It's sophisticated and subtle, exuding a sense of luxury without being too flashy. If you're someone who prefers a refined, timeless aesthetic, this color will appeal to you.
• Dark Blue: If you're after a classic, versatile look, Dark Blue is your go-to. It's professional, understated, and works for any occasion, from casual to formal. This color will suit users who prioritize a sleek and low-key design but still want a modern vibe.
• Sunrise Violet: For those who love to stand out, Sunrise Violet is the boldest choice. It's vibrant, playful, and perfect for users with a more expressive personality. If you like your phone to make a statement or want something a bit out of the ordinary, this one's for you.

In short, the ZTE Blade V60 Design offers a solid build that feels premium, while the color choices allow you to reflect your personal style - whether you're more reserved or love to stand out.

If we compare the ZTE Blade V60 Design with the predecessor Blade V50 Design 4G, it's gotten slightly smaller, slimmer, and lighter. The Blade V50 Design 4G was 165×76.1×8.3 mm and 207 g. Material-wise, it featured a glass front and back, and a plastic frame.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

Ah, the missing IP rating - the mysterious guardian that tells us how our beloved gadgets fend off water and dust. While the ZTE Blade V60 Design might not come flaunting an official IP rating, it doesn't necessarily mean it's defenseless against the environmental elements. So, should potential buyers be clutching their umbrellas in fear? Let's break it down.

Many smartphones, especially in the budget and mid-tier segments, skip the official IP rating to keep costs down. However, it's essential to understand that the lack of a rating doesn't mean your phone is allergic to water or dust. The Blade V60 Design likely has some level of protection, just without the fancy certification.

Here are some practical tips for shielding your Blade V60 Design from the elements:

• Avoiding Water Immersion: While the ZTE Blade V60 Design might survive a splash or two, it's not designed for underwater adventures. Keep it away from swimming pools, sinks, and spontaneous rain showers - the usual suspects for smartphone water damage.
• Dust Defense: Dust is the silent assassin of gadgets. A simple trick is to keep your phone in a clean pocket or bag when not in use. Avoid placing it on dusty surfaces, especially in windy conditions.
• The Power of Accessories: Enter the unsung heroes - the protective case and the screen protector. Investing in a good-quality case provides an extra layer of defense against accidental spills and drops. A screen protector adds an armor of scratch resistance, keeping your display pristine. Think of this duo as the capes for your Blade V60 Design, ready to swoop in and shield it from the daily challenges of life.

So, should the absence of an official IP rating deter you from embracing the ZTE Blade V60 Design? Not necessarily. With a dash of common sense and the right accessories, your Blade V60 Design can navigate the elements with flair. It's like giving your phone a stylish suit of armor - practical, protective, and a statement of your commitment to keeping your tech safe and sound.

For comparison, the predecessor Blade V50 Design 4G did not have an IP rating, either.

Display: Immersive Visuals with a Smooth Refresh Rate

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

Sporting a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, the ZTE Blade V60 Design strikes a balance between size and quality. The 90 Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and transitions, enhancing the overall user experience. With a resolution of 720×1612 pixels, the device offers decent sharpness, though at 267 PPI, it's not the most pixel-dense display.

Image credit: ZTE

Here are the relevant specs:

The display of the ZTE Blade V60 Design is one of its most important aspects, offering a balance between affordability and functionality. It features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate, providing a decent experience for most users, particularly those focused on media consumption and casual use.

First off, the IPS LCD (In-Plane Switching Liquid Crystal Display) technology is a strong point of this phone. IPS LCDs are known for their consistent and accurate color reproduction, wide viewing angles, and excellent brightness levels. The wide viewing angles mean that no matter which angle you're looking at the screen, colors and clarity remain consistent. This makes the display particularly good for watching videos with friends and scrolling through social media without experiencing color distortions.

In terms of color vibrancy and brightness, while IPS LCDs might not offer the deep blacks or punchy contrast found in OLED displays, they still produce sharp, natural colors, and they tend to perform better in bright outdoor environments due to higher peak brightness.

The 90 Hz refresh rate is a standout feature in this price range. A refresh rate refers to how many times per second the screen updates with new information, and higher refresh rates make animations, scrolling, and transitions feel smoother. The jump from the standard 60 Hz to 90 Hz is especially noticeable when scrolling through apps, browsing the web, or navigating through menus - it gives the phone a faster, more responsive feel.

For users who spend time on social media, news apps, or even light gaming, the smoother motion enhances the overall experience, making it more fluid and enjoyable. The 90 Hz refresh rate is also a bonus for those who like to watch videos or game on their phones, though heavy gamers might notice a slight trade-off in the sharpness of high-speed action due to the lower resolution.

Speaking of which, the 720×1612 pixel resolution offers a 20:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of around 267 PPI (pixels per inch). This resolution, also known as HD+, is fairly standard in entry-level devices, especially at this price point. Given the larger 6.6-inch size of the display, it still offers a decent visual experience for general content consumption.

Here's a breakdown of what types of content the 720×1612 px resolution is perfect for:

• Social Media Browsing (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter): Since these platforms generally use compressed images and short-form content, the display is adequate for smooth scrolling and enjoying posts.
• Video Streaming at 720p or 1080p: The display handles 720p video content well, and it can scale 1080p videos to look decent enough for casual viewing. So, watching YouTube and Netflix will still be enjoyable, though you won't get full HD sharpness.
• Casual Gaming: If you're playing light games that aren't graphically demanding, like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers, this resolution is more than enough.
• General Browsing and Reading: If your usage mostly involves checking emails, reading news articles, and navigating through web pages, the screen works fine for these tasks, though for heavy reading, a higher resolution would be more comfortable.

However, the lower pixel density becomes more noticeable when you compare it to phones with 1080p (Full HD) or higher resolutions. Here's where the resolution falls short:

• Text Clarity: If you're reading long blocks of text, such as in ebooks and extensive web articles, you might notice that fonts don't appear as crisp as they would on a higher resolution display.
• High-Resolution Images and Videos: While the phone handles streaming and regular video playback just fine, if you're trying to watch 4K or high-quality HD content, you won't get the full benefit, as the screen can't display that level of detail. The same applies to photographers or artists who want ultra-crisp visuals for editing photos or viewing high-res images - this display won't offer that level of clarity.
• Gaming: For casual gamers, the display performs well enough, but for those who play graphically intensive games or enjoy games with high frame rates and intricate details, the 720p resolution might not deliver the sharpness and fine textures found on 1080p or 1440p displays.

Overall, the display of the ZTE Blade V60 Design offers a smooth, bright, and clear experience, ideal for most casual users. The 90 Hz refresh rate is a significant plus in this price bracket, making everyday tasks feel more fluid and responsive.

The 720×1612 pixels resolution is adequate for regular tasks, but if you're someone who demands ultra-crisp visuals for gaming or HD streaming, you might find it lacking. That said, for its price, the display delivers a lot of value and will satisfy the majority of users looking for a well-rounded experience.

For comparison, the predecessor Blade V50 Design 4G featured a 6.6-inch, 1080×2408 px IPS LCD display, with a 60 Hz refresh rate.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

The ZTE Blade V60 Design supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring reliable connectivity for calls and data.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.

SIM

The ZTE Blade V60 Design supports hybrid dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by).

The "hybrid" part means one of the SIM card slots serves a dual purpose. It can either hold a SIM card or a memory card for expandable storage - but not both simultaneously. This means you have to make a choice between expanding your device's storage capacity with a memory card and using two SIM cards.

Chipset - Performance

At the heart of the Blade V60 Design is the Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a 12-nm process. This octa-core CPU combines two types of cores. Paired with the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, the phone is well-suited for light-to-moderate multitasking, casual gaming, and media consumption. For the price point, this combination provides sufficient power, but heavy gamers or users seeking ultra-fast performance might find the chipset lacking. Here are the relevant specs:

The chipset, CPU, and GPU of the ZTE Blade V60 Design are geared towards delivering a solid balance of performance and efficiency, making the device suitable for everyday tasks but with certain limitations when it comes to more demanding applications. The Unisoc T606 chipset is commonly found in budget and midrange smartphones, and its 12-nm manufacturing process offers decent power efficiency. While it's not designed to compete with high-end chipsets like Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 series or MediaTek's Dimensity series, it holds its own in terms of delivering reliable performance for standard daily use.

The CPU inside the Unisoc T606 is an octa-core setup, which combines two different types of CPU cores:

• Cortex-A75 Cores - The Powerhouses: The Cortex-A75 cores are designed for performance. These cores are larger and more power-hungry, but they provide the necessary muscle for tasks that require quick processing power. While 1.6 GHz may not sound impressive compared to flagship devices, these cores are efficient at handling things like app launching, web browsing with multiple tabs, light photo editing, and mid-range gaming.
• Cortex-A55 Cores - The Efficiency Experts: On the other hand, the Cortex-A55 cores focus on efficiency. They handle background processes and less demanding tasks while consuming less power. This allows the phone to perform everyday functions like background syncing (such as emails, notifications), streaming music or video, messaging and social media, and light multitasking (switching between apps).

By using two types of cores, the phone can switch between performance and efficiency depending on the task at hand, helping to conserve battery when you're performing low-intensity tasks while still offering bursts of power when needed.

You might wonder why both types of cores are clocked at 1.6 GHz, even though they serve different purposes. The reason is that clock speed isn't the only factor that determines performance.

The Cortex-A75 cores are more complex and designed for performance, even at the same frequency as the simpler, power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores. The A75 cores can handle more instructions per clock cycle, meaning they can process more data simultaneously, which makes them ideal for intensive tasks like gaming or video playback.

Meanwhile, the A55 cores are optimized for low-power tasks and are more efficient when the phone is in standby or performing background activities. By combining these two core types, the device can achieve a balance of speed and power efficiency.

The phone's GPU is the Mali-G57 MP1, a budget-friendly graphics unit. It's a solid performer for handling basic graphical tasks, such as UI animations, casual gaming, and streaming video content. However, it's a single-core GPU, which means it's not designed to handle graphically intensive tasks like high-end 3D gaming and rendering.

You'll be able to run games like Candy Crush or even slightly more complex titles like PUBG Mobile, but only at lower settings. When it comes to high-performance games like Genshin Impact or high-definition video editing apps, the Mali-G57 MP1 will struggle to maintain smooth frame rates and high detail levels.

Given its CPU and GPU setup, the ZTE Blade V60 Design is well-suited for casual tasks, including:

• Daily Productivity: Web browsing, sending emails, managing documents, and social media apps all run smoothly.
• Multitasking: Thanks to the octa-core setup, you can switch between several lightweight apps without much noticeable slowdown.
• Casual Gaming: If your gaming preferences lean towards simple or moderately demanding games like Subway Surfers, Clash Royale, or even PUBG Mobile on lower settings, the phone will hold up reasonably well.
• Media Consumption: Streaming video content on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify is well within the capabilities of this chipset, even though the display resolution is more suited for 720p content.

That said, there are certain tasks where the Unisoc T606 and its configuration might feel underpowered, such as:

• Heavy Multitasking: Running multiple demanding apps simultaneously or keeping many tabs open in a web browser will push the chipset to its limits. You may experience lag or slower performance when switching between apps.
• High-End Gaming: Games with intensive graphics or those that require fast, fluid frame rates will tax the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. You'll need to stick to lower graphics settings for a playable experience, and even then, occasional stuttering or frame drops are likely.
• Video Editing: While basic photo editing apps like Snapseed and Canva can run smoothly, more complex tasks like video editing or 3D rendering will likely be too much for this chipset to handle smoothly.
• AI and Machine Learning Tasks: Apps that rely heavily on AI processing or augmented reality might run into issues as the chipset lacks the specialized processing power that more advanced devices offer.

In summary, the ZTE Blade V60 Design's Unisoc T606 chipset, octa-core CPU with both performance and efficiency cores, and Mali-G57 MP1 GPU are perfectly adequate for everyday tasks, light multitasking, and casual gaming. However, users looking for a phone that can handle more demanding applications, like high-end gaming or professional-level photo/video editing, might need a device with a more powerful chipset.

For users who value battery efficiency and solid day-to-day performance over raw processing power, the ZTE Blade V60 Design offers a balanced experience at an affordable price point.

For comparison, the predecessor Blade V50 Design 4G featured the same combination of chipset, CPU, and GPU.

Memory and Storage: Generous Storage with Expandability

Here are the relevant specs:

The ZTE Blade V60 Design comes in two configurations. The 256 GB internal storage in both the variants is more than enough for most users, offering ample space for apps, photos, and videos without constantly worrying about running out of storage.

Additionally, the phone includes a microSDXC slot (using the second SIM slot), giving you the option to expand storage further if needed - ideal for those who like to store large media files or apps.

For comparison, the predecessor ZTE Blade V50 Design 4G came in three variants, offering 4 GB to 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSDXC slot.

Camera System: 50 MP for Crisp Shots

The Blade V60 Design's 50 MP main camera is a standout feature in this price range. With PDAF, it ensures decent performance in well-lit environments and even in some low-light scenarios. The 2 MP depth sensor helps with portrait shots, adding a professional touch to background blur.

The 8 MP selfie camera is sufficient for video calls and casual selfies. While it's not the most detailed front camera, it will satisfy most social media needs.

Rear Camera

Image credit: ZTE

The main camera setup on the ZTE Blade V60 Design is a dual-camera system, combining a 50 MP wide lens and a 2 MP depth sensor. While it's not a feature-packed flagship camera, it offers solid performance for photography in this price range. Let's break down the roles of the two lenses and the camera features in more detail. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	ZTE Blade V60 Design
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	50 MP (wide), 2 MP (depth)
Aperture	f/1.8, f/2.4
Autofocus	PDAF, N/A
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR

The primary shooter is a 50 MP wide lens with an f/1.8 aperture. This is the powerhouse of the camera setup and handles most of the heavy lifting when it comes to capturing photos. The high resolution means this camera can capture detailed and sharp images, particularly in well-lit conditions. This high pixel count is especially useful for taking landscape photos, cityscapes, or even group shots where you want to retain as much detail as possible.

Its f/1.8 aperture allows a good amount of light to hit the sensor, which enhances low-light performance. The wider the aperture, the more light the camera can capture, resulting in brighter photos with less noise in darker environments. This lens is ideal for everyday photography, including portraits, landscapes, and casual shots. Whether you're capturing photos during the day or in slightly dimmer conditions, this lens will do the job.

The second lens in the system is a 2 MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. Although its resolution is significantly lower than the primary camera, its role is just as important. It helps the camera system distinguish between the subject and the background. This is particularly useful for producing portrait shots with a natural bokeh effect, where the subject is in focus while the background is smoothly blurred.

This sensor doesn't capture images on its own but works alongside the main camera to improve focus and depth mapping, which is critical for creating more professional-looking portrait shots. The inclusion of a depth sensor enhances the overall photography experience by allowing for better subject isolation and background blur, creating a more professional, DSLR-like feel to portrait shots.

Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) used in the 50 MP camera provides fast and accurate autofocus by quickly identifying the subject's position and adjusting the lens accordingly. It speeds up the focusing process, which is especially important for capturing moving subjects or when you need to take quick photos.

The LED flash is a standard feature, useful for low-light photography. While it's not as sophisticated as a dual-tone flash or the multi-LED setups found in flagship models, it does provides additional light when shooting in dark environments, ensuring the subject is visible.

The flash can also be used to fill in shadows when shooting in backlit or low-light situations, improving overall photo quality. However, like many single LED flashes, it has its limitations, such as casting a harsh light or causing unwanted shadows in certain scenarios.

The panorama mode lets you capture wide-angle images by stitching together several shots into one continuous photo. Whether you're capturing mountains, cityscapes, or wide vistas, panorama mode ensures you can fit the entire scene into one image. If you're trying to fit a large group of people into a single shot, this mode can help create a seamless image without having to crop or resize the photo.

While panorama mode can be fun and useful, it does require steady hands to avoid any distortions or blurring during the stitching process.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances your photos by capturing and combining multiple exposures to create a more balanced image. It is particularly useful in high-contrast scenes, such as when you're shooting in bright sunlight or backlit conditions. It captures more details in the brightest parts (highlights) and the darkest areas (shadows) of the image.

HDR helps produce more vivid colors and ensures that both the light and dark areas of your photo are well-exposed, reducing washed-out or overly dark sections. For example, if you're taking a photo of a sunset, HDR will ensure the sky isn't overexposed while still retaining detail in the darker foreground, resulting in a more balanced and visually appealing image.

With these lenses and features, this camera setup can handle a variety of casual photography and videography scenarios, including:

• Daytime Photography: The 50 MP camera excels in well-lit environments, providing high-resolution, detailed photos. Whether you're snapping landscapes, portraits, or group photos, the camera will capture sharp images with decent color accuracy.
• Portrait Mode: With the help of the depth sensor, you can create attractive bokeh effects, making your subject stand out with a soft, blurred background. This is a great feature for those who enjoy portrait photography.
• Low-Light Performance: While the f/1.8 aperture allows more light in, the camera's low-light performance is adequate but not outstanding. The LED flash helps in darker conditions, but in extremely low light, you may notice some noise or grain in the images.

However, there are certain situations where this camera setup might fall short, such as:

• Night Photography: If you often find yourself taking photos in low-light environments, you might notice a dip in image quality, with increased noise and softer details.
• Video Recording: The camera can record 1080p video at 30 fps, which is fine for casual videos or social media, but it lacks the 4K video recording capability found in higher-end devices. Additionally, without any optical image stabilization (OIS), videos may appear shaky, particularly when shooting handheld footage.

In conclusion, the 50 MP main camera and 2 MP depth sensor offer a good amount of versatility for everyday photography. You'll get detailed shots with natural bokeh effects, and the camera's features like PDAF, HDR, and panorama mode add useful tools for enhancing your photos.

However, the setup is primarily aimed at users who focus on casual photography - if you need professional-level photography or 4K video capabilities, this camera system might not be enough. That said, for its price, the ZTE Blade V60 Design offers a solid camera experience that covers most of the basic needs of an everyday photographer.

For comparison, the older Blade V50 Design 4G featured a triple camera setup, consisting of two lenses similar to those of the Blade V60 Design, plus a 2 MP (f/2.4) macro lens. Its feature set and video recording capability matched those of the Blade V60 Design.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

A 5000 mAh battery is one of the highlights of this phone. This capacity ensures that the device can easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy use. Whether you're streaming videos, browsing social media, or navigating through your favorite apps, you won't need to reach for a charger constantly.

The 22.5 W wired charging support is also a nice touch, providing relatively fast charging for a device at this price point.

For comparison, the older ZTE Blade V50 Design 4G came with a similar battery and charging setup.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The inclusion of a 3.5 mm headphone jack is a rare treat in today's smartphone market, and it's sure to appeal to audiophiles and users who prefer wired headphones.

For comparison, the predecessor Blade V50 Design 4G sported a similar audio setup.

Connectivity

The ZTE Blade V60 Design covers the connectivity essentials, with the various options contributing to a well-rounded connectivity suite. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Blade V60 Design boasts Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

The ZTE Blade V60 Design features the GPS positioning system for accurate navigation and location services.

Depending upon the market where you get your Blade V60 Design, it may have NFC, which is a huge plus, enabling contactless payments - a feature not always available in budget phones. This technology also allows you to share files and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.

Sensors

The ZTE Blade V60 Design comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Blade V60 Design.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is ZTE Blade V60 Design release date?

  The ZTE Blade V60 Design was announced in June 2024. It was announced on the 11th September, 2024.

• What is ZTE Blade V60 Design price?

  The ZTE Blade V60 Design is priced starting from about USD 130 for the 4 GB / 256 GB variant.