It’s usually the case that nabbing a smartphone off-contract requires lots of concessions. Not so with the $199 ZTE Warp 4G. Flaunting a swift 4G LTE data link, a big 4.5-inch screen, and sturdy build quality, this compact Android handset is currently the shrewdest option on Boost Mobile’s network. It certainly makes a heck of a lot more sense than forking over $350 for the privilege of owning a Boost-connected Samsung Galaxy S3. Now factor in the Warp 4G’s satisfyingly long battery life and relatively unmucked-around-with Android Jelly Bean software, and I’m sure you’ll forgive the phone’s effective but less-than-stellar processor.
Design
My jaw dropped and eyes popped wide open when I learned of the ZTE Warp 4G’s low $199 no-contract price. That’s because when I scooped the device up and placed it in my hands, it felt good, I mean really good, an emotion rarely conveyed by plastic handsets. Not only does the phone have a sturdy and solid construction that doesn’t bend or flex, its textured back is easy to grip and repels grease and fingerprints. As a matter of fact, I prefer its backing to the Samsung Galaxy S3’s slippery back cover; Boost sells the S3 at a steeper $349.99 price.
The ZTE Warp 4G's small chassis is compact enough to operate in one hand.(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET) The Warp 4G may lack the faux-silver accents of Samsung’s newer smartphones, namely the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3. Even so, I found the device’s all-black color scheme sophisticated if a bit conservative. Dark gray, almost metallic, highlights ring the Warp 4G’s body and add an extra touch of distinction.
Measuring 5.2 inches tall by 2.6 inches wide and 0.41 inch thick, the Warp 4G is by no means wafer-thin. The Galaxy S3 (5.4x2.8x0.34 inches) is slightly larger, but the Warp’s profile is noticeably thicker. Tipping the scales at 4.7 ounces, however, the Warp 4G has the exact same weight as Samsung’s 2012 superphone.
The Warp 4G is compact but not ultrathin. (Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET) Above the warp 4G’s sizable 4.5-inch screen is a 1-megapixel front-facing camera and notification light. Sitting below the display are three backlit capacitive buttons for basic Android control (Back, Home, and Menu) represented by easy-to-comprehend symbols.
The ZTE Warp 4G's back surface has a nice textured pattern.(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET) Along the phone’s left edge are two discrete buttons for adjusting volume up and down. Here, too, is a Micro-USB port for both charging the phone and physically connecting to PCs to transfer files. The right side of the device houses a dedicated camera key that engages the Warp 4G’s imaging system. It will not wake the handset up from sleep, though, to launch the camera app. Up top is the power button plus a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack for plugging in wired headsets.
Fans of battery swapping will appreciate the Warp 4G’s removable 2,070mAh battery hidden under the phone’s back cover. Separate slots for SIM cards and microSD memory cards are located here as well.
Under the back cover are slots for microSD and SIM cards, plus a removable battery.(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET) Screen
ZTE, the manufacturer of the Warp 4G, decided to go big in terms of the phone’s screen size. The device flaunts a large 4.5-inch 720p HD LCD panel (1,280x720 pixels). While this can’t measure up to the Samsung Galaxy S3’s bigger 4.8-inch OLED screen in terms of color saturation, contrast, and viewing angles, it boasts the same 720p resolution.
That said, the Warp’s display gets decently bright, and its IPS (in plane switching) LCD technology does an admirable job of showcasing photos with lifelike colors and pleasingly crisp details.
Software and interface
The Warp 4G runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, not the most recent OS iteration from Google, Android version 4.3. In the Warp’s defense, though, none of Boost Mobile's other phones features Android 4.2, let alone 4.3. There's not that much of a difference, either, in terms of features and functionality, between Android 4.1 and Android 4.2. Additionally, the handset’s software is mostly stock and therefore unadulterated, with a funky skin or unfettered by bloatware. That's always a positive trait in my book.
You have five home screens on the Warp 4G to customize, either by dropping widgets or app shortcuts onto. There are some carrier-branded apps preloaded , such as the Air G youth-targeted social media network, and Boost Zone to access your wireless account or view Boost-suggested applications.
Since the Warp 4G is a genuine Android phone, it links to Google’s vast ecosystem of software and services. These include all the usual suspects such as Gmail, Google Search, the Google Play digital storefronts for music, video, and books, plus the Chrome mobile browser. The Warp also links to the Google Play store to download apps from its wide selection of third-party software developers.
Camera
The ZTE Warp 4G uses a decent but not stellar camera with an 8-megapixel sensor and LED flash. The phone’s camera app does offer plenty of settings, features, and shooting modes to choose from. Picture sizes range from VGA resolution (640x480) all the way up to 8 megapixels (3,200x2,400). There are also manual settings for white balance, ISO, along with exposure, contrast, and saturation. The Warp boasts 16 scene modes (not counting Normal) such as Macro, HDR, Burst, and Panorama, just to list a few.
Outside details weren't too sharp, but colors were bright.(Credit: Brian Bennett/CNET)
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