Skip to main content

ZTE is finally taking on the iPad, with the zPad

zte zpad news black press image
Image used with permission by copyright holder
ZTE has a tablet, and it’s called the zPad. Keeping with the hot stylings of the iPad Mini, it has an 8-inch IPS LCD touchscreen and a gold look. It’s big trick: it has a 4G LTE chip inside it, standard. On most tablets, this is an expensive upgrade.

While 4G LTE connectivity is a rarity, the rest of the specs are common in the world of mid-range tablets. A 1.2GHz, quad-core processor powers the zPad, but it’s unknown exactly which chip it is, although it does come with 1GB of RAM. Just 8GB of storage space may seem a little tight, but a MicroSD card slot lets you boost that amount by a further 64GB.

ZTE-zPad-white-press-image
Image used with permission by copyright holder

ZTE says the zPad’s 7.9mm thick body has a premium matte finish, and weighs 320 grams, which is around the same as an Apple iPad Mini. The 8-inch screen can’t compete with Apple’s smallest tablet though, and has a 1280 x 800 pixel resolution (a resolution that’s closer to an iPad Mini without a retina screen). There are two cameras onboard: a 5-megapixel autofocus camera on the rear, and a 2 megapixel around the front. Finally, a 4,000mAh battery is inside.

There’s no release date for the zPad at the moment, and it has only been announced for China. Whether the tablet gets a wider international release may depend on ZTE striking network deals. An easily connected, likely low-cost, slate often proves popular with carriers. We’ll be checking out the zPad at CES, and will keep you updated with further release and price details.

Editors' Recommendations

Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
Best iPad deals: Pro, Air, Mini and accessories on sale
iPad Pro 2020 Screen

Over the past decade Apple has expanded the tablet market and helped turn the tablet into a computing device that’s relied upon daily by both businesses and individuals. There is now a wide range of iPad models available to choose from, and a wide range of accessories as well. Apple products are difficult to find discounts on, but there are quite a few Apple iPad deals taking place right now. We’ve tracked them all down, and with so many models available to choose from, we’ve got you covered in researching the best iPads to buy as well.
Apple iPad (2021) — $270, was $329

If you’re in search of a new tablet but want to avoid the high price points of the Apple iPad Pro lineup, the Apple iPad (2021) is a much more affordable option. It’s a very capable of iPad, as it has all-day battery life, the Apple A13 Bionic chip, and an immersive 10.2-inch Retina display. All of this makes the iPad a great device for creating with, for interacting with the digital world with, and for sitting down with for an evening of movie watching. This WiFi-only model comes in Space Gray with 64GB of internal storage, which is typically plenty for most tablet users’ needs.

Read more
I thought I’d hate the Galaxy Z Flip 5 — until I changed one thing
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 with its cover screen on.

It's been a little under a month since I got my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, and throughout most of that time, I've thoroughly enjoyed every second with it. I was already quite fond of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 last year, and the Flip 5 addresses my main complaint of its predecessor: the cover screen.

The 1.9-inch cover screen on the Flip 4 was fine for viewing notifications or paying with Samsung Pay ... but that was about it. If I wanted to interact with the phone in any meaningful way, I always had to open it up. But with the 3.4-inch cover screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, that hasn't been the case this year. I'm able to do so much more with the cover screen than ever before, and it's greatly enhanced the practicality of having a flip phone.

Read more
I almost made a terrible mistake when I first used the Galaxy Z Fold 5
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 (back) and Galaxy Z Fold 5 (front) Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the pinnacle of big-screen smartphones in 2023. I’m using it right now, and it’s spectacular. However, it’s not all that different from the Galaxy Z Fold 4, apart from changes to the size and weight. Boring! Where’s all the innovation and excitement?

Read more