Lenovo-backed ZUK attempt to emulate the success of OnePlus with a low-cost, high-value, Cyanogen OS device
It seems as though ‘low cost, high value’ is the new battleground. This unconventional approach to the market was pioneered by OnePlus with the One, a phone that packed great specifications at a knockdown price. It was inevitable that others would try and emulate this success and now they are: the ZUK Z1 ticks many of the same boxes and even includes Cyanogen OS, just like the OnePlus One.
ZUK itself might be a start-up releasing its first device, but behind them it has the might of Lenovo (also owners of Motorola) and this experience shows in the Z1, both from the materials and construction perspective and on the carefully chosen spec sheet. Although the front and the back of the device are unquestionably plastic (the back can’t be removed), the device has an aircraft-grade aluminium frame with bevelled edges, which lends a degree of quality to an otherwise fairly bland design. Branding on the device is minimal with just a single ZUK logo on the back.
The Z1 uses a 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 3GB RAM and 64GB storage. Although this is a 32-bit processor, it’s still one of the finest of recent years and is superior in performance to the MediaTek or Snapdragon 615 processors typically found in lower-cost devices. Given the myriad of issues with the Snapdragon 810, it could be argued that using the fastest version of the 801 is an inspired choice and when you use the device, you’ll be further convinced that this is the case. No doubt helped by the lightweight Cyanogen OS, the Z1 positively flies. It really does feel faster than some of the latest flagships. Use of the Cyanogen OS provides assurance that updates will be fast and the device has an unlocked bootloader that is likely to be very popular among custom ROM creators.
The ZUK has a 5.5-inch full HD IPS display, which seems to be the most popular screen size for devices at the moment. The screen also has a fingerprint-proof coating (not made of Gorilla Glass – this tempered glass-screen protector is an optional extra), gapless construction and is extremely bright. What’s more, the touch sensitivity is excellent.
One area that is often skimped on in cheaper devices is the camera. The Z1 has a 13MP Sony Exmor RS sensor with OIS. Yes, OIS on a non-flagship device! The Cyanogen camera app itself is rather basic, which detracts from the overall camera experience, but particularly in good light the camera is very good.
Unfortunately, low-light performance is poorer than we would expect from an OIS device. Furthermore, the Lollipop Camera2 API isn’t supported and this then limits the ability to use third-party camera apps such as Manual Camera.
An especially popular feature to include on devices at the moment is a fingerprint sensor. The ZUK Z1 does deliver this sensor built into the home button. Waking the device requires a press on the button after which the fingerprint is recognised. The recognition is extremely fast and very accurate – we compared the performance to a Galaxy S6 and the ZUK was appreciably quicker. Very impressive.
Connectivity on the Z1 is extensive. As well as offering dual nano-SIM support (LTE on the main SIM, 2G on the second – note that band 20 LTE isn’t supported, which O2 and Vodafone use in the UK), the phone includes Bluetooth 4.1 and dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi. GPS support includes Glonass for additional accuracy.
It’s difficult to pinpoint things that could be better executed on the Z1 as it’s so very well thought out. Aside from better speakers (the single base-mounted speaker is weak), a more premium material on the back and perhaps a slightly more unique design, we think ZUK has got it spot on, even without taking the price point into account. Yet another company the established players have to worry about then.
Verdict
The ZUK Z1 is an all-round great phone with its Cyanogen OS and huge battery really topping off an excellent value package.
Technical specs
Operating system - Cyanogen OS (Android 5.1.1)
Processor - Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz quad-core
Memory - 64GB storage / 3GB RAM
Dimensions - 155.7 x 77.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight - 175g
Display size - 5.5-inches
Display resolution - 1920 x 1080 pixels (401 ppi)
Front camera - 8MP
Rear camera - 13MP
Connectivity - 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
Expansion slot - N/A