The Lenovo ZUK series offered compelling Android experiences, but with different approaches. The Z1 mini targeted budget-conscious users, while the Z2 aimed for flagship performance. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which phone holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZUK Z2 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 820 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and a smoother user experience compared to the Z1 mini's Helio P10. While the Z1 mini offered value, the Z2's superior specs make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | TD-SCDMA | TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Exp. announcement 2016, Q1 | 2016, May. Released 2016, June |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 141.7 x 68.9 x 8.5 mm (5.58 x 2.71 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 149 g (5.26 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T860MP2 | Adreno 530 |
| OS | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), ZUI 2.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.6", 1.34µm, PDAF |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Yes | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2", 1.4µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | - | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Titanium Black, Ceramic White |
| Models | - | ZUK Z2132, ZUK Z2131, Z2 Plus, Z2131 |
| Price | - | About 220 EUR |
Lenovo ZUK Z1 mini
- Affordable
- Compact size
- Decent battery life for its size
- Clean Android experience
- Lower performance
- 720p display
- Less impressive camera
- Can feel sluggish
Lenovo ZUK Z2
- Powerful Snapdragon 820 chipset
- 1080p display
- Better camera performance
- Longer battery life
- Premium design
- Higher price (when new)
- Larger size may not suit everyone
- Availability can be limited
Display Comparison
The ZUK Z1 mini featured a 5.0-inch 720p display, offering adequate clarity for its size. The ZUK Z2 boasted a 5.5-inch 1080p display, providing sharper visuals and a more immersive viewing experience. The Z2's larger size and higher resolution give it a noticeable advantage.
Camera Comparison
The ZUK Z2 generally had a better camera setup, often featuring a 13MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a faster aperture. The Z1 mini's camera, typically an 8MP sensor, was adequate but lacked the same level of detail and low-light performance. Image processing was also generally better on the Z2.
Performance
This is where the ZUK Z2 truly shines. The Snapdragon 820 is a significantly more powerful chipset than the Helio P10. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Z2. The Z1 mini can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The ZUK Z1 mini typically had a smaller battery, around 2650mAh. The ZUK Z2 usually featured a 3400mAh battery, providing longer battery life and more headroom for power-intensive tasks. While both phones offered decent battery life for their time, the Z2 had a clear edge.
Buying Guide
The ZUK Z1 mini is best suited for users on a tight budget who prioritize affordability over raw power. It's a decent option for basic tasks and light usage. The ZUK Z2 is ideal for users who demand a responsive and powerful smartphone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZUK Z1 mini still worth buying?
Only if you're on a very tight budget and need a small, basic smartphone. Otherwise, there are better options available today.
❓ Where can I find a ZUK Z2?
Finding a new ZUK Z2 is difficult. You'll likely need to look for used or refurbished models on online marketplaces.
