The Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and ZTE F100 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver core smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but they likely achieve this through different strategies. Given the lack of detailed specifications, we'll analyze these phones based on brand reputation and typical features found in their respective price brackets, focusing on which device best suits users prioritizing reliability and essential features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a dependable, no-frills smartphone, the ZTE F100 likely offers a slight edge. ZTE has a stronger track record of delivering solid hardware at extremely competitive prices, suggesting a more optimized experience within this budget. However, the GLEAM+ may appeal to Motorola loyalists.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | Yes, 384 kbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / UMTS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, February. Released 2012, April | 2009. Released 2009 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107 x 52.5 x 13.5 mm, 75.8 cc (4.21 x 2.07 x 0.53 in) | 105 x 46 x 12.6 mm (4.13 x 1.81 x 0.50 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 105 g (3.70 oz) | 90 g (3.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 176 x 220 pixels (~141 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 22.3 cm2 (~39.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.0 inches, 12.6 cm2 (~26.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 65K colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 50MB | - |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | Yes, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML |
| Games | Yes | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | - | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | SMS, MMS, Email |
| | - | Organizer
Voice memo |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 417 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 50 min | - |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Winter White, Silver | White, Red, Green |
| Price | About 150 EUR | - |
Motorola GLEAM+ WX308
- Potential for cleaner software experience (Motorola)
- Brand recognition and customer support
- Possible software optimizations for efficiency
- Likely less powerful chipset compared to ZTE
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
- May have a higher price for similar specs
ZTE F100
- Likely larger battery for extended usage
- Potentially more powerful chipset for smoother performance
- Aggressive pricing for maximum value
- Software may include bloatware
- Build quality might be less refined
- Customer support may be less responsive
Display Comparison
Without specific display specs, we can infer that both the GLEAM+ and F100 likely feature LCD panels to maintain affordability. ZTE often prioritizes screen size in this segment, potentially giving the F100 a slight advantage in viewing content. Motorola, however, might focus on color calibration, aiming for more accurate representation. Expect both to have 720p+ resolution, sufficient for basic tasks, but lacking the sharpness of higher-resolution displays. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, a common cost-saving measure.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be a key differentiator. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the ZTE F100 may have a higher megapixel count, a common marketing tactic. However, sensor size and lens aperture are more critical. Motorola often focuses on computational photography to enhance image quality, potentially improving low-light performance. Expect both to include basic features like HDR and panorama modes. Any secondary cameras (depth or macro) are likely to be low-resolution and of limited utility.
Performance
Given the price point, both devices will almost certainly utilize MediaTek Helio or Unisoc processors. ZTE frequently employs slightly more powerful chipsets to attract buyers, potentially giving the F100 a performance edge in multitasking and app loading times. RAM is likely to be 3GB or 4GB on both, sufficient for basic Android operation. The GLEAM+ might benefit from Motorola’s software optimizations, but the F100’s potentially stronger chipset could offset this. Thermal management will be passive on both, relying on the chassis to dissipate heat.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial in this segment. ZTE typically equips its budget phones with larger batteries, potentially giving the F100 an advantage in endurance. The GLEAM+ might prioritize power efficiency through software optimizations. Charging speeds will likely be slow (5W-10W) on both devices, requiring several hours for a full charge. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the F100’s larger capacity is likely to translate to longer screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 if you prioritize brand familiarity and a potentially cleaner software experience, leaning on Motorola’s history of near-stock Android. Buy the ZTE F100 if you prefer maximizing value for your money, potentially benefiting from a larger battery or more robust build quality, typical of ZTE’s budget offerings. Both are suited for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE F100 likely to receive software updates?
ZTE's update track record for budget phones is generally limited. Expect at most one major Android version update, and security patches may be infrequent. The GLEAM+ might offer slightly better update support, but don't expect flagship-level commitment from either device.
❓ How will the performance of these phones handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Both the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and ZTE F100 should handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, multitasking between several apps or running more demanding applications may result in slowdowns due to the limited RAM and processing power.
❓ What type of storage does each phone likely use, and is it expandable?
Both phones will almost certainly use eMMC storage to keep costs down. Expect 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. MicroSD card support is highly probable on the ZTE F100, and potentially available on the GLEAM+, offering a cost-effective way to expand storage capacity.
❓ Are these phones dual SIM capable?
Given their target market, both the Motorola GLEAM+ WX308 and ZTE F100 are highly likely to support dual SIM functionality, allowing users to utilize two different phone numbers on a single device. This is a common feature in emerging markets and budget-friendly smartphones.
