Remember the days of simple, affordable smartphones? The ZTE Racer II and Oppo Find Muse represent a bygone era of mobile technology. Both offer a nostalgic experience, but which one holds up better in a modern context? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo Find Muse decisively wins this comparison. Its dual-core processor and more modern chipset provide significantly better performance than the ZTE Racer II's single-core ARM 11. While both are budget options, the Oppo offers a smoother experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, August. Released 2011, September | 2013. Released 2013 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 104 x 55.4 x 13.5 mm (4.09 x 2.18 x 0.53 in) | 123 x 63.5 x 9.9 mm (4.84 x 2.5 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 100 g (3.53 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~42.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 500 MHz ARM 11 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6572 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo) | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256MB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | Yes |
| NFC | Optional | No |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 166 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 35 min | - |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1700 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | White |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 290 EUR |
ZTE Racer II
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Compact size
- Very slow performance
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
Oppo R821T FInd Muse
- Better performance than Racer II
- Slightly better camera
- More modern chipset
- Potentially better battery life
- Still quite slow by modern standards
- Low-resolution display
- Limited storage
- Older technology
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small, low-resolution displays typical of their time. The ZTE Racer II likely has a smaller screen, while the Oppo Find Muse may offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern panel, though both will appear dated by today's standards. Expect limited viewing angles and low brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices is expected to be quite basic. The Oppo Find Muse likely has a slightly better camera sensor and image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in marginally better photos in good lighting conditions. Don't expect high-resolution images or impressive low-light performance from either phone.
Performance
This is where the Oppo Find Muse shines. Its dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor and Mediatek MT6572 chipset provide a substantial performance advantage over the ZTE Racer II's 500 MHz ARM 11. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking (though limited), and a generally more responsive user experience on the Oppo.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar on both devices, around 1500-2000 mAh. However, the Oppo Find Muse's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life under typical usage.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Racer II is for those seeking a truly basic, ultra-budget phone for calls and texts, or a collector of vintage devices. The Oppo Find Muse is for users wanting a slightly more capable, still affordable, older smartphone for light usage and occasional photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with significant limitations. They'll handle basic tasks like calls and texts, but modern apps and websites may be slow or incompatible. Expect limited functionality and a dated user experience.
❓ What operating systems did these phones use?
The ZTE Racer II likely ran Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). The Oppo Find Muse likely ran ColorOS based on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or 4.2 (Jelly Bean).
