Remember the early days of Android? The ZTE Racer and Racer II were budget-friendly options that brought the platform to a wider audience. But how do these vintage phones stack up against each other? We're diving deep into a comparison to see which one holds up best.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Racer edges out the Racer II thanks to its slightly faster processor and the Snapdragon chipset, offering a marginally smoother experience. Both are incredibly basic by today's standards, but the Racer provides a bit more pep for its retro charm.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, August. Released 2011, September | 2010, July. Released 2010, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 104 x 55.4 x 13.5 mm (4.09 x 2.18 x 0.53 in) | 102 x 55 x 14.5 mm (4.02 x 2.17 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 100 g (3.53 oz) | 100 g (3.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~42.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~43.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 500 MHz ARM 11 | 600 MHz ARM 11 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 |
| GPU | - | Adreno 200 |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo) | Android 2.1 (Eclair) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256MB 512MB RAM | 256MB RAM, 256MB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Optional | - |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | - |
| | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 166 h | Up to 200 h |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 35 min | Up to 3 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 180 EUR |
ZTE Racer II
- More compact size
- Potentially slightly cheaper
- Slower processor
- Less recognizable chipset
- Basic camera
ZTE Racer
- Slightly faster processor
- Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset
- More readily available (potentially)
- Larger size (slightly)
- Basic camera
- Limited app compatibility
Display Comparison
Both phones feature small, low-resolution displays (likely 3.5-inch, HVGA). Image quality is basic, suitable only for simple tasks. The Racer II might have a marginally better panel, but the difference is negligible.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely have basic 3MP cameras. Image quality will be poor by modern standards, suitable only for quick snapshots in good lighting. Don't expect any detail or dynamic range.
Performance
The ZTE Racer boasts a 600 MHz ARM 11 processor paired with a Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 chipset, while the Racer II has a 500 MHz ARM 11. This gives the Racer a noticeable, albeit small, performance advantage in everyday use. Expect both to struggle with modern apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar (around 1200mAh). Expect a day of light use on either device, but heavy usage will require frequent charging. Battery life will be significantly impacted by running any modern apps.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Racer II is for collectors seeking the absolute lowest price point and a slightly more compact design. The ZTE Racer is for those who want the marginally better performance and a slightly more recognizable chipset, still at a budget price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones worth buying in 2024?
Only for collectors or those seeking a nostalgic experience. They are severely limited by modern standards and lack essential features.
❓ Can I install modern apps on these phones?
It's highly unlikely. The Android versions are very old, and app compatibility is extremely limited. Rooting and custom ROMs might offer some possibilities, but it's not guaranteed.
