ZTE Warp Sequent vs. LG Marquee LS855: A Throwback Tech Showdown

Reliving the early days of smartphones, we're pitting two forgotten contenders against each other: the ZTE Warp Sequent and the LG Marquee LS855. These devices represent a snapshot of mobile technology from a bygone era, offering a unique look at how far we've come. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one holds up best.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The ZTE Warp Sequent edges out the LG Marquee thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially better overall performance. However, both phones are severely limited by today's standards and are best suited for niche collectors or those seeking a truly retro experience. Don't expect modern smartphone capabilities.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Warp Sequent LG Marquee LS855
Network
2G bandsCDMA 1900CDMA 800 / 1900
3G bandsCDMA2000 1xEV-DOCDMA2000 1xEV-DO
SpeedEV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsEV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyCDMA / EVDOCDMA / EVDO
Launch
Announced2012, September. Released 2012, September2011, September. Released 2011, October
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions127 x 64.8 x 9.9 mm (5.0 x 2.55 x 0.39 in)122 x 64 x 9 mm (4.80 x 2.52 x 0.35 in)
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight129.8 g (4.55 oz)112 g (3.95 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~256 ppi density)480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density)
Size4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~61.9% screen-to-body ratio)4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 256K colorsIPS LCD
 -Optimus UI, Gesture UI
Platform
CPU1.4 GHz Scorpion1.0 GHz
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2-
GPUAdreno 205-
OSAndroid 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot)microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included
Internal4GB (2.6GB user available), 768MB RAM4GB 512MB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single5 MP, AF5 MP, AF
Video720p720p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single1.3 MP2 MP
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP3.0, A2DP
NFCNo-
PositioningGPSGPS, A-GPS
RadioNoStereo FM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity, compass
 MP4/H.264 player MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player Document viewer Photo viewer/editorMP4/DivX/Xvid/H.264/WMV player MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player Document viewer Organizer Voice memo/dial/commands Predictive text input (Swype)
Battery
Stand-byUp to 220 h-
Talk timeUp to 7 hUp to 6 h 30 min
TypeLi-Ion 1650 mAh, removableRemovable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Price-About 90 EUR
SAR0.76 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)0.69 W/kg (head)     0.77 W/kg (body)

ZTE Warp Sequent

  • Slightly faster processor
  • Potentially better performance
  • More readily available (potentially)

  • Outdated technology
  • Limited app compatibility
  • Low-resolution display
  • Poor camera quality

LG Marquee LS855

  • LG brand recognition
  • Potentially slightly better display
  • Retro design appeal

  • Slower processor
  • Outdated technology
  • Limited app compatibility
  • Poor camera quality

Display Comparison

Both the ZTE Warp Sequent and LG Marquee LS855 feature relatively small displays by today's standards, likely around 3.5-4 inches. Expect resolutions to be low (likely WVGA or similar), resulting in pixelated images. Screen technology will be older LCD panels, lacking the vibrancy and viewing angles of modern OLED or AMOLED displays. The LG Marquee might have a slightly better display due to LG's historical display expertise, but the difference will be minimal.

Camera Comparison

Camera capabilities on both devices were rudimentary by today's standards. Expect low-resolution cameras (likely 3-5 megapixels) with poor image quality, especially in low light. Don't expect any advanced features like HDR or image stabilization. The LG Marquee might have a slightly better camera due to LG's historical focus on camera technology, but the difference will be marginal.

Performance

The ZTE Warp Sequent boasts a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU, while the LG Marquee has a 1.0 GHz CPU. This difference, though not massive, should translate to slightly snappier performance on the ZTE. Both phones will struggle with modern apps and multitasking. Expect noticeable lag and slow loading times. Gaming will be extremely limited to very basic titles.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is likely in the 1500-2000 mAh range for both devices. Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage, but expect a full day of very light use. Heavy usage (e.g., web browsing, video playback) will drain the battery quickly. Charging speeds will be slow, likely using micro-USB.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Warp Sequent is for collectors interested in Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 devices or those seeking a basic, functional phone for very light use. The LG Marquee LS855 might appeal to LG enthusiasts or those looking for a specific design aesthetic from the early 2010s, but its performance is a significant drawback.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are these phones usable in 2024?
They can make calls and send texts, but modern apps won't work well. They're primarily for collectors or those seeking a very basic phone experience.
❓ What operating systems did these phones use?
Both likely ran Android 2.x or 3.x, which are severely outdated and no longer supported.