Telstra/ZTE T7 Review

Welcome to the Telstra/ZTE T7 mobile phone review.  The T7 is not really a replacement for the F256 clamshell phones.  It is more like a new model above the F256.

It’s slightly smaller then it’s predecessors but is NOT simply a clone of the cheaper T6! The T7 has much more functionality and specified to meet mid-range handsets of other manufacturers.  Hence it is better than the F256 in every way.

The T7 packs almost all the industry standard hardware like a QVGA ot 240×320 pixel screen,  and A-GPS receiver is now included as part of the phone.   Unfortunately no navigation software but then you can always use Google Maps.  However you’ll need a decent Internet data plan…

The screen is better good but not as good as the Motorola V3xx which is still available

Construction and finish, like all Telstra ZTE branded phones you really need to see the phone in real life because they arguably don’t look as good.  It is constructed well but has a brick like feel due to it’s size.  It’s old fashioned when compared to the latest clam shell designs. Even the 3 year old Motorola V3xx as mentioned previously.

Also like most Telstra branded phones there’s an external antenna socket which does wonders when traveling to isolated regions.  It also has an FM radio which is handy but not AM which in isolated regions the only form of radio available.  Most younger users probably don’t even know what AM radio is… A new 3 megapixel camera is also included but we haven’t tried it yet so can;t tell whether its any good.

It’s got lots of functionality through various applications that are standard fare on most mid range range phones but being a NextG like all 3G linked phones is functionality offered through the network’s internet homepage.  Customization functionality is limited to light levels and wallpaper.  Yes it plays music and MP3 ringtones…

It’s also  Tri-band UTMS and Quad-band GSM, one of the few mobile phone with the complete set of modern frequencies so you should be able to use it around the world.  Interestingly its got a ton of modem capabilities, most interesting is the Bluetooth and Dail-up networking profiles.  It would seem like an inexpensive wireless modem – with the right data plan.

Conclusion

All up the Telstra/ZTE T7 is a typically good mobile phone.  It’s much better than the F256 and just as good other manufacturers in terms of features especially since it comes with a A-GPS receiver.

So like most ZTEs another good, stable but cheap looking mobile phone.  Nice but there are better for the price in terms of looks.

PS. If it had navigation software including localized map data – it would probably sell much better.  Unfortunately most Nokia mobiles in the price range have more capability.

Specifications

• Telstra/ZTE T7
• Network
  Tri-band 3G HSDPA 7.2 / UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
  Quad-band GSM 850 / 900/1800 /1900 MHz)
• Design
  Clam shell
  L103 x W51 x D17.3 mm
  Weight 108 grams
• Display/s
  Intenal TFT 240 x 320
  External TFT
• Camera
  2MP main camera
• Connectivity
  A-GPS Reciever
  USB
  Bluetooth V1.2 – Supports FTP / HFC / A2DP
• CPU
  270MHz Processor
• Memory
  64MB internal memory
  45MB available to user
  Up to 2Gig Trans Flash cards
• Ring tones
  MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
• Features
  FM Radio
  SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL
  MyWords predictive text
  JAVA MIDP 2.0
  Speaker Phone/Hands free
  Customizable backgrounds
  Picture Viewer
  Video calling
  Voice memos
  Calender and organizer
  180Hrs Standby, 160 Mins Talk Time
• Package contents
  XP/Vista Compatible PC suite
  Mac OSX Compatible software
  Personal hands free kit
  Travel charger
• Price history
  Between $379 AUS 2009