It is often market leading mobiles such as the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and HTC Sensation XE which get the lion`s share of the attention from consumer publications and reviewers, simply because they represent the cutting edge technology that makes the headlines and drives web traffic. However, network provider Orange and manufacturer ZTE are launching a new handset to prove that affordability can be attractive.
The Orange San Francisco II has recently been revealed by accident online and now a few key details are known about this budget-oriented Android smartphone. It is likely to be known as the ZTE Racer II for anyone who wants to buy it SIM free, following on from the name of its unlocked predecessor.
The San Francisco II will reportedly feature a 3.5 inch display with a native resolution of 800x480. This is essentially the same screen that was used on the first San Francisco handset, but since this was one of its strongest assets it would have made little sense to change it and you will be hard pressed to get a larger, higher quality display on a pay as you go smartphone such as this.
From a software point of view it looks as if the San Francisco II will feature Android 2.3, modified with only a few minor tweaks by the network but otherwise left largely identical to the standard experience created by Google. Again this is a good thing, since it means that you get all the features you want and none which you do not need.
To make Android 2.3 feel fast and responsive ZTE has endowed this updated mobile with an 800MHz processor. This is a full 30 per cent faster than the CPU which powered the original and it should hum along nicely, even if it cannot quite keep up with all of the dual core toting smartphones on the market at the moment.
A five megapixel sensor has been endowed upon the Orange San Francisco II`s rear facing camera and there is an LED flash to provide illumination for night shots. The cheapest way to get this handset will likely be direct from Orange, although ZTE will have an own-brand SIM free edition on the market at some point.
The Orange San Francisco II will be a good alternative to the more expensive Monte Carlo, also created in unison with ZTE. The 4.3 inch display of the Monte Carlo may be larger, but it makes it a little harder to pop into your pocket or purse, unlike the San Francisco II.
Many people forget that the best [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] are often nabbed by those who are willing to pay for their handset upfront. It can be difficult to achieve this if you want to buy a high end handset and many resort to using a fixed term contract, which can cost more in the long term even if the initial outlay is less. The Orange San Francisco II shows that entry level Android smartphones do not have to be small, underpowered or out of date.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]


[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]