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Tech

The Blade V8 Pro Shows a Premium Smartphone Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

Affordable smartphones are reshaping the world.

The smartphone has a unique place in history as the most quickly proliferated invention ever witnessed by the human race. Today, over two billion people carry one according to recent figures from eMarketer.  This ubiquitous technology is also the fastest evolving piece of hardware on the market, as these devices see annual increases in their processing speed and power. New cutting-edge features are constantly in development.

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There is a huge demand in the expansive smartphone market for premium features at low costs. The tech-savvy masses clamor for crystal clear cameras, speedy processors, and new features such as eye-tracking technology, fingerprint scanning for the best security available, and dual lens cameras in order to increase photo-taking capabilities.  Unfortunately, many are simply unable to afford the upwards of $900 price tag a new premium phone can carry.

The world of high-end, low-priced handsets was rocked last month when ZTE announced the Blade V8 Pro at CES in Las Vegas. The company, which is the U.S.'s fourth largest smartphone supplier, unveiled the new highly affordable device that puts premium, cutting-edge features in the hands of consumers at a fraction of expected costs. The model carries a cost of only $239.98 and boasts features you wouldn't even necessarily expect from a device at twice the price.

Despite the low unit cost, ZTE has spared no expense on the phone. A 5.5 inch full HD screen offers consumers beautiful resolution full of sharp details and bright colors. Boasting a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, the Blade V8 Pro runs at a speed that is almost unthinkable for such a low-cost smartphone. The Blade V8 Pro also features dual 13MB cameras for unbelievably crisp photos, a programmable front fingerprint scanner, and a large battery that promises up to 450 minutes of talk time. Recharging is hardly an issue, thanks to the unit's Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 capabilities. The Blade V8 Pro is currently shipping direct from ZTE.

Additionally, at CES ZTE hosted its second annual fan event. This year's collective brought together 23 ZTE super fans for a trip of a life time. The fans were specially selected for their proactivity and helpfulness from the ZTE Z-Community forum.

The trip included a reception dinner at the iconic Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris hotel, helicopter tour over the Las Vegas Strip, Fremont Street tour and viewing of the Blue Man Group show. Additionally these "fanbassadors" attended the ZTE Press Conference and were invited to tour the ZTE Booth on the show days. Be sure the check out the video below recapping this year's fan event, and stay tuned from ZTE for ways to participate in upcoming Z-Community events!