After using the Nubian Z17 for over a month now, I've been pondering how best to describe this high-end Android device. We all know that the Nubian Z17 comes equipped with a 5.5-inch bezel-less display, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, paired with either 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB or 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage. The rear camera setup features a dual-lens system with 12MP + 23MP sensors, and it supports Qualcomm's Quick Charge 4.0. However, the most impressive aspect of the Z17 might be its combination of cutting-edge specs and its "three-year borderless" promise. I'm going to share my personal experience with the Z17, hoping it helps you decide whether it’s the right choice for you.
The Nubia brand has been pushing the boundaries of bezel-less design since the Z9 debuted three years ago. By 2017, several smaller manufacturers like Pepper and Coolpad had followed suit with similar products, and Samsung also released the S8 with a full-screen design. While the bezel-less design has become somewhat standard, Nubia’s implementation remains one of the best. The Z9 and Z11 models had slightly thicker top and bottom bezels, but the Z17 shows significant improvements in component layout. The black matrix area is cleverly concealed by AR coating technology, reducing the likelihood of the infamous "rainbow effect." This is a testament to Nubia's attention to detail in bezel-less design.
Another notable design tweak is the improved antenna slot placement. One of the antenna slots runs along the top edge. You can see the nanocoating traces if you look closely, as the pigment matches the body color perfectly. This design enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the Z17, ensuring better signal reception under normal conditions (except when holding the phone in certain positions). Some users have mentioned concerns about potential signal interference while gaming, but my practical tests showed minimal attenuation. After all, the signal bands are not entirely blocked.
The Nubia Z17 also features an infrared remote control and uses a Type-C headphone jack, eliminating the traditional 3.5mm port. While this move aligns with the trend toward waterproofing, it does come with some trade-offs. Type-C earphones offer potentially superior sound quality, but their small size can be inconvenient, especially when using 3.5mm headphones without a converter. Additionally, the inability to charge and listen simultaneously can be a minor inconvenience for selective users.
The front of the Z17 sports a 5.5-inch 1080P display with dimensions of 152.6 x 72.38mm and a thickness of 7.6mm. While it doesn’t feel ultra-thin, the phone weighs 173 grams, providing a solid grip in hand. The black stone finish has a refined metallic texture that feels almost ceramic-like. I’m particularly excited to see the Aurora Blue version, which promises an exceptional tactile experience.
In terms of design, the Z17 builds on the signature bezel-less look while refining the details. Features like IP67 waterproofing, a domed antenna, and a full-metal back with a premium coating make this phone stand out. Its build quality and ergonomic feel make it instantly recognizable.
On the hardware front, the Z17 is a powerhouse. Equipped with the Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB/8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 64GB/128GB of UFS 2.1 storage, it offers unmatched performance. A 3200mAh battery, a 16MP front camera, and a dual rear camera setup with 12MP + 23MP sensors ensure top-tier performance. The 7-mode 24-band full network compatibility is also impressive. At 2799 yuan, this phone offers excellent value.
From my perspective, the Nubian Z17 easily achieves benchmark scores of 17.2W in benchmark tests (without background apps or forced closure). After regular optimization, scores of 18W are expected. This level of performance is comparable only to the OnePlus 5 and the Nubian Z17 itself.
The Z17’s Snapdragon 835 processor is undeniably powerful. GeekBench tests show that both single-core and multi-core performance are top-notch. Games like "NBA 2K17" run flawlessly at full frame rates, and popular titles like "Honor of Kings" run smoothly without issue.
Nubia excels in both visible and hidden areas. The official specifications list LRDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.1 storage, and my tests confirm they are genuine. Unlike some manufacturers who falsely advertise their components, Nubia has consistently provided transparency. For instance, the official website lists detailed technical specifications for their devices, unlike many competitors who merely list vague descriptions.
While hardware is impressive, software optimization is crucial. Having used Nubia devices since the Z7 series, I can attest to the improvements in the Nubian UI. Versions prior to Z11 were plagued by lag and overheating issues. However, the upgrade to Nubian UI 4.0 last year marked a significant improvement in smoothness and functionality. The Z17 runs Nubian UI 5.0, based on Android 7.1.1, offering a seamless user experience.
One of the standout features of Nubian UI 5.0 is the highly flat design of its icons. Pressing an icon reveals additional shortcut options, similar to Apple’s 3D Touch, but at a fraction of the cost. The UI also includes intelligent animations. For example, when an app is updating, you’ll see fragments entering a virtual "pocket," mimicking data transfer. These subtle details enhance the user experience.
Nubian UI 5.0 introduces a quick action button on the sliding menu bar, akin to Apple’s swipe-up gesture but with a dropdown menu. Clicking on an icon reveals detailed selections for options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This design is intuitive and respects user preferences. While similar concepts have appeared on other platforms like Meizu’s Flyme, Nubia appears to be the first to implement this feature.
The Z17 also improves on its Fit Edge interaction system, allowing users to view recent events via edge gestures. Previous versions focused on app switching and cleaning tasks, but the latest iteration offers more versatility.
Communication-wise, the Z17 excels with its card-based text messaging interface and robust anti-spam filtering. Thanks to the Qualcomm 835’s modem and Nubia’s own engineering, signal strength and call quality remain strong. Support for 7 modes and 24 bands is impressive, and dual-SIM dual-standby capability ensures flexibility across networks. While the system is smoother than ever, occasional lags persist, leaving room for future optimizations.
The Z17’s dual-camera setup consists of a 12MP primary sensor and a 23MP secondary sensor. My initial impression is that the camera performs exceptionally well in all lighting conditions—daylight, backlighting, low-light, and night photography. However, this isn't purely due to the dual-camera setup. The 12MP main camera uses the Sony IMX362 sensor, which is shared with Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 7. It boasts an f/1.8 aperture and dual-core autofocus, enabling a depth-of-field effect similar to dual-lens setups.
Under normal conditions, the Z17 primarily uses the 12MP main camera. Blocking the 23MP secondary camera doesn’t impact image quality. The 23MP sensor is activated in specific modes, like portrait shots, to enhance depth effects. For example, it creates a more natural background blur in portraits.
The dual-camera setup is distinct from traditional wide-angle + telephoto configurations. The Z17 offers 2x lossless zoom and 10x digital zoom, setting it apart from competitors.
In practice, the Z17’s imaging capabilities are remarkable. Night shots, in particular, shine thanks to the IMX362 sensor and f/1.8 aperture. Noise levels are minimal, and dynamic range is impressive. Even macro shots reveal vibrant colors and sharp details.
The front-facing 16MP camera benefits from improved light absorption, and user feedback from my peers has been overwhelmingly positive. Selfies look crisp and natural.
Battery life is another strong point. The bezel-less design enhances the immersive experience, and despite the lack of a 3.5mm jack, the Z17 offers over six hours of screen-on time with moderate usage. Fast charging at 18W ensures quick recovery during the day.
Overall, the Nubian Z17 delivers on nearly every front—design, performance, camera, and battery life. At 2799 yuan, it’s an excellent value proposition. If you're considering a premium smartphone, the Z17 is undoubtedly worth purchasing.
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