Lenovo has finally announced ZUK Edge, the cheapest smartphone in the market to feature Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 821 processor. The smartphone also loses on those redundant bezels, just to be more competitive against Xiaomi's Mi Mix. Lenovo ZUK Edge promised to be a curved smartphone with edge display but now it has turned out to be using just 2.5D curved glass on top. Here is everything you need to know about the device:
1. Design and Display: Lenovo ZUK Edge's design is very similar to ZUK Z2 (also called as Z2 Plus in India). It is basically an enlarged version of Z2 Plus in terms of design but the bezels have been trimmed to make it look smaller in dimension. Lenovo ZUK Edge is 7.68mm thick and the display covers 86.4 percent of the display. Lenovo ZUK Edge doesn't come anywhere close to Xiaomi Mi Mix in terms of bezel less design but it is still nice to see the company opting for a compact form factor.
The front is home to large 5.5-inch Full HD display with home button below it, which also acts as fingerprint sensor. Lenovo ZUK Edge features an all-metal unibody constructions and comes in Black and White colour variants. The renders of Black variant shared by Lenovo does look stunning.
2. Specifications: Lenovo ZUK Edge's star attraction here is the use of Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor. This is the same processor powering Google Pixel, Pixel XL and OnePlus 3T. Interestingly, Lenovo has not underclocked the processor so we are looking maximum clock frequency of 2.35GHz, same as OnePlus 3T. The smartphone also comes with 4 or 6GB RAM and Lenovo has opted for 64GB standard storage. It is unclear whether ZUK Edge offers expandable memory option.
Lenovo ZUK Edge comes with a 13MP main camera with f/2.2 aperture and large 1.34 micron pixel size. Lenovo is using a Samsung ISOCELL image sensor with phase detection autofocus and five element lens. The rear camera, however, lacks OIS which should come as a disappointment for those looking to shoot videos with this one. The front camera is an 8MP one with f/2.2 aperture and support different beautification modes. Lenovo ZUK Edge houses a 3100mAh battery and supports Qualcomm's Quick Charge technology.
3. Pricing: In China, Lenovo ZUK Edge with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage starts at 2,299 Yuan (approximately Rs 23,000) while the variant with 6GB RAM, 64GB memory is priced at 2,499 Yuan (approximately Rs 25,000). Yes pricing is the biggest selling factor here and if at all it launches in India, the ZUK Edge will topple OnePlus 3T as the cheapest Snapdragon 821 smartphone.