ZTE nubia N1 silently revealed bearing a 5000mAh battery

Despite not being one of the biggest smartphone OEMs around, ZTE doesn't really skimp on the fanfare when it announces a new model. So it's almost surprising that its newest nubia N1, the first in a new series, hasn't been given that much attention. Even more perplexing considering this mid-tier smartphone does have a few things to boast of, particularly perhaps one of the largest battery sizes we've seen in this particular price tier and screen size.

5,000 mAh. That's how much the ZTE nubia N1 is packing inside. Sure, it's non-removable, like most smartphones these days. But ZTE advertises three, not just two, days of battery life. Give or take a few hours depending on your use. That's no small matter, literally and figuratively, given the other specs in the list.

The smartphone is powered by MediaTek's Helio P10, an octa-core processor intended for the higher mid-range. There's also 3 GB of RAM to go along with it, further cementing its position. 64 GB of internal storage as a starting (or only) configuration isn't something to pass either. And for a main camera, it boasts of a 13 megapixel sensor with Phase Detection AF and "Handheld" stabilization.

Design-wise, the nubia N1 could pass off for an iPhone with its "body arc" metallic unibody design. Of course, there are a few touches that make it obviously "not an iPhone", like the red circle accents around the home button and the camera lens.

All of that is being offered for a mere 1699 RMB, roughly $255. It's not the fastest horse in the stable, so to speak, but given that price and the battery, it's definitely a bargain. No word yet on international availability, but ZTE has been rather generous in bringing it nubia smartphones to the US.