Coles gets an exclusive on the Android 4.4 packing ZTE Chat

ZTE has launched another low-cost handset, partnering with Coles to launch the ZTE Chat in Australia.

The handset isn’t high-end, and at its normal price of $69 it’s probably not going to sell in droves, but when they discount it to $34.50 (like they did last week) it could sell quite well. The phone has some downsides, it does still have capacitive buttons, comes with Android 4.4 and isn’t likely to be updated and it’s 3G only. To sum up, it’s not top notch, but it does work. If you’re after a spec list, the ZTE Chat (V830W) has :

• 4.5″ TFT Capacitive touch panel
• Dual core 1.3GHz MT6572 CPU
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB ROM
• 5MP rear camera plus 2MP front-facing camera
• Bluetooth 3 with stereo headset support and FM Radio
• A-GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• Standard SIM card (2FF) locked to Optus
• 3G UMTS: 900, 2100 MHz with 21Mbps data (HSPA))
• Android 4.4
• 1850mAh battery (user replaceable)
• 132x66x9.1mm @ 120g

As a pre-paid handset, as you can expect it’s locked to the Optus network, you can unlock it but it can be unlocked for a fee (about $80).

The ZTE Chat, though not ready to knock your socks off a spare smartphone can have its uses. It’s available now, so head in to Coles and grab one while stocks last.