When ZTE Devices Philippines announced the launch of the Nubia V60 Design, my curiosity was piqued. As an avid tech enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new entry-level smartphones that offer great value for money. The Nubia V60 Design, with its promise of a sleek design and solid performance, seemed like a device worth exploring. After spending some quality time with it, here’s my detailed review.

First Impressions: The Look and Feel

Right out of the box, the Nubia V60 Design impresses with its aesthetic appeal. The shiny rear panel, flat edges, and color options (Champagne Gold, Sunrise Violet, and Dark Blue) give it a premium feel that belies its budget-friendly price tag. It’s clear that ZTE put effort into the design, aiming to make the phone stand out in a crowded market. The 6.6-inch HD+ IPS display is smooth with its 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel fluid. The punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera is a neat touch, and ZTE’s “Live Island” feature, inspired by Apple’s Dynamic Island, adds a unique twist.

Performance and Usability

Under the hood, the Nubia V60 Design is powered by a UNISOC T606 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM. While this might seem modest, the phone handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming quite well. The generous 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, is a big plus, especially for those who hoard photos, videos, and apps.

One of my initial concerns was the battery life, but the 5,000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging pleasantly surprised me. It easily lasts a full day with moderate use, and the fast charging ensures you’re not tethered to an outlet for too long.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup on the Nubia V60 Design is another highlight. The back houses a 50-megapixel main camera, flanked by two auxiliary sensors. While the auxiliary sensors are fairly standard, the main camera performs admirably in good lighting conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant photos. The 8-megapixel front camera is decent for selfies and video calls, though it struggles a bit in low light.

Software Experience

Running on MyOS 13, based on Android 13, the software experience is smooth, though it’s not the latest version of Android. MyOS 13 brings some useful features and a clean interface, but it’s worth noting that software updates may be slower compared to other brands.

Is It Worth Your Money?

At its original price of Php5,999 (around $110), the Nubia V60 Design is already a great deal. However, with vouchers, you can get it for as low as Php3,799 (about $70), making it an absolute steal. For its price, you’re getting a well-designed phone with a good display, decent performance, ample storage, and a solid battery life. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise too much on style and functionality, the Nubia V60 Design is definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts

The Nubia V60 Design is a testament to how far budget smartphones have come. It offers a lot of bang for your buck, combining good looks with solid performance. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power or camera prowess, it holds its own in the entry-level segment, making it an excellent choice for students, budget-conscious buyers, or anyone looking for a secondary phone.