X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Sonata 4G sings a cheap tune (pictures)

Available for Aio Wireless, the ZTE Sonata 4G is a prepaid, wallet-friendly Android phone.

Lynn La
Lynn La covers mobile reviews and news. She previously wrote for The Sacramento Bee, Macworld and The Global Post.
Lynn La
ZTE_Sonata_4G_35833802-2590-002.jpg
1 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

ZTE Sonata 4G for Aio Wireless

True, the ZTE Sonata 4G doesn't offer the latest and greatest in mobile technology. However, with its reasonable $80 prepaid price and consistent data speeds, this device is a decent Android value.

ZTE_Sonata_4G_35833802-2599-005.jpg
2 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

A hefty frame

Though compact in size (coming in at 4.9 inches tall and 2.56 inches wide), the Sonata 4G sports an unflattering and thick 0.45-inch profile that renders it a snug fit in jean pockets.

ZTE_Sonata_4G_35833802-2602-006.jpg
3 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

A view from the top

The left edge houses a volume rocker and a microSD card slot for up to 32GB of expandable memory. Up top you'll find a 3.5mm headphone jack and a sleep/power button. Finally, the Micro-USB port for charging is located on the bottom edge.

ZTE_Sonata_4G_35833802-2606-008.jpg
4 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Low-resolution screen

As for the 4-inch display, it has a 480x800-pixel resolution. The touch screen has a narrow viewing angle, and while its brightness is fine indoors, the screen is difficult to look at in direct sunlight.

ZTE_Sonata_4G_35833802-2595-003.jpg
5 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Only one camera

On the back is a 5-megapixel camera with flash and there's a small slit for the audio speaker to the left. You can take off the battery door using a small opening at the bottom, and access the removable 1,785mAh battery and SIM card slot.

ZTE_Sonata_4G_35833802-2603-007.jpg
6 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Running Android 4.1.2

The phone runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and as such contains several Google apps: Chrome, Gmail, Plus, Hangouts, Maps, YouTube, and access to the Play Store's Books, Games, Movies and TV, Music, and Newsstand portals.

ZTE_Sonata_4G_35833802-2598-004.jpg
7 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Snapdragon 400 inside

Inside the handset is a 1.4GHz dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor. This will you give enough power to execute daily tasks like returning to the homescreen, calling up the keyboard, and flipping through your app drawer.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos