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Close up with ZTE's 'Iconic' aluminum phablet (pictures)

The Iconic Phablet from ZTE sports a 5.7-inch screen and a slug of metal on its back.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
35833803-ZTE-Iconic-Phablet-1.jpg
1 of 6 Lynn La/CNET

Does this phablet look 'Iconic' to you?

LAS VEGAS -- Oh, the chutzpah of product naming. ZTE took it to the extreme in naming its new ZTE Iconic Phablet, launched at CES 2014.
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2 of 6 Lynn La/CNET

Midrange specs

ZTE wasn't lying about the "phablet" part. This handset measures 5.7 inches. As for being "iconic," however, its specs are decidedly midrange.
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3 of 6 Lynn La/CNET

Metal backing

I do like the phone's nonremovable aluminum backplate, which adds some understated shine.
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4 of 6 Lynn La/CNET

Camera

You'll get an 8-megapixel camera on the rear, with flash.
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5 of 6 Lynn La/CNET

Interface

ZTE's MiFavor UI slips comfortably over Android, with the app tray looking mostly like stock Android. The lock screen gets more of the ZTE treatment with a colorful animation to unlock to one of several apps.
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6 of 6 Lynn La/CNET

In profile

Look at its side; you can see the slim Iconic Phablet's mostly metal body, with matte ribs at the top and bottom.

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