Lenovo-backed ZUK launches Z1 smartphone in Dubai

ZUK Smartphones makes its debut in the Middle East with the launch of Z1, its flagship smartphone.

A new entrant in the mobile scene with Z1, its first device hitting the shelves in August 2015 in some of the key global markets, ZUK is an independent brand backed by the Lenovo group. 

The brand maintains that the Z1 received an overwhelming response during its global launch, with over 3 million pre-orders in the first week in China, its home market.

Pronounced as ‘Zi.U.K.’ the brand is set for launch in key European and South East Asia markets in the coming weeks.  

“It is indeed a proud moment for us to introduce ZUK Mobile in the region in partnership with Comtel. We believe partnering with a key distributor as Comtel will give our brand the platform and the momentum to penetrate into high growth and far reaching markets in the MEA region,” said Jin Chen, Chief Marketing Officer, ZUK Mobile.

“We are pleased to bring ZUK to this region. With a strong appetite for innovative products, the Middle East is every brand’s preferred choice to make its debut. We are confident that ZUK will be well received,” said Shabbir Saif, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Comtel.

Initially available in grey and white colours, the Z1 will initially be sold only on Souq.com, at a price of Dh1,199.

“We at Souq are delighted to launch ZUK Z1 through our platform. We have always strived to bring the best products to our customers from around the globe. We further enhance our offering with the launch of Z1 and believe that the product will be widely accepted in the region,” added Ronaldo Mouchawar, CEO of Souq.com.

Incidentally, the device is on offer for just today (October 26) at Alibaba group’s AliExpress.com for $279.99 (Dh1,029) instead of the $349.99 (Dh1,285) that it usually retails for.

Being promoted by ZUK as ‘the smartphone for heavy users,’ the 5.5-inch Z1 has a Cyanogen OS, 1080P display with 401ppi resolution and is powered by a Qualcomm 801 processor.

The phone boasts a 3GB RAM and 64GB ROM, a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP wide-angle front camera, and comes with USB 3.0 and Type-C, which the firm claims is a global first. The Z1 is loaded with a 4100mAh battery, which is much more than comparable phones in the market.

With Dual SIM and Dual standby, Z1 supports the WorldMode LTE ie FDD-LTE and TDD-LTE. It has an aviation aluminium frame, and its home button is integrated with a multi-functional fingerprint sensor.