COMPUTER BILD · 26/02/2019
First look · MWC hands-on impressions
ZTE Nubia Alpha is an interesting, unusual flexible wearable, but it is bulky, pricey and hard to recommend to most buyers.
Likes- Flexible OLED display is an original idea
- Phone-style features like calls and messaging
- Built-in camera mode for selfies and short videos
Dislikes- Design is bulky and takes getting used to
- Pricing is steep for what it offers
- Processor is no longer cutting-edge
Victor Abarca · 30/05/2019
Hands-on review · design, gestures and software tests
ZTE Nubia Alpha is an innovative concept, but far from ready, with unreliable gestures, a bulky design and immature software.
Likes- Innovative concept of a wrist-worn phone
- Clean swipe navigation between category rings
- Fitness and sleep apps grouped in one section
- Flexible screen wraps around the wrist
Dislikes- Gesture control rarely recognises movements, so you must use touch input
- Large, heavy body unsuitable for sport or sleep tracking
- No app store and no video call app
- Software is not mature enough for a finished product
Xataka · 12/05/2019
Full day test · 24 hours of daily use
ZTE Nubia Alpha offers a good experience overall, but not being able to install third-party apps is a clear drawback.
Likes- Gesture navigation works well most of the time
- Battery lasts almost two days of use
- Comfortable, watch-like feel on the wrist
Dislikes- Cannot install third-party apps
- Gestures sometimes miss their target
- Camera and ergonomics are limited
Frandroid · 27/02/2019
First look · MWC hands-on impressions
ZTE Nubia Alpha suits only dedicated gadget lovers; it is heavy and likely uncomfortable for everyday wear.
Likes- Curved flexible screen gives a cinema-like effect on video
- Calls and text messages work well on the watch
- Interesting concept for gadget enthusiasts
Dislikes- Gesture control works only one time in three or four tries
- Very heavy bracelet pulls down on the wrist
- Camera is small and not exceptional
- Battery life is doubtful with such a large screen
nextpit France · 27/02/2019
First look · hands-on at launch
ZTE Nubia Alpha is a fun, original gadget with a positive first impression, though you need effort to get the most from it.
Likes- Original flexible display design
- Fitness modes and running support
- Calls work through Bluetooth earphones
Dislikes- Camera is well below smartphone quality
- Takes effort to get the most out of it
- Feels like a gadget rather than a daily tool
Miky Ancona · 07/01/2021
Preview review · unboxing, notifications and fitness tests
ZTE Nubia Alpha has a novel flexible display, but limited notifications, hardware and fitness tracking make it hard to recommend.
Likes- Flexible OLED display is an original idea
- Simple colour-coded menu navigation
- Battery lasts one to two days with regular use
Dislikes- Notifications are mostly off by default and limited
- Hardware is weak and the experience sometimes lags
- Fitness tracking is imprecise and sometimes overestimated
andreagaleazzi · 26/02/2019
Preview · first impressions and feature walkthrough
ZTE Nubia Alpha has mixed impressions: fun features, but unreliable gestures, a weak speaker and a bulky strap.
Likes- Fun countdown and stopwatch features with customisable text
- Music interface shows track info and playback progress
- Standalone eSIM model offers phone features such as calls and messages
Dislikes- Gesture scrolling works only sometimes, so finger taps are needed instead
- Built-in speaker is almost inaudible, so you need headphones
- Heavy, large strap that may not hold up
- Battery lasts about four hours of continuous use
Tecnoandroid · 26/02/2019
First look · trade show walkthrough
ZTE Nubia Alpha is more a novelty than a smartwatch, with a dated design, old Android and an unimpressive camera.
Likes- Novel flexible display technology
- Standalone phone function with its own SIM
- Photos are acceptable
Dislikes- Design looks rather unattractive
- Android 7.1 feels outdated
- Camera quality is not impressive
SmartWorld · 25/02/2019
Hands-on preview · MWC first look
ZTE Nubia Alpha is a curious, unusual product, but the reviewer is undecided and wants longer testing.
Likes- Flexible OLED screen that bends without creasing
- Gallery images look striking on the long display
- Unusual design that stands out
Dislikes- Oversized design with a very long display
- Gesture sensor awkward for left-handed users
- No Italian language and limited settings
- Processor choice raises doubts
Digital Trends · 28/02/2019
Quick hands-on · gesture control first impressions
ZTE Nubia Alpha has a striking design, but unreliable gesture control and a price above the Apple Watch.
Likes- Striking retro sci-fi look, attractive in black
- Large flexible OLED screen wraps down the wrist
- Built-in cellular connection and a camera, with plenty of features
Dislikes- Air gesture control is unreliable and hard to get working consistently
- Expensive compared with the Apple Watch
