Design and Build Quality

The ZUK Z1 features a conservative design, perhaps too conservative. We like the aluminium alloy frame, which has an impeccable finish, and we also appreciate the fact that the back is curved, creating the illusion of a thinner device.

The phone measures 152 x 78 x 8.5 mm. Thanks to the 4100mAh battery, it can’t be very thin.

Luckily, thanks to its curves, it doesn’t look or feel 8.5mm thick. It tips the scales at 175g, the same as the OnePlus Two, with a 3300mAh battery.

The back is plastic and it’s not removable, so neither is the battery. The finish is glossy, and like all glossy devices, the ZUK Z1 can be a fingerprint magnet. The glossy finish doesn’t look or feel cheap, but we’re still surprised by Lenovo’s decision to use it. Most vendors have moved to matte plastic or polycarbonate, various “satin” finishes, glass or alloy.

The ZUK Z1 is available in white and dark grey, and we would go for the grey version for a couple of reasons, but this is entirely subjective.

Build quality is excellent and we have no complaints whatsoever. The aluminium frame feels very sturdy, everything is put together beautifully, with no gaps between the frame, back cover or bezels.

Every little detail looks and feels right. The bezels aren’t very big and the design hides them quite well.

The volume rocker and power button are located at the right. They are aluminium and they feel good. The home button houses the fingerprint scanner and both work flawlessly.

However, at the end of the day, the ZUK Z1 looks like a conservatively designed phone. We wouldn’t call it boring, but it’s definitely not exciting, either. Perhaps Lenovo decided to play it safe in order to appeal to more people in more markets?

The company has a track record of launching conservatively designed notebooks, tablets and phones – some may even call them bland – but we were hoping for something a bit flashier for the new brand.