ZTE MF93E 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Review

Following Huawei E5776, the candidates ZTE has a new 4G mobile hotspot now with LTE support and colorful screen on offer – ZTE MF93E. We have all the key data summarized for you and show you where advantages and disadvantages are similar to Huawei models and whether the purchase worthwhile.

 

 

LTE features and characteristics of ZTE MF93E
Manufacturer and model number ZTE MF93E
Download rate up to 100 MBit/s
Upload rate up to 50 MBit/s
Supported LTE bands LTE 1.8, 2.6 GHz (FDD) & 2.3, 2.6 GHz (TDD)
Backward compatible with: DC-HSPA+ / HSPA+ / UMTS / EDGE / GSM / GPRS
Support LTE-Advanced no
MIMO Support: MIMO 2×2
Connector for external antenna yes; 2 antenna sockets, type TS-9 available (buy ZTE MF93E antenna)
LTE Category: LTE Modem to Category 3 (CAT3)
Chipset Qualcomm MDM9215
Others
Dimensions (LxWxH) 107 mm x 61 mm x 16 mm and 105 Gramm
USB-Standard USB 2.0
Memory card expansion yes; With 32 GB MicroSD
Battery capacity 2800 mAh,  10 hours
Compatible Operating Systems Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7+8, Mac OS (above 10.4)
Release March 2014
Availability on www.4gltemall.com
Handbuch PDF unfortunately not yet available online

 

ZTE MF93E is a so-called “mobile hotspot” router. This type of device looks like space-saving mobile phone in pocket size, but they would provide just wireless network with router function. So users can go outside not just with one terminal, actually , in this case, up to 10 wireless devices could be taken if there is ZTE MF93E in hand.

 

 

 

Technical data

 

The ZTE MF93E supports LTE category 3 at 1800 & 2600 MHz (FDD mode), and 2300 & 2600 in the TDD modulation mode. The latter, however, is largely prevalent in Asia. The LTE band 800 MHz is not covered, which means some insignificant shortcoming in certain area and countries. LTE Category 3 allowed data rates of up to 100 Mbps for downstream and 50 Mbps for upstream. In addition, however, the router can also access major 3G and 2G standards to the Internet, such as UMTS, HSPA+, EDGE or GSM.

 

 

 

 

The WLAN module is working on 802.11b/g/n, so that internal networking data rates of up to 150 Mbps can be achieved. This is not necessarily “often state the art”, but at least functional. After all, this is not self-evident; the operation in the dual band of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz is possible. In addition, there are two TS-9 ports located on the bottom for connecting an external antenna to the receiving optimization. ZTE MF93E has a battery of quite handsome capacity of 2800 mAh, which should be sufficient for 9-10 hours operating time. Of course, the user can also operate on AC power, provided a power source is present.

 

 

 

 

Display

On the front, ZTE MF93E has built a color information display. This is partly for control and also displays any relevant connection status, such as the radio standard used or surfing data volume during the online session.

 

 

 

There is no doubt that ZTE MF93E is a very visually attractive device. Since the release time is too long ago in the first quarter of 2014, there are no technically new similar models for competition. The MF93E is most likely comparable with Huawei E589, which has similar specifications, but not all.

 

 

 

In conclusion, ZTE MF93E satisfies the LTE category 3, and supports the maximum speed to 100Mbps, which is good enough for normal use under good network condition. Also the battery is good enough with 3000 mAh capacity. But if you want LTE category 4 mobile WiFi, the best alternative would be the Huawei E5372, which is already offering LTE Category 4 and connection speed reach up to 150mbps. Whether you think ZTE MF93E is suitable for you or not, you must make your own decision if you a real good 4G pocket MiFi.

 

ZTE Flare 4G LTE Cat6 Mobile Hotspot

The Chinese manufacturer “ZTE” has already announced a new hotspot router to the Mobile World Congress 2014 that will support LTE-Advanced with up to 300 Mbit/s for the first time. The new hotspot is named ZTE Flare. The device is equipped with the latest wireless technology. Here are the key data details.

 

ZTE Flare Features and Characteristics

Manufacturer ZTE
LTE Category LTE Category 6 (Cat6)
Chipset Qualcomm Gobi ™ 9×30 with RF360
Download Rate 300Mbit/s
Upload Rate 50Mbit/s
Supported network CDMA/TD-LTE/FDD-LTE/WCDMA/GSM
Supported LTE Bands Still unknown
Backward compatible with unknown yet
Support LTE-Advanced Yes
WLAN 802.11ac/a/b/g/n, 2.4GHz/5GHz
WiFi chipset Qualcomm VIVE QCA6174
MIMO Support MIMO 2 x 2
Connector for external antenna Yes, 2 TS-9 antenna sockets (Buy ZTE Flare Antenna)
USB Standard USB 2.0
Memory Card expansion MicroSD up to 32GB
Battery 2300mAh
Other functions  SMS, IPv6, IPv4
Compatible operation system Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 +8, Mac OS (10.4 or higher)
Release Summer or fall 2014

 

From 2014 autumn, many European network providers are trying to launch the next generation LTE (So called LTE-Advanced). Based on new technology, the current data rates of up to 300Mbit/s could be achieved. However, in order to use the “LTE 2.0”, customers require new hardware so that the devices could support LTE Category 6. Both ZTE and its rival Huawei are also preparing the new models. Then ZTE announced its first Cat6 device for the second half of the year, named “Flare”.

Portable Router

ZTE Flare is called WiFi hotspot router, but it’s designed for mobile use and allows multiple users to share the wireless network through it. More powerful than Huawei E5786 LTE Cat6 mobile hotspot, ZTE Flare could support maximum up to 32 users to access internet. Based on the LTE Category6,  the peak speed of 300Mbps will provide good surf experience for the users.

 

ZTE Flare is the world’s first device that uses Gobi chipset from Qualcomm, more specifically; it’s the “Gobi 9×30”. It’s made in ultra-thin 20nm process and consumes less energy than conventional radio chips. It’s said the new chipset will save almost up to 15 percent power. Per the LTE-A support and carrier aggregation, the qualcomm chipst can combine two RF bands of different spectral ranges, so that the LTE providers can operate up to 40MHz total bandwidth for data transmission. According to 3GPP standard, tapes 5, 10, 15 or 20 MHz are combines. In this way, data rates can reach up to 300mbps. The Gobi dominates beyond FDD and TDD modulation. The former is common in Europe and North America, the later specially in the Asian region.

 

Of course, according to the latest AC standard, ZTE flare can supports up to 540Mbps based on installed VIVE 502.11ac WiFi chip from Qualcomm. The WiFi chipset is compatible with previous 802.a/b/g/n and can be operated at 2.4GHz or 5GHz. As mentioned before, the flare hotspot allows end users of up to 32 devices. There are two additional ports for connecting external antennas (TS-9 socket).

 

Like other mobile hotspot router, there is a LCD screen on the front and users can see many important connection information, such as surf duration, radio standard or consumed volume. Many people want to know which one is better between ZTE Flare and Huawei E5786, we will give full explanation after we get the samples of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZTE MF91D 4G LTE Pocket WiFi Hotspot Review

Smartphones are the ideal way to access the Internet on the go, but when you want to connect more WiFi device and help a friend to access internet, things seems bad. In these cases we have to use a mobile hotspot, which provides quick access to the Internet for more than one device at a time. This time I am getting to know more detail of ZTE MF91D 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot that could connects to the Internet via a super fast LTE/4G network.

 

Last time we introduced the 3G HSDPA access point ZTE MF80, which is quite similar to the new version. Of course, the main difference is that the model MF91D hotspot is for LTE/4G network.

 

Appearance of ZTE MF91D

At first glance, ZTE MF91D Hotspot reminded me those nice rounded tip cell phones, which were quite common and popular one. The 4G hotspot is pleasant, easy to stow in the pocket. The front side has a simple square color display that shows the status of network connection. Below the screen is a big button, when working, it flashes of blue light. On the left side we find a slot for microSD memory card  at the side the MicroUSB connector for charging. On the other hand, there are two connectors for external antenna and in the middle of them, there is a WPS button. ZTE MF91D is made of plastic, when first use, remove the back cover and the battery, below is the slot to insert the SIM card of normal size.

 

ZTE MF91d Settings

To access and use the access point ZTE MF91D, computer could get connected through the USB cable or do a wireless all together. In the first application, the easiest way is by using the cable, especially if you’ve got a new SIM card that is locked with a PIN code. When connecting to a computer, your MF91D hotspot offer installation of software that simplifies the process of setting and place a shortcut to the settings page (we checked it also works on Mac OS X). Usually, the MF91D hotspot could auto configure and get connected after SIM card is plugged in.

 

Once you have your device connected to the access point, either via cable or via WiFi, you could open a web browser by typing the title http://m.home/ or http://192.168.1.1 (the default password admin ). On the home page, you have an overview of the various settings links and an overview of the data usage. If you do not have special requirements, you can leave most of the settings alone, but usually you need to change your password to something that you will easily remember.

 

Advanced users could setup detailed security and configure network settings. In general Wi-Fi settings, you can define the maximum number of connected devices. Hotspot ZTE MF91D supports up to 10 devices simultaneously.

ZTE MF91D Hotspot in practice

In the past few days, I’ve tested ZTE MF91D access point in different situations. I tested it in the open air, in a meeting with two laptops and smart phones, when at home, up to six devices get connection at the same time and each time the Internet works fast without interruption.

 

 

Speed is of course just like cellular phones, it depends on how far you are from the base station. The occupancy of cells can affect the signal quality. The battery should support 6 hours of continuous use, which was confirmed by my tests.

 

 

Who is it for?

If you use the mobile internet mostly with your smartphone, you probably do not need mobile access point. If you often find yourself on the road even with a laptop or tablet without a SIM card, the ZTE MF91D 4G hotspot is more attractive choice because it has a relatively long life battery, and it is extremely easy to use. It can be used even in small office or home to connect multiple users at the same time, it supports up to as many as 10 devices at a time. What is most attractive, ZTE MF91D could support maximum download speed up to 100Mbps, so any connected users could surf internet in very high speed.

 

 

Of course, there is not only ZTE MF91D 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot, many other brand 4G Mobile Routers are available, welcome to check more on 4gltemall.com .