ZTE has launched the U25 Standard Edition, a compact pocket router equipped with a 5G RedCap modem. The portable hub delivers Wi Fi 6 connectivity for up to 32 devices alongside a swappable 3050 mAh battery. It is now available in China for roughly $27.
Standard 5G modems often drain batteries rapidly in mobile hotspots. The U25 addresses this by using 5G RedCap technology, which cuts power consumption by up to 65% compared to regular 5G hardware. Peak data rates are lower as a result, but they easily cover everyday streaming and browsing demands. ZTE claims the device reaches theoretical download speeds of 226 Mbps and upload speeds of 120 Mbps. The unit broadcasts wireless internet over the 2.4 GHz band.
Portability is the main appeal here. The router weighs 121 grams with the battery installed and measures 108 by 59.8 by 18.9 millimeters. Laboratory figures from ZTE rate the 3050 mAh removable battery for up to 8 hours of continuous operation on a single charge. Because the battery is swappable, you can carry a spare pack for long trips.
Buyers get 2 distinct hardware choices for cellular access. One version relies on an integrated ZTE network card that lets users switch between carriers using a companion smartphone application. The other variant features a physical slot for a single nano SIM card. Both models ship in either black or white with a retail price of 179 yuan.
