Despite initial excitement, 3D technology failed to maintain its momentum, and I’m pretty sure it is obvious why. Before the end of the 2010s, major manufacturers had largely abandoned 3D features in their flagship products, shifting focus to other display technologies like HDR.
Updated Autostereoscopy, Part Four
Fast forward to 2024, and the ZTE Voyage 3D debuted at MWC Shanghai attempting to revive the very same concept. Officially designated as the “Neovision 3D Anytime” display technology, it is claimed to utilize modern-day eye-tracking tech (up to 60 degrees) to recreate the autostereoscopic effect of older glasses-free 3D displays. This is part of the so-called “micron-level multidimensional (glasses-free) 3D system,” which dynamically adjusts the screen to recreate the 3D illusion much better, at least when compared to simpler parallax barrier-based light filtering systems.
As for the actual specs of the screen, it boasts a 6.58-inch IPS display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Overall Specifications
For its processing innards, the Voyage 3D is powered by a Unisoc T760 6nm EUV processor, which is an upper entry-level (basic mid-range?) SoC, was first introduced in 2020, and became available to compatible devices in 2021. Think of it as a synthetic benchmark analog of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695, but with slightly older connectivity technologies. More than snappy enough for everyday tasks, but don’t expect the toughest games to provide respectable frame rates.
This SoC is then paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage, further reflecting the upper entry-level tier that it is synthetically rated as.
The camera of the ZTE Voyage 3D is also pretty basic, with a standard 50MP sensor supported by a 5MP unit on the front. We also got word of its 4,500 mAh battery, plus 33W charging. The unit’s MyOS 13 will be based on Android 13, which again is not surprising given its product tier.
So, Where is All the 3D Content?
To address the perennial issue of limited 3D content, ZTE has partnered with Chinese video platform Migu Video. This collaboration aims to expand the library of native 3D content available to users. Additionally, the device features AI-powered 2D to 3D conversion functionality, supporting major media apps and allowing users to switch to 3D mode with a single click.
After all, as we hinted at the beginning, this isn’t ZTE’s first foray into reviving the 3D display technology of the 2010s. We already have the Axon 20 3D from 2021, which was the very first unit that applied modern-day eye-tracking tech to its 6.67-inch ‘3D’ display. Then we have the Nubia Pad 3D and Nubia Pad 3D II, which attempted a similar concept, but used a bigger form factor via a 12-inch display.
The ZTE Voyage 3D is currently available in China at approximately $206. No word about its international release at the moment, and if we consider the older 3D display models, it is uncertain if there would be any at all.
