Everything you need to know about the ZTE MF923 [A Review]

Are you an AT & T subscriber wondering which mobile hotspot router you should get to access Wi-Fi while you are on the move? Well, the ZTE Velocity MF923 was designed just for you. Let us take a look at the features and its overall performance in providing you with a reliable network.

All this while, all I have ever known is that the best hotspot would be from my smartphone. However learning about mobile hotspot routers has to be one of the most interesting innovations in the network industry. Now, I am able to instantly upload vacation pictures without having to wait to access Wi-Fi from my room. I am able to work comfortably from different locations other from my home or office. Also, I am able to share my network with my family and friends without having to worry about network insecurities like I would on public hotspots. Generally, I am entirely impressed by the performance of the ZTE MF932.

ZTE MF923 Review and Breakdown

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The ZTE MF923 is a mobile hotspot router that allows you to access Wi-Fi wherever you go. This router has a variation of bands which allow it to roam on LTE in different countries all over the works. It supports the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands as well as the LTE 2/ 4/ 5/ 17/ 29 band and the UMTS HSPA 850 / 1900/ 2100 bands. It is powered by the single-core QUALCOMM MBM9225 processor which allows it to hold a connection log capacity of ten devices at the same time. It has been designed to operate by taking an LTE connection and then it converts it to a Wi-Fi signal so that your Wi-Fi connected devices such as your smartphone or laptop can make use of.

Also, it is a GSM unlocked device which means that it can work on any GSM network that has a micro size SIM card. However, ti does not come with a built-in SIM card therefore you would need to contact your network provider to acquire one. Its FYI firmware updates only become available to you when you. Its battery has 2,800mAh which allows you to enjoy continuous usage of Wi-Fi for up to ten hours and it is featured with a standby time of up to 240 hours before it notifies you that you would need to charge the battery. Apart from that, it comes with built in 802.11 b/g/n.

Also, it allows you to create a separate guest Wi-Fi for your friends and other connected devices as a way of ensuring security for your network. The GSM carriers that it is compatible with are the ones that use SIM cards for service such as AT&T and T-Mobile alongside other carriers such as Straight Talk, H20 and other selected carriers. However, it does not work with CDMA carriers such as Verizon, Sprint, Boost or Virgin which do not use SIM cards. This makes its data plans very limited.

What we liked;

• It is easy to setup and install
• It has decent internet speeds
• It has a sustainable battery life
• It comes with a Micro SD card slot
• It is able to roam in a good number of countries
• It is portable

What we didn’t like

• It is unable to simultaneously broadcast the 2.4 and 5 GHz channels
• It has very limited data plan options that you can choose from
• Slightly unresponsive touch screen

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ZTE MF923 Specifications

Model	ZTE MF923
Throughput Speed	Up to 150 Mbps download speed
Connection log	Up to 10 devices
Display resolution	240 x 320 pixels
RAM	256 MB
Operating temperatures	0 – 35 ° C
Security	WPA 2
Availability	Check price

ZTE MF923 Features

Design and Structure

The ZTE MF923 is a white network device with a smooth finish. It has its size dimensions at 4.5 x 2.5 x 7 inches and weighs about 0.28 pounds which makes it compact and easy for you to carry around wherever you would like to go. On the top part towards the edge, there is a micro SD slot and has been fitted with WPS and power buttons. Its WPS shortcut buttonhas the ability to replace the password of your mobile hotspot router. You are able to enable a password free-access for your devices by pressing on the WPS button.

It holds a micro SD card of up to 32 GB. Towards the bottom, there is a SIM card slot and a reset section. It does not come with ports that you can use to fit in antennas for added coverage.

Aside from that, it is fitted with a 2.4 inch display screen that is touch screen. It has LED indicator lights which help you understand the power status of your router and its connection status. You are able to access the menu system of your ZTE MF923 mobile hotspot router through its LCD touchscreen. It displays the SSID and password of your Wi-Fi network.

Speed and Performance

The ZTE MF923 is able to deliver download speeds of up to 150 Mbps to your connected devices. It is equipped with a 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency band that allows for the efficiency of your network and allows you to work with both high and low bandwidth activities. The problem is that both frequency bands are unable to work simultaneously so you need to constantly alternate on which one works better for your devices that you have connected.

What happens is that the 2.4 GHz is the most commonly used when your devices is connected because it consumes less battery and it also provides a wider signal range. When you are connected to multiple devices, it switches to the 5GHz band to reduce wireless interferences with other devices. Also, the 5 GHz works so well with devices that are compatible with it. It allows you to set your Wi-Fi range based on how far you would want it to reach.

Connectivity and security

With the ZTE MF923, you are able to receive Wi-Fi through 3G networks, AT & T’s LTE and HSPA+. Also, it is fitted with the ability for you to create a guest network for your friends and guests so as to achieve a secure personal network. Its WPS settings make it easier for you to receive a secure connection to your connected devices via your mobile hotspot router. Also it has special security features which allow you to restrict devices from joining your network and making use of your data.

You are able to change your network password and manage your SSID from the web browser which gives you more advanced settings. In the web browser, you can access the micro SD file sharing feature and it is connected to a specific telephone number. With this number, you can receive messages to keep track of your network. The ZTE MF923 mobile hotspot router is secured by the WPA 2  security protocols.

Who is it best suited for?

If you are a frequent business traveler, or spend a lot of your time away from home and work frequently using the internet, you should consider purchasing the ZTE MF923. Also, the ZTE MF923 would be a good option if you are looking to protect your devices and data from open and public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Are there any alternatives to the ZTE MF923?

Yes. Other alternative mobile hotspot routers that you can use are Huawei E5577s-321, the NETGEAR Nighthawk MR1100 and the Alcatel LinkZone.

Features of the alternative mobile hotspot routers

Model	Huawei E5577s-321	NETGEAR Nighthawk MR1100	Alcatel LinkZone
Throughput speeds	Up to 150 Mbps download speeds	Up to 1000 Mbps download speeds	Up to 150 Mbps download speeds
Frequency bands	2.4 and 5 GHz	2.4 and 5 GHz	2.4 and 5 GHz
Connection log	Up to 10 devices	Up to 20 devices	Up to 15 devices
Operating temperatures	0 – 35 ° C	0 – 35 ° C	0 – 35 ° C
Security	WPA 2	WPA 2	WPA 2
Availability	Check price	Check price	Check price

Verdict: Should you get the ZTE MF923?

Yes. The ZTE MF923 is a promising mobile hotspot router and is an assurance of a reliable and stable network. It allows you to connect various Wi-Fi devices at the same time. It has efficient download speeds and its portability allows for its convenience when you are making use of it. An added advantage to having this particular mobile hotspot router is that your online connection is not only strong but is also secure as it uses the WPA 2 security protocols.

FAQs

What kind of SIM card would my ZTE MF923 mobile hotspot router take form AT&T?

This particular network would need a micro SIM from AT&T for it to work.

Does my ZTE MF923 mobile hotspot router come with the smart connect feature for my connected devices?

Unfortunately not. The ZTE MF923 cannot simultaneously broadcast the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands at the same time and choose which devices need higher bandwidth than the other.