Ulefone Mix 2 Review: A Budget Dual Camera Phone That Truly Works

In today’s Chinese smartphone market, seven out of ten devices launched feature either a dual rear camera setup or an 18:9 display aspect ratio – key selling points of the Ulefone Mix 2 smartphone. This trend, which emerged in 2017, is expected to continue in 2018, with more companies adopting these features. However, a frustrating issue is that many mid-range to low-end smartphones with dual rear cameras perform poorly, despite their promising specs. This is where the Ulefone Mix 2 review stands out from the competition, offering a budget-friendly dual rear camera that actually delivers on its promises.

Ulefone Mix 2 Specifications and Features

• Key Specifications:

  – Operating System: Stock Android 7.0 (Nougat)
  – SIM Type: Dual Nano-SIMs
  – Network Type: 2G/3G/4G
  – Screen Size: 5.7-inch HD+ IPS display with 720 x 1440 pixels resolution (280 PPI)
  – Processor Type: 1.3 GHz MT6737 Quad-core Cortex-A53 64-bit CPU
  – Storage: 16 GB internal storage + 2GB RAM
  – External Storage: Dedicated microSD slot, supporting up to 128 GB expansion
  – Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 13MP primary sensor + 2MP secondary sensor with single LED Flash, and 5MP front-facing camera with LED flash
  – Security: Back-placed Fingerprint scanner
  – Battery: 3300mAh Removable Battery
  – Price: $99 (Approximately N36,000)”

Ulefone Mix 2 Major Drawbacks

• Design and Build:

  – The device has a plastic construction, which may not appeal to everyone.
  – It feels slightly heavy in the hand, which may be a concern for some users.
  – Limited memory options are available, which could be a drawback for those who need more storage space.”

  Ulefone Mix 2 Review: Design and Built Quality

The Ulefone Mix 2 boasts a 5.7-inch HD+ (720×1440) Full Vision display, encased in an all-plastic body. Unlike its predecessor, the Ulefone Mix 1, which drew inspiration from the Xiaomi Mix, the Ulefone Mix 2 takes its design cues from the Samsung Galaxy S8. While it may not replicate the Galaxy S8’s curved edges and near-bezelless design, it still offers a premium look and feel at an affordable price. The side bezels, as well as those above and below the screen, are notably slim, creating a sleek and modern appearance.

Above the display, you’ll find a 5MP selfie camera, an LED flash, the call speaker grille, and some sensors. On the right-hand side, the power button and volume rocker are positioned slightly above the midpoint of the device. The 3.5mm audio jack is located at the top of the device, while the left-hand side is completely empty. Meanwhile, the bottom of the phone features a loudspeaker grille, a USB 2.0 port, and a microphone. Noticeable network antenna lines are also present above and below the device.

On the rear of the device, you’ll find a dual-camera setup featuring a 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP secondary sensor, accompanied by a single LED flash. Located below the camera module is the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and the Ulefone logo. The removable back panel conceals the 3300mAh battery, SIM card slots, and memory card slots, providing easy access for users to insert their SIM cards and expand their storage capacity.

In terms of build quality, the Mix 2 has a mixed bag of positives and negatives. On the plus side, the device feels incredibly comfortable and premium to hold, with a reassuring solidity that inspires confidence. Moreover, despite having a removable back panel, the device shows no signs of flex or creaking when subjected to bending, which is a significant achievement for Ulefone. However, on the downside, the device’s all-plastic construction makes it feel somewhat cheap and heavy in the hand. While the removable back panel is a practical feature, Ulefone could have done more to reduce the overall weight of the device and incorporate a metal frame to enhance its durability and premium feel.