Zte Cymbal 2 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The ZTE Cymbal 2 is an affordable flip phone that brings the classic flip design into the smartphone era. It features a traditional number pad and runs on the Android operating system, providing the convenience of a flip phone with the functionality of a smartphone. While it has some limitations, such as being exclusive to TracFone and having a dim screen, it is an interesting option for those seeking nostalgia or simplicity in a smartphone.

Design and Build Quality

The Cymbal 2 has a unique design that combines the traditional flip phone form factor with a touch screen. When closed, it measures 109 x 56 x 19.5 mm and weighs 135 g. The top half of the phone houses a 2.8-inch TFT LCD touch screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, while the bottom half features a physical number pad and various physical buttons for navigation and quick access to functions. The phone also has a small 1.77-inch TFT LCD display on the outside for showing time, date, and caller ID information. The overall build quality is decent, but the screen could be brighter and more vibrant.

Display

The Cymbal 2's main display is a 2.8-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. While the screen size is small by today's standards, it is sufficient for basic tasks and provides decent visibility. However, the display could be brighter and more vibrant, especially when used outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The secondary 1.77-inch external display is monochrome and primarily used for showing basic information like time and caller ID.

Performance

Under the hood, the Cymbal 2 is powered by a Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 chipset, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, and Adreno 308 GPU. It comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSDHC card. While these specifications are modest, they are sufficient for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. However, resource-intensive apps and games may struggle to run smoothly on this device.

Software and User Interface

The Cymbal 2 runs on the Linux 3.18.71 operating system with a custom user interface. It also supports Android 5.1.1 app compatibility, allowing users to access a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store. The user interface is simple and easy to navigate, making it suitable for users who prefer a straightforward smartphone experience. However, it's worth noting that the software may not receive regular updates, which could impact security and new feature availability.

Camera

The Cymbal 2 features a 2-megapixel rear camera capable of capturing photos and videos at 720p resolution. The image quality is average, with limited details and noticeable noise in low-light conditions. The camera app offers basic shooting modes and settings but lacks advanced features found in higher-end smartphones. There is no front-facing camera on this device, limiting its selfie and video calling capabilities.

Battery Life

The Cymbal 2 is equipped with a removable 1600mAh Li-Ion battery, which provides decent battery life considering the phone's modest specifications. With regular usage, the battery can last a full day on a single charge. However, heavy usage or running resource-intensive apps may drain the battery more quickly. The removable battery allows for easy replacement if needed.

Connectivity and Networking

In terms of connectivity, the Cymbal 2 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. It has a nano-SIM slot and supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet connectivity. Bluetooth 4.2 is available for connecting to other devices, and there is a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. It's important to note that the phone lacks positioning features like GPS and NFC, which may limit certain location-based or contactless payment functionalities.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Cymbal 2 to other similar devices, it stands out as one of the few flip phones running on the Android operating system. Its closest competitors include the Alcatel Go Flip 3 and the Doro PhoneEasy 626. While the Go Flip 3 offers a more modern design and better camera performance, the Cymbal 2 provides the unique combination of a flip phone form factor with full Android app compatibility. The Doro PhoneEasy 626, on the other hand, focuses more on accessibility features and simplicity for seniors.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZTE Cymbal 2 offers a unique proposition for those who miss the simplicity and nostalgic feel of flip phones but still want the functionality of a smartphone. It combines a traditional number pad with a touch screen and runs on the Android operating system, providing access to a wide range of apps. While it has some limitations, such as a dim screen and average camera performance, it is an affordable option that may appeal to those seeking a simple and straightforward smartphone experience. However, its exclusivity to TracFone and lack of regular software updates should be taken into consideration before making a purchase decision.