What are cheap smartphones really worth? We compared 7 devices
3.6.2016
Translation: machine translated
They're called Coolpad, Wiko or Siswoo. Names that don't tell us much... They look like normal smartphones, but cost a lot less than the Galaxy S7 or the HTC 10. We're all asking ourselves the same question: can we expect quality at these prices?
Not everyone wants to spend 700 francs or more on a new smartphone. Those who aren't heavy users or who prefer not to lug their brand new Galaxy S7 around on holiday, but still want to take advantage of the dual SIM feature, are spoilt for choice. There are now countless inexpensive mobile phones costing between 100 and 200 francs that are far more powerful than you might think. Here's a look at the seven most interesting contenders.
ZTE Blade A452
ZTE stands for Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment and is a Chinese telecommunications equipment supplier. Founded in 1985, the brand is also present in other countries with numerous devices.
ZTE proves that you don't have to shell out 700 francs for a quality smartphone that, optically, is barely distinguishable from the much more expensive models from the competition. Computerbild finds that the finish is impeccable and you notice that you have a sturdy smartphone in your hand.
The Blade A452 is unfortunately only available with 8GB of memory (easily expandable with a microSD card). The 4000mAh battery is very durable, but cannot be replaced. There's also a dual SIM function, as well as 4G and a 13MP camera. The latter, however, is considered one of the A452's weak points.
Those able to compromise on memory, performance and camera will be relatively happy with the ZTE Blade A452.
Siswoo C55
Siswoo is one of the youngest smartphone manufacturers and barely got off the ground in 2014. Like most Chinese competitors, the company is based in Shenzhen, but also has offices in Spain and Germany.
As for the system, we once again find Android and its version 5.1. It's no longer very current, but we benefit from stock Android, which has been marginally modified. The Google Play Store is preinstalled.
You can play games on the C55 without any problems, although for some games such as "Asphalt 8" you need to reduce the graphics settings.
It scores points with its battery (which charges rather slowly, however) and with its camera, which takes decent photos, writes Chip. On the whole, the C55 is a device that can be recommended. It's nothing spectacular, but it does what it's supposed to do, even if it is a little slower than the trendy models.
Coolpad Torino S
Can you guess where Coolpad's headquarters are located? In Shenzhen, China. The company has been working in the telecommunications field since 1993 and is now trying to establish itself in the German-speaking area.
It even has a fingerprint sensor. Placed in the same place as Huawei's Nexus 6P, on the back of the device. But it's not as good quality. Reading speed and accuracy still leave something to be desired.
It's the screen and camera in particular that remind us of the device's price tag - they can barely be compared to flagship products from major manufacturers. The Tolino is therefore suitable for people who use their mobile phone infrequently or very little.
Medion Life X5020
The Medion brand is not very well known in Switzerland, apart from for affordable, high-quality notebooks and tablets. Not surprising, given that the company is owned by Lenovo. For some time now, the company has also been producing smartphones following the same principle. The Medion Life X5020 is a promising candidate.
At the end of the day, we can recommend this smartphone, but only relatively. For 40 francs more, you could have the Nexus 5X, which is considerably better. If you can't put that kind of money down, you'll still get a drinkable smartphone.
Zopo Speed 7
Zopo is a very recent Chinese company. Founded in 2012 and also based in Shenzhen, the company entered the smartphone market when it was already booming. Zopo stands for Zealous Open Perfect Outstanding. In fact, all that's missing is the word modest.
On the software side, we once again find Android 5.1. Fortunately, the interface doesn't differ much from Google's presentation. The camera delivers quality results, but struggles to take great photos in poor lighting.
So it's a nice package that Zopo delivers. Good performance and third-party pre-installed apps that can be uninstalled.
Wiko Sunset 2
For a change, here's a manufacturer that isn't from China. Wiko is based in Marseille, France and has been producing mobile phones since 2011. The handsets are, of course, produced in the Middle Kingdom.
So, Wiko is very pleasant to use. In hand, the Sunset 2 doesn't feel cheap and the power is easily enough for games - as long as they don't demand too much graphically. The Android 4.4.2 version installed is definitely not the latest, but Wiko largely dispenses with superfluous crapware.
The Wiko Sunset 2 is therefore only suitable for users who are happy when they can do a bit of phoning, surfing and playing one game or another. If you want to perform more demanding tasks, you'd be better off looking at the competition.
Honor 5X
Finally, another very stylish model. Honor is Huawei's cheaper brand. The Chinese company knows how to produce high-end devices and is the world's largest manufacturer of mobile phones.
The Honor 5X is a premium device that you can buy at a very affordable price without compromising much. If someone wants to put in a bit more, they can opt for the Honor 7. It's a little more compact (5.2 inches), but is much better in everything else.
Overview
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
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