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.
In return, as Notebookcheck writes, the screen is very bright and the finish is of very good quality. The processor isn't the most powerful, but still allows you to play graphics-intensive games - on the downside, the charging time is relatively long, especially if the game is installed on the microSD card.
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The fact that several applications, some of which cannot even be uninstalled, has been the subject of much criticism.
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.
The C55 is a good entry-level model. The design is sober, but really nothing spectacular. The 16GB internal memory, expandable via microSD card, is sufficient. The battery can be replaced. In terms of resolution and colour, the screen certainly doesn't stand a chance against those of reference devices, but is excellent for this price class - so wrote the tech blog Chinahandys. Its readability in bright sunlight has won many over.
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.
The sober design of the Coolpad Tolino S is very reminiscent of the iPhone. The device feels great in the hand and is easy to use. The smartphone may struggle a little with resource-intensive applications. This is noticeable, for example, when you want to watch videos on YouTube. The dual SIM function is available. It should be noted, however, that the device only has a 4G module, which means that only one SIM card can take advantage of ultra-fast Internet. Those who already have a microSIM will therefore absolutely need a adapter. The device is Android-powered and therefore arrives with plenty of pre-installed software, as we know from other manufacturers.
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.
The dual SIM option or the alternative of a microSD card are available here too - both together are not possible, as there is only one slot. The Full HD screen totally won over those who tested the device. As did the solid finish, which was clearly inspired by the iPhone. Cashy's Blog criticises the many bloatware features, as well as the average quality camera.
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.
A handy five-inch with the usual plastic finish - a thoroughly satisfying device. The equipment on the Zopo Speed 7 is more or less the same as other devices in this category. The screen stands out for its clarity and colours, and the battery is replaceable. Although the processor isn't high-end, AndroidHeadlines finds the performance of this device compelling. The battery power doesn't disappoint either.
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.
The French offer one of the cheapest smartphones. It's almost impossible to find cheaper. The consequence of this is that the Wiko Sunset 2 only has 4GB of memory, which can admittedly be expanded with a microSD card, but is still limited. The screen has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. According to the German blog Techtest, this is the device's big drawback. Nothing to say about its appearance, but its visual angle isn't of great quality. As soon as you don't hold it upright, you can kiss image quality goodbye. The same goes for the camera, which at 2MP is in the same league as those on mobile phones from 10 years ago. Impossible to post these photos on Instagram.
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.
It's no surprise, then, that the Honor 5X feels more like a 700-franc handset in your hands, rather than a 250-franc model. The large 5.5-inch Full HD screen is crisp and its colours are vibrant. We have nothing to complain about in terms of equipment. 16GB memory (microSD slot), 2GB RAM and a 13MP camera for perfectly decent photos. It doesn't disappoint either with its 3000mAh battery. Only the user interface is criticised by various testers like Techradar. It's said to be too busy and partly wrong. That's why the Honor 5X is due to receive an update to Android 6.0. Possibly this could solve some performance issues.
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
The received idea that cheap smartphones are worthless could not be confirmed. The quality/price ratio is clearly better than that of trendy devices. But it's important to be aware that there are certain compromises to be made when spending less than a third on a mobile phone. You often don't get the impression that you're holding a valuable device in your hands, the cameras aren't the best, they're a little less powerful, and you can't wonder too much about the large number of pre-installed applications. However, most of the devices deliver a consistent offering and at the end of the day have managed to do exactly the same as their much more expensive siblings - only a little slower.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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