Realme 2

The Realme 2 was launched as a successor to the Realme 1, aiming to capture the budget segment of the smartphone market. Introduced in 2018, the Realme 2 was positioned as a device that offers a blend of design, performance, and battery life at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 2:

Overview:

The Realme 2 was designed for users who wanted a stylish device with a good battery life without spending too much. With its diamond-cut design and notch display, it aimed to cater to users who prioritize aesthetics and basic performance.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Oppo’s ColorOS 5.1 skin.
2. Display: 6.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 450.
4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A substantial 4230 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a face unlock feature.

Pros:

1. Stylish Design: The diamond-cut design on the back made the device stand out in its segment.
2. Impressive Battery Life: The 4230 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last a day, even with moderate to heavy usage.
3. Value for Money: Given its price point, the device offered a decent set of features and performance.
4. Face Unlock: A feature typically found in more expensive devices, the face unlock was relatively fast and accurate.

Cons:

1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD displays in a similar price range.
2. ColorOS: Oppo’s ColorOS, while feature-rich, wasn’t to everyone’s liking due to its deviation from stock Android and the presence of bloatware.
3. Performance: The Snapdragon 450 was decent for basic tasks but struggled with heavy multitasking and intensive gaming.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme 2 faced competition from:

• Asus Zenfone Max M2: Offering a 6.26-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera setup.
• Redmi 6 Pro: Featuring a 5.84-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 625, and a dual-camera setup.
• Honor 7C: With its 5.99-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Realme 2 was announced in August 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Software Experience: Some users found ColorOS to be cluttered and not as intuitive as other custom skins or stock Android.
2. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios.
3. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while stylish, didn’t feel as premium as some competitors with metal or glass backs.

Conclusion:

The Realme 2 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize aesthetics and battery life. Its diamond-cut design, large battery, and face unlock feature made it a popular choice among users looking for style and basic performance without spending too much. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of display resolution and performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a stylish device that can handle basic tasks and last through long days, the Realme 2 was a top contender. However, those looking for a sharper display or better performance might have considered other options available in the market at the time.