Lenovo Vibe X2 The Complete Review — Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview

The Lenovo Vibe X2 is a distinctive smartphone that was introduced to the market in September 2014. It quickly became known for its unique multi-layered design and powerful hardware capabilities. Although it has been discontinued, its features, design, and performance remain noteworthy in the context of its release time.

Design and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Lenovo Vibe X2 is its innovative, layered design. The phone features a three-layer gradient that gives it a visually appealing look, making it stand out from the usual one-dimensional designs. It possesses a sleek and elegant structure with dimensions of 140.2 x 68.6 x 7.3 mm and a lightweight build weighing only 120 grams. The use of a combination of materials ensures that the phone is not only lightweight but also robust, providing a comfortable grip and high portability.

Display

The Lenovo Vibe X2 comes with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display that offers a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, delivering sharp and vibrant visual content. The screen-to-body ratio is around 71.7%, providing an immersive viewing experience, especially suitable for media consumption such as videos and gaming.

Performance

Powering the Lenovo Vibe X2 is the Mediatek MT6595M chipset, which includes an octa-core CPU composed of four Cortex-A17 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A7 cores at 1.7 GHz. This combination delivers efficient multitasking and smooth performance across various applications. The PowerVR G600 GPU compliments the processor for graphic-intensive tasks, ensuring a lag-free experience for moderate gaming and video playback.

Memory and Storage

The device is equipped with 2GB of RAM, which, during its release period, provided ample space for various applications to run concurrently without significant slowdowns. It offers 32GB of internal storage. However, it lacks a card slot for expandable storage, which might be limiting for users requiring more space for their media and applications.

Camera

The Lenovo Vibe X2 features a 13 MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus capability. The camera setup includes LED flash, panorama, and HDR features that enhance photographic versatility. It supports video recording at 1080p at 30fps, making it suitable for capturing memorable moments with decent quality. For selfie enthusiasts, a 5 MP front-facing camera is available, which caters well to self-portraits and video calling.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 2300 mAh battery, the Lenovo Vibe X2 offers a reasonable battery life for typical use. It provides a standby time of up to 228 hours on 2G networks and up to 216 hours on 3G networks. Talk time is also respectable, with up to 17 hours on 2G and up to 19 hours on 3G. However, intensive usage may drain the battery more quickly, which is typical for smartphones within the same category during its era.

Software and Features

This smartphone initially launched with Android 4.4 KitKat but is upgradable to Android 5.0 Lollipop. It includes a range of sensors, such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the functionality and user experience. Communication options are comprehensive, featuring Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac with dual-band and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS support, and FM radio. Despite lacking NFC, the connectivity options cover most user needs effectively.

Sound

The Lenovo Vibe X2 is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with various audio accessories. Audio quality tests reveal decent performance with noise levels at -92.5dB and crosstalk at -92.2dB, which should suit most casual listeners' requirements during phone calls and media playback.

Network Capabilities

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring reasonably fast and reliable connectivity for users in areas with 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage. It includes dual-SIM capability (Micro-SIM/Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) for users needing multitasking services or separate personal and work phone numbers. The device supports various bands, making it versatile in different regions worldwide.

Colors and Pricing

Although it is now discontinued, the Lenovo Vibe X2 was available in several attractive colors, including White, Gold, Red, and Charcoal. This variety allowed users to choose a device that best fit their personal style preferences. At launch, it was priced around 270 EUR, offering a competitive option in the mid-range smartphone market.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Vibe X2, with its remarkable layered design and balanced features, was a competitive player in its segment at the time of release. While advancements in technology have surpassed its specifications today, it remains a notable example of innovation in smartphone aesthetics and functionality. Its discontinuation marks the end of a distinct era in Lenovo's smartphone offerings, yet its legacy continues to influence modern smartphone designs.