Plum Compass 2 The Complete Guide to Specs Prices Pros and Cons

Network Capabilities

The Plum Compass 2 supports both GSM and HSPA technologies, making it capable of functioning on 2G and 3G networks. It accommodates the 2G bands of GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, supporting dual SIM functionality with micro-SIM slots. For 3G connections, it supports HSDPA in the 850, 1900, and 2100 bands. The device offers network speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps for downloads and 5.76 Mbps for uploads, ensuring a moderate browsing experience for basic users.

Launch and Availability

Announced in March 2018, the Plum Compass 2 became available for purchase shortly thereafter. With its market launch, the device offered basic smartphone capabilities tailored for budget-conscious consumers or those seeking a secondary device.

Body and Design

The phone sports dimensions of 144 x 72.7 x 9.8 mm, making it compact and manageable for one-handed use. Weighing 165 grams, the Plum Compass 2 strikes a balance between a solid build and portability. It features a dual SIM design, allowing users to switch between carriers or have separate lines for personal and professional purposes.

Display Features

The device is equipped with a 5.0-inch TN TFT display, which covers approximately 65.8% of the front surface. While the screen resolution of 480 x 854 pixels might not compete with modern high-definition displays, it offers sufficient clarity and detail for handling basic tasks and everyday use. The screen's 16:9 aspect ratio is standard, providing a familiar view for media consumption.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), the Plum Compass 2 features a user-friendly interface with essential smartphone functionalities. It is powered by a Spreadtrum SC7731C chipset along with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. Graphics processing is handled by a Mali-400 GPU, suitable for basic multimedia tasks and some light gaming. The hardware configuration ensures a reasonably smooth performance for routine operations.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, accommodating users in managing more apps, photos, and media files. With 1GB of RAM, the phone can support basic multitasking activities, though it's worth noting that heavy apps might compromise smooth operations.

Camera Capabilities

On the back, the Plum Compass 2 boasts an 8 MP autofocus camera equipped with an LED flash, capable of capturing photos and recording videos at 720p at 30 frames per second. While this might not compete with the modern multi-lens setups, it is adequate for casual photography. The 2 MP front-facing camera supports basic video calls and selfies, providing functionality for video conferencing and social media interactions.

Audio and Connectivity

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, facilitating audio playback through wired headphones. For wireless connectivity, it features Bluetooth 2.1 with enhanced data rate and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct capabilities. Although NFC is not supported, the device includes GPS for location tracking and navigation, FM radio for broadcast listening, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging.

Sensors and Battery Life

An accelerometer is included to support basic motion-based user interactions. The removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery offers up to 170 hours of standby time on 2G networks and 200 hours on 3G. Talk time is rated up to 5 hours and 30 minutes on both 2G and 3G networks, providing just enough juice for daily conversations and tasks.

Market Variants and Color Options

The Plum Compass 2 is available in several colors, including Black, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold, providing users with options to suit personal style preferences. Being a cost-effective device, it targets a market segment that prioritizes affordability over high-end performance features.

Target Audience and Use Cases

Designed for consumers seeking economical devices or functional secondary phones, the Plum Compass 2 offers essential smartphone capabilities without the expense of modern flagship models. It caters to users who need a reliable backup phone, basic smartphone capabilities, or a budget-friendly option for communication, social media, and light multimedia use.

Conclusion

The Plum Compass 2 is positioned as an affordable entry-level smartphone, providing basic functionalities suited for users who do not require high-end specifications or resource-intensive applications. It competently handles general user needs with its modest specifications, serving as an economical choice in a competitive market filled with more powerful, but costlier alternatives.