QMobile Noir S2 Unveiling Specs Prices and Pros & Cons

Overview of QMobile Noir S2

QMobile, a popular smartphone brand in the South Asian market, released the Noir S2 in November 2015. The device, which is now discontinued, offers features that cater to basic smartphone users. It was designed to be an affordable and practical option for consumers looking for essential smartphone functionalities without the hefty price tag.

Network and Connectivity

The QMobile Noir S2 supports GSM and HSPA technology, ensuring reliable connectivity for users who primarily use 2G and 3G networks. The device operates on GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz for both SIM cards, and supports HSDPA 900 / 2100 frequencies. Unfortunately, the device does not support 4G LTE connectivity, which may be a limitation for users in regions with widespread 4G coverage.

Design and Build

The phone features dimensions of 142.5 x 71 x 9.3 mm, making it a compact device that is easy to handle. The weight is not specified, but the design accommodates dual Micro-SIM slots in a dual stand-by configuration. Despite being made from basic materials, the design is practical with easy access to all ports and buttons.

Display

The QMobile Noir S2 comes equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, offering users a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 68.1%, the display offers decent viewing angles and satisfactory color reproduction for a device in this price range. While not the brightest or the most vivid, it suffices for regular media consumption and casual browsing.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the Noir S2 is powered by a Mediatek MT6580 chipset, built on a 28nm process. The CPU is a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, and the GPU is a Mali-400MP2. These specifications provide basic performance sufficient for everyday tasks such as calling, texting, and lightweight app usage. The phone operates on Android 5.1 Lollipop, which, while outdated, provides access to most essential apps and functionalities available at the time of release.

Memory and Storage

With 1GB of RAM, the QMobile Noir S2 screens through basic tasks but might struggle with multitasking or running memory-heavy applications. It provides 8GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDHC card slot. This allows users to increase their storage capacity for additional apps, music, and photos, albeit with some limitations on storage space.

Camera Functionality

The device boasts an 8 MP primary camera equipped with autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama features. Capable of shooting 1080p video at 30fps, this camera can handle occasional photography needs with moderate quality. The 5 MP front-facing camera serves adequately for selfies and video calls, again fitting within the basic needs of the average user.

Audio and Multimedia

The Noir S2 comes with a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, reflecting a typical feature set for its era. The inclusion of an FM radio enhances the multimedia experience, providing users with various audio entertainment options.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for internet access, Bluetooth 4.0 for device connection, and GPS for location services. The absence of NFC is notable, but not unusual for this price segment at the time. A microUSB 2.0 port is provided for charging and data transfers.

Battery Life

The QMobile Noir S2 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, delivering up to 336 hours of standby time and up to 23 hours of talk time on 2G networks (20 hours on 3G). This capacity is expected to cover a full day of light to moderate use, although power users might need to recharge more frequently.

Additional Features

For sensors, the phone includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to its basic interactive capabilities such as screen rotation and adaptive brightness.

Conclusion

The QMobile Noir S2 represents a budget-friendly smartphone option from 2015, offering essential connectivity, basic camera functionality, and expandable storage at an affordable price. Although it lacks modern features like 4G, a higher RAM capacity, and more advanced camera technology, it remains a practical choice for users needing a straightforward mobile experience. While discontinued, its specifications serve as a reminder of the functionality and affordability balance sought by consumers during the period of its release.