Realme 2 Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network

The Realme 2 phone is equipped with a comprehensive network technology suite that supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE connections. It features bands for 2G (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 for both SIM 1 and SIM 2), 3G (HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100), and 4G (LTE bands 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41) offering seamless connectivity. The device supports network speeds of up to HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps, ensuring efficient data transfer and connectivity.

Launch

The Realme 2 was officially announced in August 2018 and became available for purchase in September 2018. Since its release, it has been a popular choice among budget-conscious users thanks to its feature set and affordability.

Body and Design

The Realme 2 boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 156.2 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm and weighs approximately 168 grams. It features a modern glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, coupled with a plastic back and frame, which contribute to both the lightweight nature and the sturdy feel of the device. The phone accommodates dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM, dual standby), making it ideal for users who need to use two phone numbers simultaneously.

Display

The phone comes with a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display that covers about 81.2% of the front surface area, offering a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels and a 19:9 aspect ratio. This results in a pixel density of approximately 271 ppi, delivering vibrant colors and clear images. The screen is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, adding durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Platform

Realme 2 runs on Android 8.1 (Oreo) and is upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) with the ColorOS 6 interface. It is equipped with a Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 chipset built on the 14 nm process technology, ensuring efficient power usage and reliable performance. The octa-core CPU with Cortex-A53 architecture clocked at 1.8 GHz, along with the Adreno 506 GPU, handles daily tasks as well as moderate gaming smoothly.

Memory

To accommodate different user needs, the Realme 2 comes with two memory configurations: 3GB RAM with 32GB of internal storage or 4GB RAM with 64GB of internal storage. Additionally, it features a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to expand storage further, which is convenient for those who require more space for apps, media, and files.

Main Camera

The rear camera setup is dual-lens, featuring a 13 MP primary sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and an additional 2 MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture for effects like bokeh. It supports various modes such as HDR and panorama and is supplemented by an LED flash for enhanced photography in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities include 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture and supports HDR mode to capture vibrant and detailed selfies. It also supports video recording at 1080p at 30 frames per second, which is great for video calls and vlogging.

Sound

The Realme 2 is equipped with a loudspeaker and retains the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, providing flexibility in audio connectivity and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphones and external audio devices.

Communications

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct capabilities, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and LE for wireless data transfer and peripherals connectivity. It includes GPS for positioning. However, NFC is not supported. Users will also find an FM radio for local station listening and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support for further connectivity and data exchange.

Additional Features

Sensors on the Realme 2 include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure device access, an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass, which enhance the overall user experience by providing various functionalities based on app interactions.

Battery Life

The non-removable Li-Ion 4230 mAh battery is a standout feature, offering prolonged usage time and ensuring that users can count on a full day of activity without needing frequent recharges. The endurance for normal usage is rated up to 121 hours, making it particularly appealing for those who demand long-lasting battery life without compromise.

Design and Aesthetics

Visually, the Realme 2 presents itself with a modern touch, available in appealing colors: Diamond Black, Diamond Red, and Diamond Blue, catering to a variety of personal style preferences. The diamond-like pattern on the back adds a unique aesthetic flair, setting it apart from other devices in its class.

Pricing and Availability

At the time of its release, the Realme 2 was competitively priced at about 120 EUR, offering great value for its features and specifications. This pricing strategy aimed to make it accessible to a broad audience, particularly those seeking well-rounded smartphones on a budget.

Performance Tests

In performance assessments, Realme 2 scored a respectable 75434 in AnTuTu (v7) benchmarks. GeekBench results showed a multi-core score of 3881 (v4.4), and GFXBench tests reported 6.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen). These figures indicate commendable performance for everyday user tasks and moderate mobile gaming.

Display Quality

The display quality was gauged with a contrast ratio of 1437:1 (nominal) and 3.006 under sunlight, suggesting decent visibility and contrast for outdoor use.

Audio Performance

The loudspeaker has been tested to produce 66dB for voice, 71dB for noise, and 87dB for a ring, providing adequate sound levels for general use. Audio quality tests yielded impressively low noise levels at -93.4dB and crosstalk at -89.7dB, indicating clear audio output, particularly when headphones are used.