Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime Comprehensive Specs Prices and Performance Review

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime features a compact and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand. With dimensions of 134 x 67 x 9 mm and weighing 133 grams, it's easy to handle and carry around. The device sports a glass front and a plastic back with a sturdy plastic frame, offering durability and a functional aesthetic. The phone is equipped with a dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) slot, accommodating users who need separate lines for personal and professional use.

Display

The Redmi 2 Prime is designed with a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This configuration results in a pixel density of approximately 312 ppi, offering sharp and vibrant visuals suitable for browsing, gaming, and multimedia consumption. The screen covers about 67.8% of the front surface, providing a decent viewing area within a compact form factor.

Performance

At its core, the Redmi 2 Prime is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 processor. This chipset incorporates a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 306 GPU, delivering a balanced performance suitable for daily tasks and moderate multitasking. It is accompanied by 2GB of RAM, ensuring that applications run smoothly and efficiently.

Software

Out of the box, the device runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat, but it is upgradeable to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with MIUI 7.2. MIUI, Xiaomi's custom user interface, is known for its user-friendly design and additional features that enhance Android's functionality.

Camera

The Redmi 2 Prime is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera featuring an f/2.2 aperture and LED flash. This camera is capable of capturing decent photos with reasonable detail and color accuracy. Additionally, it can record videos at 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing 2 MP camera is adequate for video calls and basic selfies, supporting video recording at 720p.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Po 2200 mAh battery, which supports 10W wired charging. This capacity is sufficient to provide a full day's use under moderate activity levels, such as internet browsing, social media, and some light gaming.

Storage

Internally, the Redmi 2 Prime offers 16GB of storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC slot. This allows users to store additional media and applications without worrying about running out of space.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS support, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG capability. The absence of NFC is notable, as this limits its use for contactless payments and other NFC-related functions. However, it does include a stereo FM radio for entertainment on the go.

Network and Communication

Supporting GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, the Redmi 2 Prime is capable of handling modern cellular connectivity needs. It supports 4G networks with speeds up to LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, ensuring swift web browsing and streaming capabilities. The device covers essential frequency bands for broad compatibility.

Sensors

The smartphone includes a range of sensors enhancing its usability: an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors improve user interactions and enable features like screen rotation and enhanced navigational capabilities.

Price and Availability

Released in August 2015, the Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime was initially priced at approximately 120 EUR. Although it is now discontinued, it was an attractive option at its price point, offering a balanced combination of features suitable for budget-conscious consumers.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime managed to capture the essence of a capable yet affordable smartphone. With its blend of performance, functionality, and design, it served as a compelling choice for users seeking a reliable device without frills. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a testament to Xiaomi's ability to deliver quality at competitive pricing.