YotaPhone 2

amazon YotaPhone 2 reviews

Design and Build Quality

a. Aesthetic and Build

The YotaPhone 2 features a sleek and modern design with a focus on both functionality and aesthetics. The front of the device is dominated by a 5-inch Full HD LCD display, which is surrounded by a slim bezel. The rear of the phone houses the innovative E Ink display, adding a distinctive and functional element to the device. The overall design is minimalistic, with clean lines and a smooth finish.

Build Quality:

The YotaPhone 2 is constructed from high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel. The device has a sturdy build with a plastic back and metal accents around the edges. Despite the plastic construction, the phone feels solid and durable in hand. The rear E Ink display is encased in a protective layer to ensure its longevity and functionality.

Dimensions and Weight:

The YotaPhone 2 measures 144 x 69.5 x 8.9 mm and weighs approximately 145 grams. The dimensions are fairly standard for a smartphone of its era, and the weight is reasonable, making the device comfortable to hold and use.

In terms of appearance, the machine uses a common design language to round the corners as well as soften all the lines if possible. If you have a clue, this is a HTC Desire instead of a Russian smartphone. Not only the angle of the machine, even the back, the back screen, the top or bottom of YotaPhone 2 is also arranged very soft.

Beside the attractive curves, the plus point for the main machine is the solid work of the engineers of Aries. When handled, certain curves of the machine plus the inherent “maintenance” of the Russian bear will help you handle more easily.

In short, for Yota, perhaps the definition of “edge” would not be in the manufacturer’s dictionary. And if not outdone YotaPhone 2 is the opposite version of the BlackBerry Passport international version.

Not to mention the specific features, immediately, YotaPhone 2 will make you surprised when there are two monitors on the same product. While the front of the machine is a 5 inch AMOLED screen, 1080p resolution, for bright colors, the back of the machine is a 4.7-inch e-link screen with a resolution of 540 x 960 Pixel.

Through our hands-on experience, we found the most unique feature of the YotaPhone 2 is the monochrome display on the back of the display in the form of e-paper, super power savings often seen on the universal reading machine. Accordingly, this screen will always display notifications, date and time, calendar reminders, notes or weather forecasts.

Of course, users can customize the displayed information in the settings section. In addition, Yota also allows users to change the screen as well as menu interface on the back of the machine through simple operations such as touching. In particular, using the e-link display technology, the display on the second screen will not take up too much power.

Not only does the information look convenient, the following screen of YotaPhone 2 also helps you quickly browse mail, compose messages or read books. The ability to interact with the secondary monitor makes this secondary monitor really useful, not just as “decorative” as his predecessor.

where can you get a YotaPhone 2 online

Smartphone Yota Yotaphone 2 Factory Unlocked Screen (E-ink on Back) – International Version No Warranty: Buy it now

YOTAPHONE 2 32GB BLACK FACTORY UNLOCKED 4G/LTE CELL PHONE: Buy it now

Performance and experience

In terms of configuration, the YotaPhone 2 is not a lark in the tech community, but it is equipped with high performance hardware such as quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, clocked at 2.3GHz, 2GB RAM, 32GB internal memory, 8 megapixel front camera comes with 2 megapixel and 2.550mAh battery – supports wireless charging, running Android 4.4.3 platform.

Although the time experience is not much, but we found that YotaPhone 2 is quite smooth and with common tasks such as surfing the web, playing music, watching movies or taking pictures, the machine can be completed. Good job. Of course, if compared to the current product, the machine is only classified in the mid-range smartphone.

However, you will be surprised with the battery life of the machine if only use the screen behind the e-link with up to 5 days. Or the ability to move the front screen to the back with a fancy black and white interface. All are aimed at users who love reading or are simply tech-savvy seekers.

In general, YotaPhone 2 is an impressive product and proved to be different from most of the smartphones running Android today. If compared with the first generation YotaPhone, can be considered a perfect upgrade when the screen is larger than the front or back, better configuration and especially the second screen. Be more useful than ever.

With busy businessmen, YotaPhone 2 promises to be a great supporter when users can easily track messages, emails, social announcements….

Camera Quality

a. Rear Camera

Specifications:

The rear camera on the YotaPhone 2 features a 8-megapixel sensor with an LED flash. The camera is capable of recording Full HD 1080p videos.

Performance:

The 8-megapixel rear camera delivers decent image quality for everyday photography. Photos taken in good lighting conditions are sharp and detailed, with accurate colors. The LED flash helps in low-light situations, though image quality can suffer from noise and reduced detail.

Camera App and Features:

The camera app offers basic shooting modes and settings, including auto, manual, and HDR modes. While the app is functional, it lacks advanced features found in more recent devices.

Video Quality:

The YotaPhone 2 can record Full HD videos, which are of satisfactory quality. The video recording performance is adequate for casual use but does not match the quality of higher-end smartphones with more advanced camera systems.

b. Front Camera

Specifications:

The front camera on the YotaPhone 2 is a 2-megapixel sensor, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Performance:

The 2-megapixel front camera delivers basic performance for video calls and casual selfies. The image quality is acceptable but lacks detail and sharpness compared to more modern front-facing cameras.

Video Call Quality:

For video calls, the front camera provides a functional experience, though the resolution may not be as high as that of more recent devices. The quality is sufficient for everyday use but may fall short for those seeking high-definition video calls.

Battery Life

a. Battery Capacity

Specifications:

The YotaPhone 2 is equipped with a 2,515mAh non-removable battery. This battery capacity is relatively modest compared to more recent smartphones but was reasonable for its time.

Battery Performance:

The battery life of the YotaPhone 2 is adequate for a full day of moderate use. The combination of the E Ink display, which consumes very little power, and the relatively modest LCD display helps balance battery consumption.

Power Saving Features:

The device includes power-saving features such as battery optimization settings and the ability to use the E Ink display for notifications and other information to conserve power. These features contribute to the overall battery life, allowing users to manage their usage more effectively.

b. Charging

Charging Speed:

The YotaPhone 2 supports standard charging through a micro-USB port. The charging speed is reasonable but does not support fast charging technology. A full charge typically takes a couple of hours.

Charging Experience:

The charging experience is straightforward, with no significant issues. The device charges at a standard rate, and users can expect typical charging times for a phone of this era.

Connectivity and Network Performance

a. Network Support

Specifications:

The YotaPhone 2 supports a wide range of network bands, including 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G. This provides compatibility with various carriers worldwide.

Network Performance:

The device offers reliable network performance with good connectivity for voice calls, SMS, and data. The 4G LTE support ensures fast data speeds for browsing, streaming, and other online activities.

SIM Support:

The YotaPhone 2 supports a single SIM card, which may be a limitation for users who require dual-SIM functionality.

b. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Specifications:

The YotaPhone 2 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. These connectivity options provide stable wireless connections for internet access and device pairing.

Wi-Fi Performance:

The Wi-Fi performance is reliable, with good signal strength and stability. The device connects quickly to available networks and maintains a stable connection.

Bluetooth Performance:

Bluetooth performance is solid, allowing users to connect to various Bluetooth devices such as headphones, speakers, and smartwatches. The connection is stable, and audio quality is generally good.

c. GPS and Navigation

Specifications:

The YotaPhone 2 is equipped with GPS support, which allows for location tracking and navigation. It also supports A-GPS (Assisted GPS) for improved location accuracy.

GPS Performance:

The GPS performance on the YotaPhone 2 is generally satisfactory. It provides accurate location data for navigation apps, though it may not be as fast or precise as more recent devices with advanced GPS technology. The device performs well for standard navigation tasks such as driving directions and location-based services.

Navigation Apps:

The phone supports popular navigation apps such as Google Maps and other GPS-based services. The integration with these apps is smooth, though users may experience slight delays in location acquisition compared to newer devices with updated GPS technology.

User Experience

a. Software and User Interface

Operating System:

The YotaPhone 2 originally shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat, which was a stable and functional version of the Android operating system. KitKat introduced several improvements in performance and user experience, including enhanced multitasking and better memory management.

User Interface:

The YotaPhone 2 features a near-stock Android experience with minimal customization. The user interface is clean and straightforward, providing a familiar experience for users accustomed to Android devices. The inclusion of the E Ink display adds a unique touch, offering additional functionality for notifications, widgets, and quick access to information.

Customization:

The device allows for some level of customization, including home screen widgets and app icons. However, the options for customizing the E Ink display are more limited compared to other aspects of the phone.

Performance and Stability:

The YotaPhone 2 offers stable performance for everyday tasks, though it may show signs of lag with more demanding applications. The software experience is smooth, and the phone handles basic operations efficiently. However, users may find the device lacking in responsiveness compared to newer smartphones with more advanced hardware and software.

b. User Experience with Dual Screens

Primary LCD Screen:

The primary LCD screen of the YotaPhone 2 provides a traditional smartphone experience with vibrant colors and sharp visuals. It is suitable for media consumption, browsing, and general use. The screen’s performance is consistent, and it delivers a satisfactory user experience for most tasks.

Secondary E Ink Screen:

The secondary E Ink display offers a unique feature that sets the YotaPhone 2 apart from other smartphones. The always-on nature of the E Ink screen allows users to view notifications, check the time, and access essential information without turning on the main LCD display. This functionality contributes to extended battery life and provides a convenient way to stay updated with minimal power consumption.

Advantages:

• Battery Life: The E Ink display significantly reduces battery usage compared to the main LCD screen. Users can rely on the E Ink display for notifications and quick information checks, leading to more efficient power consumption.
• Readability: The E Ink screen excels in readability under direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use. Users can view text and notifications clearly, even in bright conditions.
• Always-On Functionality: The ability to have essential information readily available without waking up the device adds to the overall convenience and efficiency of the phone.

Limitations:

• Refresh Rate: The E Ink display has a slower refresh rate compared to the LCD screen, which can result in lag when updating content. This may affect the responsiveness of interactive features and applications on the E Ink screen.
• Limited Functionality: While the E Ink display provides useful features, its capabilities are more limited compared to the primary LCD screen. Some tasks and interactions may require switching to the main display.

Audio and Multimedia

a. Audio Quality

Speaker Performance:

The YotaPhone 2 features a single bottom-firing speaker for audio output. The speaker delivers adequate sound quality for phone calls, media playback, and notifications. The audio performance is clear, though it may lack depth and volume compared to more recent devices with dual or high-quality speakers.

Headphone Audio:

When using headphones, the audio quality is generally good. The device supports standard audio formats and provides a satisfactory listening experience for music and media. The headphone jack is located at the top of the device, making it easily accessible for users.

Microphone Performance:

The built-in microphone performs well for voice calls and voice recordings. It captures clear audio with minimal background noise, ensuring that conversations and recordings are intelligible.

b. Multimedia and Entertainment

Display Quality:

The combination of the LCD and E Ink displays provides a versatile multimedia experience. The LCD screen is suitable for watching videos, playing games, and browsing media. The E Ink display, while not designed for high-definition media, offers a unique way to interact with text-based content and notifications.

Media Playback:

The YotaPhone 2 supports various media formats and streaming services, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content. The performance of media playback is smooth, though the quality of the experience depends on the resolution and format of the content.

Gaming Performance:

The Snapdragon 800 processor and 2 GB of RAM provide adequate performance for casual gaming. Users can enjoy less demanding games with reasonable graphics settings. However, more intensive games may experience some lag or reduced performance.

Conclusion

The YotaPhone 2 stands out as an innovative device with its dual-screen technology, combining a traditional LCD display with an always-on E Ink screen. This unique feature offers benefits such as extended battery life and excellent readability in sunlight. The device provides a solid overall user experience with competent performance, though it may fall short compared to more recent smartphones with updated hardware and software.

Strengths:

• Dual-Screen Design: The combination of LCD and E Ink displays offers unique functionality and efficient power usage.
• E Ink Readability: The E Ink screen excels in direct sunlight, providing clear visibility for notifications and text.
• Battery Life: The device’s power-efficient design contributes to extended battery life.

Weaknesses:

• Performance: The Snapdragon 800 processor and 2 GB of RAM offer satisfactory performance but may struggle with more demanding applications.
• Camera Quality: The camera performance is decent but lacks the advanced features and quality of more recent devices.
• Software Updates: The device’s outdated Android version limits access to newer features and security improvements.

Overall, the YotaPhone 2 is an interesting and innovative device with a unique dual-screen approach. While it may not compete with the latest smartphones in terms of performance and features, it offers a distinctive experience for users seeking a combination of traditional and innovative display technologies.