Lenovo PHAB2 Unboxing And Impressions - The Underrated Affordable Phablet?
Lenovo took trend of super sized handset with good affordability to a whole new ball game with the release of the PHAB Plus more than a year ago. Since then, the demand for handsets with close to tablet size screen grew.
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| It's a HUGE affordable phone! |
As a matter of fact, other popular mobile makers jumped into this segment with release after release of smartphones with big screen. However, most of them aren't readily available in our country or they're too expensive.
Enter Lenovo PHAB2, its a titanic 6.4 inch phablet with close to midrange VR ready specs and big battery life in the sub PHP 10K range. Will those traits be enough to persuade potential customers who like smartphones with large displays?
Disclaimer: This Lenovo PHAB2 was loaned to us for this uncolored review.
Lenovo PHAB2 Specs
Display: 6.4 Inch HD IPS 1280 x 720 resolution at 229 ppi
CPU: 1.3 GHz 64 Bit MT8735 octa core processor
GPU: Mali T720
RAM: 3 GB
ROM: 32 GB expandable via micro SD card slot expandable up to 128 GB
Back Camera: 13 MP f/2.0 w/ PDAF and dual LED flash
Selfie Camera: 5 MP f/2.2 w/ 85 degree wide angle lens
Battery: 4,050 mAh
OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, A GPS, dual SIM (hybrid)
Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, sound, magetic, gyroscope
Others: Triple array microphones
Dimensions: 175 x 89.5 x 9.6 mm
Weight: 225 g
Price: PHP 9,999
Unboxing / Accessories
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| The long rectangular box |
Starting with its package, the phablet goes with a longer rectangular type of box to fit everything inside.
You'll find a fast charging 2A USB wall charger together with regular USB to micro USB charging cables, SIM ejector pin, and paper documentations. There are no other freebies like case and screen protector though.
Upon checking the construction of the handset, the PHAB2 boast a touch looking unibody exterior made out of aluminum. It has chamfered edges on its frame, semi rounded corners, curvy back cover with smooth matte like paint finish. On top, Lenovo did not mention of there's glass protection for scratches. The device is well machined as a whole, you just have to protect its screen.
The PHAB2 is safely designed, it comes in a minimalist look that mimics what most high-end big phones has. The curves are nice and the main camera doesn't protrude that much. However, it is thicker (9.6 mm) and heavier (225 g) than most phones you'll hold.
2. The handset is packed with midrange worthy construction. Only its lack of glass protection is our concern by far.
3. The specs is great for the price even if MT6753 is a bit dated. We liked that it has 32 GB of storage compared with most phones under 10K with just 16 GB of ROM.
4. Colors on that its main camera produced are good for this price range, shutter speed is slow though. Selfie camera is impressively wide even if understandably grainy in lowlight. There is no screen flash.
5. There's no fingerprint scanner, navigation keys are lit, there's LED notification, and OTG works. Reverse charging is also possible. On paper, there's 3 microphones, for 5.1 surround sound recording, but we can only see two physically. Maybe it is hidden somewhere.
For the review: Lenovo PHAB2 Review - A Phabulous Affordable Phablet?
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| Inclusions inside |
You'll find a fast charging 2A USB wall charger together with regular USB to micro USB charging cables, SIM ejector pin, and paper documentations. There are no other freebies like case and screen protector though.
Build Quality / Design
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| Clean looking curvy design at the back |
Upon checking the construction of the handset, the PHAB2 boast a touch looking unibody exterior made out of aluminum. It has chamfered edges on its frame, semi rounded corners, curvy back cover with smooth matte like paint finish. On top, Lenovo did not mention of there's glass protection for scratches. The device is well machined as a whole, you just have to protect its screen.
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| Microphone and 3.5 mm headphone jack slot on top |
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| Microphone, micro USB slot, and single speaker below |
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| Hybrid SIM slot here! |
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| Power button and volume rocker at right |
The PHAB2 is safely designed, it comes in a minimalist look that mimics what most high-end big phones has. The curves are nice and the main camera doesn't protrude that much. However, it is thicker (9.6 mm) and heavier (225 g) than most phones you'll hold.
It's a HUGE minimalist looking phone that's easy on the eyes!One handed use is also impossible unless you are a very big person. For two handed use, using the device is very easy. We also liked its standard buttons / ports and at bottom speaker placements.
Initial findings
1. Its HUGE 6.4 inch screen comes with nice colors and decent brightness level. However, its use of just an HD panel made it doesn't look as sharp, pixels are visible on naked eye on closer look.2. The handset is packed with midrange worthy construction. Only its lack of glass protection is our concern by far.
3. The specs is great for the price even if MT6753 is a bit dated. We liked that it has 32 GB of storage compared with most phones under 10K with just 16 GB of ROM.
4. Colors on that its main camera produced are good for this price range, shutter speed is slow though. Selfie camera is impressively wide even if understandably grainy in lowlight. There is no screen flash.
5. There's no fingerprint scanner, navigation keys are lit, there's LED notification, and OTG works. Reverse charging is also possible. On paper, there's 3 microphones, for 5.1 surround sound recording, but we can only see two physically. Maybe it is hidden somewhere.
Camera teaser
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| Rear camera dim-light |
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| Selfie camera dim-light |
As of the moment
Using the PHAB2 is very enjoyable at this price point if you like a big screened handset. As of this writing, we think that this handset is a good contender at this price point. But, before jumping into a conclusion, let us test it out further.For the review: Lenovo PHAB2 Review - A Phabulous Affordable Phablet?
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