Review of Infinix Zero 2

Infinix Mobility officially launched the Infinix Zero 2 in Nigeria at an event held at the University of Lagos, it was subsequently launched in Kenya in partnership with ecommerce platform Jumia. A quick comparison of the unique features of Infinix Zero 2 showed it’s great improvement over its predecessor the first Infinix Zero which,by the way, was a major hit.

The Infinix Zero 2 is the next evolution of Infinix Zero device. At first glance, it reminded me of the Tecno Phantom Z mini. Everything about the phone screamed that, except for the naming and the mate plastic back. Like the Infinix Zero (1), the Zero 2 has a non-removable battery.

There are two variants of the Zero 2 in the African market—there is the Zero 2 16 GB ROM and the Zero 2 32 GB ROM. The unit I am reviewing is the Zero 2 32 GB of ROM.

Meeting the Infinix Zero 2

Zero 2 is a dual SIM device with both SIMs on the left side of the phone. The SIM accommodated by the Zero 2 are both micro SIMs. There’s slot for Micro SD card to the right of the Zero 2. You will have to use a SIM slot ejector that is packed with the phone to unlock the SIM and Micro SD card slots.

One thing that is pretty easy to notice once you pick up the Zero 2 is the weight—it is very light. This is because the device was not made of metal like the Infinix Zero original, but made from plastic uni-body—but it doesn’t feel cheap at all.

At 2 GB RAM, this means that the phone is fast, with no noticeable lag. I can testify to this. Considering it has super AMOLED from Samsung, this is a premium built phone at a sweet price (N35,000)—selling way less than what Phantom Z mini sold at.

Full Specification

Source: best mob (but we made some modification as some information were not correct)

Software

I was thinking the Zero 2 would come shipped with Android 5.0 lollipop, but no, it came with Kit Kat 4.4.2.

You do not have to install a new keyboard here. The keyboard that ships with the Zero 2 is Android Keybord. The autocorrect is responsive and sharp.

But do not expect to see the material designed themed keyboard working with the Zero 2. The material themed Android Keyboard is only available on Android phones that are running Android 5.0.

Hardware

The screen size is 5.0 inches, 720 x 1280, 294 pixels per inch. I found the screen resolution to be ideal for the screen size of the phone. A very careful and close look at the screen will reveal some pixilation. However, one can easily get used to it and the pixilation won’t be as visible as it would be initially for someone who is coming from an iPhone 6 or Samsung GALAXY S6 Edge.

I enjoyed watching videos on it at crystal clear 1080 p quality in landscape mode. One good thing I also noticed is that the on screen function keys made watching videos and playing video games on the Zero 2 a sweet experience. Accidentally hitting the function keys (and Menu) won’t occur when using the phone in landscape mode. The function keys only appear when you need them.

The Zero 2 comes with a premium glass—the corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Gorilla Glass 3 doesn’t mean that if you hit the phone on the floor it won’t shatter. It means that if you put the phone in your bag and there is key in your bag/pocket, the screen won’t be scratched.

Some people want 4G on their phone already, even though we do not have any mobile telecoms company in Nigeria that is offering 4G/LTE service yet. 4G is understandably missing on the Zero 2—but there is 2G and 3G.

Camera

The rear camera is 13 MP, while the front camera is 5 MP. There is no dedicated camera shutter button and there is no manual mode. All photos shoot in auto and you will need to use the shutter release on the screen of the Zero 2. When you touch to focus, you can achieve some depth of field pictures. But low light is not the strongest point of the Zero 2, but in low light, I got some decent shots in as well.

Most people use the camera on their phone to capture the moment, may be at an occasion, shoot the first steps on their child or just capture a note from the white board, a note book. The camera is sufficient for all that.

Battery

I am sure Infinix got the feedback from those who purchased the original Infinix Zero. The Battery of the original Infinix Zero was poor. I get a decent 7/8 hours use—I am a heavy user. On days that I am busier on my desktop, I get a full day use from the Zero 2. The battery is 2300 mAh.

I have been using the Infinix Zero 2 for about a month. But, I am troubled by something I found. The original Zero appears to be more durable in terms of the material that was used to build it. The Zero 2 has scratches from its sides already as if it is peeling off. This is not as a result of the phone falling from my hand. If you want to prevent this from happening to you, I will suggest you get a phone case/covering for your phone.

Conclusion

Anyone who picks up the Zero 2 will find it to be good value for money and it is a pretty device that will start a conversation when someone spots it with you. But, I hope lollipop update is delivered to it soon so that those who buy it can enjoy material design to the fullest.