By Himank Tripathi

New Delhi [India], July 16 (ANI): I have mentioned in my earlier articles that finding a reliable smartphone around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 is not easy. You look at their spec sheets, get impressed, but when you start using them, reality hits you harder than expected.

The problem is how they cut corners. They are either skipping 5G, have bloatware, a cheap display, or have a battery life that is unable to survive a day of normal usage. So, when I started using the HMD Vibe2 5G, launched recently, I had to try it out for a longer period to see if this one makes sense and can be called value for money.

Let me tell you about this device, costing Rs 12,999 onwards, based on my usage to help you figure out if this one is for you or not.

Design and Build:

The moment I unboxed it, the HMD Vibe2 5G did not look cheap. I like the flat, no smudge matte-finish back along with the thickness of 8.6mm and it weighs 210 grams, so it is easy to hold this phone. It has an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, and I find this a rare addition in this price bracket. Despite its affordable price tag, this phone still gets the practical essentials like a 3.5mm audio jack, dual Nano SIM slots with 5G support on both, and a dedicated microSD card slot.

Display:

The screen size is quite big, where you get a 6.75-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. The screen is vibrant and just fine for my daily media consumption like YouTube or scrolling Instagram. But what stood out for me was the 120Hz refresh rate, which is quite smooth. I didn't like the somewhat V-shaped notch on top of the screen and the thicker bezels as they look a little outdated, but my overall viewing experience, including manageable sunlight visibility, is good to go.

Image courtesy: HMD

Performance and Software:

If you have been following my stories, then you know how much I despise the idea of bloatware, and with that heavy heart, I remember switching on the device. I was prepared to spend at least 30 minutes removing all those unnecessary apps, but to my surprise, there was no bloatware!

Finding a budget phone that comes with a stock Android experience and no bloatware is a rare phenomenon, and on top of that, there are two years of quarterly security updates. That's not all; the HMD Vibe2 5G comes with native call recording without the annoying alert or announcement. Good job, HMD!

Under the hood, you have a Unisoc T8200 octa-core processor that's paired with up to 6GB of LPDDR4 RAM and up to 128GB of eMMC storage. In my usage, I had no problems doing everyday tasks like calls, messaging, watching videos, and even some casual gaming like BGMI at 60fps - it performs just fine.

Cameras:

The HMD Vibe2 5G has a 50MP AI dual rear camera setup and an 8MP selfie shooter. The photos I take in daylight are social media ready as you get a good skin tone along with just enough background blur. Low-light performance is expectedly average considering it's a budget phone, but to my surprise, the front camera handles video calls and selfies quite well. Even the main camera lets you shoot 4K videos at 30fps.

Battery Life:

The HMD Vibe2 5G has a 6000mAh battery, and I get around two days of battery life on a single charge. This is great for a budget phone where HMD has highly optimized the OS, and also, a power-efficient display helps in getting two days of usage. There's an 18W charger that comes with the phone, but the charging time is slow.

Image courtesy: HMD

What Else?

You can watch Netflix at 480p, which is fine by me. Apart from the charger, you also get a transparent silicone case and a pre-applied screen protector. Though it lets you shoot 4K videos, the stability is terrible, so it's ideal for static shots where you don't need to move your phone at all. You can even unlock this phone with a fingerprint sensor located on the right side of the phone.

In The End:

Starting at Rs 12,999 for the 4GB/64GB variant that goes up to Rs 14,999 for the 6GB/128GB, the HMD Vibe2 5G is a great option for anyone who is looking for a solid phone on a tight budget. Even after months of usage, I'm glad to report that this phone is still working fine. It's one of the most balanced smartphones you can pick up right now at this price point. A 5G smartphone that offers you a stock Android and a clean, ad-free UI along with a 120Hz screen and a great battery backup, the HMD Vibe2 5G covers almost all the essentials without any major compromises, making it an easy recommendation.

My Rating: 4/5

(Disclaimer: The author is an expert in the fields of consumer technology, lifestyle, and auto. Views shared here are personal.) (ANI)