The UMi X2 is one of the hottest phones to have this year. Not only does this phone great value for money, but offers hardware features even big brand names aren’t offering customers! So just how good is Umi’s flagship handset? Find out in our full UMi X2 review.
UMi are a Chinese based phone manufacturer with offices and factories in Shenzhen China. They first burst on to the phone scene last year with the UMi X1, a dual-core 720 phone which gave the JiaYu G3 a run for its money. A year on and the X1 has been updated to the X1s, and joined by the UMi S1 and of course the flagship UMi X2!
UMi X2 specifications
Officially specifications for the UMi X2 are a little confusing. The current version of the phone comes with a 1.2Ghz quad-core MT6589 process and either 1GB RAM 16GB ROM or 2GB RAM 32GB ROM, however these options will soon be joined with a more powerful 1.5Ghz MT6589T model. It’s unclear if UMi will continue to make the slower version.
Other hardware features include an impressive 5-inch 1080 display, 13 mega-pixel rear camera and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.
[komper pid=89,83 compareform=no]UMi X2 Unboxing Video
UMi X2 review
Design and build – They’ve learnt from the X1 but it could be better!
As the UMi X2 we tested offers a 1.2 Ghz quad-core CPU, 1GB RAM, a 5-inch 1080 display, 13 mega-pixel camera and up to 2GB RAM, it’s easy to get excited by the hardware and forget about the quality and build of the phone.
Last year the UMi X1 launched and offered great value for money on paper, but poor build quality let the phone down! It’s clear that UMi have learn’t a lot from the X1 as the X2’s build is much better, but it isn’t on par with the likes of the JiaYu G4.
The quality of the plastic isn’t as good as the JiaYu G4, the removable rear panel is very flimsy and does nothing to improve the overall feel of the phone, and although our unit seems to have been manufactured well it just doesn’t feel as premium as we hoped.
If you were to pick up a UMi X2 without having held a G4 or other current flagship Chinese phone you wouldn’t be left disappointed, but on the other hand you wouldn’t be overly impressed either. In comparison the G4 feel much better and I often find myself showing the JiaYu off to friends while the X2 sits in its box.
We have seen images on the UMi forum of defects with the X2 when customers have ordered them. The most common issue seems to be a gap around the display. A close look at our review phone shows that the bezel on left isn’t quite straight and a small gap is present, trapping typical pocked debris in the phone.
Around the sides of the phone is a silver band which has a very obvious join in it from where it was manufactured. It looks like a weak point to us, one which could easily be broken if dropped on its edge.
Speaking of dropping the phone, some early adopters are already reporting cracked displays caused be relatively low drops, this sounds ominously similar to the problems UMi X1 owners faced last year.
And as we are talking about the screen, our review unit has a black line running along the bottom. I don’t know if this is a software issue or if the display is sitting to high in the body but it is something we hope is solved for the production versions.
Hardware and display Great performance even with 1GB RAM
One of the concerns many UMi X2 fans have voiced is if the quad-core processor and just 1GB RAM is enough to run the 5-inch FHD 1920 x 1080 display? I can confirm that yes it is fine. Gaming, browsing the web, watching movies, navigating are all handled fine with no notable slowdown. In fact the only time I have noticed any lag is when navigating the Vellamo benchmark app.
In our UMi X2 hands on we compared the phone to the JiaYu G4. I was surprised to see that some commenters say they could see lag on the X2 when compared to the G4! I haven’t noticed any, although it does appear the LEWA ROM on the G4 has faster animations when compared to the UMi’s ROM which might be what people were noticing.
Speaking of browsing, the UMi X2 opens pages faster than the G4. Navigating to China’s popular Youku video sharing site resulted in the X2 opening and playing our chosen video before the G4. The UMi also enjoys a stronger WIFI signal too.
GPS is slow to lock on with the X2. This seems to be an issue with all MTK phones and could be improved with software updates, which are handled OTA.
As mentioned above, the phone we were sent to review has a 1.2Ghz CPU and 1GB RAM. That’s the same hardware as the G4, but in this case it is asked to handle a larger 5-inch display with higher 1080 resolution. It comes as no surprise then that Antut benchmarks are lower on the X2.
The display on the X2 is really its crowning jewel. It offer crisp, clear images which makes browsing, reading and gaming a real joy! If there is one complaint though it is that it can be a little dull in some situations, but overall we managed to get along with the X2 even on bright sunny days.
Making calls on the X2 has been uneventful, which is exactly what we hope for. In our review we had no issues with dropped calls, poor reception of software hangups when making or receiving calls. Speaker quality is good, and the external speaker is pound and clear enough to be heard over the din of a busy Chinese Auto Show.
Cameras Fast focus, great images!
As we reported in our UMi X2 vs JiaYu G4 camera showdown, the UMi X2 offers faster, more accurate focus than the G4 which make capturing the photo you want at the spur of the moment much more attainable.
Zooming in on details (if your inclined to do so) shows that the UMi offers better clarity on subjects further from the lens.
Many of you pointed out that the X2 creates photos with more red in them. I quite like my images to look brighter and more vibrant and preferred many of the shots captured with the X2 over the more natural colours of the JiaYu phone.
The camera is very good, but there are still better options out there for those of you who really want to replace your point and shoot with the phone.
Stills are one thing, but video is entirely another. The Video captured in the X2 is better than the G4, but it’s still not the greatest. The only way I would use the UMi to capture video is if a) I had no other option or, b) a future update fixes it!
UMi X2 Video Sample
UMi X2 hands on video
UMi X2 review conclusion
The UMi X2 is a great performing phone with a beautiful display and good camera. If you must have a 1080 phone at a good price this year I would say it has to be on your list, along with the iOcean X7, Zopo ZP980 etc.
I think the X2 is a bold move for UMi, they have created a 1080 phone with up to 2GB RAM and 13 mega-pixel rear camera at a very affordable price, but along the way things have suffered. I’m not a fan of the design, and the build should be better on a flagship phone like this.
What UMi need to do now is use the X2 as a base and build on what they have. I don’t want to see news of a UMi X3 in a few months with a 5.5-inch FHD display, 3GB RAM and 8-core CPU, what I want to see is a refined version of the X2 with similar hardware but much improved body and quality.
Great Review Andi…Thanks
So Andi to sum it up if I were in the market to buy the JIayu g4 or UMI x2, I should go for the G4 if build quality is more important to me and go for the X2 if a slightly better camera and higher res screen are more important.
So which would be better UMI X2 Turbo version or Zopo ZP980 Turbo version ?
The Zopo is a great phone, but the glass is crappy! The glass of my phone Zopo 980/C2 broke within 3 days in my pocket!
The problem with the Zopo 980/C2 is that the glass is laying on top of the phone (just like the iphone), with no protection on the sides. Therefore, if you hit anything or get too much pressure on the screen, even inside of your trouser’s pockets, the screen will crack and break. With my phone the display is still intact, but the touchscreen doesn’t work anymore so i have a 3-day old mobile phone which is now useless.
Aqua guy should we also take the green orange N1 into consideration or is this a low level phone..
It certainly has eye-catching looks .. but not sure about it’s build quality ..hence did not take that one into consideration …
Can you please include a screenshot of the phone showing what bands it supports, like on the jiayu g4 review please?
I’d be interested to see that too
Andy, will you be reviewing the iOcean X7 too?
Yeah, I’d love to see the X7 reviewed too as I’m considering getting one and a review like this would be great.
Andi…
or someone please tell…
when 8 core Cpu come from MediaTek ??
Is it real news or you just think ??
Any more details about it ??
They were talking about it early this year, but I think it will go on the back burner while they release their new 4G LTE chip
Andi, do you think the extra 0.3″ screen makes a real difference between the X2 and the G4 screens….ie is the 5″ screen significantly better?
Please please can somebody confirm the release date of turbo edition…??
Some say its june end while others tell it to be september….
i can wait till june end…what do u say andi?
Hi Andy,
what I want to see is a refined version of the X2 with similar hardware but much improved body and quality with HD display (720p) and USB-OTG – MHL function!
+1
Also with better GPS (ex. GLONASS support).
Thats a shame from a company (MTK) that also manufactures boards for GPS receivers.
Hi Andi!
Great review! Could you tell us what are the dimensions of the phone?
Thanks
And could you tell your impressions about its sound quality through earphones?
dear andy you have never replied my comment. you have used both x2 and g4 do you find any differance in display clearity. and what is the battery back up of both. please suggest me i want to buy.
Hey Andy, can you please compare the battery between the X2 and G4? Well, G4 should get a better battery life… but does X2 get really behind?
Great Review Andi…Thanks
Thanks Andi for a comprehensive review. Personally, I feel Iocean X7 looks better than UMI X2 or Jiayu G4.
Thats probably because Iocean looks like Oppo Find 5 🙂
I call it a symmetrically opposite clone haha.
Symmetrical or not; everything coming out of China is a clone isn’t it mate?
If that’s so, what is are the Xiaomi Mi2 and Meizu MX2 clones of?
+1
You’re right…Oppo pricing is far beyond my reach; Iocean is for me.
So Andi to sum it up if I were in the market to buy the JIayu g4 or UMI x2, I should go for the G4 if build quality is more important to me and go for the X2 if a slightly better camera and higher res screen are more important.
So which would be better UMI X2 Turbo version or Zopo ZP980 Turbo version ?
The Zopo is a great phone, but the glass is crappy! The glass of my phone Zopo 980/C2 broke within 3 days in my pocket!
The problem with the Zopo 980/C2 is that the glass is laying on top of the phone (just like the iphone), with no protection on the sides. Therefore, if you hit anything or get too much pressure on the screen, even inside of your trouser’s pockets, the screen will crack and break. With my phone the display is still intact, but the touchscreen doesn’t work anymore so i have a 3-day old mobile phone which is now useless.
Aqua guy should we also take the green orange N1 into consideration or is this a low level phone..
It certainly has eye-catching looks .. but not sure about it’s build quality ..hence did not take that one into consideration …
Can you please include a screenshot of the phone showing what bands it supports, like on the jiayu g4 review please?
I’d be interested to see that too
Andy, will you be reviewing the iOcean X7 too?
Yeah, I’d love to see the X7 reviewed too as I’m considering getting one and a review like this would be great.
Andi…
or someone please tell…
when 8 core Cpu come from MediaTek ??
Is it real news or you just think ??
Any more details about it ??
They were talking about it early this year, but I think it will go on the back burner while they release their new 4G LTE chip
Andi, do you think the extra 0.3″ screen makes a real difference between the X2 and the G4 screens….ie is the 5″ screen significantly better?
Just want to add something… I read reviews from forum.
They have serious problem with WIFI though. Andi can confirm?
BTW, I am looking forward to FAEA F2!! =) Look promising on F1 and attractive price. Let’s see F2..
Please please can somebody confirm the release date of turbo edition…??
Some say its june end while others tell it to be september….
i can wait till june end…what do u say andi?
Hi Andy,
what I want to see is a refined version of the X2 with similar hardware but much improved body and quality with HD display (720p) and USB-OTG – MHL function!
+1
Also with better GPS (ex. GLONASS support).
Thats a shame from a company (MTK) that also manufactures boards for GPS receivers.
Hi Andi!
Great review! Could you tell us what are the dimensions of the phone?
Thanks
And could you tell your impressions about its sound quality through earphones?
What about battery performance? For how long does is last?
Thanks
dear andy you have never replied my comment. you have used both x2 and g4 do you find any differance in display clearity. and what is the battery back up of both. please suggest me i want to buy.
Hey Andy, can you please compare the battery between the X2 and G4? Well, G4 should get a better battery life… but does X2 get really behind?
Thanks Andi for a comprehensive review. Personally, I feel Iocean X7 looks better than UMI X2 or Jiayu G4.
Thats probably because Iocean looks like Oppo Find 5 🙂
I call it a symmetrically opposite clone haha.
You’re right…Oppo pricing is far beyond my reach; Iocean is for me.
Symmetrical or not; everything coming out of China is a clone isn’t it mate?
If that’s so, what is are the Xiaomi Mi2 and Meizu MX2 clones of?
+1
Just want to add something… I read reviews from forum.
They have serious problem with WIFI though. Andi can confirm?
BTW, I am looking forward to FAEA F2!! =) Look promising on F1 and attractive price. Let’s see F2..
I got my UMI X2 last week. I’m very disappointed, signal strength is very weak, no service inside my house. my Jaiyu G2 has 2 to 3 bars when using the same SIM card. I’m using tmobile prepaid without data plan.
What about battery performance? For how long does is last?
Thanks
Hi Andi,
I am following your site for a very long time, what i saw that these companies are making promises by releasing new hardware models every week, but the final product is never there, it took around three months for UMI to launch UMI X2 , now i see the review , its very bad, fell sorry for the people who pre-booked the phone and now are regreting their decision. Not enough stocks, everytime, when the stock becomes avaliable, next mobile with good features pop-up. there is no ending to this.
I want you to please review the wickedleak wammy passion Z, you are best in providing the review unbiased.
Thanks
Hi Andy,
I came to know that Umi X2 has only a single IMEI number. If that is the case, I would like to know how it manages two SIMs with a single IMEI number? Is it legal?
Thanks and regards,
Debashis
I got my UMI X2 last week. I’m very disappointed, signal strength is very weak, no service inside my house. my Jaiyu G2 has 2 to 3 bars when using the same SIM card. I’m using tmobile prepaid without data plan.
Hi Andy,
1.What is the make of RAM/ROM of UMI X2? It is learnt that prototype had samsung make and now in production changed to other brand for cost.
2. Indian customers are not getting delivery as promised and lost faith due the the indian distributor given false promies every day and looted money from Indian customers in the name of UMI
3. They promiesed Turbo version and now they are back tracking
4. They promised headset , now they dont supply.
5. They dont attend customer call or respond for mail or respond for facebook posting . .instead they delete every hour the posts which ask them the questions and block the users permenantly. Very cheap persons working at UMI india, UMI CHINA please take care.. they not only cheating indian customers, they will do it you also one day.
Please convey this to UMI China…Thanks
Will complaint to TRAI (Telecom regulatory authority) help?
No They wont entertain this complaint. we have to MCA , CYBERCRIME, DISTRICT CONSUMER COURT.
Hi Andi,
I am following your site for a very long time, what i saw that these companies are making promises by releasing new hardware models every week, but the final product is never there, it took around three months for UMI to launch UMI X2 , now i see the review , its very bad, fell sorry for the people who pre-booked the phone and now are regreting their decision. Not enough stocks, everytime, when the stock becomes avaliable, next mobile with good features pop-up. there is no ending to this.
I want you to please review the wickedleak wammy passion Z, you are best in providing the review unbiased.
Thanks
Hi Andy,
I came to know that Umi X2 has only a single IMEI number. If that is the case, I would like to know how it manages two SIMs with a single IMEI number? Is it legal?
Thanks and regards,
Debashis
Hi Andy,
1.What is the make of RAM/ROM of UMI X2? It is learnt that prototype had samsung make and now in production changed to other brand for cost.
2. Indian customers are not getting delivery as promised and lost faith due the the indian distributor given false promies every day and looted money from Indian customers in the name of UMI
3. They promiesed Turbo version and now they are back tracking
4. They promised headset , now they dont supply.
5. They dont attend customer call or respond for mail or respond for facebook posting . .instead they delete every hour the posts which ask them the questions and block the users permenantly. Very cheap persons working at UMI india, UMI CHINA please take care.. they not only cheating indian customers, they will do it you also one day.
Please convey this to UMI China…Thanks
Will complaint to TRAI (Telecom regulatory authority) help?
No They wont entertain this complaint. we have to MCA , CYBERCRIME, DISTRICT CONSUMER COURT.
How come, that Antutu reports only a 1.9Mpx front facing camera, when the official claim for it to be is 3.0Mpx?
How come, that Antutu reports only a 1.9Mpx front facing camera, when the official claim for it to be is 3.0Mpx?
Hi what about battery life??
Hi what about battery life??
The 2g ram 32g rom version just released in hong kong which is being rebrand as Vinus X2, for $hkd 2780.
And it use 6589T as well.
The 2g ram 32g rom version just released in hong kong which is being rebrand as Vinus X2, for $hkd 2780.
And it use 6589T as well.
I bought UMI X2. its a beautiful phone but slipped from my hand while seating in the chair(height of 1.5 ft) screen cracked !! Is this genuine Gorilla Glass. Pl feedback manufacturer as its poor quality. Would it be possible to guide me on replacment contact.
I bought UMI X2. its a beautiful phone but slipped from my hand while seating in the chair(height of 1.5 ft) screen cracked !! Is this genuine Gorilla Glass. Pl feedback manufacturer as its poor quality. Would it be possible to guide me on replacment contact.
I THINK YOU CHINA PEOPLE AND BLOGER,LIKE GIZCHINA, ALL ARE CHEATER…………..
YOU PROMOTE UMI X2 MOBILE AND PUBLISHED REVIEW HERE…
WE(INDIAN)VISIT HERE FOR LATEST UPDATES ,WHICH U PROVIDE US….
BUT STILL AFTER 2 MONTHS OF FULL PAYMENT ,,,,,,I CAN’T ABLE TO GOT UMI X2 MOBILE AND STILL NO CHANCE IN FUTURE….
NOBODY BOTHER ABOUT IT…..YOU ALL PEOPLE ONLY COLLECT MONEY FR INDIA AND RUN AWAY…..
I LEARN REALLY A LESSON IN MY LIFE THAT NEVER FAITH ON CHINA PEOPLE AND BRAND….
But isn’t your problem to do with the Indian distributor rather than the Chinese company?
Hi Andi,
I think i didn’t wished to offend you but sometimes people are emotional or react wildly. certainly your job is to provide reviews of upcoming devices and you are doing extremely well job.
Problem arise when few companies start operation in dubious ways with completely opaque manner. take an eg of UMI Indian site, it looks like a official UMI Indian site and no way they tell customer as they are only distributor of UMI. (Same for Zopo)
Indian laws are very strict and it is just matter of time they will be pushed out of business if they don’t change their policies.
Being a reviewer it is also your responsibility to address current situation of UMI India. People does believe your reviews and that’s a big power you have so use it wisely my friend. My best wishes for you.
I’ve done quite a bit about this issue and written a number of critical articles about both UMi and UMi India. Take the time to search the site.
I THINK YOU CHINA PEOPLE AND BLOGER,LIKE GIZCHINA, ALL ARE CHEATER…………..
YOU PROMOTE UMI X2 MOBILE AND PUBLISHED REVIEW HERE…
WE(INDIAN)VISIT HERE FOR LATEST UPDATES ,WHICH U PROVIDE US….
BUT STILL AFTER 2 MONTHS OF FULL PAYMENT ,,,,,,I CAN’T ABLE TO GOT UMI X2 MOBILE AND STILL NO CHANCE IN FUTURE….
NOBODY BOTHER ABOUT IT…..YOU ALL PEOPLE ONLY COLLECT MONEY FR INDIA AND RUN AWAY…..
I LEARN REALLY A LESSON IN MY LIFE THAT NEVER FAITH ON CHINA PEOPLE AND BRAND….
But isn’t your problem to do with the Indian distributor rather than the Chinese company?
Hi Andi,
I think i didn’t wished to offend you but sometimes people are emotional or react wildly. certainly your job is to provide reviews of upcoming devices and you are doing extremely well job.
Problem arise when few companies start operation in dubious ways with completely opaque manner. take an eg of UMI Indian site, it looks like a official UMI Indian site and no way they tell customer as they are only distributor of UMI. (Same for Zopo)
Indian laws are very strict and it is just matter of time they will be pushed out of business if they don’t change their policies.
Being a reviewer it is also your responsibility to address current situation of UMI India. People does believe your reviews and that’s a big power you have so use it wisely my friend. My best wishes for you.
I’ve done quite a bit about this issue and written a number of critical articles about both UMi and UMi India. Take the time to search the site.
Hi Andi,
Can you please let me know whethe Umi X2 Turbo edition with 1.5 GHz MT6598T CPU is available in China at this point of time or it is not released yet?
I am from India and Umi India is claiming that it is not released yet. However I see aliexpress and antelife selling those with “in stck” caption.
It will be very nice if you can let us know the exact/correct situation from your sources in Umi China.
Thanks and regards,
Debashis
Hi Andi,
Can you please let me know whethe Umi X2 Turbo edition with 1.5 GHz MT6598T CPU is available in China at this point of time or it is not released yet?
I am from India and Umi India is claiming that it is not released yet. However I see aliexpress and antelife selling those with “in stck” caption.
It will be very nice if you can let us know the exact/correct situation from your sources in Umi China.
Thanks and regards,
Debashis
hello.i buy one umi x2 1.5ghz 1/16 gig last week,after i stay one month,its shape quality is good ,but!!!!!!,it is very problems, 3g is not fore ever time work ,wifi is work some times and after a little distance from modem is disconnect,and not good connect,it had 3-4 time in work ,freezing and hanging and shutdown itself,i dont know it is for software,or another please guide,i have anotherphone it is thl w8 1/4 gig it is very excellent in 3g and wifi,i dont know umi x2 with high price is very bad work?please guide i should send it supplier for garranttee or i should reboot or i should use custom rom? another in back covet write limited http://www.shaume.com
please guide me
Dr. Ali
hello.i buy one umi x2 1.5ghz 1/16 gig last week,after i stay one month,its shape quality is good ,but!!!!!!,it is very problems, 3g is not fore ever time work ,wifi is work some times and after a little distance from modem is disconnect,and not good connect,it had 3-4 time in work ,freezing and hanging and shutdown itself,i dont know it is for software,or another please guide,i have anotherphone it is thl w8 1/4 gig it is very excellent in 3g and wifi,i dont know umi x2 with high price is very bad work?please guide i should send it supplier for garranttee or i should reboot or i should use custom rom? another in back covet write limited http://www.shaume.com
please guide me
Dr. Ali
umi is a rooted fone it will delivery u after 6 months of bookin and it will get spoiled by just downloading an single application. FRIENDS belive i ahve bought a umi x2 for 14000 and received after 4 months which is rooted and got spoiled by just download and application that to from play store
umi is a rooted fone it will delivery u after 6 months of bookin and it will get spoiled by just downloading an single application. FRIENDS belive i ahve bought a umi x2 for 14000 and received after 4 months which is rooted and got spoiled by just download and application that to from play store