Last week I received a ZUK Z2 Pro, which meant I could use it during my short trip to the Scottish Highlands. See what I think of this flagship killer after a few days of use.
The ZUK Z2 Pro has been a phone that has excited a lot of folks in the Chinese smartphone community. Not only is this the 2nd flagship phone from the Lenovo backed start-up, but it is also one of the few phones that has shipped with a Snapdragon 820 and huge 6GB RAM!!
It’s not only the processing package that draws peoples attention though! Internal memory is 128GB, there is a 13 mega-pixel F1.8 camera with OIS, slow motion video of up to 960fps, fingerprint scanner, 8 mega-pixel front camera, USB Type C, and a built-in heart rate monitor!
So it has the hardware, but how does it live up to the hype after a few days of use?
Living with the ZUK Z2 Pro
I’m just going to break this down in to main points that I have come across while using the phone, but to start off there really are no major issues I have with the phone, just a few (minor) niggles.
If you watched my hands on video with the ZUK Z2 Pro then you have seen me set up the finger print scanner and mention that you don’t need to physically press the button to wake and unlock your phone. In fact I very rarely ever have to press the button and I wonder if ZUK couldn’t have just gone without it. Double tapping the button pressing the button will bring up the task manager to clear running apps, but this thing has 6GB RAM so I never feel the need, plus surely a double tap would have been just as simple?
Also during my video will have seen me use the camera on the phone and not be too impressed with the colour of HDR photos, I’m still not impressed with HDR (it doesn’t seem to make any difference) but the regular camera mode is fast and takes good photos. Also, swiping from left to right brings up filters, one being a ‘Vivid’ filter this does a good job or brightening up images.
The camera is fast and takes good photos, but there are cameras with better daylight performance than the ZUK Z2 Pro, low light performance though is above my expectations and better than most other current flagships.
Another observation is that the Z2 Pro does not have a burst mode for taking photos. This would have been great at the downhill racing event I was at (where the Xiaomi Mi5’s speed proved invaluable). Instead of a burst mode the Z2 Pro will take a ‘live photo’ or short video if you hold down on the shutter button.
Gizchina News of the week
While were are on the rear camera did you know that you can set the camera to record slow motion at 120fps, 240fps or 960fps, and video quality of up to 4K? This is seriously fun to play around with (check out the slow mo video samples below).
The front 8 mega-pixel camera takes nice shots, but its odd that in its default setting beauty mode cannot be deactivated (or adjusted). Another interesting front camera feature is one that has you take your pulse using the heart rate monitor and then snap a photo when the reading is complete. This gives you a selfie with small heart and your BPM. I’m not sure what the function of this is, flirting perhaps???
While traveling through Scotland I had to use my GPS a lot and was instantly impressed by the initial lock on speed and the accuracy of the GPS while navigating. I am also impressed by the browsing speed even over patchy LTE.
At this point I’ve not tried the audio, although I can comment that the external speaker is loud and clear through my use with Google Maps.
Battery life is a concern many people have had considering the ZUK Z2 Pro has a smaller battery than the Z2 yet a larger screen and more RAM. In my time with the phone I’ve not seen battery life deteriorate quickly, and am getting around 2 days of use from the phone which is fine by me.
In addition to the heart rate monitor I have managed to log in to the U Health app using my QQ number, where it can automatically count your steps and will allow you to manually add other sport activities and durations too. It would be good to see some Google Fit integration here, but perhaps this is something that we will see in the international ZUI ROM.
All in all I’ve been pretty impressed with the ZUK Z2 Pro, there are no major headaches, even Google services and apps are running without an issue on this Chinese version of the phone.
I’ll have a full review up sometime next week after I have uploaded the Xiaomi Max review. If you have any questions please let me know in the comments below.
Is the second video sample really 960fps? Looks too fast for me – also I don’t think it is possible to record 960fps at 720p (which this video seems to have).
What about battery life? How much SoT have you been getting with your usage?
Upon zooming in on the pictures, it appears that they have also applied some sharpening which creates that “water-color effect” to minimize noise and some ugly artifacts, but this is to a nice effect and not something that is noticeable unless you actually zoom in. Good lowlight shots!
960FPS at what resolution? 4k?
It is not 960FPS and not even 240FPS. I think it is 120FPS on both videos.
Please upload full size photos taken at real dark conditions.
I thought exactly the same thing, no chance that’s 960fps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECtkK1hO99c real 960FPS.
99% that it is 120FPS on both videos.
so 10000% it is 120FPS max!!!
Here is a real 240FPS video of biking and it is slower than Andi’s 960FPS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2dBBgnoDbs sorry
Yup, didn’t notice until I uploaded the video. On the phone it is recorded and plays at 960fps but once off the phone and uploaded it doesn’t. Will need to look into this.
@Andi Sykes
I think it is not recorded in 960fps, but only playback mode allows it.
In the past we had Mediatek promoting their 480fps super slow-mo PLAYBACK, but many forgot it is only playback on the smartphone, not recorded.
max 96fps @ 720p
You said that’ve seen better pictures. Which phone makes better?
From my experience and judging just based on his comments/photos. I would give the edge to the LG G5, Galaxy S7, Huawei P9 and Nexus 6P.
I dont wanna any of this. Maybe P9.
Mate at work got Nexus P it is good, but video super shakey and shutter not the fastest, not really a fan of stock google camera app either its pretty basic. Good in low light though. Tbh the Z2 pro is looking like one of the best i’ve seen from the domestic Chinese manufacturers so far camera wise, although be interested to see how it compares to the Axon 7.
We still need a comprehensive review of the Z2 Pro before judging it either way. I find most stock camera apps (especially Google Camera) aren’t that great and usually bring down the potential of the camera. I often switch it out with Open Camera, Lenovo Super Camera or FV5.
I prefer the Xiaomi Mi5 for the camera. The Nubia Z11 Mini takes better photos too.
Really? What a shame, i really want tp buy this phone… :/
Overall sounds like a great phone for the price.
You say that Google Services runs well on the Zuk 2 Pro on the Chinese version. But are their Chinese apps and Chinese notifications popping up? This was one thing I didn’t like about the Meizu Pro 5 but which are totally absent on the Xiaomi Mi5 that I have at the moment – no Chinese apps or notifications.
No Chinese app popping on MI5?
Wow, i wonder if you have some reseller Rom because every single Xiaomi phone I’ve had I had deal with stupid apps popping out (music, remote control) and I also get messages in the middle of the night.
Yea that sounds very very suspect. I have never used a Xiaomi phone without this, heck I haven’t used too many Chinese phones without it.
Meizu is the worst, I get 3-5 a day at all times. But a few days and I retire this phone…
Which phone are you going to get next?
I got a Nextbit Robin. I’ve always been very intrigued by it. And the screen on my MX5 is cracked pretty badly, I am actually missing the top corner where the front camera is and the fingerprint scanner/back button stopped working. A few too many drops onto concrete will do that. The Robin will be summer phone until the new Gionee phones come to Blu! The S8 is really the phone I have wanted all along since using it at MWC.
The Robin? I would have never guessed.
How did you come out with that decision? I’ve never been tempted by that phone honestly.
I love the design of it. Plus I got it from a friend for a really good deal. He bought one and won one in a contest so he had an extra unopened one. I am currently in India though on business so I won’t be getting it for awhile.
Welcome to India, balco… any plans to be in Kolkata?
I am not sure yet. I am currently doing contract work throughout Asia, if there is a contract there I would take it. I;ve been there a few times and loved that city. My favorite Indian city is still Mumbai though.
Balco have Blu announced what model the Gionee S8 will be. I saw it as an AllView first and it looks amazing but the price point is too high for me, so hopefully Blu will make it more affordable. That handset looks amazing and fits all my requirements including front facing finger print scanner which are becoming harder to find in a decent Android handset.
No I have a few contacts that work for Blu and they said it is coming to them but they don’t have a time frame, they said most likely September-January. Most likely it will be the Vivo 6 but with Blu you never know as their names are all over the place at times.
Lol balco.
Currently we have same phone with cracked display haha (mine is down 1/10 of smartphone).
Actually I really consider buying the Xiaomi Mi5.
Apart from homebutton there is no real downside (low light camera performance is on par with similar price ranged phones IMHO).
Beta the LG G4 is pretty cheap now, no fingerprint scanner and SD808 should be no problem to you.
Yea I dropped my Mx5 dozens of times (I don’t use cases) and normally it was fine but two days in a row I dropped it and both times it cracked the display. The entire top portion is completely missing now, I am just hoping it makes it through my current business trip. I get my Robin next week.
I like LG phones overall they usually have very good performance and great cameras but I could never buy a G4. It is one of the ugliest phones I have ever seen. I will end up with a second phone besides the Robin, it will either be the OP3, Zuk Z2 Pro or Nexus 6P.
Lenovo’s ROM doesn’t do any Chinese notifications if set to English.
Then every Xiaomi phone you have ever used has been on the reseller ROM. The Chinese ROMs don’t do that.
All of my Xiaomi phones were either bought directly from Xiaomi or flashed with a ROM directly from Xiaomi.
I don’t have this on my Mi5
I got mine from GizChina shop. No Chinese apps or notifications. The installed apps are all in English.
I got my Mi5 from GizChina shop, no Chinese apps or notifications – all installed apps are in English.
Do you mind checking what ROM version you’re using?
It just says MIUI by xiaomi.eu 7.2.13.0 — the eu reference suggests that it was designed for use in Europe, perhaps, don’t know.
Nope, nothing. Its actually very clean.
Is the second video sample really 960fps? Looks too fast for me – also I don’t think it is possible to record 960fps at 720p (which this video seems to have).
What about battery life? How much SoT have you been getting with your usage?
Upon zooming in on the pictures, it appears that they have also applied some sharpening which creates that “water-color effect” to minimize noise and some ugly artifacts, but this is to a nice effect and not something that is noticeable unless you actually zoom in. Good lowlight shots!
960FPS at what resolution? 4k?
Andi would you say the camera has improved over the Zuk Z1? I was looking at buying the Z1 phone but the camera got bad reviews everywhere I read about it.
Yes, the camera is better than the Z1
It is not 960FPS and not even 240FPS. I think it is 120FPS on both videos.
Please upload full size photos taken at real dark conditions.
I thought exactly the same thing, no chance that’s 960fps.
real 960FPS.
99% that it is 120FPS on both videos.
so 10000% it is 120FPS max!!!
Here is a real 240FPS video of biking and it is slower than Andi’s 960FPS.
sorry
Yup, didn’t notice until I uploaded the video. On the phone it is recorded and plays at 960fps but once off the phone and uploaded it doesn’t. Will need to look into this.
@Andi Sykes
I think it is not recorded in 960fps, but only playback mode allows it.
In the past we had Mediatek promoting their 480fps super slow-mo PLAYBACK, but many forgot it is only playback on the smartphone, not recorded.
That really is very good phone, it looks. I thought it would be and let’s hope I’m not mistaken here.
max 96fps @ 720p…. hahah bad motion , awaiting vs ulefone future 🙂
Hi Andi, does the camera of the zuk2 pro give a better picture (And video As well )than the xiaomi mi 5?
I prefer the camera on the Xiaomi Mi5 to be honest. It is faster and doesn’t have that ‘paint’ effect
even in low lights?
Thank you for the samples. Can you please upload a 4K video sample, daylight and lowlight??? We need this because on youtube there are no Z2 Pro sample videos. THANK YOU!!!!
Sure the full review will have it all
Would you do a comparison between z2 pro and z2 .
Z2 is being sourced now
knowing difference in camera, display and battery life will make it easier to chose .Thank you so much.
which 1 has got better camera zuk 2 pro or nubia z11 mni or max? ,,,, plz answer @Gizchina:disqus
I would say the Z11 Mini
after the launch of one plus 3…..Can u post a camera comparison review between these devices -> zte nubia z11 mini , one plus 3 , mi 5 , zuk 2 pro ……..it’s not me only ,you can check that many comments are regarding the camera only …..it’s a request 🙂 @Gizchina:disqus
after the launch of one plus 3…..Can u post a camera comparison review between these devices -> zte nubia z11 mini , one plus 3 , mi 5 , zuk 2 pro ……..it’s not me only ,you can check that many comments are regarding the camera only …..it’s a request 🙂 @Gizchina:disqus
You said that’ve seen better pictures. Which phone makes better?
From my experience and judging just based on his comments/photos. I would give the edge to the LG G5, Galaxy S7, Huawei P9 and Nexus 6P.
I prefer the Xiaomi Mi5 for the camera. The Nubia Z11 Mini takes better photos too.
Really? What a shame, i really want tp buy this phone… :/
I dont wanna any of this. Maybe P9.
Mate at work got Nexus P it is good, but video super shakey and shutter not the fastest, not really a fan of stock google camera app either its pretty basic. Good in low light though. Tbh the Z2 pro is looking like one of the best i’ve seen from the domestic Chinese manufacturers so far camera wise, although be interested to see how it compares to the Axon 7.
We still need a comprehensive review of the Z2 Pro before judging it either way. I find most stock camera apps (especially Google Camera) aren’t that great and usually bring down the potential of the camera. I often switch it out with Open Camera, Lenovo Super Camera or FV5.
I thought about buying this phone until I read that there is no burst mode. The camera is one of the most important things. It has very good specs, especially for selfies and low light, but burst is as important. Being part of a dance group, I usually take photos and burst mode is best option with so much motion.
I’m sure you can do it using 3rd party apps. He just mentioned stock functions.
Of course. But when I’m watching a show every second counts. When I’m using the camera, I want to be able to record a video, or use burst mode, or even a normal photo. Changing apps isn’t the best solution.
Then it’s better to go for iOS. No stock android fulfills every persons every need, only iOS does it.
I have an Lg G3 and it has most of them. I just dont like the front camera and the flash is so strong that it blinds everyone.
Xiaomi Mi5 is what you want then. Burst mode is incredible
Thank you. My Lg G3 is at service now. If it can be fixed I will wait a little more for the price to drop or maybe another service. Otherwise I’ll go for the Mi5.
Overall sounds like a great phone for the price.
You say that Google Services runs well on the Zuk 2 Pro on the Chinese version. But are their Chinese apps and Chinese notifications popping up? This was one thing I didn’t like about the Meizu Pro 5 but which are totally absent on the Xiaomi Mi5 that I have at the moment – no Chinese apps or notifications.
No Chinese app popping on MI5?
Wow, i wonder if you have some reseller Rom because every single Xiaomi phone I’ve had I had deal with stupid apps popping out (music, remote control) and I also get messages in the middle of the night.
Yea that sounds very very suspect. I have never used a Xiaomi phone without this, heck I haven’t used too many Chinese phones without it.
Meizu is the worst, I get 3-5 a day at all times. But a few days and I retire this phone…
Which phone are you going to get next?
I got a Nextbit Robin. I’ve always been very intrigued by it. And the screen on my MX5 is cracked pretty badly, I am actually missing the top corner where the front camera is and the fingerprint scanner/back button stopped working. A few too many drops onto concrete will do that. The Robin will be summer phone until the new Gionee phones come to Blu! The S8 is really the phone I have wanted all along since using it at MWC.
The Robin? I would have never guessed.
How did you come out with that decision? I’ve never been tempted by that phone honestly.
I love the design of it. Plus I got it from a friend for a really good deal. He bought one and won one in a contest so he had an extra unopened one. I am currently in India though on business so I won’t be getting it for awhile.
Lenovo’s ROM doesn’t do any Chinese notifications if set to English.
Then every Xiaomi phone you have ever used has been on the reseller ROM. The Chinese ROMs don’t do that.
Nope, nothing. Its actually very clean.
I don’t have this on my Mi5
I got mine from GizChina shop. No Chinese apps or notifications. The installed apps are all in English.
I got my Mi5 from GizChina shop, no Chinese apps or notifications – all installed apps are in English.
All of my Xiaomi phones were either bought directly from Xiaomi or flashed with a ROM directly from Xiaomi.
Balco have Blu announced what model the Gionee S8 will be. I saw it as an AllView first and it looks amazing but the price point is too high for me, so hopefully Blu will make it more affordable. That handset looks amazing and fits all my requirements including front facing finger print scanner which are becoming harder to find in a decent Android handset.
No I have a few contacts that work for Blu and they said it is coming to them but they don’t have a time frame, they said most likely September-January. Most likely it will be the Vivo 6 but with Blu you never know as their names are all over the place at times.
Do you mind checking what ROM version you’re using?
Welcome to India, balco… any plans to be in Kolkata?
I am not sure yet. I am currently doing contract work throughout Asia, if there is a contract there I would take it. I;ve been there a few times and loved that city. My favorite Indian city is still Mumbai though.
It just says MIUI by
7.2.13.0 — the eu reference suggests that it was designed for use in Europe, perhaps, don’t know.
Lol balco.
Currently we have same phone with cracked display haha (mine is down 1/10 of smartphone).
Actually I really consider buying the Xiaomi Mi5.
Apart from homebutton there is no real downside (low light camera performance is on par with similar price ranged phones IMHO).
Beta the LG G4 is pretty cheap now, no fingerprint scanner and SD808 should be no problem to you.
Yea I dropped my Mx5 dozens of times (I don’t use cases) and normally it was fine but two days in a row I dropped it and both times it cracked the display. The entire top portion is completely missing now, I am just hoping it makes it through my current business trip. I get my Robin next week.
I like LG phones overall they usually have very good performance and great cameras but I could never buy a G4. It is one of the ugliest phones I have ever seen. I will end up with a second phone besides the Robin, it will either be the OP3, Zuk Z2 Pro or Nexus 6P.
Which one do you prefer: zuk z2 pro or le max 2 (especially the camera)
I’ve not tried the Le Max 2, but when it comes to cameras I actually prefer the Xiaomi Mi5
Bit unexpected comment, considering poor low-light perf by Mi5. Is it the quick AF and day-light photos that you value so much?
This thing is amazing!!
Rip Samsung and other fake Gods, China is real deal.
Andi would you say the camera has improved over the Zuk Z1? I was looking at buying the Z1 phone but the camera got bad reviews everywhere I read about it.
Yes, the camera is better than the Z1
That really is very good phone, it looks. I thought it would be and let’s hope I’m not mistaken here.
Hi Andi, does the camera of the zuk2 pro give a better picture (And video As well )than the xiaomi mi 5?
I prefer the camera on the Xiaomi Mi5 to be honest. It is faster and doesn’t have that ‘paint’ effect
even in low lights?
Thank you for the samples. Can you please upload a 4K video sample, daylight and lowlight??? We need this because on youtube there are no Z2 Pro sample videos. THANK YOU!!!!
Sure the full review will have it all
Would you do a comparison between z2 pro and z2 .
Z2 is being sourced now
knowing difference in camera, display and battery life will make it easier to chose .Thank you so much.
which 1 has got better camera zuk 2 pro or nubia z11 mni or max? ,,,, plz answer @Gizchina:disqus
I would say the Z11 Mini
after the launch of one plus 3…..Can u post a camera comparison review between these devices -> zte nubia z11 mini , one plus 3 , mi 5 , zuk 2 pro ……..it’s not me only ,you can check that many comments are regarding the camera only …..it’s a request 🙂 @Gizchina:disqus
I thought about buying this phone until I read that there is no burst mode. The camera is one of the most important things. It has very good specs, especially for selfies and low light, but burst is as important. Being part of a dance group, I usually take photos and burst mode is best option with so much motion.
This comment was deleted.
Of course. But when I’m watching a show every second counts. When I’m using the camera, I want to be able to record a video, or use burst mode, or even a normal photo. Changing apps isn’t the best solution.
This comment was deleted.
Xiaomi Mi5 is what you want then. Burst mode is incredible
I have an Lg G3 and it has most of them. I just dont like the front camera and the flash is so strong that it blinds everyone.
Thank you. My Lg G3 is at service now. If it can be fixed I will wait a little more for the price to drop or maybe another service. Otherwise I’ll go for the Mi5.
Which one do you prefer: zuk z2 pro or le max 2 (especially the camera)
I’ve not tried the Le Max 2, but when it comes to cameras I actually prefer the Xiaomi Mi5
Bit unexpected comment, considering poor low-light perf by Mi5. Is it the quick AF and day-light photos that you value so much?
The image quality is pretty good. hmm.. to be considered as my next upgrade
The image quality is pretty good. hmm.. to be considered as my next upgrade
Nice, its interesting that you prefer mi5 photos @Gizchina:disqus. To me the colours of the z2 pro look a bit less over saturated and unrealistic than the mi5 and those daylight shots look pretty damn good.
Nice, its interesting that you prefer mi5 photos @Gizchina:disqus. To me the colours of the z2 pro look a bit less over saturated and unrealistic than the mi5 and those daylight shots look pretty damn good.
What about LeMax2. GMS Arena gave it a huge thumps up. Eagerly awaiting to see real time comparison reviews…
What about LeMax2. GMS Arena gave it a huge thumps up. Eagerly awaiting to see real time comparison reviews…
Does it supports international services (gsm and lte)?
Does it supports international services (gsm and lte)?