Allview targets the ultra-budget segment with the X2 Soul Style + Platinum and X4 Soul Mini S. Both devices rely on Mediatek chipsets, but a subtle generational difference – the MT6735 in the X2 versus the MT6737 in the X4 – dictates performance. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of these SoCs to determine which phone delivers the best user experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Allview X4 Soul Mini S represents the better value. While the CPU clock speeds are similar, the MT6737 chipset offers incremental improvements in GPU performance and modem capabilities, translating to a slightly smoother experience in everyday tasks and potentially better network connectivity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20, 38 | 1, 3, 7, 20, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, November. Released 2015, November | 2017, June. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 142.4 x 71.2 x 7 mm (5.61 x 2.80 x 0.28 in) | 142 x 72 x 8.4 mm (5.59 x 2.83 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 128 g (4.52 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Dragontrail Glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.25 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6735 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 235 h (3G) | Up to 312 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h 20 min (3G) | Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 2350 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Black, Gold, Blue |
| Models | - | X4_Soul_Mini_S_TM |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.72 W/kg (head) | 1.48 W/kg (head) |
Allview X2 Soul Style + Platinum
- Potentially lower price point
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (negligible impact)
- May be easier to find on clearance
- Older chipset (MT6735)
- Weaker GPU performance
- Potentially less reliable 4G connectivity
Allview X4 Soul Mini S
- Newer chipset (MT6737) with improved GPU
- Slightly better power efficiency
- Potentially better 4G modem
- Slightly lower CPU clock speed (negligible impact)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Likely similar battery life due to small capacity
Display Comparison
Neither Allview provides display specifications beyond size. Given the target market, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p resolutions. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither phone excels in display quality. The focus is clearly on affordability, meaning users shouldn't expect vibrant colors or excellent outdoor visibility. Bezels are likely substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both devices likely feature a primary rear camera and a front-facing camera. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP or 5MP macro camera on either device is largely marketing fluff; image quality will be limited. The MT6737’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is slightly more advanced, potentially leading to marginally better image processing in terms of noise reduction and dynamic range, but the difference will be minimal given the likely sensor quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Allview X2 Soul Style + Platinum uses the Mediatek MT6735, a 28nm SoC featuring a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The X4 Soul Mini S steps up to the MT6737, also 28nm, but with a slightly lower clocked quad-core 1.25 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. While the clock speed is marginally lower on the X4, the MT6737 boasts an improved Mali-T720 MP2 GPU compared to the MT6735’s Mali-T720 MP1. This translates to a roughly 30-40% increase in graphics performance, beneficial for casual gaming and smoother UI transitions. Both phones likely feature 1GB or 2GB of RAM, limiting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. Given the budget nature, expect capacities around 2000-2500 mAh. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely limited to 5W. The MT6737’s slightly improved power efficiency might translate to a small battery life advantage for the X4 Soul Mini S, but real-world usage will depend heavily on network conditions and app usage. Neither phone is likely to offer all-day battery life with heavy use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Allview X2 Soul Style + Platinum if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Allview X4 Soul Mini S if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience, anticipate occasional light gaming, or require more reliable 4G connectivity. The X4’s newer chipset provides a small but noticeable upgrade for a minimal price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Allview X4 Soul Mini S handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the MT6737 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding titles.
❓ Is the 4G connectivity on the Allview X4 Soul Mini S significantly better than on the X2?
The MT6737 chipset includes a more modern 4G modem, offering potentially better signal reception and faster data speeds, especially in areas with congested networks. This is a key advantage for users who rely heavily on mobile data.
❓ Can I expect noticeable lag when switching between apps on the Allview X2 Soul Style + Platinum?
Given the likely 1GB or 2GB of RAM and the older MT6735 chipset, you will likely experience some lag when switching between multiple apps. Closing unused apps is recommended to maintain performance.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use, and is it expandable?
Both phones likely use eMMC storage, which is slower than UFS. Expandability via microSD card is highly probable, given the target market, but this isn't confirmed in the specifications.
