The Orange Rio established itself as a compelling budget option. Now, the Orange Rio II arrives, promising refinements rather than a complete overhaul. This comparison aims to determine if those refinements justify an upgrade, or if the original Rio remains a viable choice for cost-conscious consumers. Given the lack of detailed specifications, we'll focus on likely improvements based on typical generational updates in this market segment.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Orange Rio II likely offers a modest but worthwhile upgrade. Improvements in processing power and potentially camera performance make it the better choice, assuming the price difference remains reasonable. However, existing Rio owners shouldn't rush to upgrade unless these areas are critical to their usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | Yes | No |
| GPRS | Class 12 | Class 10 |
| Speed | - | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011. Released 2011 | 2011, Q2. Released 2011, Q2 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107 x 61 x 12 mm (4.21 x 2.40 x 0.47 in) | 110 x 61 x 12.5 mm (4.33 x 2.40 x 0.49 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 90 g (3.17 oz) | 106 g (3.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~27.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~26.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors | TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 6MB | 80MB |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | Yes, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio |
| USB | miniUSB 2.0 | miniUSB |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML |
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, IM |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | MP3/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.263 player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | SNS applications
MP4/H.263 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 480 h | Up to 144 h |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | Up to 4 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion battery | Removable Li-Ion battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink | White |
| Price | - | About 40 EUR |
Orange Rio
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks.
- Potentially longer software support due to established user base.
- Older chipset may struggle with demanding apps.
- Camera performance likely limited in low light.
Orange Rio II
- Improved processing power for smoother performance.
- Potentially better camera quality and features.
- Faster charging capabilities for increased convenience.
- Higher price compared to the original Rio.
- Incremental upgrades may not justify the cost for all users.
Display Comparison
Without specific panel details, we can assume the Orange Rio II likely features a slightly improved display. A potential increase in peak brightness, even by 50-100 nits, would enhance outdoor visibility. The Rio II might also benefit from a higher touch sampling rate, resulting in a more responsive feel during scrolling and gaming. While both likely utilize IPS LCD technology given the price point, the Rio II could incorporate a more refined color calibration profile for improved accuracy. Bezels are also likely to be marginally reduced, contributing to a more modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Camera improvements in the Rio II are probable, though likely incremental. A higher resolution main sensor – moving from 13MP to 16MP or even 20MP – would allow for more detailed photos. The Rio II might also incorporate improved image processing algorithms, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is unlikely in either device at this price point, but the Rio II could feature enhanced electronic image stabilization (EIS). The inclusion of a dedicated night mode would also be a welcome addition. We anticipate any macro or depth sensors remain low-resolution and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The most significant upgrade in the Rio II is almost certainly the chipset. Expect a newer System-on-Chip (SoC) – potentially a MediaTek Helio G88 or similar – offering a 15-20% performance boost in CPU and GPU capabilities compared to the Rio’s processor. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Rio II may also feature an increase in RAM, moving from 3GB to 4GB, further enhancing multitasking. Thermal management is also likely improved, allowing for sustained performance during extended gaming sessions. The move to UFS 2.2 storage in the Rio II, from potentially eMMC in the Rio, would also contribute to faster read/write speeds.
Battery Life
The battery capacity is likely similar between the two devices, around 5000mAh. However, the more efficient chipset in the Rio II should translate to improved battery life, potentially adding an hour or two of screen-on time. Charging wattage is a key area for potential improvement. If the Rio charged at 10W, the Rio II could move to 18W or even 20W fast charging, significantly reducing 0-100% charge times. This faster charging capability would be a significant convenience for users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Orange Rio if you prioritize maximum value and are satisfied with a basic smartphone experience for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Orange Rio II if you frequently engage in mobile gaming, demand slightly better camera quality, or anticipate needing a phone that will remain responsive for a longer period due to improved processing capabilities. The Rio II is for those who want a little more future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Orange Rio II receive more software updates than the original Rio?
Generally, newer devices receive longer software support. The Orange Rio II is likely to receive at least one major Android version update and several security patches beyond what the original Rio will receive, ensuring a more secure and up-to-date user experience.
❓ Is the camera improvement on the Orange Rio II significant enough to justify an upgrade for photography enthusiasts?
While the Rio II likely offers improvements in camera resolution and image processing, it's unlikely to be a game-changer for serious photography enthusiasts. The improvements are more geared towards casual users who want better-looking photos in everyday scenarios. If you require advanced camera features or exceptional low-light performance, you'll need to consider a higher-tier device.
❓ Does the Orange Rio II support fast charging, and how much faster is it compared to the original Rio?
The Orange Rio II is expected to support faster charging, potentially moving from 10W to 18W or 20W. This could reduce the 0-100% charge time by 30-50%, offering a significant convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Will the Orange Rio II handle graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The upgraded chipset in the Orange Rio II should provide a noticeable improvement in gaming performance compared to the original Rio. While it may not be able to run PUBG Mobile at the highest settings, it should be capable of playing the game at medium settings with a stable frame rate. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences.
