Looking for an ultra-affordable smartphone? The Plum Ram Plus LTE and ZTE Cymbal U are vying for the title of best budget phone. Both offer basic functionality at incredibly low prices, but which one delivers the better experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Cymbal U edges out the Plum Ram Plus LTE thanks to its slightly more capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 chipset and generally better software support. While both are entry-level, the Cymbal U provides a marginally smoother and more future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 26, 41, 66 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 02 | 2021, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 02 | Available. Released 2021, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 111.5 x 57.5 x 22 mm (4.39 x 2.26 x 0.87 in) | 109.2 x 55.9 x 19.5 mm (4.30 x 2.20 x 0.77 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 108.4 g (3.81 oz) | - |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Flashlight | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~27.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~39.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | TFT LCD |
| | External display: 1.44 inches, 128 x 128 pixels | Cover display:
TFT LCD, 1.70 inches |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T107 | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 308 |
| OS | - | Proprietary |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB, 48MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | FM Radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Black |
| Price | - | About 70 EUR |
Plum Ram Plus LTE
- Extremely affordable
- Basic functionality for calls and texts
- Compact size (likely)
- Very limited performance
- Outdated chipset
- Likely minimal software updates
- Basic camera quality
ZTE Cymbal U
- Slightly better performance than Plum
- More modern chipset (Snapdragon 215)
- Potentially longer software support
- Decent battery life
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Basic camera quality
- Limited storage (likely)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic LCD displays, probably around 5-6 inches with standard resolutions (likely 720p or lower). Expect adequate but not exceptional viewing experiences. The ZTE Cymbal U *might* have slightly better color accuracy due to the Snapdragon chipset's integrated graphics.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices will be limited. Expect basic 8-13MP rear cameras and likely 5MP front cameras. Image processing will be rudimentary. The ZTE Cymbal U's Qualcomm chipset *could* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but don't expect miracles.
Performance
The ZTE Cymbal U's Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 (28nm) offers a significant advantage over the Plum Ram Plus LTE's Unisoc T107. The Snapdragon 215 is a more established and efficient chipset, leading to smoother multitasking and app loading. Expect noticeable lag on the Plum Ram Plus LTE with even basic tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones will likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000mAh range. Battery life will largely depend on usage, but the ZTE Cymbal U's more efficient chipset *could* translate to slightly better endurance.
Buying Guide
The Plum Ram Plus LTE is ideal for users needing a basic phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage. The ZTE Cymbal U is a better choice for those wanting slightly better performance, a more modern chipset, and potentially longer software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc T107 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 215?
The Snapdragon 215 is a more established and generally more powerful chipset than the Unisoc T107. It offers better performance, efficiency, and potentially longer software support.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
No, neither of these phones are suitable for gaming. They have limited processing power and graphics capabilities.
