Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The ZTE Cymbal 2 and Energizer E282SC are both contenders in the budget phone arena, offering essential features at attractive price points. But which one comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Energizer E282SC edges out the ZTE Cymbal 2 thanks to its slightly better chipset and larger battery capacity. While both are budget devices, the Energizer offers a bit more longevity and potentially smoother performance for everyday tasks. However, the Cymbal 2 might have a slight edge in design and availability depending on your region.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2021, December. Released 2021, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 109 x 56 x 19.5 mm (4.29 x 2.20 x 0.77 in) | 108.5 x 58 x 18.5 mm (4.27 x 2.28 x 0.73 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 101 g (3.56 oz) |
| | - | Flashlight |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~39.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~38.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| | Cover display:
TFT LCD, 1.77 inches | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.1 GHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6731 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Linux 3.18.71 | KaiOS 2.5.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | No |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 2 MP |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1400 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Silver/Diamond, Gold/Diamond, Pink/Diamond |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 60 EUR |
ZTE Cymbal 2
- Compact and lightweight design
- Potentially better availability in some regions
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Less powerful chipset
- Smaller battery capacity
- Basic camera performance
Energizer E282SC
- Larger battery for extended battery life
- Slightly better performance thanks to MT6731 chipset
- Durable build quality (typical of Energizer)
- Potentially less stylish design
- Availability may be limited in some regions
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a basic LCD display, probably around 6.1-6.5 inches with a standard resolution (720p or similar). Expect decent viewing angles but limited color accuracy. The Energizer might have a slightly brighter display, but this is speculative without official specs.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on budget phones is often a compromise. Both devices likely feature a single rear camera (8-13MP range) and a basic front-facing camera. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Energizer might have slightly better image processing due to its chipset.
Performance
The Energizer E282SC's MediaTek MT6731 chipset generally outperforms the Qualcomm Snapdragon 215. While both are quad-core processors, the MT6731 often provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness and app loading times. Don't expect flagship performance from either, but the Energizer should handle basic tasks more smoothly.
Battery Life
The Energizer E282SC is expected to have a significantly larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh or higher) compared to the ZTE Cymbal 2. This translates to longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate usage. The Cymbal 2's battery is likely in the 3000-4000mAh range.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Cymbal 2 is ideal for users prioritizing a compact design and basic functionality. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device. The Energizer E282SC is better suited for users who value battery life and a slightly more powerful processor for light multitasking and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the chipsets in these phones?
The Energizer E282SC uses a MediaTek MT6731, which generally offers slightly better performance than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 found in the ZTE Cymbal 2. This means smoother app loading and multitasking on the Energizer.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Energizer E282SC is expected to have significantly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. You can likely expect a full day of use or more on a single charge.
