Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The ZTE Cymbal 2 and Motorola G Pure are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola G Pure edges out the ZTE Cymbal 2 thanks to its more powerful processor, slightly better camera, and faster charging. While both are budget options, the G Pure provides a more fluid experience and a bit more versatility for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2021, October 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 109 x 56 x 19.5 mm (4.29 x 2.20 x 0.77 in) | 167.4 x 75.6 x 8.8 mm (6.59 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~39.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| | Cover display:
TFT LCD, 1.77 inches | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Linux 3.18.71 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Deep Indigo |
| Models | - | XT-2163-4, XT2163-4, XT2163-6, XT2163-1, XT2163-2 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | $ 63.99 / C$ 123.00 |
ZTE Cymbal 2
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- No fast charging
- Outdated chipset
Motorola G Pure
- Better performance
- Improved camera
- Faster charging
- More modern chipset
- Slightly more expensive
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. However, the Motorola G Pure's display might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel technology, though specific details are hard to confirm without detailed testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Motorola G Pure generally offers a better camera experience. While both likely have a 13MP main sensor, the G Pure's Helio G25 chipset often includes a more capable ISP (Image Signal Processor) for better image processing. Expect slightly better detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the G Pure. Both likely have basic front-facing cameras.
Performance
The Motorola G Pure's Octa-core Helio G25 chipset significantly outperforms the ZTE Cymbal 2's Quad-core Snapdragon 215. The G Pure's dual-cluster core configuration (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz) provides a noticeable boost in multitasking and app loading speeds. The Cymbal 2 will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature around 5000mAh batteries, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Motorola G Pure's 10W wired charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the Cymbal 2, which likely lacks any fast charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Cymbal 2 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and basic functionality on an extremely tight budget. The Motorola G Pure is a better choice for those who want a slightly more responsive phone with a better camera and faster charging, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the processors in these phones?
The Motorola G Pure uses a Mediatek Helio G25 Octa-core processor, which is significantly more powerful than the ZTE Cymbal 2's Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 Quad-core processor. This translates to better performance and smoother multitasking.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage due to their large 5000mAh batteries. However, the Motorola G Pure charges faster thanks to its 10W wired charging.