The ZTE Cymbal 2 and Nokia 2720 Flip represent opposite ends of the budget smartphone spectrum. The Cymbal 2 aims to deliver a modern smartphone experience at an ultra-low price, while the 2720 Flip offers a nostalgic, simplified experience with its clamshell design. This comparison dissects their core hardware to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing basic smartphone functionality and slightly better performance, the ZTE Cymbal 2 emerges as the winner. Its quad-core Cortex-A53 processor and Snapdragon 215 chipset offer a noticeable advantage over the Nokia 2720 Flip’s dual-core Cortex-A7 and Snapdragon 205, making it more capable for everyday tasks.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - MENA, APAC, GCR |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 109 x 56 x 19.5 mm (4.29 x 2.20 x 0.77 in) | 192.7 x 54.5 x 11.6 mm (7.59 x 2.15 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 118 g (4.16 oz) |
| 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 (~23.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD, 256K colors |
| | Cover display:
TFT LCD, 1.77 inches | Second external TFT display, 240 x 240 pixels, 1.3 inches |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Dual-core (2x1.1 GHz Cortex-A7) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Linux 3.18.71 | KaiOS 2.5.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 4GB 512MB |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | 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, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | - |
| | - | SNS applications
MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/AAC player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 700 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Gray, Red |
| Models | - | TA-1175, TA-1173, TA-1170, TA-1168 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.69 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Cymbal 2
- More powerful processor for smoother performance
- Modern smartphone experience with app access
- Likely larger display for better content viewing
- Potentially shorter battery life
- May feel less durable than a flip phone
Nokia 2720 Flip
- Longer battery life due to efficient chipset and flip design
- Durable and compact clamshell form factor
- Simplified user interface for ease of use
- Limited performance for demanding apps
- Smaller display and limited functionality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize low-resolution LCD panels. The Nokia 2720 Flip’s clamshell design inherently limits screen real estate, while the Cymbal 2 likely offers a larger, though still basic, viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are expected to be modest on both, prioritizing power efficiency over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities are likely minimal on both devices, and the provided data doesn’t offer specifics beyond the chipsets. Given their price point, expect low-resolution sensors and limited image quality. The Cymbal 2, being a more conventional smartphone, likely has a single rear camera, while the 2720 Flip may have a basic camera on the inside of the flip. Image processing will be rudimentary on both, focusing on basic functionality rather than advanced features.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Cymbal 2’s Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215, featuring a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 processor, demonstrably outperforms the Nokia 2720 Flip’s Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 with its dual-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7. The Cortex-A53 architecture is more efficient and capable than the older Cortex-A7, translating to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the Cymbal 2. Both are built on a 28nm process, meaning thermal management isn’t a major concern, but the extra cores give the Cymbal 2 a clear edge in sustained performance.
Battery Life
Battery life is a potential strength for the Nokia 2720 Flip due to its simplified feature set and clamshell design, which encourages less screen-on time. While mAh capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 205 is known for its power efficiency. The Cymbal 2, with its more powerful processor and larger screen, will likely have shorter battery life, though optimized software could mitigate this. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Cymbal 2 if you need a functional, albeit basic, smartphone for essential apps, light browsing, and occasional photography. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a cheap backup device. Buy the Nokia 2720 Flip if you prioritize simplicity, long battery life, and the tactile experience of a flip phone, and are comfortable with limited smartphone features. It’s perfect for those who primarily need a device for calls and texts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Cymbal 2 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
While not designed for intensive multitasking, the ZTE Cymbal 2’s quad-core processor should handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp adequately. Expect some loading times and occasional lag, but it should be functional for casual use. The Nokia 2720 Flip may struggle with these apps due to its less powerful processor.
❓ Is the Nokia 2720 Flip a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Nokia 2720 Flip excels as a basic communication device. Its clamshell design is comfortable to hold, and the Snapdragon 205 chipset is efficient enough to provide excellent battery life for calls and texts. The simplified interface is also ideal for users who prefer a straightforward experience.
❓ Can I easily transfer contacts and messages from an older phone to either the ZTE Cymbal 2 or Nokia 2720 Flip?
Transferring data will depend on your previous phone. Both devices support basic contact transfer via SIM card or potentially through Google account syncing on the Cymbal 2. However, transferring messages may be more challenging and could require third-party apps or manual entry.
