ZTE Cymbal 2 vs. ZTE Cymbal U: A Detailed Comparison

The ZTE Cymbal series aims to deliver affordable smartphones for essential tasks. The Cymbal 2 and Cymbal U are two iterations within this lineup, often causing confusion for potential buyers. This review breaks down the key differences (or lack thereof) to help you choose the right device.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Surprisingly, the ZTE Cymbal 2 and U are nearly identical. Both offer basic functionality at a budget price. The Cymbal 2 *might* have slightly better availability depending on your region, making it the marginally better choice if you can find it. Otherwise, they're functionally the same.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Cymbal 2	ZTE Cymbal U

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 1900	GSM 850 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 1900	HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900
4G bands	2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66	2, 4, 5, 12, 41, 66, 71
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2020, January. Released 2020, January	2021, January
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2021, January

Body
Dimensions	109 x 56 x 19.5 mm (4.29 x 2.20 x 0.77 in)	109.2 x 55.9 x 19.5 mm (4.30 x 2.20 x 0.77 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM
Weight	135 g (4.76 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 (~39.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT LCD	TFT LCD
	Cover display: TFT LCD, 1.77 inches	Cover display: TFT LCD, 1.70 inches

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53	Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm)	Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm)
GPU	Adreno 308	Adreno 308
OS	Linux 3.18.71	Proprietary

Memory
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot)	microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal	8GB 1GB RAM	8GB 1GB RAM

Main Camera
Single	2 MP	2 MP
Video	720p@30fps	720p@30fps

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	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity	-

Battery
Type	Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable	Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable

Misc
Colors	Black	Black
Price	About 60 EUR	About 70 EUR

ZTE Cymbal 2

Affordable price
Long battery life
Decent for basic tasks

Limited performance
Low-resolution camera
Basic design

ZTE Cymbal U

Affordable price
Long battery life
Decent for basic tasks

Limited performance
Low-resolution camera
Basic design

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+). Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate vibrant or high-contrast visuals. Differences in screen coating or brightness are unlikely.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are likely to be very similar, potentially featuring an 8MP main camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Video recording capabilities will likely be limited to 720p.

Performance

Powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 chipset and a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, performance will be similar. Expect adequate speed for basic tasks but struggles with demanding games or multitasking. RAM and storage configurations are likely to be similar (e.g., 2GB/32GB).

Battery Life

Both devices probably house a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are likely to be standard (5W or 10W).

Buying Guide

The ZTE Cymbal 2 and U are ideal for users needing a simple phone for calls, texts, and basic apps. They're great for first-time smartphone owners, seniors, or as a secondary device. If you need advanced features like a high-resolution camera or powerful processor, look elsewhere.