Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE nubia M2 Play and M2 Lite offer compelling options, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nubia M2 Lite edges out the Play thanks to its faster processor, slightly better camera capabilities, and notably faster 18W charging. While both are budget-friendly, the M2 Lite provides a more refined and performant experience overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, June. Released 2017, July | 2017, March. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 154.5 x 68.5 x 7.9 mm (6.08 x 2.70 x 0.31 in) | 155.7 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.13 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 164 g (5.78 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6750 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-T860MP2 |
| OS | Android 7.1 (Nougat), nubia UI 5 | Android 6 (Marshmallow), nubia UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.x, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Black Gold, Champagne Gold |
| Models | NX907J | NX573J, LS032M |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 120 EUR |
ZTE nubia M2 Play
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Compact size
- Slower performance
- Standard charging
- Basic camera
ZTE nubia M2 lite
- Faster processor
- 18W fast charging
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly more premium feel
- Slightly more expensive than M2 Play
- Still a budget phone - don't expect flagship performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch display, likely with a resolution around 1280 x 720 (HD). Expect similar viewing experiences, though the M2 Lite's slightly more powerful chipset *might* allow for marginally better color accuracy and brightness, though this is not definitively confirmed without testing.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a 13MP main camera, the M2 Lite's chipset *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities. The M2 Lite also likely includes a front-facing camera with beauty mode features, which the M2 Play may lack. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.
Performance
The M2 Lite's Mediatek MT6750 with its dual-cluster CPU (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) offers a noticeable performance advantage over the M2 Play's Snapdragon 435 (Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the M2 Lite.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 3000mAh battery. However, the M2 Lite's 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the M2 Play's standard charging.
Buying Guide
The nubia M2 Play is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality and a very tight budget. The nubia M2 Lite is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, slightly improved camera quality, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 435 and the MT6750?
The MT6750 generally offers better performance due to its dual-cluster CPU design, allowing it to handle more demanding tasks more efficiently than the Snapdragon 435.
❓ Is the nubia M2 Lite worth the extra cost over the M2 Play?
If you value performance, faster charging, and a slightly better camera, then the M2 Lite is worth the extra cost. If you're on a very tight budget and only need basic functionality, the M2 Play is a viable option.
