The market for budget android phones is developing at such a fast rate that a phone which has awesome value now will be garbage by the next month. In India, there is another new company entering the market pretty much every month, with little to no difference between their phones. The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is one such competitor, but it has higher expectations than others. Why? It is the successor of the mass hit phone, the Redmi 1s. Is it a good phone? Definitely. Does it live upto its expectations?
Not exactly...
Xiaomi has cut costs here. The box itself is dull (which really doesn't matter), but quite strong. You'll only be able to find the phone and the charger inside (yup, not even earphones). You do get a screen protector and micro sim tray if you register for one on mi.com.
TL;DR: Lack of accessories clear.
Call Quality and Sound
Calls are crisp and I can clearly hear the person on the opposite side. The microphone also is crisps, and I haven't had any complaints about the person on the opposite not being able to hear me clearly. The rear speaker is good, but sound distorts when music and calls are kept above 75%.
TL;DR: Quite functional. The speaker and microphone are beautifully refined and are effortless to use.
The Redmi 2 has a brilliant look and feel. The matte finish back looks clean and provides brilliant grip. The Mi logo makes the phone look a class higher. The standard model comes in white or grey, although a limited edition black color phone was also released. The front panel is completely black, with the exception of the navigation buttons, which aren't backlit, but quite visible as their red (Redmi) in color, adding a bit of uniqueness to the phone. The volume buttons are placed on the right hand side, with the lock button below it. Both of these have a metal finish, which adds a lot of character to an otherwise subtle design. The bezels are mediocre and the small form factor of the phone makes it easy to use with one hand. The phone's build is brilliant, with no creaks whatsoever. It is a tad heavy for its size though.
TL;DR: The phone is of good quality, but is a bit heavy. Easily outclasses its rivals in its segment.
The phone comes with Android Kit Kat. This is a bit annoying as all other Xiaomi devices starting with the Mi3 have got the Lollipop update (Lollipop is version 5.x...just reminding those in the stone age). MIUI, Xiaomi's take on Android, looks great. It's as if Google and Apple came together, shook hands and said we'll make an iOS-Android hybrid. It has the best of both worlds: the customization ability of Android and the clean look of iOS. However, MIUI demands a large portions of your RAM: around 600-700MB. It can move only as low as 450-500MB when an app is begging for more. MIUI is also a bit buggy. They are taken care by constant updates, which bring in newer bugs (since you just found out how to tackle the previous one, and Xiaomi can't let that happen). Like other Xiaomi phones, apps can only be installed on the internal memory, which is a big problem as this phone has only 8 GB of it. MIUI is debatable, as its interface isn't exactly for everyone. That's one reason why you must use a Xiaomi device before buying one.
TL;DR: Good interface, but hogs RAM and is a bit buggy. MIUI is a hit and miss job.
The 8 MP camera on the Redmi is a bliss to use. HDR is brilliant, albeit some noise, on Xiaomi's devices, making me turn off flash (HDR switches off flash) most of the time, which I usually don't do. Even without HDR, the camera outperforms every phone in its segment. The various camera modes are also effective, with my personal favorite being blur, which (obviously) blurs out the surroundings. Selfies taken on the 2 MP secondary camera are decent and the beautification tool is good enough to take your new Facebook profile picture without making you look like........yourself (just kidding).
NOTE: Initially, the camera feels like it has a blue tinge, but as you keep using it, it mysteriously goes away. So don't panic.
TL;DR: Camera is best in this segment, but not perfect. Go for it if the camera is your primary concern.
TL;DR: Decent screen, with a surprisingly natural color output. A bit small for phablet lovers, though.
TL;DR: Wonderful battery life for a budget phone. Reassurance is guaranteed.
The phone has a 64 bit Snapdragon 410 processor with a (meager by today's terms) 1 GB RAM. The phone will glide through everyday tasks such as taking HDR shots and using whatsapp, but the processor starts showing its limits at some points. MIUI and Kit Kat's limitation to 32 bit don't help either. While heavy multitasking, even the home screens take time to load. Asphalt 8, one of the most most demanding games in the market, stutters on the Redmi. However, games which demand medium and higher medium performance such as World of Tanks Blitz and Shadow Fight 2 have no problems at all.
Benchmark tests aren't too encouraging. In real world conditions (after 1.5 months of usage as primary device), Antutu, Quadrant and 3D Mark gave 19870, 11649 and 2609. The tests rated multitasking as above average, but gaming performance as below average.
The Redmi 2 has to face stiff competition. the Lenovo A6000 has a bigger screen and its 'plus' twin also has 2 GB RAM and 16 GB ROM, but of these don't have any sort of scratch resistance. Moto E has a better battery, but aims at small screen lovers with its 4.5 inch screen and its lack of a flash really pulls it down. Coolpad Dazen is a good phone similar to Lenovo A6000 plus. However, the lack of service centers might pose a threat. The Yu also suffers from poor service, but its Yuphoria is an another good option, with 2 GB RAM, Cyanogen OS and a metal body. All of these phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410.
On the lower end, the Infocus M2 with front and rear 8 MP cameras with flash and a Mediatek quad core processor is another good option for camera lovers, but has a small screen. Micromax Canvas Spark also provides a threat with its 5 inch screen, metal body and near-pure Android experience.
Coming to the higher segment, the Lenovo A7000 is a force to reckon with, but like its smaller sibling, the A7000 too doesn't have a scratch resistant glass. The Yu Yureka (Plus) is good too, but service is nothing short of horrible.
TL;DR: Loads of options, each having their own advantages.
Not exactly...
In The Box
Xiaomi has cut costs here. The box itself is dull (which really doesn't matter), but quite strong. You'll only be able to find the phone and the charger inside (yup, not even earphones). You do get a screen protector and micro sim tray if you register for one on mi.com.
TL;DR: Lack of accessories clear.
Call Quality and Sound
Calls are crisp and I can clearly hear the person on the opposite side. The microphone also is crisps, and I haven't had any complaints about the person on the opposite not being able to hear me clearly. The rear speaker is good, but sound distorts when music and calls are kept above 75%.
TL;DR: Quite functional. The speaker and microphone are beautifully refined and are effortless to use.
Design
The Redmi 2 has a brilliant look and feel. The matte finish back looks clean and provides brilliant grip. The Mi logo makes the phone look a class higher. The standard model comes in white or grey, although a limited edition black color phone was also released. The front panel is completely black, with the exception of the navigation buttons, which aren't backlit, but quite visible as their red (Redmi) in color, adding a bit of uniqueness to the phone. The volume buttons are placed on the right hand side, with the lock button below it. Both of these have a metal finish, which adds a lot of character to an otherwise subtle design. The bezels are mediocre and the small form factor of the phone makes it easy to use with one hand. The phone's build is brilliant, with no creaks whatsoever. It is a tad heavy for its size though.TL;DR: The phone is of good quality, but is a bit heavy. Easily outclasses its rivals in its segment.
OS and UI
 |
| Hey......No App Drawer! |
The phone comes with Android Kit Kat. This is a bit annoying as all other Xiaomi devices starting with the Mi3 have got the Lollipop update (Lollipop is version 5.x...just reminding those in the stone age). MIUI, Xiaomi's take on Android, looks great. It's as if Google and Apple came together, shook hands and said we'll make an iOS-Android hybrid. It has the best of both worlds: the customization ability of Android and the clean look of iOS. However, MIUI demands a large portions of your RAM: around 600-700MB. It can move only as low as 450-500MB when an app is begging for more. MIUI is also a bit buggy. They are taken care by constant updates, which bring in newer bugs (since you just found out how to tackle the previous one, and Xiaomi can't let that happen). Like other Xiaomi phones, apps can only be installed on the internal memory, which is a big problem as this phone has only 8 GB of it. MIUI is debatable, as its interface isn't exactly for everyone. That's one reason why you must use a Xiaomi device before buying one.
TL;DR: Good interface, but hogs RAM and is a bit buggy. MIUI is a hit and miss job.
Camera
 |
| Really good photos, although HDR gives the glue's surrounding some noise |
 |
| My favorite effect: Blur |
NOTE: Initially, the camera feels like it has a blue tinge, but as you keep using it, it mysteriously goes away. So don't panic.
TL;DR: Camera is best in this segment, but not perfect. Go for it if the camera is your primary concern.
Screen
After using loads of 5.5 inch displays, coming back to a 4.7 inch one is refreshing, and I can see why Apple chose 4.7 inches as the screen size for the iPhone 6. It is easy to use with on hand, yet big enough to browse the internet without getting the urge to break it. Not only the display size, but the display itself is really good. It's not full HD, but it performs well in real world conditions. The colors are quite natural and aren't a burden on your eye. The auto-brightness features is also very good in the phone. Long videos can be watched, but I don't' exactly plan to watch a movie on the phone anytime soon. The phone has a scratch resistant Dragontrail glass, which is a good advantage in this segment.TL;DR: Decent screen, with a surprisingly natural color output. A bit small for phablet lovers, though.
Battery
The relatively smaller screen and low demanding processor brilliantly complement the 2200 mAH battery in the Redmi 2. On continuous use, the battery will last one day. In the real world, one can easily get two days of usage, which includes using the camera, Whatsapp, WiFi, the music app and some gaming. However, using the phone on full brightness can hamper your battery life a lot.TL;DR: Wonderful battery life for a budget phone. Reassurance is guaranteed.
Performance
 |
| Quadrant, Antutu and 3D Mark respectively |
Benchmark tests aren't too encouraging. In real world conditions (after 1.5 months of usage as primary device), Antutu, Quadrant and 3D Mark gave 19870, 11649 and 2609. The tests rated multitasking as above average, but gaming performance as below average.
TL;DR: Decent phone for everyday use. Chokes over high demanding games.
Competition
 |
| Lenovo A6000 |
The Redmi 2 has to face stiff competition. the Lenovo A6000 has a bigger screen and its 'plus' twin also has 2 GB RAM and 16 GB ROM, but of these don't have any sort of scratch resistance. Moto E has a better battery, but aims at small screen lovers with its 4.5 inch screen and its lack of a flash really pulls it down. Coolpad Dazen is a good phone similar to Lenovo A6000 plus. However, the lack of service centers might pose a threat. The Yu also suffers from poor service, but its Yuphoria is an another good option, with 2 GB RAM, Cyanogen OS and a metal body. All of these phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410.
 |
| Infocus M2 |
On the lower end, the Infocus M2 with front and rear 8 MP cameras with flash and a Mediatek quad core processor is another good option for camera lovers, but has a small screen. Micromax Canvas Spark also provides a threat with its 5 inch screen, metal body and near-pure Android experience.
Coming to the higher segment, the Lenovo A7000 is a force to reckon with, but like its smaller sibling, the A7000 too doesn't have a scratch resistant glass. The Yu Yureka (Plus) is good too, but service is nothing short of horrible.
TL;DR: Loads of options, each having their own advantages.
Verdict
The Redmi 2 is really good for its price and nowhere behind its competitors, but thats where the problem starts. It can only manage to be on par with its competition, unlike the Redmi 1s, Redmi Note and the Mi3, which were loads ahead of their competitors (they didn't have competitors at all). I would gladly recommend this phone to anyone, but I wouldn't claim this is the best phone of this segment.- Build: 8/10
- Call Quality: 8/10
- OS and UI: 6.5/10
- Camera: 8/10
- Screen: 7.5/10
- Battery: 8.5/10
- Performance: 6/10
- Others: 6/10
- Value: 8/10
Xiaomi Redmi 2 (Rs.5999/$100)
Pros:
- Natural color output
- Good camera
- Sturdy and simplistic build
- Long lasting battery
Cons:
- Poor performance
- MIUI is debatable
- Heavy competition
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