Lenovo's Vibe X2 flaunts a three-toned design and $400 price tag
Lenovo layered Vibe X2 has a gradient color design, an octa-core processor, and a 13-megapixel camera.
Lenovo's latest smartphone, the Vibe X2, is a colorful beacon in a sea of black. That's because it has a unique multicolored layered design that comes in a few tasteful colors. It's also a super-slim device with that looks high-end, yet packs midrange specs with a price tag to match. The Vibe X2 is a follow-up to last year's Vibe X .
Multicolored design
The X2 has what Lenovo calls a "three-layer design," which gives the phone a unique look you won't find elsewhere. Sure, we've had plenty of brightly colored iPhones and Lumia and Samsung devices, but the X2 takes a different approach with multiple hues at once. If you look at the edges of the device, you see three shades, depending on the color of the phone you select.
For instance, on the red model, the back of the phone is a bright red, and that color fades to a dark red and then to black, which wraps around to the front. The X2 comes in white, red, gold, and dark gray, all with unique color gradients.
Aside from its colorful look, the X2 sports a thin design with angular corners and edges. The phone looks simple and sleek, with a smooth, unadorned back cover. The power/lock and volume rocker buttons are both on the right edge, with a
jack at the top. There's also a bright 5-inch 1080p display.Under the hood
Inside, the phone uses a MediaTek True8Core octa-core processor, which boasts 4G LTE connectivity and fast performance, as well as power-saving features. That processor, coupled with the X2's 2GB of RAM, should be more than sufficient to launch apps, play games, and browse the Web without any hiccups.
The X2 has 32GB of onboard storage for photos, apps, and other files. Powering the phone is an embedded 2,300mAh battery, which promises 19.5 hours of talk time over 4G.
The phone is running Android KitKat 4.4, the latest version of the OS. It's refreshing to see a new device launch with the latest and greatest that Android has to offer, since many devices ship with older versions. On top of that is Lenovo's custom UI, Vibe version 2.0, which adds a personalized lock screen, transparent icons, and a rapid-launch camera app.
Speaking of the camera, the X2 has a 13-megapixel rear camera with autofocus, which is on par with today's other top phones. There's also a 5-megapixel front-facing lens, designed with selfies in mind. It uses gesture controls to take photos and includes features to enhance facial features.
The X2 also comes with a few software extras, such as the Battery Xtension mode, which adjusts how your phone runs to boost battery life by 75 percent. Though we don't know the specifics, it's likely similar to other power-saving features available on other smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8.
Snap-on accessories
Lenovo is also selling a few hardware extras for the X2, including a battery pack and external speaker. The Vibe X2 Battery snaps on to the back of the phone, adding an extra layer and acting as a protective case. Likewise, the Vibe X2 Speaker is meant to attach to the device to boost sound and facilitate hands-free calls.
Availability and outlook
Though Lenovo isn't well-known for its smartphones in the US, it's making a name for itself in Asia and Europe. At IFA 2014, the company revealed two new phones for those markets: the Vibe X2 and Z2 .
The Vibe X2 is launching first in China in October, before it hits markets in Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Lenovo says it will retail for $399 (which is roughly equivalent to £240 and AU$430), but there's no word on if the X2 will make its way to carriers and retailers in the US, UK or Australia. You might be able to buy it online when it goes on sale.
With its unique appearance, the Lenovo Vibe X2 stands out in a sea of simple black smartphones. But beyond its flashy design, the phone's stated price is also very appealing, costing far less than $650 iPhone 5S , the $750 Samsung Galaxy S5 , or the $750 HTC One M8 . Of course, the X2 doesn't have all of the same high-end features you'll find on those phones, but it's still a solid device on paper.