Pre-sales of Vernee Mix 2 started in the fourth quarter of 2017. The number “2” in the name does not indicate the serial number of the model, since Mix 2 is the first smartphone in this form factor from Vernee. Undoubtedly, the source of inspiration when choosing the appearance and name for the device was the second generation of “frameless” phablets from Xiaomi.
To interest the buyer and stand out from competitors, the manufacturer released an affordable model, but did not skimp on the important technical features of the device. The result is a beautiful, elegant phablet, which is equipped with a 6-inch screen with a high resolution, a powerful processor, large amounts of memory, a set of necessary sensors and a fairly capacious battery.
Contents of delivery
In addition to the smartphone, the standard kit includes the following elements:
- Charger;
- USB cable;
- instructions;
- SIM card holder removal tool.
By placing an order through the Gearbest online store, in addition to the standard set, the buyer receives 2 protective films and a transparent case.
Appearance Features
Vernee Mix 2 does not claim to have a unique design compared to other “frameless” models. However, the appearance of the smartphone definitely evokes positive emotions, creating the impression of a more expensive device from the premium segment. The model is available in black and blue colors, and both options look very elegant and attractive.
The front and back parts of the case are covered with glass, which is highly resistant to abrasions and scratches, and also perfectly emphasizes the characteristic shine of the panels. The impression of a spectacular design can only be spoiled by fingerprints that quickly fill the glossy surface of the glass.
Arrangement of elements on the body
The smartphone display is surrounded on three sides by narrow frames. On the top frame you can see a thin hole in which the earpiece grille is located. To the left of the speaker is an LED indicator designed to notify the user of unread messages and missed calls.
In the right corner of the lower frame there is a front camera module, which is a traditional solution for “frameless” devices. There is more than enough space on the panel under the screen to place a fingerprint sensor or touch navigation buttons. Despite this, control elements are displayed on the screen in the operating system interface.
As for the biometric scanner, its touch panel is placed on the back of the case. The scanner quickly reads fingerprints and recognizes them correctly. Above the fingerprint sensor in the left corner is a dual main camera module and a flash LED.
The bezel that forms the side edges is made of a solid metal plate, with cutouts for buttons and connectors. Unlike other manufacturers producing smartphones of this form factor, the developer did not abandon the standard headphone jack. The 3.5 mm jack is located on the top edge.
The left side edge accommodates a hybrid design tray into which SIM cards and an external MicroSD memory drive are installed.
On the opposite side are mechanical buttons used to control power and volume.
Despite the widespread introduction of USB Type-C (a new interface for charging and synchronization), the smartphone is equipped with a more familiar, classic MicroUSB connector with OTG support. The connector is located on the bottom edge, between the symmetrical slots for the main speaker and microphone.
Display and dimensions
Vernee Mix 2 is equipped with a high-quality 6-inch display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels. Thanks to the high pixel density, rich colors and good contrast levels, the screen conveys a clear, bright picture. In addition, viewing angles at which the image maintains high contrast and correct color rendition without inversion are close to the maximum values.
In accordance with the main trends of the current year, the smartphone received an elongated display with an updated aspect ratio (18:9). On devices that are used in portrait orientation, a longer screen will accommodate more useful content when working with notes, text documents, spreadsheets, etc. In landscape mode, the new format is ideal for multitasking, as split-screen mode gives both apps more workspace.
Due to the narrow frames and display proportions (18:9), the dimensions of the device body with a 6” display are fits the dimensions of a typical 5.5" phablet, with a classic design and standard aspect ratio (16:9). A clear example is a comparison of the dimensions of two phablets released in 2017: the 5.5-inch iPhone 8 Plus (158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5 mm), and the 6-inch Vernee Mix 2 (157.8 x 76.2 x 8.2 mm).
In this example, the iPhone 8 Plus features a thinner design. However, it is worth considering the fact that the Apple device is equipped with a smaller battery (2675 mAh) compared to the Vernee Mix 2 battery (4200 mAh).
Hardware and software platform
The product is equipped with an 8-core MediaTek Helio P25 chipset, with an integrated Mali-T880 graphics subsystem. The processor configuration includes 4 economical cores operating at frequencies up to 1.6 GHz, and 4 high-performance cores operating at frequencies up to 2.5 GHz. The chipset has a reserve of power, which is enough not only to perform most trivial tasks, but also to run resource-demanding 3D games.
Vernee Mix 2 is available in two versions, with different amounts of RAM – 4 or 6 GB. At the same time, both versions demonstrate excellent multitasking and performance in everyday use. There will also be no problems with free space for storing user data and installing software, since the smartphone uses an internal storage capacity of 64 GB. In addition, it is possible to expand the storage by installing an external MicroSD memory card.
The device runs on multilingual Android 7.0 Nougat OS, with built-in Google services and OTA (over-the-air software update) support. The system is not overloaded with unnecessary processes and third-party applications. However, to simplify the process of interacting with the phablet, the developers have introduced several additional items in the settings section, along with expanded support for gesture control.
Cameras
The maximum resolution of photographs taken using the front camera can be 8 MP. To take self-portraits, the user will have to turn the smartphone over so that the front camera is on top.
The dual main camera consists of a primary 13-megapixel Sony IMX258 module, which is quite common in models mid-price range, and an additional 5 MP module, necessary for taking pictures with artistic background blur. The camera application has a modified, and at the same time simple, intuitive interface, with the ability to quickly activate the flash and HDR mode. In the standard application, the maximum resolution of recorded videos is 1920x1080 pixels, with a frame rate of 30 FPS.
The main camera is complemented by a dual-tone flash and phase detection autofocus (PDAF). In good lighting conditions, decent quality photos are obtained. Night shots are characterized by the appearance of noise and a noticeable decrease in detail. Approximately the same level of shooting is demonstrated by the Galaxy A3 (2017) and OnePlus X smartphones, which are equipped with a similar sensor (Sony IMX258). In general, Vernee Mix 2 is quite capable of replacing an amateur digital camera, and the resulting images will look great both in a personal photo album and on social networks.
Battery
The manufacturer used a platform that was balanced in terms of energy consumption, combined with a capacious battery, which had a positive effect on the autonomy of the phablet. In the absence of intensive loads, in the process of performing simple trivial tasks, Helio P25 uses energy-efficient processor cores. In such conditions, the built-in 4200 mAh battery is capable of ensuring the functionality of the gadget for 2.5-3 days.
In practice, taking into account the individual characteristics of operation, you can safely count on 2 days of battery life in moderate mode. With more active use of the device, the charge is sufficient for a full working day. In addition, Pump Express Plus technology allows you to significantly speed up the process of replenishing the charge level.
Wireless interfaces, sensors
Vernee Mix 2 is capable of working with two SIM cards in Nano and Micro formats, using 2G, 3G and 4G mobile communication technologies. VoLTE support is provided for voice data transmission in fourth generation networks. The built-in modem provides the ability to obtain high-speed Internet access in LTE Cat.6 networks. In addition, the smartphone is equipped wireless communication modules Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0, as well as a navigation module responsible for the operation of satellite systems GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou. The only thing missing from the set of wireless interfaces is an NFC chip.
The list of supported hardware sensors deserves special attention, since some manufacturers of inexpensive “frameless” smartphones practice savings on these important elements. Vernee Mix 2 is equipped with the most necessary sensors: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, light and proximity sensors, as well as an electronic compass.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- large display;
- sleek modern design;
- dimensions comparable to 5.5-inch phablets;
- decent amounts of memory;
- capacious battery, good autonomy;
- fast charging support;
- sufficient level of productivity;
- Availability of a standard headphone jack.
Minuses:
- The stock camera app does not support 4K video recording;
- the bottom of the screen remains quite
- wide empty frame;
- NFC module is missing.
Review results
Vernee Mix 2 cannot compete with Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 in terms of processor power, shooting quality, network capabilities, sound quality, etc. However, this device can be an excellent alternative option for those who are looking for a high-quality, balanced phablet with a frameless design and an affordable price. In addition, Vernee Mix 2 is perfect for users who are not ready to switch to the new balanced USB-C connector, as well as the lack of a separate headphone jack.
You can find out the current price of Vernee Mix 2 on our website Gearbest.com.
