Expert Specs Don't Make Good Phones

While the Umi Touch on seems decent on paper, it'south not a budget smartphone I could recommend to anyone over more proven devices in this fiercely competitive market space.

I'll start with the things I like. The iv,000 mAh battery is huge and delivers great battery life across the lath. The fingerprint sensor surprised me at how fast and accurate it was, especially subsequently a recent software update. I like seeing a 1080p display this price point as well, as companies frequently opt for cheaper and less processor-intensive 720p displays in entry-level handsets.

The Touch likewise features a pretty compelling software setup. Past default, this device runs stock Android six.0 with practically no bloatware and no additional features, and this is bang-up to see. But if yous want to try out something different, Umi'southward Rootjoy awarding volition let you flash other ROMs, including Windows x Mobile, without whatever sort of hassle. This isn't something you run across from the large Android manufacturers, and gives enthusiasts a manner to customize their device with ease.

This is where the positives end and the negatives begin. The Umi Touch's blueprint is pretty uninspiring, and although it does take a metal back and the curved edges to the drinking glass forepart panel are ergonomic, it lacks precision in its construction. The seams on the back that bring together metallic to plastic are noticeably uneven, and the fingerprint sensor on my review model was slightly askew. These are all quality issues yous don't see from improve known OEMs. Plus there'southward some serious heft to this handset, at almost 200 grams.

Both of the Umi Touch's cameras are terrible. The dorsum photographic camera uses a Sony sensor, but it doesn't produce quality images in any conditions. There are issues with overexposure, focus speed, photographic camera app preview frame rates, the HDR way, dark time photography, and full general color quality. The selfie camera is mediocre and its accompanying forepart-facing flash is useless.

Performance is another aspect to the Umi Touch that was disappointing. The MediaTek MT6753 looks skillful on-paper confronting the Snapdragon 410, but in reality the level of operation I experienced is below what'southward acceptable for a sub-$200 device.

To give credit where credit is due, the internal 16 GB of storage is fast, as is the Mali-T720 GPU, just I expect a smoother experience from a modern entry-level smartphone.

Anyone planning to import this device to North America, particularly those who aren't using AT&T, Bell or Rogers, should be put off by limited support: three LTE bands and two HSPA bands. Alternatively, you might be put off by poor touchscreen sensitivity, which makes typing on the keyboard a consummate drag.

At $160, the Umi Bear on is a nifty lesson for consumers: you tin't just read a spec canvas and expect to receive a decent smartphone. Fifty-fifty though it's a twelvemonth old and features 'lesser' hardware, I'd far rather purchase and apply a third-generation Moto G for the usability. If Umi had spent more fourth dimension polishing this handset and harnessing some of the hardware inside, I'g certain it could exist a great budget device, but as information technology stands I'd recommend looking elsewhere or waiting for a pregnant price cutting.

Pros: Great battery life. Runs stock Android 6.0. Allows installation of other ROMs. Fingerprint sensor is surprisingly effective.

Cons: Terrible cameras. Substandard performance, even for a budget device. Touchscreen has responsiveness issues. Pattern lacks precision.