InFocus M2 review – Awesome Phone, Awesome Price

InFocus M2 is a low cost quad core powered smartphone that is available for just Rs. 4,999 (Hope the price does not change). This handset sports a 4.2 inch LTPS screen with WXGA resolution running KitKat with Innovative InLife UI. For this price tag this definitely is the best smartphone that is not only competing with entry level smartphone but also mid range smartphones.

Box Pack
Inside the unique box pack you will find the M2 handset, travel charger, data cable, user guide, warranty card and standard quality earphone. The SAR value is mentioned on the box :- 1.356 W/Kg head and 1.516 W/Kg Body. The handset is manufactured by FIH Mobiles (Foxconn).

Design, Display and OS
The InFocus M2 not only looks good but is also very comfortable to hold. Those with smaller hands are really going to like. On the first look you will find that the width is smaller than when compared with other handsets. Weight with built in battery is 146 grams and it is 11.09 mm thick (length – 134.38 and width is 64.10 mm).

M2 is available in Black and White colour options. Rear side is with matte finish. This is a dual SIM handset, you need 2 micro SIM’s. There is micro SD card slot too. Power button is on the right, volume rocker on the left, micro USB port at the bottom and 3.5mm audio jack on the top.

InFocus M2 sports a 4.2 inch screen with 1280 x 768 pixels resolution. When it comes to the screen quality it is just too good, I did not expect this quality for this price tag. Colour reproduction is very good and so is the viewing angles. Touch is very smooth and responsive. What’s more there are a lot of customization for the display – Screen Mode, Colour Temperature and BlueLight Filter (to reduce eye strain).

There is no mention about screen protection, but I did a small pin scratch test applied mild pressure – there were no scratches. Screen is scratch resistant to some extent, but it would be better to get a screen guard.

There is LED notification and M2 comes loaded with the following sensors – accelerometer, gyro, light and proximity.

This handset is running Android 4.4.2 with InLife UI – to get an idea about the new UI check the video review at the end.

Memory and Storage
There is the standard 1GB RAM and 8GB storage. On the first boot you will get 440 MB Free RAM and 5.1GB space for apps / personal storage. OTG is supported. Apps will get installed on the internal storage, however you can move some apps to external card – you will find the option in settings –> app – look for the app, tap and if it is possible to move, the ‘move to SD card button’ will be active.

Performance
The M2 is using the known MediaTek MT6582 1.3GHz Cortex A7 quad core chipset with Mali 400 MP GPU. Overall performance is very good and smooth.

App Result
Quadrant 7001
Antutu 18759
Vellamo Metal (825) Multi core (1193) Browser (1715)
Nenamark 2 57.8 fps
Multi Touch 2 point

Gaming
The handset supports 2 point multi touch, this is the only disadvantage, though not a very big issue but gaming experience specially with games like Modern Combat 5 etc, might not be that comfortable. I played Asphalt 8 (got installed on internal storage), game play was very smooth in medium visual quality mode. Game is playable in high visual mode but not that smooth.

Camera
This handset comes with an 8MP AF camera on the rear with LED flash – it can shoot FHD videos and there is a front camera of 8MP resolution AF with front LED flash. The front camera quality is not that good considering the 8MP resolution. Rear camera quality is pretty good considering the price tag, check the sample images and video at the end.

Front camera does comes with LED flash, It’s always on, if required you can switch it off.

Others
This handset supports Motion, comes with Hinglish Keyboard (Hindi + English) and power saving mode. Audio effects app comes pre-installed you can use it to enhance the audio quality. Sound is loud and clear, however when audio effects is enabled the sound loudness decreases.

No issues found with 3G, GPS and Bluetooth. The Wi-Fi signal seems a little low, it was showing 2 bar out of 5 where as from the same position other phones that I tested were showing 3 bar out of 5, though Wi-Fi was working well.

Battery
There is 2010 mAh non-removable battery that gives about 4 to 6 hours of continuous moderate to heavy usage.

Task Time Battery drop (%) (max temp)
Running Benchmark apps 22 minutes 6% (36)
FHD video playback with Wi-Fi on + full brightness 24 minutes 8% (39)
Asphalt 8 Game Play 12 minutes 5% (39)
Full Wall Charge Under 3 hours 0% to 100%

Verdict
If you are looking for a budget phone, the InFocus M2 is the best available for just Rs. 4,999. The best thing about this handset is the price and screen quality. Performance is very good, camera quality is pretty immersive in this price range. This definitely, definitely is a very good buy.

[Rating 4.5 out of 5cannot use decimals in the rating box below]

InFocus M2 is available on Snapdeal for Rs. 4,999. For now the handset is out of stock, I am not sure if Snapdeal will sell the handset at the same price tag of increase the price a bit.

Image Gallery

Rear camera samples

InFocus M2 rear camera sample streetlight

Front camera samples