UMI XII review and Unboxing – Quad core with 5 inch FHD resolution

After a long wait here is the full review of UMI X2. This handset is powered by quad core processor with 13MP camera. The review version that I got is with 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage running on the Android 4.2 OS.

The UMI XII with 2GB/32GB version was initially launched for Rs. 14,000 but now they have increased the price to Rs. 16,000. For Rs. 14,000 they are giving the 1GB/16GB version. Those who had initially booked for 14K will still get it for the same price.

Box pack
On the first look you will not believe that the box contains the handset. It is a very smart packing that not only saves on packaging cost but also on transportation as they can ship more number of units in a limited space.

Almost all of the handsets that I have revived are box type, but this one is unique it looks like a book or a DVD case. The box contains the handset, battery of 2430~2520 mAh capacity, travel charger and data cable.  There is no earphone included. UMI Indian has told me that the next version of UMI 2 with 1.5GHz will come with earphone.

Design, Display and OS
I had already done a review on the UMI X2 prototype unit. The issues found on the prototype are now fixed specially the border that was clearly visible on the prototype X2. The handset is 8.9 m thick and weight is around 155 grams.

The X2 has got that premium look, I guess the white color handset is more visually appealing, well that depends on person to person. The handset is slim and light weight. Micro USB is placed on the bottom site, 3.5mm jack on the top side and power button/ lock button and volume rockers on the right side.

The backlit touch buttons are not visible when the phone is off, the screen area however is not completely black otherwise it would have added more charm (full black front).  Nevertheless the handset still looks pretty good. There is 13MP AF camera on the rear side with LED flash and XII logo along with the speaker out.

The display is 5 inches supporting resolution of 1920x1080p. The box pack says OGS and not sure if it’s Gorilla Glass 2 as mentioned on UMI website, but the screen is tough probably with Gorilla glass 2, you can check the video review.  If you press the screen really hard you can see the ripple effect, which is common on many handsets, but usually no one will be pressing the screen that hard. There is light, proximity, Gyro, accelerometer and magnetic sensors plus LED notification light.

The UMI XII runs on the Android 4.2 OS.

Memory and Storage
The UMI XII comes in two versions 1GB RAM/16GB ROM and 2GB RAM/32GB ROM. I got the 32GB review unit. It comes with 2GB RAM of which about 1.4GB is available. And of the 32GB internal storage you get around 26GB free.

External SD card of up to 64GB is supported and you can install or move apps to external storage. Though 26GB internal storage space should be more than enough for many users.

Performance and Benchmark
Its with MT6589 quad core processor clocked at 1.2GHz and not the MT6589T (1.5GHz). The 1.5GHz version will be launched sometime later. The GPU is PowerVR SGX 544 MP.

Benchmark scores

  • Quadrant Benchmark : 3838 | 3852.
  • Anututu Benchmark : 11853 | 11850.
  • Nenamark2 : 28.2fps.
  • Linpack : single 36, multi 95.
  • Multi Touch : 5 point.

13MP Auto focus camera
In 4:3 mode you can click images in 13MP resolution and 8MP in full screen mode. The handset can record full HD videos at 30fps. Check out the sample images and videos at the end of the article. The front camera is of 2MP resolution. I did not find any issue or black spot when using the front camera.

Entertainment
Full HD video playback is supported. It is smooth and looks good on this handset.

Others
The in-call speaker is loud and clear. I tried GPS and got a lock in less than 10 seconds. The GPS accuracy is approx 12 feet. Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth worked well.  Its dual SIM handset and both the SIM support 3G (you can use the 3G SIM card in any of the slots).

The earphone was not included in the box pack and hence I tried out the one that I got with Micromax A116. However it was not compatible though it did work with mono sound but earphone call button did not work. I then tried the earphone that came with Wammy Passion Z and it worked perfectly well. So in case you are planning to get an earphone make sure you check it out before buying.

Battery – 2430~2520 mAh
I have been using the phone for over 20 hours and the battery backup is still at 30%. Battery will last for over 24hours on a full charge with moderate usage.

UMI XII review
It’s is a good handset for a very tempting price. It’s a quad core handset with 5 inch FHD screen with 2GB RAM / 32GB storage. The camera quality is also good.

UMI India / AndroidGuruz are new in India and there have been a lot of delays for the users who had booked the handset initially. They are still working on the service center.  Probably this June AndroidGuruz will open up a store in Delhi. Development is slow, but will improve with time.

UMI XII Image Gallery

XII Sample Images

UMI XII unboxing and review video

1080p video shot using UMI XII

NOVA 3 Game play on UMI X2