Audio A-OK
After using my new UMI Super smartphone a few more days, I can report on more experiences.
Audio Quality. The vendor, UMI, had promised the audio would be fabulous. And it is -- whether listening by corded headphones, Bluetooth ones, or plugged directly into a fine stereo. As I noted in my earlier review, this $200 phone still boasts a 3.5mm headphone jack, unlike $800 models from other cellphone companies, such as that one in California.
For even better sound, I recommend the Neutron app, which uses advanced processing to improve the sound even more. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.neutroncode.mp&hl=en
Battery Life. I was excited in getting a phone with a 4000mAhr battery, which is about 1/3 bigger than most phones today. Commenters on the UMI forum feel the battery probably isn't that big. With moderate usage, it lasts 24 hours; with heavy usage, about 16. So no way it will last two days, sadly, as UMI claims.
Fingerprint Reader. I have come to appreciate the fingerprint reader. I never used security on my Android phones, because it was just one more step to turning it on -- or four more steps, when a 4-digit number has to be entered. But with the fingerprint reader, I just press my finger and the phone is unlocked and turned on in one step -- instantly.
I recorded a finger on each hand: left hand for normally turning on using two hands, right hand for one-handed turning on. Should the phone have difficulties reading the finger print, the backup is to enter a password.
- - -
So, in summary:
- Audio Quality: Great!
- Battery Life: Sufficient for a day
- Fingerprint Reader: Great!
I took the plunge and ordered this phone today. I am SUPER excited! I appreciate a great phone but refuse to be ripped off by the big name phone vendors and carriers. I'll be using the new phone on the Tracfone network, which I've had for years and for which I pay less than $25/month for smartphone service.
For your U.S. readers following this: A couple of U.S.-based Ebay sellers have surfaced this week offering the phone for $171 and $185 (incl free shipping). FWIW, I ran across one seller offering a used version for $161, but description indicates it's not compatible with U.S. 4G LTE network ... not sure what that's about -- ??
Thanks, Ralph, for opening my eyes to this option and for all the excellent insight!
Posted by: Nancy Johnson | Mar 07, 2017 at 10:02 AM