Foldable phones have gained immense popularity for blending nostalgia with modern technology, and ZTE is pushing boundaries with its latest release - the ZTE nubia Flip2. This clamshell (flip) smartphone belongs to the midrange category, packing a solid mix of premium features without breaking the bank.
It's a phone designed for tech-savvy users who value portability, dual-display functionality, and aesthetic appeal, but without the flagship-level price tag.
If you're seeking a lightweight, stylish phone for multitasking and everyday use, the nubia Flip2 has you covered. However, power users or gaming enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge performance might want to explore higher-end alternatives.
Let's dive into what the nubia Flip2 brings to the table, starting with its design and build.
Design and Build: Sleek and Durable
The ZTE nubia Flip2 is designed to impress with its stylish clamshell form factor and premium build quality. When unfolded, the device measures 170×76×7.5 mm, making it tall and sleek. Folded, it becomes an ultra-compact rectangle with dimensions of 87×76×15.8 mm, easily fitting into pockets. Weighing just 191 g, it strikes a balance between portability and sturdiness.
The glass back and aluminum alloy frame exude premium vibes. Available in Black, Blue, and White, the nubia Flip2 caters to diverse aesthetic tastes.
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | ZTE nubia Flip2 |
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General |
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Dimensions |
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Mass | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
Material | Glass back; aluminum alloy frame |
Colors | Black, Blue, White |
The ZTE nubia Flip2 is designed to balance elegance with practicality, and its body dimensions and weight contribute significantly to its usability and appeal. When fully open, the phone is tall but slim, making it comfortable to hold for extended sessions, such as reading and watching videos. The 7.5 mm thickness is on the thinner side for foldable phones, which adds to its portability and ease of use.
In its folded state, the phone transforms into a compact device. This design is pocket-friendly and easy to carry in small bags or purses. While 15.8 mm might feel slightly thicker compared to conventional smartphones, it's a reasonable trade-off for the flip functionality.
At under 200 grams, the nubia Flip2 strikes a sweet spot between being lightweight enough for comfort and hefty enough to feel premium and durable. It's unlikely to cause strain during long usage sessions, and its weight distribution ensures stability whether folded or unfolded.
The use of glass on the back not only adds to the phone's premium look but also provides a smooth and luxurious feel in hand. However, glass surfaces can be fingerprint magnets, so it might require regular cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance.
The aluminum alloy frame enhances the nubia Flip2's structural integrity while keeping the weight in check. Aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring the phone remains sturdy over time. Its metallic finish complements the overall premium aesthetic and adds durability.
ZTE offers the nubia Flip2 in three distinct color options: Black, Blue, and White, each appealing to different user personalities:
- Black: A classic choice for professionals or users who prefer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Black exudes sophistication and pairs well with virtually any accessory or style.
- Blue: This option is vibrant and playful, catering to users who want their device to stand out. The blue finish adds a trendy, youthful vibe without being too flashy.
- White: Perfect for those who value elegance and simplicity. White often appeals to individuals with a clean, modern sense of style and provides a timeless look.
Overall, the nubia Flip2's dimensions and weight make it highly portable in both folded and unfolded states. It's ideal for users who need a device that can be easily stashed in a pocket or carried without bulk. The compact folded form is particularly advantageous for commuters and travelers who prioritize space-saving gadgets.
In sum, the ZTE nubia Flip2 strikes a balance between portability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The glass back and aluminum alloy frame ensure the phone feels luxurious yet robust, while the thoughtful color options cater to diverse personalities. Whether you're a minimalist, a trendsetter, or someone in between, the nubia Flip2 offers a design and build that complements your style and daily needs.
If we compare the nubia Flip2 with the predecessor nubia Flip, it's a bit larger and thicker but lighter. The nubia Flip was 170×75.5×7.0 mm (unfolded), 87.6×75.5×15 mm (folded), and 214 g. Build-wise, it too featured a glass back and an aluminum alloy frame.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
The ZTE nubia Flip2's IP42 resistance offers basic protection against dust and water droplets - though it's not built for heavy-duty waterproofing.
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating tells us how well a device is protected against solids (like dust) and liquids (like water). Here's what the two digits in IP42 signify:
- The First Digit (4): This indicates protection against solid particles. A rating of 4 means the device is protected against objects larger than 1 mm, such as wires and small screws, but it is not fully dustproof.
- The Second Digit (2): This indicates protection against liquids. A rating of 2 means the device can withstand dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees from its normal position. However, it won't survive immersion or strong water jets.
In simple terms, the IP42 rating means the ZTE nubia Flip2 offers minimal protection against dust and limited resistance to water, such as light rain or accidental splashes.
Given its modest IP rating, you should take extra precautions to shield your device from environmental elements. Here's how:
- Avoid Dusty Environments: Keep the phone away from sandy or dusty areas, such as beaches or construction zones. If exposure is unavoidable, store it in a protective pouch or case.
- Keep It Dry: Avoid using the phone in wet conditions. Do not expose it to rain, steam, or high-humidity environments like bathrooms. If it does get wet, immediately dry it using a soft, absorbent cloth.
- Protective Case: Invest in a rugged protective case with port covers, as this will offer extra protection against dust and minor water splashes. Look for cases labeled as water-resistant or splash-proof for added safety.
- Screen Protector: A screen protector is highly recommended, especially for the foldable display. Use a flexible, ultra-thin film protector specifically designed for foldable screens to prevent scratches without impairing the screen's folding mechanism. For the cover display, a tempered glass or standard film protector works well.
- Careful Charging Habits: Ensure the charging port is dry and free of debris before plugging in a cable. Consider using port plugs to block dust entry when the device isn't in use.
So, the IP42 rating is sufficient for casual, everyday use but requires you to be mindful in more challenging environments. Taking preventive measures such as investing in a high-quality case, screen protector, and avoiding risky situations (like near pools or in heavy rain) can help prolong the device's lifespan and keep it looking pristine.
For comparison, the predecessor ZTE nubia Flip did not have an IP rating.
Displays: Vibrant OLEDs for Every Need
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
The centerpiece of the ZTE nubia Flip2 is its 6.9-inch foldable OLED display, boasting a resolution of 1188×2790 pixels and an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio. The screen delivers 1 billion colors, offering exceptional color accuracy and depth for videos and gaming. With a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a pixel density of about 439 PPI, the display ensures smooth scrolling and crystal-clear visuals.
On the back, a compact 3-inch OLED cover display acts as a quick-access screen. With a resolution of 422×682 pixels and around 267 PPI, it's perfect for checking notifications, controlling music playback, and navigating certain apps. This secondary screen adds convenience, reducing the need to unfold the phone for every task.
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | ZTE nubia Flip2 |
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Size |
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Type |
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Resolution (px) |
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Features |
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The main display of the ZTE nubia Flip2 is undoubtedly one of its standout features, combining cutting-edge technology with user-centric enhancements. The foldable OLED panel is both flexible and durable, enabling the phone's clamshell design. When unfolded, it provides a seamless, slate-like experience, while folding down into a compact size for portability.
OLED displays are renowned for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. The foldable nature of the display ensures you don't compromise on these qualities, even in a compact form factor.
Foldable displays use a protective plastic or ultra-thin glass (UTG) layer rather than the hardened glass found in non-foldable phones. While this ensures flexibility, it makes the display more susceptible to scratches, emphasizing the need for careful handling.
With a 120 Hz refresh rate, the display refreshes 120 times per second, offering ultra-smooth animations and transitions.
This is particularly noticeable when scrolling through apps, browsing the web, and gaming.
With a resolution of 1188×2790 pixels, the display delivers a pixel density of about 439 PPI, ensuring crisp text, sharp images, and detailed visuals. You won't notice pixelation, even when viewing content up close.
The 21:9 aspect ratio is ideal for movie enthusiasts. It allows most cinematic content to play without letterboxing, offering an immersive, widescreen experience.
The tall design of the unfolded display is perfect for multitasking, letting you comfortably run multiple apps side by side.
The support for 1 billion colors (10-bit color depth) ensures an incredibly wide color gamut, producing stunningly realistic visuals. Gradients appear smoother, and the display can render subtle tones that 8-bit displays struggle with.
While the display does not support HDR, the presence of 1 billion colors means it can handle HDR content with ease, making it ideal for streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube that support HDR playback.
Given these features, here are the practical usage highlights of this display:
- Vivid and Immersive Viewing: Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or simply browsing social media, the OLED panel ensures every image pops with lifelike vibrancy.
- Ideal for Creative Tasks: With its excellent color reproduction, the display is well-suited for photo editing, video playback, and even content creation tasks.
- Comfortable in Any Lighting: OLED displays offer excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. Deep blacks and bright whites make it a pleasure to use in both dark and sunny environments.
In conclusion, the ZTE nubia Flip2's main display is a testament to modern foldable OLED technology, blending innovation with practicality. Its 120 Hz refresh rate, 21:9 resolution, and 1 billion color support make it a visual treat, whether for entertainment, productivity, or gaming.
The foldable aspect adds a layer of sophistication, making it a versatile option for users who want the latest in display technology without compromising on portability. With proper care and handling, this display will remain a delight for daily use.
For comparison, the predecessor nubia Flip featured a similar main display, and a circular, 466×466 px OLED display with 1.43-inch diameter.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
Equipped with GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G capabilities, the ZTE nubia Flip2 ensures you stay connected at all times.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.
SIM
The ZTE nubia Flip2 supports either dual Nano-SIM or a Nano-SIM and an eSIM, offering flexibility for users who travel frequently or manage multiple numbers.
Chipset - Performance: Midrange Powerhouse
Under the hood, the nubia Flip2 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset, built on an efficient 4-nm process. Its octa-core CPU features a mix of two types of cores, ensuring smooth multitasking and moderate gaming. The Mali-G615 MC2 GPU complements the chipset, offering decent graphics performance. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | ZTE nubia Flip2 |
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Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300X (4 nm) |
CPU | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 |
The MediaTek Dimensity 7300X is a robust midrange processor built on an efficient 4-nm process. This smaller 4-nm fabrication process makes the chipset highly power-efficient while delivering exceptional performance. This ensures a balance between performance and battery life, crucial for a compact flip phone with a 4300 mAh battery.
The Dimensity 7300X includes an integrated 5G modem, supporting fast, reliable connectivity for streaming, gaming, and downloads, keeping you ready for the future of mobile networks.
The CPU is divided into two types of cores, each optimized for specific tasks:
- Performance Cores - 4×Cortex-A78 (2.5 GHz): The Cortex-A78 cores are the heavy lifters of the CPU. They handle demanding tasks such as high-performance gaming, video editing, and running complex apps. Clocked at 2.5 GHz, these cores deliver smooth performance during resource-intensive activities. This ensures minimal lag and fast app launches even under heavy loads.
- Efficiency Cores - 4×Cortex-A55 (2.0 GHz): The Cortex-A55 cores are designed for energy efficiency, handling lighter tasks such as, web browsing, messaging, and background processes (e.g., syncing apps and updating notifications). By assigning less demanding tasks to these cores, the phone can conserve battery life, ensuring longer usage on a single charge.
The Dimensity 7300X utilizes big.LITTLE architecture, where the performance cores and efficiency cores work together dynamically. This means the phone can switch between cores based on the workload, providing an optimal blend of speed and power efficiency.
The Mali-G615 MC2 GPU is responsible for graphics performance, making it a crucial component for gaming and multimedia experiences It is capable of running modern games at medium to high settings with smooth frame rates. It supports advanced graphical effects, such as shadows and dynamic lighting, ensuring an immersive gaming experience.
In terms of multimedia, the GPU handles high-resolution video playback and rendering, including 4K videos. It ensures smooth animations and transitions across the interface, complementing the 120 Hz display refresh rate.
The GPU is optimized for power consumption, ensuring that gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks don't excessively drain the battery.
The combination of the Dimensity 7300X chipset, octa-core CPU, and Mali-G615 MC2 GPU ensures the ZTE nubia Flip2 delivers a solid performance package. Here's how it all comes together:
- Everyday Use: Smooth multitasking and app switching, thanks to the power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores.
- Gaming and Multimedia: The Cortex-A78 cores and Mali-G615 GPU team up to deliver a smooth gaming experience and stunning visual playback.
- Future-Proofing: With support for 5G, the phone is ready to tackle future connectivity demands, making it a reliable choice for several years.
In summery, the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset, with its carefully balanced CPU and GPU, ensures that the ZTE nubia Flip2 can handle a wide range of tasks with ease. Whether you're a casual user who values efficiency or a multitasker who enjoys gaming and streaming, the hardware delivers a consistent and satisfying performance.
The use of two types of CPU cores - optimized for performance and efficiency - makes the phone versatile, offering speed when you need it and conserving battery during lighter use. Overall, this chipset is well-suited to the phone's midrange positioning and foldable design.
For comparison, the predecesor nubia Flip featured the Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (1×2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 + 3×2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 + 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) and the Adreno 644 GPU.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | ZTE nubia Flip2 |
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Memory Card Slot | No |
RAM / Internal Storage Variants | 6 GB / 128 GB, 8 GB / 128 GB, 8 GB / 256 GB, 12 GB / 512 GB |
The ZTE nubia Flip2 offers several storage and memory options to suit various needs. While there's no microSD card slot, the higher storage variants provide ample room for apps, photos, and videos.
For comparison, the predecessor nubia Flip came with similar memory and storage configurations.
Cameras
The rear camera setup consists of a 50 MP wide lens with PDAF for sharp, detailed photos, and a 2 MP depth sensor for portrait effects. The Ring-LED flash below the lenses not only aids in low-light photography but adds a touch of uniqueness to the design. The camera supports 4K video recording, delivering excellent video quality.
For selfies, the 32 MP front camera offers sharp and vibrant shots. It also supports video recording, making it suitable for vlogging and video calls.
Rear Camera
The ZTE nubia Flip2 features a dual-lens main camera setup designed to balance quality and functionality, ensuring you get a versatile photography experience. Let's break down the roles of the lenses and the features that enhance photography on this device. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | ZTE nubia Flip2 |
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Number of Cameras | 2 (Dual) |
Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide), 2 MP (depth) |
Autofocus | PDAF, N/A |
Video Recording | 4K, 1080p |
Other Features | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
The 50 MP wide lens is the star of the show, offering high resolution for capturing detailed images.
Its wide field of view makes this lens perfect for landscapes, group photos, and general everyday photography.
The 2 MP depth sensor is dedicated to enhancing portrait photography. By measuring the distance between the subject and background, this sensor enables precise depth-of-field effects.
It creates a natural-looking bokeh effect, where the subject is sharply focused, and the background is artistically blurred. While it's a functional addition, the 2 MP resolution limits its standalone utility.
Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) uses phase-detection pixels on the sensor to quickly and accurately focus on subjects. It ensures sharp images, especially in dynamic scenarios like capturing moving subjects or shooting in low light.
It's ideal for snapping quick shots without worrying about blurry results.
The Ring-LED flash provides uniform lighting, reduces harsh shadows compared to traditional single-point flashes.
It is ideal for close-up photography in dim lighting. It adds a professional look to nighttime portraits or macro shots.
Panorama mode enables the capture of ultra-wide shots by stitching multiple images into one seamless photo. It's perfect for landscapes, cityscapes, or any scenario where you want to fit a lot into one frame.
With the 50 MP resolution, panoramas retain sharpness and detail, even when viewed on large screens.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) combines multiple shots taken at different exposures into one balanced image. It retains details in both bright and dark areas of a photo.
It enhances color vibrancy and contrast, ensuring the image looks closer to what the human eye perceives. HDR is particularly useful in high-contrast environments, such as shooting a sunset or capturing a subject against a brightly lit background.
The camera's 4K video recording capability enables ultra-high-definition video capture, ensuring crisp and detailed footage. The 1080p video option is a great choice for smoother frame rates and smaller file sizes while maintaining good quality.
This setup is ideal for vloggers or users who enjoy creating high-quality video content.
In conclusion, the ZTE nubia Flip2's main camera setup is tailored for users who prioritize practicality and quality in their photography. The 50 MP lens with PDAF ensures you capture sharp, detailed images in a variety of scenarios, while the depth sensor enhances portrait shots with professional-looking bokeh effects.
The addition of thoughtful features like Ring-LED flash, panorama mode, and HDR further enhances the camera's versatility. While it may not offer the flexibility of multi-functional lenses, it delivers a dependable and straightforward photography experience, ideal for everyday users who value convenience and quality.
For comparison, the older ZTE nubia Filp featured a similar dual camera setup.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the main display. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | ZTE nubia Flip2 |
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Resolution | 32 MP (wide) |
Video Recording | Yes |
For comparison, the predecessor nubia Flip featured a 16 MP wide selfie shooter, capable of recording 1080p videos at 30 fps.
Battery and Charging
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | ZTE nubia Flip2 |
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Capacity | 4300 mAh |
Wired Charging | 33 W, PD 3.0, PPS, QC 4+, 0 - 100% in 55 minutes |
The nubia Flip2 is equipped with a 4300 mAh battery, which is sufficient for a day's use, given the efficient Dimensity 7300X chipset. The 33 W wired charging support ensures you can go from 0 to 100% in just 55 minutes, thanks to technologies like PD 3.0, PPS, and QC 4+.
For comparison, the older nubia Flip came with a 4310 mAh battery with 33 W wired charging.
Sound
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | ZTE nubia Flip2 |
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Loudspeaker | Yes (stereo speakers) |
Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | No |
The stereo speakers deliver immersive audio, but the lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack may disappoint wired audio enthusiasts.
For comparison, the predecessor nubia Flip featured stereo loudspeakers, with Snapdragon Sound support. It too lacked the 3.5 mm jack support.
Connectivity
The ZTE nubia Flip2 doesn't skimp on essential connectivity options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.
The nubia Flip2 boasts Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
With GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS support, you can navigate with confidence, whether exploring new cities or embarking on outdoor adventures.
The ZTE nubia Flip2 features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.
Sensors
The ZTE nubia Flip2 comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the nubia Flip2.
- Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
Verdict: A Midrange Flip with Style and Substance
So, who should buy the ZTE nubia Flip2? Well, the ZTE nubia Flip2 is a perfect choice for:
- Users who appreciate a compact, foldable design.
- Those seeking a vibrant dual-display experience.
- Midrange buyers looking for solid performance without breaking the bank.
However, gamers and heavy multitaskers who need flagship-level performance or a larger battery might find it lacking.
In conclusion, the ZTE nubia Flip2 strikes an excellent balance between innovation and practicality. Its foldable design, vibrant displays, and reliable performance make it a strong contender in the midrange segment. While it may not cater to hardcore gamers or photography enthusiasts, it offers great value for everyday users seeking a stylish flip phone with modern features.
At its price point, the nubia Flip2 delivers solid specs and a premium feel, making it a worthy option for foldable fans.
Feature (top) image credit: ZTE nubia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is ZTE nubia Flip2 release date?
The ZTE nubia Flip2 has been announced on the 15th January, 2025. It is expected to release in the first quarter of the year.