TECH REVIEW – Two years ago, Telekom launched its own smartphone series called T Phone, and now the strongest member of the 2024 lineup, the T Phone 2 Pro 5G, is here. The device features a large display, a quad-camera system, NFC, and the surprising inclusion of a 3.5 mm headphone jack. But what truly makes it “Pro”?

This model is the result of a collaboration between Telekom and Google, at least in terms of software, while manufacturing is handled by Wingtech. The Pro version offers 256 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM, showing significant improvement over its predecessor.

Packaging and Design

The T Phone 2 Pro 5G comes in minimalist packaging, including only the essentials: a SIM ejector tool, a quick start guide, and a USB-C cable. The power adapter, which must be at least 25W, and the protective case are sold separately. The device sports a 6.8-inch FullHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, framed by symmetrical bezels. The plastic back and frame are solid, and the display is protected by an unspecified type of glass. The phone’s sides feature a magenta power button and volume rocker, while the microSD and nanoSIM tray is tucked away on the left side.

The new design is fresher and less conservative compared to the previous model. The fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button, and the 2D face recognition works reliably, provided there’s enough light. Despite the blue back, the device is prone to fingerprints but doesn’t slip, which is a plus. The camera module barely protrudes, making it stable when placed on a table. The IP54 rating ensures that it can withstand a little rain.

Display: The True Highlight

The 6.82-inch AMOLED display is the crown jewel of the T Phone 2 Pro 5G. With a resolution of 2436×1080 pixels, it offers excellent contrast and vibrant colors, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals. The low maximum brightness that plagued the previous model is no longer an issue, although the display still isn’t among the brightest on the market. However, the refresh rate isn’t adaptive, so it operates at either 60Hz or 120Hz.

Hardware and Software

At the heart of the T Phone 2 Pro 5G is an octa-core Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, paired with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. This setup provides ample performance for everyday use. Multitasking is smooth, and the system is fast, although the chipset isn’t the most modern. The microSD expansion option supports cards up to 2 TB, although transfer speeds are average at best.

The device runs a clean version of Android with minimal bloatware. Telekom’s presence is seen only in the magenta-themed welcome screen and wallpaper, both of which can be removed. The system runs on Android 14 with the latest security updates. Telekom promises two years of major OS updates and three years of security patches, which is a respectable offer.

Communication and Call Quality

Although the T Phone 2 Pro 5G is a Telekom-branded device, it works seamlessly with SIM cards from other providers. Call quality is satisfactory, and noise cancellation is effective. VoLTE and WLAN calls are supported, and NFC is also part of the package.

The device’s positives include a microSD slot, NFC, an audio jack, and wireless Qi charging support. Wi-Fi 6e and 5G connectivity are available, though it only offers one physical nanoSIM slot and an eSIM option.

Multimedia: Photography, Videos, and Sound

The T Phone 2 Pro 5G’s quad-camera system has improved compared to the previous model, but there’s still room for growth. The 50-megapixel main camera is accompanied by a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens and two 2-megapixel sensors for macro and depth sensing. Photos are captured at 12.5 megapixels by default, and while 50-megapixel shots are possible, they tend to lack detail. The HDR performance is weak, with bright areas often overexposed. The ultra-wide camera is also underwhelming, and night shots are slow but more balanced.

The front camera performs well during the day, but detail is lost when zoomed in, and night quality is significantly reduced. The main camera records video at up to 2K resolution at 30 fps, while 1080p allows for 60 fps. Daytime video quality is decent, but at night, fluctuating lighting conditions cause issues.

As for audio, the T Phone 2 Pro 5G features a single mono speaker that performs adequately in the mid and high ranges, but bass is lacking, and the stereo effect is weak. However, the presence of a headphone jack and support for Bluetooth codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC) are welcome additions.

Performance, Thermal Management, Battery Life, and Charging

The T Phone 2 Pro 5G provides sufficient performance for everyday use, including smooth gameplay for titles like PUBG Mobile, although occasional stuttering may occur. The updated display greatly enhances the visual experience. The device remains cool even under full load, thanks to effective thermal management.

The 5000 mAh battery allows the T Phone 2 Pro 5G to last up to two days, even with 5G usage. Fast charging is supported but not exceptional, taking 1 hour and 14 minutes to charge from 50% to 100% with a 45W charger. Qi wireless charging is available but only at 15W.

Is This “Telecommunication” Powerhouse Worth It?

The T Phone 2 Pro 5G competes in the mid-range segment, where 5G is already a standard feature. The main camera’s performance is adequate but not outstanding, and the other lenses are more for show. The display and software experience have improved, but the slow charging speed may be disappointing. Overall, the device offers decent features for the price, but better options are available from bigger brands.

-Gergely Herpai (BadSector)-

Conts:

– Poor HDR performance in the camera
– Slow charging speed
– No adaptive refresh rate