French smartphone maker Wikohas carved a name for itself for producing feature-packed devices in the budget- to mid-range segment. The quirky brand harps on design, good build, rich features, stock Android and wallet-friendly prices to target the youth and masses. The latest to reach Malaysian shores is the entry-level Wiko View2 Plus.
The Wiko View2 Plus is the budget baby of the full-screen View range, with the range-topping View2 Pro still one of my favourite Wiko devices. Offered at just MYR559 the View2 Plus packs surprising flagship-level extras wrapped in an attractive package.
Design and build
Thanks to Huawei, smartphones with gradient colours and shiny backs are all the rage now. Riding on the wave, the View2 Plus features a plastic glass-like back treated with a special coating called Supernova. The gradient colour runs from purple to blue to green and makes the phone look more expensive than it actually is. There’s another colourway, though much more understated, called Anthracite.
Aesthetically, the View2 Plus isn’t a bad looker at all – featuring a sleek silhouette and curves on all sides. It’s easy to mistake it for something from the honor camp, but I guess that’s a good thing.
On the glimmering back, there’s a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and a vertical dual-camera array with an LED flash.
On the front, there’s a notched 5.93-inch HD+ display (720×1512) with a 19:9 screen aspect ratio. While it’s part of the View family, it isn’t completely “full-screen,” and it has a pronounced chin at the bottom.
Hardware
It’s no surprise that Wiko has opted for the octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset for the View2 Plus. It’s an entry-level SoC that’s low-cost and power-efficient, paired with an Adreno 506 GPU. These are mated to 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, generous specifications considering the price point.
There’s microSD expansion via a dedicated microSD card slot (with dual-SIM) just in case you need more storage.
The View2 Plus pretty much ticks all the checkboxes in terms of essential smartphones specs – Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, A-GPS, and GLONASS.
What’s surprising is the addition of face authentication as well as fairly strong cameras in this segment. The main camera is a dual-camera setup consisting of twin 12MP (1.25-micron pixel) Sony IMX486 sensors with PDAF. It’s equipped with an LED flash as well as electronic image stabilisation for 1080p video.
The front is a capable 8MP f/2.0 selfie shooter with LED flash, HDR and auto-HDR.
The device keeps going throughout the day thanks to the massive 4,000mAh battery that charges via conventional micro-USB.
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Software
The Wiko software experience has always been stock Android which translates to fast and fluid performance even on entry-level hardware like the View2 Plus. There’s still some bloatware but not overwhelmingly so.
The View2 Plus runs Android 8.1 Oreo out-of-the-box with Wiko UI on top.
Performance
For general use, the Wiko View2 Plus is a silky performer. This is mostly thanks to stock Android and ample memory. The phone is a smooth operator when it comes to multi-tasking and switching between apps, and it will run all your favourite apps without issues.
Where it does falter is with more intense 3D games. Games like Real Racing, PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 are by no means unplayable, but you’ll have to settle for medium quality graphics settings and be prepared for a dropped frame or two.
The display is sufficiently sharp and bright despite it being only HD+ resolution and it’s legible even in sunlight. On screen text is crisp and colour reproduction is pretty accurate although it tends to be on the bluish side of the spectrum.
If you’re interested, I ran a couple of basic benchmarks. Geekbench returned a score of 770 for single core and 3940 for multi-core putting it within expected range of performance for its specs. GFXBench tests revealed performance that’s also aligned with its hardware. Oddly, I couldn’t get a proper AnTuTu benchmark run without the app freezing at 17 percent, even after multiple tries.
Thanks to the massive 4,000mAh cell, battery life is amazing. Expect over one day of battery life with at least 6 hours of screen on time. With a lower-powered processor, lower resolution screen and stock Android, the View2 Plus is frugal and will easily get you through the day.
Audio performance from the single rear-facing speaker is acceptable. The oddly-placed single speaker works with the top earpiece to simulate a stereo experience, and it delivers above average decibel levels and clarity. Good enough for enjoying games, movies and music. And yes, there’s a 3.5mm audio jack.
It’s a pleasant to find Face Unlock as a standard feature on a budget device and it’s pretty snappy too. Fingerprint scanning could be quicker, but no real complaints here.
Camera
The stand out feature on the View2Plus, for me at least, lies in the optics department. The dual 12MP main shooters are surprisingly strong for the price point. The 1/2.9-inch Sony IMX486 sensors with large 1.25-micron pixels and PDAF deliver above average images. Given good light, photos are nicely exposed and have good detail, as well as overall good colour reproduction.
Check out the gallery of sample photos at the end of this post.
In low light environments, it’s surprisingly decent. You’ll need some steady hands and if you can get that sorted, the View2 Plus will reward you.
It has an LED flash, just in case you need additional help in the dark.
It’s pretty well-rounded as a camera experience, and you’ll find modes like Panorama, HDR and Pro (manual) to play around with.
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It’ll shoot up to 1080p @ 60fps, and even comes with electronic image stabilisation (EIS) to keep shaky videos at bay.
The twin-lens helps to deliver some bokehlicious photos in Portrait Mode. Quality is above expectation, with acceptable separation between main subject and background.
Over on the front, the 8MP f/2.0 selfie shooter is supported by AI Beauty and auto-HDR.
In the box
Wiko View2 Plus unit
Earphones
10W Power adapter
USB Type-A to micro-USB cable
SIM ejector tool
Soft silicone case
Screen protector
User manual and warranty information
Pros
Well-rounded package
Interesting colour treatment
Good performance
Excellent battery life
Surprising camera experience
Triple card slot
Face Unlock is a bonus
Stock Android
Affordable
Cons
Plastic body is a fingerprint magnet
Can’t keep up with intense 3D games
Verdict
True to the brand’s DNA, the Wiko View2 Plus packs amazing levels of kit into an accessible price point. It’s everything you’ll need in a smartphone, and great for the younger generation, first time smartphone buyers, or those looking for a wallet-friendly device.
Price and availability
The Wiko View2 Plus retails for MYR559 and is available in Supernova and Anthracite. You can purchase the View2 Plus exclusively from SoyaCincau. Order the View2 Plus and get the Wiko WiShake Headphone worth RM119 plus a bonus 1-to-1 replacement warranty for FREE. This offer is for SoyaCincau.com readers in Malaysia only.
Check out the sample shots from the Wiko View2 Plus. All images are straight from camera, unedited aside from watermarking. Click for a larger preview.
Vernon is the founder and chief editor of Vernonchan.com. A graphic designer by profession, he has a deep love for technology, cars, gadgets, food, and travel. He tweets too much and is also known as a caffeine bacterium ("life's too short for bad coffee"). Bleeds Blue (go Chelsea FC!) and considers BMW, Porsche, Alfa Romeo cars to have in the garage--hallmarks of a true petrolhead.
