Updated : September 24, 2014 05:25 pm,Dubai
By Editor
By Editor
The Octa-core VIBE X2 is the world’s first layered smartphone while the 64-bit powered VIBE Z2 gives brilliant photos and an extra-bright HD screen on a 3000mAh battery; the flagship Vibe Z2 Pro comes with 2K screen resolution, 4K video capturing and epic 4000mAh battery
Lenovo has announced the latest additions to its VIBE line of premium smartphones in the region – the VIBE X2 and VIBE Z2. Lenovo also showcased the flagship VIBE Z2 Pro, the feature-rich and powerful VIBE model released worldwide in August.
The new phones are big on innovation, building on Lenovo’s recent legacy of innovation and industry firsts. One of these novelties is wireless sharing, says Oliver Ebel, Vice President and General Manager, Lenovo MEA. One phone will act as an access point and router all on its own without an internet connection if one wishes to share data between two phones. For example if someone acquires a new phone they can clone the old one wirelessly just by giving the command, explains Oliver.
The thin and light VIBE X2 incorporates a sleek unique design, advanced performance and a range of innovative click-on accessories. As the world’s first layered smartphone, the VIBE X2 features a signature, gradient three layer design, available in a selection of three bold colors – white, red and gold– to suit individual styles. The VIBE X2 is powered by the new MediaTEK MT6595 4G LTE True8Core processor, which delivers superior performance combined with power-saving features that help boost battery life.
The Lenovo VIBE X2 packs two advanced cameras – the 5MP wide-angle front camera, featuring auto-shutter gesture controls which allow you to capture selfies by blinking your eyes or waving your hand and the 13MP auto-focus, rear-facing camera with a back-illuminated sensor and LED flash.
The VIBE Z2 on the other hand is Lenovo’s first 64-bit powered smartphone, which means it will be able to take advantage of Google’s future versions of Android that supports high-performance 64-bit computing. The Vibe Z2 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 64-bit Quad Core 1.2GHz processor and is backed by a 3000mAh battery for all day battery life. Saving large amounts of data is simple with 32 GB of internal storage, and 4G LTE data speeds offer faster downloads and streaming while on the go. The VIBE Z2 also provides dual SIM support, which allows the phone to support two carrier plans, great for combining work and play in one device or for frequent travelers.
Exhibiting a large 6-inch screen with 2K resolution, the Dual-SIM VIBE Z2Pro offers consumers an immersive multimedia experience. An advanced 16MP rear camera with image stabilization effortlessly captures brilliant photos and 4K videos rivaling high-end compact cameras. At just 7.7mm thin with a unique metallic brushed-weave design, the VIBE Z2 Pro promises stellar performance, in style, with the blazingly fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor.
Powering the VIBE Z2 Pro is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801, a high-end quad-core processor which provides the best of both worlds in terms of sheer speed and multitasking. Operating at up to 2.5GHz, Snapdragon 801 processor can load and run apps quicker than other chips and users can count on its quad-core architecture and 3GB of onboard memory for a seamless multitasking experience.
To ensure uninterrupted usages, a high-capacity 4000mAh battery is incorporated into the VIBE Z2 Pro in addition to the advanced energy-saving features of the Snapdragon 801 processor.
The camera in the new Vibe phones has also been creatively upgraded with new gesture controls. Now it’s possible to set commands for camera operations with the blink of an eye or verbal cues to take selfies. This, Oliver explains, eliminates the problem of shaking when pushing the physical button when taking a photograph.
A lot of the modification though is in the software as well as the User Interface. “For example on the home screen of the Vibe X2 now, you have the most important apps that you use. This is because the system is learning and so the more times you use an app, represented as bubbles, the bigger the bubble is. So it’s easier for users to find the applications they use easily,” Oliver says. “And now with the updated user interface, you can have the apps that you want to use even in the lock-screen mode,” he adds.
It has been quite the learning curve for Lenovo in the region, Oliver says. “We began selling phones in then UAE just one year ago, and now we have six phones in our portfolio that cover various price points in the market. Our aim is to launch many more phones and really cover all the major price points in the market.”
Lenovo has also released a range of innovative VIBE Xtensions for the X2 including an easy-to-attach battery and a custom-made JBL speaker that automatically connects with no cables. The ultra-thin (5.1mm) X2 Battery does double duty by protecting the phone while also extending its battery life by nearly up to 75 percent, while the VIBE X2 JBL Speaker serves to amplify the phone’s sound and comes with a convenient stand for hands-free use and built-in mic for group conference calls.
The major concern for a lot of mobile users has been phones running out of power. “Like the Vibe Z Pro which is really a power machine that you use heavily, you need to have a decent battery that you can have a full day of usage of heavy work on it. The 4000 mAh battery in the Z Pro ensures that,” Oliver said.
“We attempt to provide one of the best specs/price mix in the market; for the X2, AED 1499 is a very competitive price for a very feature-rich phone with a matching striking design. Our aim is to bring innovation at an affordable price,” Oliver said.
In the next year, Lenovo hopes to launch phones in all the major markets in the Middle East and African region. “We launched in the UAE and Saudi last year then this year we have launched Lenovo phones in Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Next year, I would like us to play in all the major markets and be among the top three players in those countries,” Oliver said.
Being an ICT vertically integrated brand augurs well for Lenovo’s smartphone business, Oliver contends. “We are not just driving innovation in phones. You can see what we have done with tablets, like in KSA where we are the number one in tablets with 25% market share. We are also driving innovation with such devices as Yoga tablets and convertibles. Innovations is what we stand for and users are assured that whatever device they buy from us, Lenovo will have innovation built-in available at a very reasonable price point,” Oliver adds.