Table of Contents
Overview
It has been a while since we bought a decent, locally branded, midrange, and affordable smartphone. Cloudfone, named by IDC as the Top 4 local vendor, has leveled up its game in terms of smartphone design and software. Stay for a while as we share our Cloudfone Excite Prime 2 (CEP2) Review.
Cloudfone Excite Prime Specs
Before we proceed any further, let us refresh you with the specifications of the CEP2.
| Display | 5.5 Inch HD IPS OGS Sharp 1280 x 720 resolution w/ 2.5D curved glass |
| Gorilla Glass protection | |
| CPU | 1.3 GHz 64 Bit MT6737 quad core processor |
| GPU | Mali T720 |
| Memory | 3 GB + 32G, dedicated microSD slot for additional storage |
| Camera | 13 MP f/2.0 w/ AF and LED flash (Sony IMX135 sensor) |
| 8 MP | |
| Network | 4G/LTE |
| SIM | Dual micro SIM |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh battery |
| OS | Android 7.0 Nougat OS |
| Connectivity | WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth, OTG, GPS, A GPS, dual SIM |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, orientation, gyroscope, proximity and gravity sensors |
| Colors | Colors: black, gold and silver |
Unboxing CEP 2: What’s included in the box
Aside from the standard accessories that are included in the retail box, Cloudfone also included freebies. Read our full unboxing story here.
Watch also: Cloudfone Excite Prime 2 Video Unboxing
Build and Design
We are a witness on how the brand has leveled up in terms of putting up a really kick ass build in their smartphone without sacrificing the retail price. The CEP 2 has a premium finish, although it follows the old “design” of having removable back cover. But once you installed your SIM and microSD on it, your phone can look like unibody device.
The removable back is a mix of both plastics at the back and metal on the outer shell.
The placement of the buttons is all on the right side. The volume rocker is a one-piece button. These buttons are easily accessible by the hand.
The device has micro USB port at the bottom and a noise-canceling mic, while on top is the 3.5mm audio jack.
Display and UI
The CEP 2 has 720P HD display. Despite having a low-resolution screen, the device has no viewing angle issue and it has a clear display.
It has on-screen buttons instead of capacitive buttons which could have occupied the chin of the phone.
Cloudfone Excite Prime 2 Benchmarks
| Antutu | 27272 |
| PC Mark | Battery: 7h & 55min |
| Geekbench | Single: 521 Multi-Core: 1362 |
These numbers above are synthetic. Real-life experience may vary, like for example, the battery life of the CEP 2 in the way that I use a smartphone lasted me more than 10 hours.
Cloudfone Excite Prime 2 Camera
The camera on the CEP 2 includes a 13 MP f/2.0 w/ AF and LED flash. It uses a Sony IMX135 sensor. While the “selfie” camera has 8MP with fixed focus and LED flash as well. There is a portrait mode, which tracks the face and blurs the background. Video capture of the CEP2 is only limited to 720P. For the creative people out there, the CEP2 has manual camera control.
Read: Sample Photos & Video from CEP 2 (Cloudfone Excite Prime 2)
The overall performance of the camera is outstanding and not very impressive. It is kind of slow in taking photos and focus hunting is observed once in a while. But the quality of photos is clear and sharp, especially when lighting is substantial.
Performance
This is not the fastest device on the market, we know that. This is a midrange device powered by 1.3 GHz 64 Bit MT6737 quad core processor with Mali T720 to match. There is also a 3GB of RAM which contributes to the smoothness of its operation.
Audio
Voice calls are loud, crisp and clear. We never had problems with this basic function of the phone. Audio recording on the other hand, in case you want to use this feature, is still old school. The final audio file is 3GP. Audio recording is also clear and audible. Playback is clear and no audio distortion whatsoever.
Conclusion
With a price tag of only P5,999, the CEP 2 is the best bang for your buck you can have now. Great design, premium looks, good camera, durable, plus Cloudfone’s free items are well appreciated.
PROS
- Affordable price tag
- Great build & design
- Good battery life
- Dedicated micro SD slot
CONS
- Camera focus
- Front camera is so-so
