The nubia Music smartphone presents a playful and energetic vibe. With its audio-centric focus and the brand’s “Better Music For All” slogan, what does this entry-level smartphone offer in terms of functionality for everyday tasks?
Design: 4/5
Opening the nubia Music is like stepping into a world of color. The smartphone’s pop-art-inspired back design is a splash of fun and creativity, with bright and bold colors, making it visually striking and intriguing. Inspired by vintage vinyl record players, the single speaker beside the main camera elicits a nostalgic vibe. The only downside is that the speaker can be partially covered when the phone is laid down on its back, which could slightly muffle the sound.
It feels light in the hand, with just enough weight to remind you it’s there. Size-wise, it’s comfortably easy to hold, fitting snugly in your hand.
Moving on to its screen display, the nubia Music features a 6.6-inch HD large screen. The front camera is positioned at the top center; you’ll find the dual audio jacks just above it. You’ll find the volume and power buttons on the phone’s right side, while the USB Type-C charging port is at the bottom. The left side houses the micro-SD card slot and the micro-SIM card tray.
Hardware: 2.5/5
Performance-wise, benchmark results on Geekbench 6 were a bit underwhelming. Its single-core score of 198 and multi-core score of 834 indicate performance levels that fall short of expectations. The nubia Music runs on Android 13, which is known for its smooth and efficient user experience. However, it is powered by an ARM Unisoc (formerly Spreadtrum) processor, which could be the culprit behind the lackluster performance.
Supporting its audio-centric focus, the nubia Music features a DTS:X Ultra speaker with 600% higher volume, making it perfect for anyone who prioritizes sound quality over raw processing power. In addition to its audio capabilities, this smartphone comes with a 50MP HD dual main camera. The megapixel count for the front camera is not specified.
On the memory front, nubia Music provides a 128GB large storage capacity and 4GB of dynamic RAM that can be extended with an additional 4GB to provide ample space for other applications and media. It has a large 5000mAh battery that can last the whole day.
User Experience: 2.5/5
Unboxing the nubia Music, I was eager to explore its features, especially the audio-centric ones. However, one thing immediately caught my attention—no earphones were included. Considering this smartphone is marketed with a focus on audio, the absence of earphones is a surprising oversight. On the flip side, the unique placement of the speaker, diverging from the typical bottom or top positions found in most smartphones, instantly stood out. This design choice enhances the smartphone’s musical aesthetic and complements its pop-art-inspired back design.
Its audio performance is indeed a highlight, but not without some quirks. The sound is undeniably powerful at its maximum volume of 600%, yet it comes with a caveat. The treble frequencies tend to overshadow the bass, leading to an unbalanced sound that can detract from the overall listening experience. The audio can become sharp or tinny at higher volumes, lacking the depth and richness many users might expect. While the volume boost is impressive, this imbalance might leave audiophiles or bass enthusiasts craving a more rounded sound profile. The performance is adequate for casual listeners or those using lower volumes but may not satisfy those with more discerning tastes.
On the plus side, the built-in FM antenna adds a nice touch, letting you tune into your favorite radio stations without needing extra accessories. Also, the DTS:X logo in the center of the speaker lights up in various colors that pulse with the beat of the music, creating a dynamic and party-like atmosphere. This visual effect enhances the auditory experience and adds a fun and immersive element to listening to music.
On a positive note, the smartphone includes dual 3.5mm headphone jacks (but sans earphones), allowing you and a friend to enjoy the same audio track or video without needing additional equipment. This thoughtful feature makes sharing media a breeze and adds to the device’s appeal. However, as much as I appreciate the sound quality and the device’s aesthetics, these features overshadow some of its other functional aspects.
For everyday performance, nubia Music handles basic tasks like web browsing, checking emails, and streaming content with ease. It’s also capable of running light games that don’t require much processing power. However, for more demanding activities, such as video editing or playing graphically intense games, the smartphone struggles to keep pace. The processor can lag during gameplay and, at times, the system may freeze entirely, leaving you unable to return to the home screen without a reboot. This indicates that the hardware is more suited to users with basic needs rather than those seeking a device for heavy workloads or serious gaming.
That said, the smartphone is comfortable to use. Whether I’m watching videos or playing games, the speaker placement is well thought out, and the phone feels great in hand, making for an enjoyable experience without any awkwardness.
The main dual-camera setup is decent for an entry-level smartphone. While it doesn’t deliver the ultra-crisp, high-definition images you’d expect from more expensive models, it performs well enough in good lighting, capturing subjects with reasonable clarity and detail. However, in low light or when attempting to capture fine details, the camera struggles. It’s unsuitable for more demanding photography needs but is more than adequate for casual shots.
This device was not made for video recording, particularly if you’re considering social media content creation. Video quality comes out grainy, and the 30fps frame rate in FHD 1080p mode lacks smoothness. The absence of a stabilization feature means videos are often shaky, making it challenging to capture smooth footage. The front camera also leaves something to be desired. It frequently produces grainy images with a noticeable lack of vibrant colors, resulting in selfies and video calls that appear dull and less sharp. While the front camera is fine for basic needs, it won’t impress those who prioritize high-quality selfies or crisp, colorful video calls.
With 128GB of internal storage, 4GB of RAM, and an additional 4GB of extended RAM, the smartphone strikes a decent balance between space and performance. However, in my experience, particularly when using resource-intensive apps and capturing lots of photos and videos, I found the 128GB storage capacity somewhat limiting. I often had to manage my files to avoid running out of space. Additionally, while the 4GB RAM handles basic multitasking fairly well, the extra 4GB extended RAM doesn’t fully compensate for the limitations, especially when running multiple heavy applications simultaneously. This can occasionally lead to sluggish performance, making it less than ideal for users who demand high performance and ample storage.
The display on the nubia Music is another mixed bag. The 6.6-inch HD screen is large enough to comfortably watch movies or series, but the resolution tops out at 720p. This means it doesn’t offer the sharp, high-definition quality found on many other smartphones. It’s adequate for casual viewing, but if you’re looking for a screen with more detail and clarity, this might not be the best option.
Value: 5/5
The nubia Music is priced at PHP3,999, which seems fair given its features and performance. While it has its limitations, this smartphone handles the basics well enough. It is ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly device that covers everyday tasks—like browsing, streaming, and casual gaming. However, if your smartphone is your office, your entertainment center, and your assistant all rolled into one, this might not keep up with your pace.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.6” HD+ Large Display, 90Hz Refresh Rate; 180Hz sampling rate; Live island: Integration of multiple useful functions, providing a new interactive way. Including: Battery status, Countdown timer, Voice recording, Earbuds connection, Phone call, Flashlight, Music.
- Storage: 128GB large memory, more music storage; Up to 8GB dynamic RAM* for smoother running
- Color: Pop Art and Zeal Orange
- Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
- Camera: Rear: 50MP HD dual camera; Front: Not Specified
- Audio: High-quality Ultra Speaker, 600%* Larger Volume; AI super volume algorithm; Maximum volume up to 95dB.*; Supports DTS:X® Ultra :Enhances its sound quality; Dual 3.5mm earphone jacks: Users can share and enjoy music with their family members or friends.
- Operating System: MyOS 13 (Android Ver. 13)
- Connectivity: WLAN, Bluetooth, and Built-in FM antenna
- Dimensions: Not specified
- In the Box: nubia Music *1; Charging Adapter *1; Type A to Type C USB Cable *1; Warranty Card 1; Start Guide1; SIM Ejector Pin *1; Protect Case *1; Screen Protector *1
What’s Hot:
- Dual Musical Light Effects with Melody
- Pop art design
- Dual 3.5mm earphone jack
- Built-in FM antenna
What’s Not:
- Sound quality
- CPU and GPU
- Video Resolution
- Front Camera
Bottomline:
An MP3 turned into a smartphone.
Reviewed by Alyssa Silva
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE August 2024 Issue.