Lenovo Vibe X2 Review: A Stylish Mid-Range Smartphone

Lenovo Vibe X2 – Innovative Layered Design Mid-Range Smartphone (2014)

Definition

The Lenovo Vibe X2 (model code: X2-TO/X2-CU) is a mid-range Android smartphone launched by Lenovo in September 2014, distinguished by its revolutionary layered “Color Block” design that stacked multiple colored plastic frames to create a unique visual aesthetic. Positioned as a style-focused device targeting young consumers and design enthusiasts, it featured a 5.0-inch Full HD display, MediaTek octa-core chipset, dual rear cameras, and a slim profile. Competing with devices like the Xiaomi Mi 4 and Huawei Ascend P7, the Vibe X2 balanced creative design with solid mid-range performance, running Android 4.4 KitKat with Lenovo’s Vibe UI overlay.

Core Specifications Overview (English)

Category	Details
Launch Date	September 2014
Model Codes	X2-TO (TD-LTE variant for China Mobile); X2-CU (TD-SCDMA for China Unicom)
Chipset	MediaTek MT6595M (28 nm, octa-core: 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A17 + 4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A7; big.LITTLE architecture); PowerVR G6200 GPU
Display	5.0-inch FHD IPS LCD (1920×1080, 441 ppi); 60 Hz refresh rate; 16:9 aspect ratio; 10-point multi-touch
Camera System	Rear: Dual 13 MP (main, f/2.2, PDAF, LED flash) + 2 MP (depth sensor, for bokeh effect); Front: 5 MP (f/2.2, 1080p video calls)
Memory & Storage	2 GB LPDDR3 RAM; 16 GB/32 GB eMMC 5.0 (non-expandable, no microSD slot)
Battery	2300 mAh Li-Po (non-removable); 5W charging (micro-USB 2.0); ~8–10 hours mixed usage
Connectivity	4G LTE (regional variants), 3G HSPA+, 2G GSM; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.0; GPS/GLONASS; FM radio; 3.5 mm audio jack; no NFC
Security & Build	No fingerprint sensor; layered plastic frame (interchangeable color blocks); glass front; colors: White/Blue, White/Orange, White/Green, White/Pink
Dimensions & Weight	140.2 × 68.6 × 7.27 mm; 120 g
Launch OS & Updates	Android 4.4.2 KitKat (Vibe UI 2.0 overlay); no official upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop
Launch Price (China)	~CNY 1,999 (16 GB variant)

Detailed Hardware & Software Breakdown

1. Design: Layered Color Block Innovation

The Vibe X2’s most iconic feature was its layered construction, which separated the phone’s body into three distinct color blocks (top frame, middle frame, bottom frame) that could be customized with different hues. This design was a departure from the monolithic plastic or metal bodies of 2014 smartphones, making it a standout in the mid-range market. At 7.27 mm thick and 120 g, it was also one of the slimmest and lightest phones of its era.

2. Display: 5.0-inch FHD IPS LCD

A sharp, vibrant panel optimized for media consumption and daily use:

FHD Resolution (1080p): Delivered crisp visuals for 1080p video streaming, gaming, and web browsing, with 441 ppi for exceptional clarity.
IPS Technology: Provided wide viewing angles (178° horizontal/vertical) and accurate color reproduction, eliminating color distortion when viewed off-center.
10-Point Multi-Touch: Supported complex gestures like pinch-to-zoom and split-screen multitasking.

3. Camera: Dual Rear Sensors for Early Bokeh

The dual-camera setup was ahead of its time, introducing portrait mode effects to a mid-range device:

13 MP Main Camera: Captured sharp daylight photos and 1080p@30fps video; PDAF enabled fast autofocus for moving subjects.
2 MP Depth Sensor: Calculated distance between the subject and background, creating a basic bokeh (background blur) effect for portrait shots— a feature that would become mainstream in smartphones years later.
5 MP Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, with basic beauty mode to enhance skin tones.

4. Performance & Battery

MediaTek MT6595M Octa-Core Chipset: The big.LITTLE architecture balanced performance and power efficiency— the 4 Cortex-A17 cores handled heavy tasks (gaming, video editing), while the 4 Cortex-A7 cores managed light tasks (calls, texts) to save battery. It supported smooth gaming for titles like Temple Run 2 and Candy Crush Saga, but struggled with high-end 3D games.
2300 mAh Non-Removable Battery: Offered decent battery life for 2014 standards, but the non-removable design was a downside for users who preferred swappable batteries. 5W charging took ~2.5 hours to fully replenish the battery.
Non-Expandable Storage: A key limitation— the lack of a microSD slot meant users had to rely on the 16 GB/32 GB built-in storage for apps, photos, and videos.

5. Software & Connectivity

Vibe UI 2.0 (Android 4.4 KitKat): Lenovo’s custom overlay added features like smart wake gestures, app cloning, and a built-in theme store. However, it was criticized for being bloated compared to stock Android.
Regional Connectivity Variants: The X2-TO supported China Mobile’s TD-LTE 4G network, while the X2-CU supported China Unicom’s TD-SCDMA 3G network; global variants were limited.
No NFC: Lacked near-field communication, so it could not be used for mobile payments or file sharing via NFC.

Core Features & Market Position

Key Features

Layered Color Block Design: A unique, customizable aesthetic that set it apart from competitors in 2014.
Dual Rear Cameras: Pioneered depth-sensing bokeh effects in the mid-range segment.
Slim & Lightweight Body: At 7.27 mm and 120 g, it was highly portable and comfortable to hold.
FHD IPS Display: Delivered sharp, vibrant visuals for media consumption.

Reception & Target Audience

Strengths: Innovative design, sharp FHD display, dual-camera bokeh, slim profile, solid mid-range performance.
Criticisms: Non-expandable storage, non-removable battery, no OS updates beyond KitKat, no fingerprint sensor, regional 4G limitations.
Target Users: Young consumers prioritizing design and style over flagship specs; photography enthusiasts seeking early bokeh features; users looking for a slim, portable mid-range phone.

Legacy

The Lenovo Vibe X2 was a showcase of Lenovo’s design innovation, proving that mid-range smartphones could stand out with unique aesthetics rather than just hardware specs. Its dual-camera depth-sensing setup also foreshadowed the portrait mode trend that would dominate smartphone cameras in the following years. Though it was not a commercial blockbuster, it remains a memorable device for its bold design choices.