The Blackview Oscal FLAT 2: A Budget Phone That Asks, “What Do You *Really* Need?”
Let me start with this: If you’re the kind of person who gets excited about flagship cameras, buttery-smooth gaming, or futuristic AI features, walk away now. But if you want a phone that’ll survive your kid’s soccer practice, last two days on a charge, and not make you panic if it slips out of your pocket at the grocery store? Let’s talk.
The Screen: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
That 6.6-inch display sounds generous, but here’s the catch: it’s a 720p LCD panel. Think of it like a 32-inch tube TV blown up to 65 inches – you’ll notice the pixels. Scrolling through Instagram? Text looks a little fuzzy around the edges. Watching YouTube? It’s passable if you’re not picky, but don’t expect HDR magic. The 90Hz refresh rate is a nice touch – swiping feels smoother than most budget phones – but it’s like putting racing tires on a lawnmower. Fun, but not transformative.
The Performance: “Good Enough” Has Limits
The Unisoc T606 chipset inside is… fine. For €105-€169, you’re getting a processor that’s the tech equivalent of a Honda Civic: reliable for groceries and school runs, but don’t ask it to tow a boat. Light apps like WhatsApp or Spotify? No problem. Try opening Google Maps while Snapchat’s running? You’ll feel the lag. Gaming? Stick to Candy Crush. Genshin Impact? Forget it. The 4GB RAM is the real bottleneck here – Android 14 eats RAM for breakfast, so apps reload constantly. It’s like having a tiny kitchen counter: you can only prep so much before things start falling off the edges.
The Battery: The Hero We All Need
Here’s where the FLAT 2 shines. That 5000mAh battery is a beast. I used it for two days of light texting, occasional YouTube, and Spotify during commutes – it didn’t flinch. Even heavy users will get a full day. But there’s a tradeoff: charging is stuck at 10W. Going from 0-100% takes nearly three hours. It’s like having a gas tank that lasts forever but only refuels through a coffee stirrer.
The Cameras: Daylight Savings
The 13MP main camera? Surprisingly decent… in sunlight. Take a photo of your dog in the park, and you’ll get shareable shots. But that 0.3MP “depth sensor”? Useless. It’s like adding a plastic spoon to a Swiss Army knife – technically a tool, but why bother? Low-light photos get grainy fast, and the 8MP selfie cam makes everyone look like they’re in a witness protection lineup. Video? 1080p at 30fps, but don’t move too much – stabilization’s nonexistent.
The Quirks: What Makes It “Oscal”?
- Doke OS 4.0: Blackview’s Android 14 skin is… odd. It looks like someone let a toddler redesign OneUI. But hey, it has Google services (a win for budget phones) and minimal bloatware.
- NFC: Rare at this price! Tap-to-pay works smoothly – a lifesaver if you’re rushing through train stations.
- Durability: Plastic build, but no IP rating. It’ll survive rain, but don’t test its “rugged” claims.
Who’s It For?
Buy this if: You want a backup phone for festivals, a kid’s first device, or something to survive construction sites. It’s also great for grandparents who just need WhatsApp and big fonts.
Avoid this if: You care about photos, play mobile games, or hate charging your phone overnight.
Jeffrey’s Take: Would I Use It?
Honestly? No. But that’s because I’m glued to my Pixel for photos and my iPad for media. For my dad, though? Absolutely. He needs a phone that’s cheap, lasts all day, and won’t shatter when he drops it getting out of the truck. The FLAT 2 isn’t glamorous, but it’s honest – like a sturdy pair of work boots. If that’s what you need, it’s worth every euro.
