ZTE nubia Music 2 review
The nubia Music 2 suits someone in a price-sensitive market who values battery endurance and a large screen for reading or video over raw performance or camera range. Skip it if you need responsive performance, fast charging, or a sharp display; a small step up in budget opens better options.
This review is based on ZTE’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the ZTE nubia Music 2, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The nubia Music 2 is a bare-bones 80-euro phone built around a massive 6.6-inch screen and a 5000 mAh battery for a full day of casual use. It delivers what you pay for: slow charging, weak performance, and basic cameras, but the battery stamina and large display make it decent for reading and video on a tight budget.
Design & build
At 199 grams and 8.6 mm thick, the Music 2 is respectable for its size and heft. Dual Nano-SIM and a shared microSD slot give it some modularity, though swapping storage requires ejecting a SIM. The LED notification lights on the back are a small touch most modern phones skip. There is no mention of glass or waterproofing in the spec, so assume plastic and no IP rating—standard for this price tier. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor works well enough for quick unlocks.
Display
The 6.6-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh is the phone's strongest card. Scrolling through apps and social feeds feels noticeably smoother than a 60Hz budget competitor. The 20:9 ratio gives a tall, portrait-friendly proportions that suits reading and video. However, 720 x 1612 pixels works out to only 267 ppi, which is softer than the 1080p panels rivals are pushing into this price range now. Text is legible at a normal reading distance, but fine details and UI elements lack sharpness compared to newer budget phones. For video and reading, the extra real estate wins; for anything demanding sharpness, it falls short.
Performance
The Unisoc SC9863A is a dated budget chip—an octa-core design with older Cortex-A55 cores and just 4GB RAM. Basic browsing, messaging, and light social media run without obvious lag. Heavy apps, demanding games, and rapid multitasking will stall or stutter. Video playback in YouTube or streaming apps is smooth at default resolution, but the GPU struggles if you push higher bitrates. For a phone at 80 euros, performance is par for the course; it will not surprise with speed, and it will frustrate if you expect modern app snappiness. Users accustomed to mid-range phones will notice the difference immediately.
Software
Android 13 is outdated by mid-2025 standards—the phone launched early 2024, and even a budget device shipping in 2026 should carry Android 14 or 15. ZTE's bloatware presence is light, which helps, but you will not get timely security updates or the latest OS features. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor works reliably for unlocks and payment auth where available.
Camera
The 50MP main sensor with f/1.9 aperture and phase-detect autofocus is solid on paper and delivers in daylight. Photos are sharp and colors are natural without heavy processing. The f/1.9 aperture helps in indoor lighting better than cheaper f/2.4 competitors. However, there is no night mode, ultra-wide, or telephoto—just one fixed focal length. The 1080p video at 30fps is basic by 2024 standards; most rivals offer 4K or at least 60fps 1080p. The 5MP selfie camera is serviceable for video calls and casual selfies, but nothing more. Low-light performance is limited by the lack of night processing and single-camera design.
Battery & charging
The 5000 mAh battery is the phone's true selling point. Mixed use—browsing, calls, messaging, light social media—easily stretches to a full day and often into a second. Lighter users will push beyond 36 hours. This is rare in modern phones, even budget ones, and it justifies the Music 2 for anyone tired of daily charging. Charging, however, is the painful flip side. 10W wired charging takes 2 to 3 hours to fill the tank—genuinely slow. There is no fast charger in the box, and the slow speed means you cannot reliably top up in a lunch break. For a phone with such battery endurance, the charge rate feels like a missed opportunity or a cost-cut too far.
Value & verdict-context
At 80 euros, this is a basement-tier phone in developed markets but entry-level value in regions where this price point is real shopping money. The long battery life and spacious 90Hz screen are honest assets. The slow charging, soft display, and aged processor are genuine friction points, but they are the trade-offs every phone at this price makes somewhere. The Music 2 prioritizes stamina and screen size over performance and sharpness. If you live in an area where 5G is not yet standard or where a reliably full-day phone matters more than performance, this makes sense. If you expect smooth gaming or crisp text, or if you need to charge between your commute and work, look up—even to 100 euros or so—for a newer chipset or a 1080p screen.
Connectivity & misc
LTE only, no 5G; that is standard at 80 euros. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n is single-band and older, but it works. Bluetooth 5.2 is actually respectable and pairs reliably with wireless earbuds. NFC is listed as market-dependent, so availability varies by region. The 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio are relics, but they work if your region still uses them and you value that option. USB Type-C 2.0 is standard; the lack of USB 3.0 is not a con at this price, just a fact.
Verdict
The nubia Music 2 suits someone in a price-sensitive market who values battery endurance and a large screen for reading or video over raw performance or camera range. Skip it if you need responsive performance, fast charging, or a sharp display; a small step up in budget opens better options.
- 5000 mAh battery easily lasts a full day of mixed use, with margin to spare
- 6.6-inch screen is roomy for reading, video, and everyday apps; the 90Hz refresh helps scrolling feel fluid
- 50MP main camera captures sharp daylight photos with autofocus speed, and the f/1.9 aperture handles moderate indoor light
- 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio for users in regions where wired audio and local stations still matter
- 10W charging takes 2 to 3 hours for a full charge—painfully slow by modern standards, even at this price
- Unisoc SC9863A and 4GB RAM struggle with heavy apps, gaming, and multitasking; everyday tasks run but without breathing room
- 720p resolution at 6.6 inches means text and detail look soft; rivals at 80 euros often reach 1080p by now
ZTE nubia Music 2 Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2024, February 28 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 10W wired |
| Software | Android 13 |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 in) |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Durability | LED notifications lights (on the back) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
ZTE nubia Music 2 FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the nubia Music 2 support 5G?
No. The nubia Music 2 tops out at GSM / HSPA / LTE, without 5G.
What chipset does the nubia Music 2 use?
The nubia Music 2 runs on the Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm).
What display does the nubia Music 2 have?
A 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density).
How big is the nubia Music 2 battery?
The nubia Music 2 has a 5000 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 10W wired.
Does the nubia Music 2 have NFC?
Yes, the nubia Music 2 has NFC.
Is the nubia Music 2 water resistant?
The nubia Music 2 carries a LED notifications lights (on the back) rating.
Does the nubia Music 2 support a microSD card?
Yes, the nubia Music 2 supports expandable storage (microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)).
Does the nubia Music 2 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the nubia Music 2 has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the nubia Music 2 isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
nubia Music
Blade X1001
nubia A76
Blade A56
X5d s
