The Energizer Ultimate U652S was introduced as part of Energizer’s line of smartphones, a brand best known for batteries. While this model aims to be a budget-friendly, big-battery phone with a 6.5-inch HD+ display and dual SIM support, it hasn't gained much popularity. The U652S is particularly notable for its massive 5000mAh battery, which offers long-lasting power, but it does come with its share of problems and limitations.
In this article, we’ll explore the common issues and bugs encountered by users of the Energizer Ultimate U652S and discuss whether it is worth purchasing in today’s competitive budget smartphone market.
1. Display Quality and Touchscreen Responsiveness
The Energizer Ultimate U652S comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, which, on paper, sounds decent for a budget phone. However, users have reported issues with display quality and touchscreen responsiveness, which can detract from the overall user experience.
Display issues include:
- Low brightness levels, making it difficult to see the screen in direct sunlight.
- Faded colors and poor contrast, which lead to a less vibrant viewing experience.
- Touchscreen responsiveness problems, particularly in the corners of the display, where touch inputs may not register accurately.
Possible solutions:
- Manually adjust the brightness in settings, as the adaptive brightness feature may not work effectively.
- Avoid using the phone outdoors under direct sunlight or in bright environments.
- Perform a screen calibration or use apps like Touchscreen Repair to improve touch responsiveness.
User experience:
"The screen is quite dim even when I turn the brightness all the way up. It’s fine for indoor use, but outside it’s almost impossible to see clearly."
2. Performance Problems: Lag and Freezing
Powered by a Quad-Core MediaTek MT6739 processor and 2GB of RAM, the U652S struggles with multitasking and running modern apps. Users often complain about performance slowdowns, with the phone feeling underpowered for even basic tasks.
Common performance issues:
- Frequent lag when switching between apps or opening multiple tabs in a web browser.
- Freezing during simple tasks like browsing or scrolling through social media.
- Sluggish animations and delayed responses when navigating through menus.
Workarounds:
- Regularly clear cache and delete unnecessary files to free up memory.
- Limit the number of apps running in the background and avoid resource-heavy apps.
- A factory reset may help temporarily resolve performance issues, but they are likely to return due to the phone’s hardware limitations.
User complaints:
"It lags a lot, especially when I open more than one app at a time. Sometimes it freezes for a few seconds before responding."
3. Battery Life: Strength or Weakness?
The 5000mAh battery is one of the biggest selling points of the U652S, designed to offer long-lasting power for days of moderate use. However, while the battery capacity is large, some users have faced issues with how the battery performs over time.
Battery-related problems:
- Battery drain happens faster than expected, especially during video playback or gaming.
- Charging speed is slow, with the phone taking several hours to fully charge due to the lack of fast charging technology.
- Battery calibration issues, where the percentage jumps suddenly from high to low, indicating inaccurate readings.
Fixes:
- Avoid running resource-intensive apps for long periods to conserve battery life.
- Use the phone’s Battery Saver mode to extend usage time.
- Perform a battery recalibration by fully draining the battery and then charging it to 100% without interruption.
User feedback:
"The battery life is decent for light use, but once I start streaming videos or playing games, it drains a lot faster than I thought it would. Charging takes a long time too."
4. Camera Quality: Below Expectations
The Energizer Ultimate U652S sports a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, which are quite basic for a smartphone in 2020. Unfortunately, the camera performance is a major letdown, especially in comparison to other budget phones.
Reported camera issues:
- Poor image quality in low-light conditions, with significant noise and graininess.
- Slow shutter speed, causing motion blur when photographing moving objects.
- Overexposure in bright lighting conditions, leading to washed-out images.
Solutions:
- Use the HDR mode to improve the dynamic range in bright or backlit conditions.
- Stick to well-lit environments for better image quality, as the camera struggles in low light.
- Try third-party camera apps that may offer better post-processing than the default app.
User reviews:
"The camera is one of the worst features of this phone. Photos in low light are almost unusable, and even in good lighting, the quality isn’t great."
5. Software Bugs and Update Issues
The Energizer Ultimate U652S runs Android 9.0 Pie, but it lacks proper software support. Many users have reported issues with software bugs and the lack of regular updates from the manufacturer.
Common software problems include:
- Random reboots or system crashes, especially when running multiple apps.
- Slow security patch updates, leaving the phone vulnerable to security risks.
- App compatibility issues, where certain apps crash or refuse to open due to outdated software.
Workarounds:
- Perform a factory reset to resolve random reboots and crashes.
- Consider installing lightweight apps that require fewer resources and are more compatible with older Android versions.
- Unfortunately, the lack of consistent updates is a major limitation, so users should rely on manual updates if possible or use third-party apps to keep the phone secure.
6. Connectivity Issues: Wi-Fi and Network Problems
Users of the U652S have reported occasional problems with Wi-Fi and cellular network connectivity, affecting the phone's ability to maintain a stable connection.
Reported connectivity problems:
- Weak Wi-Fi signal reception, even when close to the router.
- Dropped calls or poor signal quality, particularly in areas with moderate coverage.
- Bluetooth connectivity issues, especially when pairing with wireless earphones or other devices.
Potential fixes:
- Reset network settings to resolve Wi-Fi or mobile network issues.
- Ensure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth firmware are up-to-date, although the manufacturer’s lack of updates may make this difficult.
- Use Wi-Fi calling when available, if the phone’s network signal is weak.
User feedback:
"Sometimes the Wi-Fi cuts out even though I’m right next to the router. Also, the phone struggles with maintaining a signal in areas where other phones don’t have any issues."
Conclusion: Is the Energizer Ultimate U652S Worth Buying?
The Energizer Ultimate U652S was clearly designed to cater to users who prioritize battery life above all else. With its 5000mAh battery, it can last through extended use on a single charge, making it ideal for those who need a long-lasting phone without frequent recharges. However, the phone suffers from significant drawbacks, including poor performance, below-average display quality, and limited software support.
While the Energizer Ultimate U652S might still appeal to users looking for a simple, low-cost smartphone with a large battery, it struggles to compete with newer budget models that offer better performance, camera quality, and software support. Phones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9 or the Realme C11 provide a more balanced experience with similar battery life but far fewer compromises in other areas.
Recommended Alternatives:
- Xiaomi Redmi 9: Offers better performance, display quality, and regular software updates while maintaining good battery life.
- Realme C11: Provides a smoother performance with a more reliable camera and better overall user experience at a similar price.
- Samsung Galaxy M11: Known for its solid build, reliable performance, and consistent software updates.
In conclusion, the Energizer Ultimate U652S is a battery-focused device that may be suitable for light users, but for those looking for a more balanced smartphone experience, there are better options available in the same price range.