If you're looking for a smartphone that combines elegant design, modern features, and an affordable price , you'll definitely want to learn more about the Umidigi Crystal. This model has established itself as a leading contender in the lower mid-range, offering advanced features typically reserved for higher-end devices. In this article, we analyze all the features, detailed technical specifications, advantages and disadvantages, and the current price of the Umidigi Crystal, along with our opinion and a realistic comparison with other smartphones from Asian manufacturers and traditional brands.
Design and materials: opt for elegance without borders
The first thing that stands out about the Umidigi Crystal is its design with virtually no bezels on the sides and top of the screen. The bezel-less effect gives it a modern and minimalist look, following current trends in the sector. Its body is made of metal and glass , providing solidity and a premium feel that is unusual in phones in its price range.
In terms of dimensions, the Umidigi Crystal measures 141,3 mm in height, 74,8 mm in width, and only 8,1 mm in thickness , with a total weight of 180 grams . This makes it feel well-balanced in the hand, without being particularly heavy or bulky. The predominant color on the market is black, lending it a sophisticated and understated look.
The fingerprint reader is located on the back, below the main camera, allowing for quick and secure unlocking. Thanks to its bezel-less design, the selfie camera has been relocated to the bottom edge . All ports and buttons are conveniently positioned for ergonomic use.
The phone uses premium materials : a metal frame and a double-sided, durable glass screen, which helps protect it from scratches and minor impacts. The combination of materials and construction, along with rigorous quality controls, makes it one of the most attractive phones in its segment.
Among its details, the estimated volume of the device is 85,61 cm³, and the screen-to-front ratio occupies 79% thanks to its design, giving the impression of being in front of a compact, modern phone with a large usable screen area.
Display: Full HD IPS technology and advanced protection
The Umidigi Crystal features a 5,5-inch screen , an ideal size for both multimedia consumption (videos, games, browsing) and comfortable use. It's an IPS panel with capacitive multi-touch technology, Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels , and a pixel density of 401 pixels per inch , guaranteeing sharp images and vibrant colors.
Thanks to its 16:9 aspect ratio and the fact that it's manufactured by Sharp, the screen offers good viewing angles and accurate colors . The glass is Corning Gorilla Glass 4 , which provides resistance to drops and scratches, along with a 2.5D curved finish for a smooth and comfortable touch experience.
- Diagonal size: 5,5 inches (139,7mm)
- Usable screen width: 68,5 mm
- Useful screen height: 121,7 mm
- Color Depth: 24-bit, 16,7 million colors
- Multi-touch: Yes, support up to 10 simultaneous points
The result is a balanced display, well-suited for both demanding games and watching movies, taking photos, or browsing the web.
Power and internal hardware: processor, RAM and storage
The Umidigi Crystal's performance is guaranteed by a MediaTek MT6737T quad-core Cortex-A53 processor that reaches speeds of up to 1.5 GHz. While some variants exist with the MediaTek MT6750T octa-core , the quad-core version is the most common and affordable. It features a 64-bit architecture and 28 nm process technology, balancing efficiency and low power consumption.
- CPU: MediaTek MT6737T (4x 1.5 GHz, ARM Cortex-A53) or MT6750T Octa-core (depending on the version)
- GPU: ARM Mali-T720 MP2
- RAM: Two configurations available: 2GB or 4GB (LPDDR3, 733 MHz, single channel)
- Internal storage: 16GB (base version) or 64GB (advanced version), expandable via microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC up to 256GB
For everyday tasks, the hardware configuration is more than sufficient, and if you want greater fluidity, you can consult the comparison between different models to find the one that best suits your needs. The processor's cache memory is 32+32 KB (L1) and 512 KB (L2), which helps maintain system responsiveness. The Mali-T720 MP2 graphics processor, with two cores and a clock speed of 600 MHz, performs well in light games and multimedia playback, although it's not designed for the latest 3D titles.
Operating system and user experience
The phone comes standard with Android 7.0 Nougat , a mature and stable version of the operating system that allows you to take advantage of all the essential features: smart notifications, battery saving, multi-window mode and compatibility with the most popular applications on the market.
Umidigi opts for a very lightweight customization layer , practically pure Android, which guarantees fluidity and speed in the menus, without bloatware or unnecessary pre-installed applications. The overall experience is clean and efficient.
Connectivity, SIM and mobile networks
The Umidigi Crystal is a Dual SIM smartphone , meaning it supports the simultaneous use of two Nano SIM cards. It's ideal for those who want to manage two lines (personal and work, or national and international) on the same device. It also features a hybrid slot that allows you to insert a microSD card instead of the second SIM, easily expanding storage capacity.
- Mobile networks: Support for GSM (2G), W-CDMA/UMTS (3G) and LTE (4G)
- Supported LTE bands: 800 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 MHz
- Technologies: UMTS, EDGE, GPRS, HSPA+, LTE Cat 4 (download up to 150 Mbps and upload up to 51 Mbps)
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4/5 GHz dual band) with Hotspot function, Bluetooth 4.0 (with A2DP profiles for high-quality wireless audio) and GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS for precise location and navigation.
Other physical connections include a USB Type-C 2.0 port that supports charging, data and On-The-Go modes, as well as computer sync and tethering functions.
Battery: autonomy and charging time
One of the key aspects of any mobile phone is battery life. The Umidigi Crystal integrates a non-removable 3000 mAh lithium-ion polymer (Li-Polymer) battery . This capacity is average for its category, offering up to 13,3 days of standby time on both 2G and 3G networks according to laboratory tests, and allows for a full day of use on a single charge.
- Capacity 3000 mAh
- Battery Type: Li-Polymer, integrated and non-removable
- Charger power: 5V / 1A
- Fast charge: Supported on certain versions
Power consumption is optimized thanks to the low-power processor and Android's power management. Charging time can vary between 2 and 2,5 hours to reach 100%, depending on the charger used.
Cameras: dual rear lens and front camera for selfies
In terms of photography, the Umidigi Crystal opts for a dual rear camera composed of two sensors:
- Main sensor: 278 MP Sony IMX13 Exmor RS (4160 x 3120 pixels), f/2.0 aperture, 4.71 x 3.49 mm sensor size, 1,133 μm pixels
- Secondary sensor: 5 MP for depth captures (bokeh effect and portrait mode support)
- Flash LED, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), HDR, continuous shooting, face detection, white balance, exposure compensation, and geotagging
- Records Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps
The front camera integrates a 5 MP GalaxyCore GC5025 sensor (2560 x 1920 pixels), f/2.8 aperture, and 1.141 μm pixel size. Its results are adequate for selfies, video calls, and social media, although it falls somewhat short of the competition in low-light situations due to the aperture and sensor quality.
Among the added features in the camera app are panorama mode, HDR, timer, scene modes, manual ISO adjustment, exposure, and tap control for selective focus.
Additional sensors and features
The Umidigi Crystal includes a range of sensors and features that enhance the user experience compared to other similarly priced mobile phones:
- Fingerprint reader rear for quick and secure unlocking
- Proximity sensor to turn off the screen during calls
- Ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness
- Accelerometer and compass for navigation, gaming, and augmented reality apps
- Mono speaker good volume, suitable for calls and multimedia
Multimedia, audio and supported formats
The phone focuses heavily on multimedia compatibility. The Umidigi Crystal supports a wide variety of audio and video codecs :
- Audio: AAC, AMR, eAAC+, FLAC, MIDI, MP3, OGG, WMA, WAV, among others
- Videographer: 3GPP, AVI, DivX, MP4, WebM, Xvid
It also includes features such as FM radio, a built-in music player, and sound recording . The built-in speaker is adequate for calls and music playback, and the headphone output allows you to enjoy any genre with acceptable quality.
Storage and expansion options
The Umidigi Crystal allows you to expand internal storage using microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 256GB, allowing you to carry a large amount of photos, videos and documents.
- Base configuration: 16GB internal
- Advanced configuration: 64GB internal
- Expansion: up to 256GB via microSD (occupying SIM2 slot)
The hybrid SIM/microSD format is very common in the mid-range, so the user must choose between a second line or more storage space.
Comparison of the Umidigi Crystal vs. other mid-range phones
Compared to other similarly priced models, such as the Oukitel U15S, Kingzone N5, or Vernee Thor, the Umidigi Crystal stands out for its borderless design, larger screen area, and a dual rear camera that improves portrait and blur modes. While models like the Oukitel U15S focus on higher-capacity batteries or higher-resolution cameras, the Crystal excels in build quality and premium visual style.
In day-to-day use, the experience can be very similar in terms of fluidity, but the presence of Gorilla Glass 4, a Sharp panel, and the option of 4GB of RAM with 64GB of internal storage put it slightly ahead for demanding users looking for something more than the standard.
Where can I buy the Umidigi Crystal and what is its updated price?
The Umidigi Crystal is still primarily sold through international online stores and some specialized platforms. The typical price varies depending on the configuration.
- 2GB RAM + 16GB ROM Version: from approximately 129,99 euros
- 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM Version: round the 159,99 euros
Some stores may have promotions or discounts, so it's recommended to check the current price before purchasing. Click here for more information or to purchase directly.
Please note that availability, as well as shipping methods and warranties, may vary depending on the online store selected.
Guide to replacing or repairing the touch screen of the Umidigi Crystal
If you need to replace your Umidigi Crystal's screen due to breakage or failure, you can do it at home by following these basic steps. Caution is recommended, and if you're inexperienced, consult a professional technician.
- Preparation: Power down the device completely and remove the back cover. Disconnect the battery if it's removable.
- Removing the screen: Use plastic tools to release the damaged screen, disconnecting the necessary flex cables.
- Installing the new screen: Gently connect the new panel to the internal circuit board. Snap it in, making sure there are no gaps.
- Testing and closing: Before reassembling the case, turn on your phone and check that the screen responds correctly. If everything is in order, reassemble and secure the back cover.
If you don't feel confident performing these steps, it's best to go to a specialized technical service to ensure a professional result and avoid further damage.
Opinion, advantages and disadvantages of the Umidigi Crystal
After thoroughly analyzing all its features, the Umidigi Crystal stands out primarily for its borderless design, premium materials, high-quality screen, and competitive hardware configuration for the mid-range market. It's an excellent alternative to more expensive brands if you're looking for a complete Android experience without breaking the bank.
Advantages:
- Attractive and modern bezel-less design
- Quality materials: metal and glass
- Possibility to choose between several RAM/ROM configurations
- Full HD display protected by Gorilla Glass 4
- Dual camera with portrait mode and advanced features
- Dual SIM and microSD expansion
Disadvantages:
- The front camera falls short of the competition in low-light environments.
- The processor is sufficient for everyday tasks, but limited in demanding games and heavy apps.
- The battery is acceptable, but does not stand out especially compared to mobile phones with greater capacity.
Frequently asked questions about the Umidigi Crystal
- Does the Umidigi Crystal allow updating to recent versions of Android? Although it launches with Android 7.0, the developer community has created some custom ROMs. Officially, updates are infrequent, so if you're always looking for the latest version, it's a good idea to check out specialized forums.
- Does it support fast charging? Some versions may indicate support for fast charging, but most handle standard 5V/1A charging.
- What is the difference between the 2GB and 4GB versions? The 2GB version is suitable for basic use (calls, WhatsApp, browsing), but the 4GB version is better for multitasking, gaming, and a smoother experience.
- Can you use microSD and two SIM cards at the same time? No, since you have a hybrid slot, you will have to choose between a second line or more storage space.
The Umidigi Crystal is solidifying its position as one of the best options in its range, especially if you value a modern aesthetic and premium materials at an affordable price. Its balanced technical specifications make it very versatile for the average user, although if you're an advanced user of heavy apps or professional photography, you might want to look at the high-end. Take the plunge and upgrade to a smartphone with a borderless design and comprehensive features without sacrificing a reasonable price. If you've already tried it or have any questions, your feedback in the comments will be very helpful to other readers.