Unihertz Atom XL review: Walkie-talkie meets smartphone

In a world the place different producers are competing to suit the biggest shows doable into handheld gadgets, Unihertz has dedicated to going small, with a “much less is extra” method.

The Atom XL is the top-of-the-line rugged telephone providing from Unihertz, and presents a noticeable bump to a 4-inch display from the two.45-inches of the unique Atom. Perhaps dimension actually does matter, begging the query: is 4-inches sufficient?

See extra: The most effective rugged telephones you should purchase proper now

• Unihertz Atom XL (6GB/128GB): $339.99/£274.99

The Atom XL is the most recent rugged smartphone from Unihertz, surpassing the Atom L and authentic Atom. It’s spec-for-spec the very same telephone because the Atom L, with the addition of an antenna for walkie-talkie performance. Unihertz despatched us a evaluate mannequin which we examined for 5 days working Android 10 with construct Unihertz_Atom_XL_20200312 on high.

Constructed for rugged work, the telephone is IP68 water and dust-resistant. It additionally has a MIL-STD-810G score for cover towards shock, vibration, warmth, chilly, humidity, and extra. The show is made out of oleophobic Gorilla Glass 3, and the telephone ships with two plastic display protectors.

Learn extra: Information to MIL-STD-810G

There is just one shade and spec choice out there with the Atom XL. It comes with a Helio P60 octa-core CPU, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of expandable storage, in addition to a 4,300mAh non-removable battery.

At solely 4-inches, the show is way smaller than the 6- and 7-inch shows discovered on most trendy flagship smartphones. Nonetheless, the Atom XL nonetheless weighs in at a hefty 243.5g because of the massive battery and protecting layers of steel and rubber casing.

Biometrics embody a fingerprint reader, face unlock (software-based through the front-facing digicam), and a coronary heart charge sensor (through the rear-facing digicam). The Unihertz Atom XL runs Android 10 out of the field; nevertheless, the corporate informed us that they plan to replace the telephone to Android 11 by the top of August.

As a telephone constructed for all times on the go, the Unihertz Atom XL has tons of productiveness options. By default, the crimson button on the facet of the telephone is ready to Push To Speak (PTT) mode, so holding it should immediately launch the walkie-talkie performance when the antenna is put in. Nonetheless, by turning off PTT mode, the button turns into a hotkey and you may set customized capabilities for brief press, lengthy press, and double press.

The walkie-talkie performance works nice, with an 8km vary to maintain you linked. Eight digital channels and eight analog channels could be chosen from inside the Intercom app. There are additionally choices for including contacts, sending messages, and deciding on geographical zones inside the app.

Pre-installed on the telephone is a Toolbox app, with a bevy of capabilities together with a noise take a look at, compass, coronary heart charge monitor, barometer, speedometer, and an underwater digicam mode. The underwater digicam mode disables the contact display, utilizing the buttons to regulate switching between digicam modes and photograph/video seize.

Battery life on the Unihertz Atom XL is actually good. Regardless of a 4,300mAh cell that’s smaller than competing rugged telephones, the telephone can simply make it by a full day of heavy use. Should you solely use the telephone sparingly you may stretch it out to a full week of use.

Efficiency on the Atom XL is corresponding to different rugged telephones. It received’t be difficult the perfect Android telephones any time quickly, nevertheless it runs on a regular basis apps easily.

What’s not so good?

Most of the portability benefits related to a telephone that has a smaller display are sacrificed to these big bezels, cumbersome design, and hefty weight. Whereas Unihertz has a transparent perform over kind method, a lot of the competitors has managed to design equally rugged telephones which might be slimmer, lighter, and match bigger screens right into a equally sized physique. It additionally doesn’t have the upper MIL-STD-810H score or 5G connectivity that a couple of extra expensive rugged telephones provide.

Whereas that tiny four-inch show continues to be serviceable for many duties, I’d have appreciated to see that additional bezel area on the entrance of the telephone used so as to add an additional inch or two to the show. A barely bigger show would considerably enhance typing, viewing content material, and multi-tasking on the telephone. Nonetheless, the show is vivid sufficient for use open air, and the 1,136 x 640 decision is definitely fairly sharp and pixel-dense on such a small show.

The telephone options quick charging that Unihertz says is twice as quick as regular 5V/2A cost know-how; nevertheless, it nonetheless takes three to 4 hours to completely cost up the 4,300mAh battery. There’s additionally no wi-fi charging compatibility, although that’s to be anticipated at this value.

There’s a flap to guard the antenna port, however there aren’t any flaps on the USB charging port or headphone port. Whereas the ports are nonetheless waterproof, it will be good to have protecting flaps to stop mud and dust from getting caught inside.

One other unusual omission from the telephone is an app drawer, which Unihertz has excluded from its construct of Android 10. Android fans could also be irked by the corporate’s makes an attempt to mannequin the interface after iOS.

Unihertz Atom XL Digicam Samples

If you’re in search of a second telephone for work or journey, and would admire the walkie-talkie performance, then you definately shouldn’t hesitate to purchase the Unihertz Atom XL. It performs properly for its value and has sufficient rugged safety to deal with almost any journey you are taking it on, even when it’s not probably the most sturdy rugged telephone cash should purchase.

If you’re in search of an much more sturdy telephone and aren’t within the Atom XL’s distinctive options, there are extra well-rounded alternate options on the market which may be higher suited to your wants. For some additional money, the BlackView BV9900 Professional ($499) presents stronger safety, a a lot nicer show, and further instruments akin to a UV meter and hygrometer.

The Doogee S96 Professional ($399) may also now be discovered for across the identical value because the Atom XL on sale. It has 4 rear-facing cameras, together with an infrared night-vision sensor. Should you’re within the Samsung ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Professional ($499) can be price a glance.

Nonetheless, in order for you a walkie-talkie telephone and don’t thoughts a small show, the Unihertz Atom XL is the one to get. Click on beneath to seize one for your self.