Energizer Why the Entry Level Ultimate U652S Struggles to Justify Its Place in Your Pocket

The Ultimate U652S is a budget-tier smartphone featuring a Mediatek MT6739WW chipset for basic digital tasks and a 6.51-inch IPS LCD for content viewing, aimed at first-time smartphone users or those requiring a strictly functional secondary device. Released in July 2024, it enters a volatile market where it competes directly against more modern budget offerings from the likes of Redmi and Poco that have already migrated to more efficient silicon.

The Software Longevity Gap: Update Promise vs Reality

The software foundation here is Android 13 (Go edition), a version specifically stripped down for hardware with limited resources. While the 'Go' branding suggests optimization, the underlying reality is dictated by the Mediatek MT6739WW chipset. This processor is built on a 28 nm process node, a manufacturing technology that was considered standard nearly a decade ago. In July 2024, using a 28nm chip in a new release raises significant questions about thermal efficiency and long-term viability.

We must consider that software updates are not just about new features but about security patches. Given the legacy nature of the hardware, the likelihood of this handset receiving Android 14 or even consistent security updates is statistically low. In our analysis of the entry-level ecosystem, devices utilizing Go edition software often remain on their launch version for their entire lifecycle. This creates a security vacuum for users who plan to keep the device for more than 12 months.

Compared to the [Xiaomi Redmi A3](/style-meets-the-bottom-line-why-the-xiaomi-redmi-a3-changes-the-budget-narrative/), which also occupies the budget segment but offers a more modern pathway for security updates, this model feels like a snapshot of the past. The quad-core 1.5 GHz CPU is already operating at its ceiling just to keep the Go edition UI fluid. Expecting this hardware to handle the heavier background processes of 2025 or 2026 is an optimistic stretch that most pragmatic buyers should avoid.

Bloatware Audit: Navigating the 2GB RAM Bottleneck

With only 2GB of RAM, every megabyte of system memory is a precious resource. The Ultimate U652S utilizes eMMC 5.1 storage, which acts as the slower, cost-effective sibling to the UFS storage found in [mid-range phones](/trend/best-mid-range-phones-2026/). For those unfamiliar with the term, eMMC 5.1 is essentially a soldered-on SD card that manages both the operating system and user data. It lacks the full-duplex capabilities of UFS, meaning it cannot read and write data simultaneously with the same speed, leading to the 'hangs' users experience when installing apps while trying to browse.

Out of the box, the system takes up a substantial portion of the 64GB internal storage. We observed that even with the Go edition optimization, the 2GB RAM limit is reached quickly after opening three or four lightweight apps like WhatsApp, Chrome, and Gmail. The device relies heavily on 'zRAM' or virtual memory swapping, where a portion of the slow eMMC storage is used as RAM. This is a stopgap measure that results in noticeable UI stuttering when switching between tasks.

Imagine a scenario where you are trying to navigate with GPS while receiving a video call. The system will likely kill the navigation app in the background to keep the call active. This is not a defect but a physical limitation of the 2GB ceiling. In the 2024 landscape, where even basic web pages are increasingly asset-heavy, this configuration feels like a compromise too far for any user beyond the most casual.

Ergonomics and One-Handed Usability

Measuring 164.3 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm, the device is surprisingly bulky for its 6.51-inch display. The 81.8% screen-to-body ratio indicates significant bezels, particularly at the chin, which pushes the top of the screen further away from the user's thumb. Despite the plastic construction, it weighs in at 190 g, giving it a substantial presence in the hand. The 9.1mm thickness is a double-edged sword; while it makes the device feel sturdy, it lacks the sleekness found in rivals like the Moto G series.

The grip is aided by the matte finish of the black plastic, but the width of 76.1mm makes true one-handed operation difficult for those with smaller hands. Reaching the notification shade requires a significant 'hand-shuffle' or the use of a second hand. The weight balance is slightly top-heavy, likely due to the camera module and internal cooling solution for the 28nm chip, which can lead to fatigue during extended browsing sessions.

Comparing this to the [Samsung Galaxy A05](/the-ultimate-hand-me-down-champion-why-the-samsung-galaxy-a05-wins-for-families/), the Ultimate model feels more utilitarian. The edges are rounded enough to prevent digging into the palm, but the overall footprint is large for a phone that only offers a 720p resolution. Users should expect a device that feels like a tool rather than a piece of jewelry—it is built for durability over aesthetics.

Biometrics: Face Unlock & Fingerprint Performance

Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a software-based face unlock system. In our assessment, the side-mounted sensor is the preferred method here. It sits naturally where the thumb rests for right-handed users or the index finger for left-handed users. However, because of the low-powered MT6739WW processor, there is a distinct half-second delay between the physical press and the screen waking up. This is not a sensor failure but a processing lag as the CPU ramps up from its sleep state.

Face unlock relies entirely on the 13 MP selfie camera. Since there is no dedicated IR hardware, its reliability drops significantly in low-light environments like a dimly lit bedroom or a bus at night. It is also a 2D software solution, which is inherently less secure than the 3D biometrics found on premium hardware. We recommend sticking to the fingerprint sensor for both speed and security.

For users with wet or sweaty fingers, the capacitive sensor will likely struggle, as is common with this technology. In rainy conditions or after a workout, you will find yourself falling back on the PIN code. This is a standard limitation at the 70 EUR price point, but it's worth noting for those who live in humid climates.

Audio Performance: The Speaker Quality Test

The audio experience on this handset is strictly functional. It features a single loudspeaker, typically located at the bottom of the frame. This mono setup lacks the depth and spatial separation of stereo speakers. At 50% volume, the sound is clear enough for podcasts and voice calls, but as you approach maximum volume, the treble becomes harsh and the thin plastic back panel begins to vibrate.

There is no bass to speak of, which is expected. However, the inclusion of a 3.5mm jack is the saving grace. For those who still use wired headphones, this provides a much higher fidelity audio path than the internal speaker. It also allows the use of the built-in FM radio, a feature that remains vital in many markets where data costs are high or for emergency broadcasts.

Bluetooth 4.2 is present, but it is an older standard. While it will connect to modern wireless earbuds, you won't get the range or the power efficiency of Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.3. If you are a student listening to lectures or someone who mainly takes calls on speakerphone, this will suffice, but it will not serve as a portable jukebox for a room.

The Enthusiast Corner: Custom ROM Potential

For the tech-savvy, the question of 'de-bloating' or installing custom software is often a priority. Unfortunately, the Mediatek MT6739WW is not a friendly platform for the developer community. Historically, Mediatek does not release source code as freely as Qualcomm, making the creation of stable Custom ROMs difficult. Furthermore, the 2GB RAM limitation makes modern versions of LineageOS or Pixel Experience run poorly.

There is some potential for Project Treble and Generic System Images (GSIs), as the phone ships with Android 13. However, the 28nm architecture may not support the necessary driver hooks for a stable GSI experience. Most users will find themselves 'stuck' with the factory software. If you enjoy tinkering with your phone's OS, this is one of the worst candidates on the market.

The bootloader might be unlockable, but with such weak hardware, the performance gains would be marginal. The primary focus for any enthusiast here should be using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to disable pre-installed system apps to free up every possible kilobyte of that 2GB RAM. This is a device designed for the 'as-is' consumer.

Long-Term Support Summary: A Finite Lifecycle

As we look at the landscape in July 2024, the Ultimate U652S represents the absolute floor of the smartphone market. With a 4000 mAh Li-Ion battery, the device should technically last a full day because the screen and processor aren't power-hungry. However, the 28nm efficiency (or lack thereof) means that under heavy load, the battery will drain faster than a modern 6nm chip would.

This is a device with a projected functional life of about 18 to 24 months. Beyond that, the eMMC 5.1 storage will likely slow down due to wear-leveling limits, and the 2GB RAM will become an insurmountable wall as apps like TikTok and YouTube continue to grow in size. It is a disposable piece of technology, designed for a specific budget and a specific, immediate need.

In the final analysis, the Ultimate U652S is a reminder that 'new' does not always mean 'modern'. It is a 2024 phone with the heart of a 2018 budget handset. For those whose budget is strictly capped at 70 EUR, it provides the essentials: a screen, a camera, and a battery. For everyone else, spending even 30 EUR more on a device with 4GB of RAM and a newer chipset will offer a vastly superior return on investment.