Kata M2L Review

Introduction

The first LTE device from Kata is the third generation of the M series. While it does not follow the original design of the first 2 M series, Kata M2L also known as M2 LTE has 5.5-inch display.

Recall that the M series of Kata are the series with bigger screen coupled with big battery capacity also. The M1 had the biggest display of 5.7-inch and a super huge battery of 4,000mAh, while the M2 started the 5.5-inch display and smaller battery of 2,300mAH. Both had great cameras specially the one in the rear.
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Design and construction

I have to applaud Kata in coming up with an impressive design for the M2L, the curved edges with metal band looks decent. Look at it from a distance and you might have mistaken it to an iPhone 6 Plus. No kidding.

Like they always do, the Kata M2L has its buttons placed in standard locations — power button on the right, on the left side, is the volume rocker. They put the micro-USB port on top and the 3.5-mm audio port. At the bottom is the speaker grill which means, audio playback will have no issue even if you put the M2l flat facing on any surface.

There are two colors available, the blue-grey and white. I like the white better because it looks neat, while the blue-grey looks boring. You can go to the stores to check your color preference.

Kata M2L Display and UI

The 5.5-inch inch has 1280 x 720 HD display and colors are bright and no viewing angle issues. The large display is also good on Youtube playbacks, Netflix and iFlix.

The UI has the simplest layout you will get. Kata has never changed this across all models of smartphones they have. This can be both a good and a bad thing. Good because it does not have unnecessary whatnots installed, bad because it tends to be boring over time.

Performance

This is where you will think a little bit more before you get your money from your pocket. The M2L is powered by a mid-range CPU, an MTK 6735P with 64-bit quad-core processor running 1.3Ghz and is paired with 1Gb of RAM only.

So the slow performance is really noticeable. You can’t quickly start the camera for example to take a shot. You have to wait a little while.

Battery

The 3,000mAH battery will last you one whole day in the office, and will still play Spotify playlist until you get home. If you are not a power user, you will have to charge the phone by around 10PM. On the other hand, if you abuse it, the battery dies after five hours of heavy usage.

Conclusion

I think it’s time for Kata to invest in their own UI or perhaps design their own themes so that the next Kata smartphone would no longer have the same UI again and again. Also, the RAM must be upgraded to. Current players in the market outs their models with 3Gb of RAM already. Other features such as NFC and fingerprint would be welcomed as well.

The M2L is a decent smartphone, but it is not for the power users. It can carry out daily tasks like calls and text, Internet browsing on LTE is superb, cameras are quite decent and audios are clear.

Kata M2L enjoys global warranty as well, so if you got your unit in Hong Kong and you encounter problem while in Canada, Kata will honor its warranty in the country where they are present.

Kata M2L is just the beginning of more LTE devices from Kata. With affordable pricing coupled with simple UI and LTE, Kata M2L can make your best companion.

See also: Kata M2L unboxing and initial review
Related: Kata M2L Unboxing video.

Disclosure: Kata is an advertiser in this site