The number of Android phones I’ve had on my desk over the years is astounding. In contrast, the number of low-end Android phones that I find worthy of consumers’ money is far less.
So when T-Mobile sent me REVVL 6 Pro for review I assume it’s another Android phone targeting the bottom end of the cost spectrum, this phone joins the long list of “try well” phones that I don’t consider worthy of the number consumer money.
I was surprised.
I want to preface this by saying that the REVVL 6 Pro is a cheap device. Therefore, you cannot expect it to behave like, say, Pixel 6 Pro. It is, in no way, on the same level. Even so, this new device is surprisingly solid. And at a cost of just $219.99 for a 6.82″ screen Android phone, it could be a game changer for many consumers.
Technical parameters
To start, let’s take a look at the REVVL 6 Pro’s specs at what clocks:
- CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 700
- Display: 2.5D Glass, 6.82″ HD + V-notch running at 720p
- RAM: 6GB
- Capacity: 128 GB
- Rear camera: 50MP Main + 5MP Ultra Wide + 2MP Deep and 2MP Macro.
- Front camera: 16M FF.
- Battery: 5000 mAh with wireless charging*.
- USB-C
- NFC: Yes
- Security: Face and fingerprint sensor
- Connectivity: WiFi 2.4G / 5G, 802.11a / b / g / n / ac
- I/O: 3.5mm . headphone jack
- Operating system: Android 12
That’s not a bad set of specs. One of the most important bits on the list is the CPU. MediaTek Dimensity 700 has 8 cores running at 2200 MHz and has AnTuTu benchmark score of 294507. For comparison, Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 has 8 cores at 2200 MHz and AnTuTu score of 254669. Of course, if we compare it with the latest version Snapdragon CPU (8+ Gen 1) with a score of 3120173, it is clear that the REVVL 6 Pro CPU is on the low end of the spectrum. To consider this, AnTuTu score for Pixel 6 Pro CPU is 716898 and current lowest AnTuTu benchmark is Kirin 960 at 58685.
So even though the Dimensity 700 isn’t near the bottom of the barrel, it’s well ahead of the top of the class.
How does it work?
Well, the REVVL 6 Pro doesn’t work like a $219.99 phone. In fact, I intentionally tested the phone for a few days before looking at specs or pricing. Finally, when I skimmed through the information, I was pleasantly surprised. Before I knew what I was dealing with, I placed the REVVL 6 Pro at the mid-range price of the Android spectrum. When it became clear that I was dealing with a really budget-friendly device, the lag I detected in the user interface was suddenly not an issue.
If the REVVL 6 Pro were a true mid-range or flagship phone, I would immediately dismiss it as a non-booting phone. However, at $219.99, this phone is a steal. It runs great, offers all-day battery life, gives you plenty of internal storage, has a brilliant display (despite the rather low resolution), and (to my surprise) doesn’t include the same our level of bloatware. all expect from such devices.
In fact, regarding the user interface, the REVVL 6 Pro feels very similar to the Pixel 6 Pro. It’s clean and close to the direct Android experience I’ve come to trust from Google’s Pixel devices. So if you are a pure Android lover, REVVL 6 Pro will not disappoint you.
When I continued to compare with Pixel 6 Pro, I noticed that the size of the device competing with my mobile phone is very similar (Figure 1).
My Pixel 6 Pro is on the left and REVVL 6 Pro is on the right. Image: Jack Wallen
I’ll admit that I’m not a huge fan of giant phones. It took me quite a while to get used to the size of the Pixel 6 Pro, and I still want to go back to smaller devices. That said, if you prefer a larger device, the REVVL 6 Pro will help you. Another nice thing about the REVVL 6 Pro is that it doesn’t (in any way) feel cheap. In fact, the build quality of this device far exceeds its price point. This phone is built like a tank.
Wireless charging
Although the REVVL 6 Pro lists it as able to charge wirelessly, I couldn’t get it to work with my Pixel Stand. I’m not sure if that’s a result of using the Pixel Stand or wireless charging simply not working on my review device. And since the Pixel Stand is the only wireless charging station I own, I have no way of verifying this. Even so, the phone still lists that it supports the feature.
Camera
These days, you just can’t get through with a shoddy camera. People love to take pictures with their devices and the second time a company rolls out a phone with a bad camera, they end up killing themselves. In this area, I have two benchmarks – Pixel 6 Pro (at the top) and Essential PH-1 (at the bottom).
I can happily say that REVVL lives normally in between those two devices. And while the REVVL 6 Pro can’t stand up to the great camera in the Pixel 6 Pro, it’s not as bad.
The REVVL 6 Pro camera doesn’t include a Portrait mode and instead opts for a mode they call Live Focus. This allows you to adjust the fake depth of field effect. I found the Live Focus to be very sloppy, but with some careful settings (and good lighting) you can get pretty dramatic effects (Figure 2).
The REVVL 6 Pro Live Focus captured a pretty impressive image of my Audioengine A2+ speakers. Image: Jack Wallen
Who is REVVL 6 Pro for?
This is easy. If you are on a tight budget and are looking for an Android phone that can serve you well, the REVVL 6 Pro might be exactly what you are looking for. It can also become an ideal phone for teenagers. However, if you demand high performance from your phone, look elsewhere as it is nowhere near the flagship level. But the T Mobile REVVL 6 Pro is a very impressive device, with a price tag of $219.99.
