The Unihertz Titan 2 Elite, priced at $489.99, aims to invoke nostalgia for QWERTY phone enthusiasts. However, after two weeks of testing, it became clear that its drawbacks overshadow its retro charm, compelling a return to more modern devices like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
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The Titan 2 Elite features a cramped keyboard that hinders effective typing, compounded by a small 4.03-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 by 1,200 pixels. Battery life is notably short, with the device lasting just over 10 hours on a video streaming test, which pales in comparison to competitors such as the Galaxy A37, which lasted nearly 16 hours. Additionally, its performance is lackluster, with Geekbench scores of 1,033 for single-core and 3,184 for multi-core, ranking it lower than its rivals.
In design, the Titan 2 Elite resembles past BlackBerry models, particularly the Passport and Classic. Its dimensions are 4.64 by 2.95 by 0.41 inches and it weighs 5.75 ounces, making it lighter than many modern smartphones. However, it lacks durability features such as an IP rating for water and dust resistance, making it unsuitable for outdoor use.
The device's autocorrect system proved frustrating, requiring adjustments through the settings to disable unwanted corrections. The keyboard itself, while nostalgic in feel, results in numerous typographical errors due to its size. Despite offering some advanced input features, using the on-screen keyboard diminishes an already small display.
Display performance is subpar outdoors, with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, while the more significant screen real estate of competitors makes for a better viewing experience. The Titan 2 Elite's camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP telephoto lens, but results are unremarkable, often producing suboptimal color reproduction and clarity.
Audio quality from the speakers is poor, with recordings lacking depth and detail, suggesting a preference for headphones for any audio experience. Connectivity options include support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6, but users may be left disappointed by the overall lack of advanced features found in similarly priced devices.
The Titan 2 Elite runs Android 16 and promises five years of software updates, but this is overshadowed by the more competitive commitments from brands like Samsung and Google.
In summary, the Unihertz Titan 2 Elite offers a brief nostalgia trip that doesn't translate into practical usability. With its cramped keyboard, small display, limited performance, and mediocre battery life, users would likely find greater satisfaction in other options like the Samsung Galaxy A37, which stands out for its overall features at a similar price point.