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Verdict
It's amazing how much bang you can get for your buck these days. While the Wileyfox Swift 2 isn't in the same ballpark as the Samsung Galaxy S8 or LG G6, if you run down the spec list there is – on paper, at least – very little difference between them in terms of features.
The Swift 2 has Android Nougat, NFC, expandable storage, Quick Charge 3.0 and a half-decent screen, all encased in a premium-feel aluminium frame.
It lacks waterproofing, the battery life is average and the camera is disappointing in low-light situations, but it's hard to shake the feeling that the Swift 2 is punching well above its weight in practically every other department – especially for the £159 price tag.
Who’s this for?
Wileyfox isn't content with simply being a budget brand – it wants to create objects of desire that stand out against the other "me too" low-cost blowers.
With that in mind, it's fair to say that the Swift 2 is aimed at the more discerning budget shopper, the individual who craves the kind of design and feature set normally reserved for top-line handsets but lacks the funds to purchase the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy offering.
Should you buy it?
If you're limited by your funds then the Wileyfox Swift 2 is a solid option. You can take reasonably good photos, make contactless payments and expand the amount of storage available, as well as play 3D games and watch HD movies – all without any dips in performance.
When you consider the gulf in price between the Swift 2 and the best Android phones available, it's tremendous value for money.
If you're considering the Wileyfox Swift 2 there are a number of similarly affordable and full-featured phones you might want to consider instead, including the following three.
Moto G5
Motorola's Moto G series is perhaps the best-known in the budget Android sector, and with good reason – it has consistently tried to offer an agreeable experience at a reasonable price.
This latest offering lacks NFC, but does include a fingerprint scanner, powerful specs and a 1080p screen, wrapped up in a partially metal shell. It’s also ever so slightly pricier than the Wileyfox Swift 2, but just as good value for money.
- Read our full Moto G5 review
LG X Screen
Innovation is usually lacking at the budget end of the smartphone spectrum, which is why the X Screen is such a refreshing change, as it offers a second screen for displaying key bits of information.
It might seem a bit gimmicky, but - combined with slick performance - it makes up for the poor front-facing camera and questionable design.
- Read our full LG X Screen review
Honor 5C
The Honor 5C trumps the Swift 2 by offering a 1080p screen and powerful internals, especially for the price, which is actually marginally lower than the Swift 2 at £150.
It falls down when it comes to camera performance, as like the Swift 2, this handset really struggles in low-light conditions.
- Read our full Honor 5C review
First reviewed: April 2017
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