What Hi-Fi? Verdict
The X-Fi2 2 represents decent value, but nothing more. There’s definitely room for improvement, even at this price
Pros
- +
Price
- +
large colourful menu system
- +
long battery life
Cons
- -
Sluggish touchscreen
- -
music lacks clarity and detail
- -
cramped screen when watching video
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With Apple around, it can be difficult for other brands to get noticed, but compared to its rivals, the Creative's apparent value seems obvious.
That said, while the X-Fi2 is relatively cheap, it feels it too: its 3in touchscreen is somewhat small, and very frustrating to operate.
Your finger has to work overtime to scroll through menus, and it takes a very firm prod to select the icon you're after.
On the plus side, the 32GB of storage is expandable via a microSD card, and the Zen will support MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC music, plus WMV9, MPEG-4, DivX and JPEG video files.
Other features include an integrated FM radio with 32 presets plus a built-in voice recorder.
Struggles with audio and video
However, while the supplied headphones deliver decent weight and force, the cloudy presentation subdues any sonic sparkle, even after upgrading to a better set of in-ears.
The X-Fi2 struggles with video too, due to the cramped confines of the small screen. Colours appear reasonably judged, but overall the image suffers from a lack of clarity.
Yes, Creative should be afforded a little leeway given its price, but its performance and operational flaws still add up to a mediocre player.
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