Meizu M5 Unpacking Features Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Meizu M5 features a sophisticated design that combines both aesthetics and functionality. With its dimensions of 147.3 x 72.8 x 8.2 mm and a weight of 138 grams, the phone is relatively light and comfortable to hold. The device sports a glass front coupled with an aluminum back and frame, providing a premium look and feel that is uncommon for devices in its price range.

Display

The Meizu M5 is equipped with a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, which offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi, which provides clear and vibrant visuals. The screen-to-body ratio of 69.5% ensures that the viewer receives an immersive viewing experience, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and regular use.

Performance

Under the hood, the Meizu M5 runs on a Mediatek MT6750 chipset with an octa-core CPU comprising 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53. The Mali-T860MP2 GPU handles graphic tasks efficiently, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

Memory and Storage

The device is available in two variants: one with 16GB of internal storage paired with 2GB RAM, and another with 32GB of storage complemented by 3GB RAM. There is also the option to expand storage via a microSDXC card slot, though it shares the same slot as the second SIM card, which makes it a hybrid solution for those needing additional space.

Camera Capability

Photography enthusiasts will find the Meizu M5's camera capabilities to be impressive for its class. The main camera boasts a 13 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and PDAF for quick and accurate focusing. It also features a Dual-LED dual-tone flash for improved low-light photography. The device supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second.

On the front, the device houses a 5 MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture, also capable of recording videos in 1080p at 30fps, suitable for video calls and selfies.

Battery Life

The Meizu M5 is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3070 mAh battery. Given the moderate specifications and screen resolution, the device offers a commendable endurance rating of up to 76 hours. This means users can comfortably get through a day or more of normal usage without necessitating a recharge.

Operating System and Software

The Meizu M5 operates on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) complemented by Flyme 6.3 OS, Meizu's custom user interface. Flyme OS is known for its intuitive design and additional features that enhance user experience. Although Android 6.0 is not the latest version, Flyme’s regular updates provide additional features and security improvements over time.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the Meizu M5 supports multiple network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. It offers speedy connectivity options thanks to LTE with bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, and 40 being supported. For local wireless connectivity, it is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band support, as well as Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE.

Additionally, the device includes GPS and GLONASS for location services. However, it lacks NFC and FM radio capabilities. The device uses microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging, which is typical for phones released during its time.

Security and Additional Features

The device includes a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, which offers quick and secure access. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, which work together to enhance the phone's usability and responsiveness.

Audio and Sound Quality

The Meizu M5 comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, thus providing flexibility for audio output. The loudspeaker provides a decent sound profile suitable for media playback. The audio output quality is reinforced by good audio measurements: -93.3dB for noise and -92.2dB for crosstalk. This ensures a satisfactory audio performance whether using speakers or headphones.

Colors and Variants

The Meizu M5 is available in several attractive colors including Mint Green, Glacier White, Champagne Gold, Sapphire Blue, and Matte Black. This range allows users to choose the color that best fits their personal style.

Overall Impression

The Meizu M5 offers a balanced package that includes a premium design, decent performance, and satisfactory features for an affordable price point. It provides value for those looking for a smartphone that covers all basic needs with additional flair in design and camera capability. For users who prioritize affordability and moderate specs over having the latest technology, the Meizu M5 is a solid choice.