Meizu M5s Specs Pricing and Performance Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Meizu M5s boasts a sleek and refined design with its dimensions measuring 148.2 x 72.5 x 8.4 mm and a weight of 143 grams. The device is comfortable to hold, thanks to its slim profile and smooth edges. It's offered in four elegant color choices: Champagne Gold, Rose Gold, Stay Gray, and Moonlight Silver, catering to various aesthetic preferences. The phone's build quality is quite robust for its price range, featuring a metal unibody that adds a premium feel and enhances durability.

Display

The Meizu M5s features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, providing a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a density of approximately 282 pixels per inch. The screen-to-body ratio of around 69.4% ensures a decent viewing experience without making the device too bulky. The display is bright with a contrast ratio of 955:1 (nominal) and performs reasonably well under sunlight with a contrast reading of 2.580. This makes it suitable for outdoor usage, although the resolution may seem low to users accustomed to Full HD displays.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek MT6753 chipset and an octa-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, the Meizu M5s delivers moderate performance. The Mali-T720MP2 GPU handles graphics tasks, making it capable of running basic games and applications smoothly. With 3GB of RAM, multitasking is managed reasonably well for everyday use, although the device may struggle under heavy load or with high-demand applications. The phone was tested with Basemark OS II 2.0 yielding a score of 781, and a Basemark X score of 4646, indicating its capability to handle standard operations effectively.

Camera

The Meizu M5s is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera featuring an f/2.2 aperture and phase detection autofocus (PDAF), accompanied by a dual-LED dual-tone flash. This setup is competent for capturing decent photos in well-lit conditions, rendering clear and vibrant images. The rear camera supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. On the front, the device sports a 5 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture, suitable for selfies and basic video calls, although performance in low-light conditions might be limited.

Battery Life

Featuring a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, the Meizu M5s provides a satisfactory battery life for typical daily usage. The device supports 24W wired charging, allowing for quick recharge times, which is a significant advantage for users on the go. The endurance rating of 56 hours indicates that the phone can last through a heavy day of usage on a single charge, although performance may vary depending on individual usage patterns.

Storage and Memory

The Meizu M5s offers two internal storage options: 16GB and 32GB, both coupled with 3GB RAM. The limited internal storage might be a concern for users with extensive app and media libraries. However, the device includes a microSDXC card slot that uses a shared SIM slot, allowing for storage expansion, albeit at the expense of dual SIM functionality.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow and skinned with Meizu's Flyme 5.2, the user interface is intuitive, offering a customized Android experience. The Flyme OS is known for its rich features and customization options, though users might miss some of the newer features available in more recent Android versions. The user interface is generally smooth and responsive, with occasional stutters under heavy multitasking.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Meizu M5s supports a variety of connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band capability, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE, GPS with GLONASS, and a microUSB 2.0 port. However, it lacks NFC and FM radio support, which might be limiting for some users. The device includes essential sensors such as a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enhancing the overall usability.

Sound and Audio Quality

The device hosts a loudspeaker that delivers decent audio quality with voice, noise, and ring levels measuring 65dB, 69dB, and 84dB, respectively. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired headphones. The audio quality in terms of noise stands at -91.3dB, with crosstalk at -86.1dB, providing a satisfactory auditory experience for regular use.

Price and Availability

Initially launched in February 2017, the Meizu M5s was priced at approximately 130 EUR, reflecting a competitive pricing strategy aimed at the budget-conscious segment. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued, making it available only through secondhand markets or specific retailers who might still have stock.

Conclusion

The Meizu M5s is a balanced blend of design, functionality, and cost-effectiveness, well-suited for users looking for a reliable device for everyday use without breaking the bank. While it may not boast the most cutting-edge features or specifications, its robust build quality, decent camera performance, and efficient battery charging make it a worthy contender in the entry-level smartphone market from its time. However, for users seeking the latest and most advanced technology, exploring more recent models would be advisable.