Meizu MX Comprehensive Review of Features Pricing and Performance

Introduction to Meizu MX

The Meizu MX, launched in 2011 and released in March 2012, stands out as a distinctive offering in the smartphone market of its time. With Meizu aiming to make a mark, the MX was crafted with an emphasis on performance and design, positioned as a competitive device around a price point of approximately 270 EUR. This review analyzes the specifications and features that made the Meizu MX a noteworthy device during its era.

Network Technologies

The Meizu MX was equipped to support a range of GSM and HSPA frequencies. It provided connectivity across the GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands, as well as HSDPA bands at 850/900/1700/1900/2100. With HSPA speeds of 21.1/5.76 Mbps, users experienced reliable connection speed for the standards of its release time.

Body & Design

Design-wise, the Meizu MX showcases compact dimensions at 121.3 x 63.3 x 10.3 mm, weighing 139 grams. The build quality features a solid and ergonomic design aimed at enhancing usability and providing a comfortable one-hand operation. Despite its smaller screen-to-body ratio of approximately 62.0%, the device maintained a sleek appearance with its micro-SIM compatibility.

Display Characteristics

The Meizu MX came with a 4.0-inch ASV display with a resolution of 640 x 960 pixels, translating to a pixel density of around 288 ppi. This provided users with clear visuals, even though the contrast ratios of 708:1 (nominal) and 1.221:1 (sunlight) weren't class-leading, they were adequate for indoor and moderate outdoor use during its time.

Platform & Performance

Under the hood, the Meizu MX operated on Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread initially, with an upgrade option to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The device was powered by an Exynos chipset, comprising a dual-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a Mali-400 GPU which attended to everyday smartphone tasks efficiently, although it couldn't handle high-end gaming or intensive processing with similar ease as today's standards.

Memory and Storage

The device was restricted to 16GB of internal storage, paired with 1GB of RAM, and lacked a memory card slot, thus requiring prudent management of storage. During its release, this was a common standard and was sufficient for moderate usage scenarios involving apps, photos, and music storage.

Camera Functionality

The Meizu MX featured an 8 MP main camera, equipped with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus, complemented by an LED flash for low-light scenarios. It supported 1080p video recording at 30fps, a significant offering for users interested in basic photography and videography. The front VGA camera catered to video calls and basic selfies but lacked quality compared to modern smartphones.

Audio and Sound Quality

Sound-wise, the device supported stereo speakers and included a 3.5mm headphone jack, delivering satisfactory audio performance for both calls and media playback. Its loudspeaker capabilities were decent with voice, noise, and ring sound levels measured at 66dB, 64dB, and 72dB respectively, offering clear audio output in quiet environments.

Connectivity Features

The connectivity suite featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, and GPS with A-GPS for navigation services. While it lacked FM radio, the device supported microUSB 2.0 with MHL TV-out and OTG, enhancing its connectivity with other devices.

Sensor and Additional Features

For user interaction and functionality, the MX came equipped with various sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enabled responsive performance and augmented user interaction with the device.

Battery Life

The smartphone was powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 1600 mAh battery. Though limited by contemporary standards, it provided an endurance rating of 39 hours, which was manageable given the device's power efficiency and usage expectations.

Color Options and Availability

Available in classic Black and White colors, the device received positive reception for its clean aesthetics. Though discontinued, the Meizu MX marked a pivotal point in Meizu's journey as they sought to expand their footprint in the international mobile market.

Conclusion

Overall, the Meizu MX was a compelling choice for consumers in the early 2010s, offering a commendable balance of performance, design, and functionality for its price range. While it may not stack up against today's technological advancements, its contribution to the smartphone landscape remains appreciated by users and enthusiasts alike.