Meizu MX 4Core Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network Technology

The Meizu MX 4-core supports GSM / HSPA network technologies, making it compatible with a wide range of mobile networks. It offers multiple 2G and 3G bands, including GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100. This flexibility allows for better connectivity and roaming capabilities, providing users with reliable communication services. The device supports HSPA speeds up to 21.1 Mbps for downloads and 5.76 Mbps for uploads, ensuring efficient mobile internet access.

Launch and Availability

The Meizu MX 4-core was announced in April 2012, with its official release occurring in August 2012. Despite its initial popularity due to its competitive specifications and pricing, it has since been discontinued. This makes it a unique device for technology enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the history and evolution of Meizu’s product line.

Body and Design

The physical dimensions of the Meizu MX 4-core are 121.3 x 63.3 x 10.3 mm, giving it a compact form factor that fits comfortably in the hand. Weighing 139 grams, it is relatively lightweight, contributing to its portability. The device features a Micro-SIM slot, aligning with standard practices during its time of release. Its design offers a range of colors for the phone's back, including white, green, blue, pink, and violet, with a consistent black front, allowing for personal customization.

Display Characteristics

The Meizu MX 4-core boasts a 4.0-inch ASV display with a resolution of 640 x 960 pixels, providing clear and bright visual output with a pixel density of approximately 288 ppi. This results in sharp and vibrant images, making it suitable for media consumption and everyday smartphone tasks. The screen’s design occupies about 62.0% of the device's front area, balancing between display size and body comfort.

Platform and Performance

Running on the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system, the Meizu MX 4-core offers a user-friendly interface and access to a wide array of applications. It is powered by an Exynos chipset with a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, accompanied by a Mali-400 GPU. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and adequate performance for applications and media, though it may struggle with more demanding modern applications.

Memory and Storage

The device is available in two internal storage options: 32GB and 64GB, paired with 1GB of RAM. Although it lacks a card slot, which restricts external storage options, its initial storage offerings were competitive for the time. The available memory is sufficient for managing operating system requirements, applications, and user data, though power users might find it limiting over time.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Meizu MX 4-core features an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus capabilities. It includes an LED flash for enhanced low-light photography. The main camera also shoots 1080p video at 30fps, offering satisfactory quality for capturing moments. The front-facing VGA camera serves basic needs for video calls and selfies, appropriate for its release era.

Sound and Audio

Equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Meizu MX 4-core supports a versatile range of audio outputs. This allows users to listen to music or engage in calls hands-free. The audio quality tests show a voice output at 68dB, noise at 65dB, and ring at 75dB, sufficient for everyday use.

Communication and Connectivity

The device offers several communication options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR. GPS support is available with A-GPS for enhanced location services, though the device does not feature an FM radio. The inclusion of microUSB 2.0 (with MHL TV-out and OTG support) expands its connectivity and adaptability, allowing for interaction with various devices and peripherals.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Meizu MX 4-core is equipped with an array of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These enhance its functionality in navigation, gaming, and context-aware applications. While not exhaustive by today's standards, these features were fairly advanced for the time.

Battery Life and Endurance

Powering the device is a non-removable Li-Po 1700 mAh battery, providing an endurance rating of approximately 38 hours. Battery performance varies with usage, but its capacity should support a typical day’s worth of moderate smartphone activity, such as calling, texting, and light internet browsing.

Miscellaneous Details

Initially priced around 310 EUR, the Meizu MX 4-core offered a balanced price-to-performance ratio. The device's color options allowed for personal style preferences, catering to a diverse user base. While newer models have since surpassed its specifications, it remains a testament to Meizu's commitment to delivering innovative and affordable technology.

Conclusion

In summary, the Meizu MX 4-core was a commendable effort by Meizu to deliver a competitive smartphone experience during its time. It balanced performance, design, and functionality, appealing to users seeking a reliable device at an accessible price point. Although it has been discontinued, its legacy continues to reflect the dynamic advancements within the smartphone industry.