Meizu V8 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Meizu V8

The Meizu V8, launched in September 2018, is an affordable smartphone designed to offer users essential features without breaking the bank. It combines functionality with a streamlined design and provides a reliable platform for modern communication needs. In this article, we will dive deep into the various aspects of the Meizu V8, exploring its specifications, performance, and how it stands against competitors in the budget smartphone market.

Design and Build

The Meizu V8 sports a slim profile with dimensions of 148 x 73 x 8.4 mm and a weight of 145 grams. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. It is constructed with an emphasis on durability, featuring a plastic body available in classic Black and White colors. Its design esthetic is minimalistic yet practical, with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor adding a layer of security without cluttering the device's appearance.

Display

The smartphone features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD screen. The display has a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 18:9, providing a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi. This setup is quite common in the budget segment and delivers decent clarity and color reproduction for everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, and viewing multimedia content. The screen-to-body ratio is about 77.6%, offering ample screen space for users.

Performance and Hardware

The Meizu V8 is powered by the MediaTek MT6739 chipset built on a 28 nm process. The CPU is a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53, paired with a PowerVR GE8100 GPU. While this hardware configuration is not designed for heavy gaming or multitasking, it provides sufficient performance for routine smartphone activities like social media usage, streaming, and basic gaming. The device comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC slot.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 8.0 (Oreo) with Flyme UI on top, the Meizu V8 offers a user-friendly experience. Flyme UI is Meizu's custom skin that adds a unique visual and functional layer over the standard Android experience. It includes several usability enhancements and customization options, enabling users to tailor their experience to suit their preferences.

Camera Capabilities

This phone is equipped with a single 13 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/2.2. It includes features like autofocus, dual-LED dual-tone flash, and panorama mode. The camera can record videos at 1080p@30fps, sufficient for casual photography and capturing memorable moments. For selfies and video calls, the device comes with a 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/1.9 aperture.

Battery Life

The Meizu V8 houses a non-removable Li-Ion 3200 mAh battery. This capacity is generally adequate for a full day of moderate use, thanks to the energy-efficient hardware and software optimizations. However, heavy users may need to recharge by the evening. No fast charging feature is included, so replenishing the battery will take some time.

Connectivity

The smartphone supports a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2, and positioning systems like GPS and GLONASS. It, however, lacks NFC and radio features, which might be a downside for users relying on these technologies. The device has a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Network and Communication

The Meizu V8 is equipped with dual SIM slots, supporting Nano-SIMs with dual stand-by functionality. It is compatible with GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, offering comprehensive 2G, 3G, and 4G connectivity options, including specific bands for China.

Sensors and Extras

Aside from the fingerprint sensor for enhanced security, the Meizu V8 also includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors support a host of applications, enhancing the overall functionality of the phone.

Pricing and Availability

Upon its release, the Meizu V8 was priced at approximately 100 EUR, targeting budget-conscious consumers with its competitive pricing and value proposition. Given its affordability combined with essential smartphone features, it appealed particularly to users seeking basic smartphone functionality without the premium price tag.

Conclusion

The Meizu V8 is a balanced budget smartphone that satisfies basic communication and multimedia needs. While it lacks some modern features like fast charging and NFC, its efficient design, adequate performance, and reasonable price offer a considerable value for those in the market for a cost-effective smartphone solution. For users looking for a simple, reliable mobile device, the Meizu V8 presents itself as a sound option.