Meizu m3 note camera specifications. Detailed review of Meizu M3 Note. Information about the make, model, and alternative names of the specific device, if available.

Meizu Technology Co., Ltd. or simply " Meizu» is a Chinese company producing digital electronic devices, is based in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province China. Meizu is also in the top ten the best manufacturers in China. And received wide recognition in European countries after the presentation Meizu smartphone MX 2. This monster was simply the crowning achievement of Meizu Technology, after a dozen unsuccessful attempts to expand beyond China.

Meizu did not stop at models MX they also have a line that is far from worse M. Which in April 2016 was replenished with another model called: M3 Note, we were all waiting for it with impatience after we got acquainted and played enough with the younger brother Meizu M2 Note. Its sales, according to the manufacturer, have amounted to more than two tens of millions of devices since last summer. Meizu obviously expects that the M3 Note smartphone will, if not surpass, then at least repeat the success of its predecessor.

Specifications Meizu M3 Note

Model: M3 Note (M681H)
OS: Android 5.1 (Lollipop) with Flyme OS 5.1.3.1G shell
Processor: 64-bit MediaTek Helio P10 (MT6755), ARM architecture v8, 8 cores ARM Cortex-A53 (4x1.8 GHz + 4x1.0 GHz)
Graphics coprocessor: ARM Mali-T860 MP2 (550 MHz)
RAM: 2 GB/3 GB LPDDR3 (933 MHz, single channel)
Storage Memory: 16GB/32GB, eMMC 5.1, card support microSD memory/HC/XC (up to 128 GB)
Interfaces: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.0 (LE), microUSB (USB 2.0) for charging/syncing, USB-OTG, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Screen: capacitive touch, IPS LTPS (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) matrix, GFF (full lamination), 5.5-inch diagonal, resolution 1920x1080 pixels, pixel density per inch 403 ppi, brightness 450 cd/sq. m, contrast ratio 1000:1, protective glass NEG 2.5D T2X-1
Main camera: 13 MP, PureCel matrix, OmniVision OV13853, optical size 1/3.06 inches, pixel size 1.12 microns, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, 5-element lens, f/2.2 aperture, phase detection (PDAF) autofocus, dual dual-color flash, 1080p@30fps video
Front camera: 5 MP, BSI sensor, Samsung S5K5E8 or OmniVision OV5670 PureCel, optical size (1/5 inch), 1.12 µm pixel size, 4-element lens, f/2.0 aperture
Network: GSM/GPRS/EDGE (900/1800/1900 MHz), WCDMA/HSPA+ (900/2100 MHz), 4G FDD-LTE (1800/2100/2600 MHz)
SIM card format: nanoSIM (4FF)
Slot tray configuration: nanoSIM + nanoSIM, or nanoSIM + microSD/HD/XC
Navigation: GPS/GLONASS, A-GPS
Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, Hall sensor, light and proximity sensors (infrared), fingerprint scanner
Battery: non-removable, lithium polymer, 4,100 mAh
Colors: dark grey, silver, gold
Dimensions: 153.6x75.5x8.2 mm
Weight: 163 grams

Design, ergonomics

When creating the M3 Note, the designers seem to have taken their inspiration from Meizu's older models from last year, in particular the MX5 and Pro 5 smartphones.

Thus, for the manufacture of the all-metal body of the new product, also known as unibody, we chose an aviation aluminum-magnesium alloy of the 6000 series.

To prevent the smartphone antennas from being shielded by metal, two inserts made of radio-transparent material were provided, separating them from the aluminum alloy with raised strips. The dimensions of the new product have not changed very significantly compared to the M2 Note - 153.6x75.5x8.2 mm versus 150.7x75.2x8.7 mm. Well, the weight has predictably increased due to the more capacious battery - 163 g versus 149 g.

Let us remind you that in its predecessor they were content with glossy colored plastic for the body and only matte polycarbonate was used for the gray color.

At the time of testing, two color options for the anodized coating of the M3 Note cases were offered for sale: silver (with a black or white front panel) and gray (with a black or white front panel).

The entire front surface of the M2 Note, including the screen, is covered protective glass, which was chosen as Dinorex 2.5D T2X-1 from Nippon Electric Glass (NEG).

The 2.5D effect consists of a smooth “rounding” of this glass along the perimeter of the front panel.

Above the display, with traditionally narrow side frames,

the speaker grille is located, surrounded by the lens front camera(left), light and proximity sensors, and LED indicator (right). The latter does not seem to be used by the standard smartphone tools.

Below the display there is a mechanical key with a built-in fingerprint scanner mTouch 2.1, which looks very similar to mBack, which first appeared in the M2 Note smartphone. From the latter it also inherited its basic functionality. So, a normal touch (tap) of this button activates the “Back” function, a short press with a hardware “click” returns to main screen(“Home”), and a long press (and hold) turns off the screen backlight. But the “Recent Applications” button is replaced by swiping up from the bottom edge of the display. After a short period of getting used to, this control scheme becomes very convenient.

On the right edge, in a small recess, there is a volume rocker and a power/lock button.

The left edge is occupied by a closed slot with a double tray, which can accommodate either two subscriber identification modules of the nanoSIM format, or the place of the second one will be taken by a microSD memory expansion card. To open the combination tray lock, you will need a special tool. As before, a thin paper clip can be used as it. Unfortunately, during the production of the device (at least our test unit), the size of the tray and the slot for it were not adjusted perfectly, as a result of which the tray rattles slightly if you shake the smartphone.

The hole for the second microphone (for noise reduction and sound recording) and the 3.5 mm audio headset connector remain on the top end.

The microUSB connector between two mounting screws at the bottom end is framed by decorative grilles (four round holes in each). At the same time, a “conversational” microphone is hidden under the left, and a “multimedia” speaker is hidden under the right.

On the rear panel, the first thing that catches your eye are the relief strips separating the metal from the radio-transparent plastic,

and just like the Pro 5, the stylized Meizu logo is moved closer to the main camera lens and dual two-color LED flash.

Despite the 5.5-inch screen diagonal, new smartphone, however, like the M2 Note, it is comfortable and easy to hold in your hand.

In addition, the slightly rough surface of the metal rear panel is pleasant to the touch.

Screen, camera, sound

The M3 Note screen uses a 5.5-inch IPS matrix, on which, with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (Full HD) and a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, the pixel density per inch according to the passport is 403 ppi. For its manufacture, LTPS (Low Temperature Poly Silicon) technology is used, since replacing amorphous silicon with polycrystalline silicon ultimately allows for wider viewing angles (up to 178 degrees), a better color palette, lower power consumption and response time. In turn, the GFF (Glass-to-Film-to-Film) full lamination technology eliminates the air gap between the display layers, which serves as the basis for good anti-glare properties and reduces the reflection effect. Let us remind you that the entire front panel, including the screen, is covered with NEG 2.5D Dinorex T2X-1 protective glass. They didn’t forget to apply an oleophobic coating to it, which, unlike that used for the M2 Note, is more effective (the glass is very easy to clean and your finger glides over the surface without problems).

Thanks to support for MiraVision 2.0 technology, which balances the best display and power consumption, screen brightness and colors are adjusted dynamically depending on lighting conditions. By the way, the declared contrast is 1000:1, and the maximum brightness is 450 cd/sq.m. At the same time, the backlight level is quite wide range it is proposed to adjust, either according to your own understanding, manually, or automatically (the “Auto-tuning” option), based on information from the light sensor. Multi-touch technology allows you to process up to ten simultaneous clicks on a capacitive screen, which is confirmed by the results of the AntTuTu Tester program. The settings also add the ability to adjust color temperature, so you can make the colors warmer or, conversely, cooler to suit your taste. Along with large viewing angles, a fairly high-quality anti-reflective coating is provided, so that even in the bright summer sun the image remains readable.

The main camera of the M3 Note has a 13-megapixel BSI matrix (OmniVision OV13853 PureCel, optical size 1/3.06 inches), as well as dual two-color LED flash with different color temperatures. The camera lens with 5-element optics, covered with Corilla Glass 3, has an f/2.2 aperture and fast (0.2 s) phase detection autofocus. The maximum image resolution is achieved with an aspect ratio of 4:3 and is 4208x3120 pixels (13 MP). Examples of photos can be viewed.

The front camera has a 5-megapixel BSI sensor (Samsung S5K5E8 or OmniVision OV5670 PureCel, 1/5-inch optical size) equipped with a wide-angle 4-lens lens with f/2.0 aperture. But autofocus and flash are missing here. The maximum image size in the classic aspect ratio (4:3) is 2592x1944 pixels (5 MP).

Both cameras can record video in Full HD quality (1920x1080 pixels) with a frame rate of 30 fps, while the content is saved in MP4 container files (AVC - video, AAC - audio).

The interface of the Camera application in the M3 Note, compared to that of its predecessor, has been slightly improved, but the main features have changed little. The modes “Auto”, “Manual”, “Portrait”, “Panorama”, “Change focus” and “Slow motion” (4 times, resolution 640x480 pixels, up to 60 minutes) remain in place. At the same time, having removed the “Scanner”, they added “Macro” and “GIF” (up to 6 minutes of animation). In the settings, you can select the HDR mode, as well as decide on the photo size and video quality. Shooting in manual mode (M) involves adjusting the parameters of shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, saturation, white balance, etc. By activating the appropriate option, focus and exposure can be measured separately. In addition, there are almost a dozen image filters at your disposal. It’s convenient to switch the viewfinder from the main camera to the front camera and back using vertical swipes. But the volume rocker (both increasing and decreasing) is also proposed to be used to release the shutter. The manufacturer notes the role of the ISP TrueBright image processor, which allows you to take pictures in low light brighter and clearer. However, even the main camera can hardly boast of special shooting quality in such conditions.

Not only in the placement of the “multimedia” speaker grille, but also in its acoustic capabilities, the M3 Note is practically no different from its predecessor. Established funds smartphones still allow you to listen sound files, for example, with FLAC extensions, created by codecs to compress audio data without losing quality. After connecting the audio headset, you are offered to use a 5-band equalizer with presets and manual setting. Unfortunately, the device does not have a built-in FM tuner. The simple “Dictaphone” makes fairly high-quality monophonic recordings (44.1 kHz), which it stores in MP3 files.

But with playing music via Bluetooth, a small problem emerged - clicks that occur when you take the smartphone in your hand or move it on the table. Apparently, the reason is insufficient shielding of the audio path from static electricity on the case.

Filling, performance

If the M2 Note relied on the 64-bit MediaTek MT6753 platform with eight ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.3 GHz), then for the M3 Note they chose the first-born from the MediaTek Helio P10 family of mid-range chipsets (aka MT6755), designed for according to the manufacturer, for thin smartphones.

This chip is based on an 8-core processor, where four ARM Cortex-A53 cores are clocked at up to 1.8 GHz, and four more at up to 1.0 GHz. At the same time, the 2-core ARM Mali-T860 MP2 (550 MHz) architecture with support for OpenGL ES 3.2 and OpenCL 1.2 is used as a graphics accelerator. The MT6755 chip is manufactured using the new TSMC 28HPC+ (28 nm) process technology, which, according to the manufacturer, has reduced power consumption by 30-35% compared to chips produced in compliance with the “old” 28HPC design standards. In addition, increasing energy efficiency while maintaining sufficient computing power is achieved by automatically adjusting the frequencies of the processor and video accelerator. Helio P10 can work in LTE-TDD, LTE-FDD Cat networks. 6 (300/50 Mbit/s), HSPA+, TD-SCDMA, EDGE, etc., and is also equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 LE and 2-band Wi-Fi interfaces. Among the other proprietary highlights of the MediaTek MT6755, in addition to MiraVision 2.0, it is worth noting the load optimizer for processor cores CorePilot and the heart rate monitoring system (using the camera built into the smartphone) Heart Rate Monitoring.

The basic configuration of the M3 Note is supplemented by LPDDR3 (933 MHz) RAM, which is controlled by a single-channel controller. Note that the smartphone variants with 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage (eMMC 5.1) have 2 GB or 3 GB installed random access memory, respectively. We received a device with a 2 GB/16 GB combination for testing. Judging by the published data, the Helio P10’s performance successfully competes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615/616 chipsets, which does not contradict the results of the tests performed.

The number of “virtual parrots” obtained on the synthetic benchmark AnTuTu Benchmark was obviously predetermined by the selected hardware platform.

The efficiency of using the processor cores (Geekbench 3, Vellamo) of the new smartphone looks quite optimistic, but the estimate of the amount of “horsepower” is not so positive.

On the Epic Citadel visual test settings (High Performance, High Quality and Ultra High Quality), the average frame rate changed as follows - 60.1 fps, 59.8 fps and 41.5 fps, respectively.

On the universal gaming benchmark 3DMark, where the Meizu M3 Note was tested on the recommended Sling Shot set (ES 3.1), a rather modest result of 326 points was recorded. If problems are unlikely to arise with simple games, then in “heavy” games (Asphalt 8: Take Off, World of Tanks Blitz) it is better to limit yourself to medium settings.

In turn, the total number of points scored by the smartphone on the cross-platform benchmark Base Mark OS II was 986.

Of the 16 GB of declared internal memory in the tested model, about 14.56 GB are available, and approximately 9.6 GB are free. At the same time, like the M2 Note, to expand the available storage, it is possible to install a microSD/HC/XC memory card with a maximum capacity of up to 128 GB. True, the dual tray into which the memory card is inserted is universal, and if you take up one place in it, you will have to sacrifice the installation of a second SIM card (nanoSIM format). By the way, you can also expand the built-in memory thanks to the support of USB-OTG technology by connecting external storage.

Similar to its predecessor, the M3 Note's set of wireless communications also includes a dual-band Wi-Fi module 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) and Bluetooth 4.0 (LE).

When installing two nanoSIM cards (4FF format), one radio channel of the device operates with them in Dual mode SIM Dual Standby, in other words, both SIM cards are active, but when one is busy, the other is also unavailable. Both trays in the slot support 4G, while the SIM card for data transfer, as well as the priority network mode, is selected in the corresponding menu. Unfortunately, only two “Russian” FDD-LTE bands are available – b3 (1,800 MHz) and b7 (2,600 MHz). But the most “disruptive”, low-frequency b20 (800 MHz), as before, remained “overboard”. The manufacturer especially emphasizes support for promising VoLTE technology ( Voice over LTE).

The built-in multi-system receiver uses GPS and GLONASS satellites for positioning and navigation, as confirmed by the results of the AndroiTS GPS Test and GPS Test programs. There is also support for A-GPS technology (coordination over Wi-Fi and cellular networks).

The volume of the lithium-polymer battery equipped with the M3 Note (4,100 mAh), compared to its predecessor (3,100 mAh), has increased quite significantly - by about 32% (1,000 mAh). Despite this capacity reserve, the body of the new smartphone has become 0.5 mm thinner. Support fast charging there is no. The smartphone comes with a power adapter (5 V/2 A). It will take about 2 hours to fill the battery to 100% from a level of 15-20%.

We managed to earn an impressive 8,778 points in the AnTuTu Tester battery tests. While the M2 Note was limited to 6,289 points here. When the battery is 100% full, the manufacturer promises up to two days of operation. active mode, or up to 17 hours of video viewing, or up to 36 hours of listening to music. A test set of videos in MP4 format (hardware decoding) and Full HD quality at full brightness played continuously for almost 9.5 hours.

In the “Power Management” settings section, depending on the expected load, you can force the smartphone to switch from “Balanced” mode to “Energy Saving” or “Productive”. In addition, the “Power Consumption Optimization” section suggests not only managing the sleep mode of applications, but also taking advantage of flexible settings to save battery power – “Smart”, “Super” and “Custom”.

Peculiarities software

The M3 Note smartphone runs operating system Android 5.1 (Lollipop), the interface of which is hidden under the proprietary Flyme OS 5.1.3.1G shell. It should be noted here that in latest versions Flyme firmware, including the above, first launch of the application store Google Play(Creation Google account) must be performed on a smartphone with a SIM card installed. This additional device authorization has become one of the new security requirements.

All program shortcuts, folders and widgets in the Flyme launcher are placed directly on the desktop. Swiping down opens the quick settings panel (where a brightness adjustment slider now appears), and swiping up opens recently opened applications.

In the "Special" section capabilities”, as before, possible smartphone control gestures are collected, including the SmartTouch control “ring” (not shown in the screenshot) with adjustable transparency.

IN new version shell, it became possible to split the screen to simultaneously display the work of two applications, however, so far this only applies to the “Settings”, “Video” and “Maps” programs.

Using up to five fingerprints captured on the fast (0.2 second) mTouch 2.1 fingerprint scanner, you can lock not only the screen, but also access to files and applications.

The M3 Note has a minimal set of software installed. From this software, you can highlight a collection of utilities for regular smartphone care, collected in the “Security Center” (virus scan, garbage removal, memory cleaning, energy saving management, etc.), as well as practical tools from the “Useful” application ( “Mirror”, “Flashlight”, “Ruler”, etc.).

Purchase and conclusions

Improvements in Meizu M3 Note, compared to its predecessor M2 Note, affected not only the replacement of plastic with aluminum alloy, but also the functionality of the filling. Now the smartphone, which can have 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory, uses new processor, the battery capacity has increased significantly, and a fast fingerprint scanner has been added. In addition, both trays in the slot support not only LTE technology, but also VoLTE. At the same time, they managed to keep the price of the M3 Note quite attractive: 127 $ for the 2 GB/16 GB version and 157 $ for 3 GB/32 GB (RAM/built-in memory, respectively) -

By using cashback you have the opportunity to save up to 10% on the purchase of goods -

It's hard to tell the M3 Note is made by a Chinese company. Surprisingly, this particular model, according to buyers, is considered the undisputed winner in the budget line. Its stylish design and ease of use have made the gadget a leader. It is worth noting: even experts believe that the model has an optimal balance between price and quality.

The direct competitor of the Meizu device is Xiaomi Redmi Note 3. It is also equipped with a large touch screen. Many position these devices as the most expensive. However, Meizu leads due to its wide functionality and proprietary features, which include, for example, an operating system of its own design, a hardware button and other points.

The attractive price adds to the popularity of this device. The price of the device varies between $150. In reviews, users often say that after reading the characteristics of the gadget, they feel undervalued. So let's check the accuracy of this statement.

Appearance

The Meizu M3 Note phone, frankly speaking, is very similar to the iPhone 6. Buyers have not been surprised by this for a long time, since this company is an imitator of “apple” products. However, it is worth noting that it also produces quite a few gadgets. High Quality. There were reviews online that many users preferred Meizu, although they had the opportunity to purchase a device from Apple.

At first glance, the case creates a feeling of reliability. This is easily explained, since special plastic was used for it. Plastic is also present, but it is used with small inserts at the bottom and top. This is explained by the fact that metal can interfere with the operation of antennas. As for the color, they differ slightly from the metal surface, literally by half a tone. However, this cannot be considered a critical flaw, since it is not noticeable. But if someone still experiences discomfort, then you can always buy a case for the Meizu M3 Note that will hide the plastic inserts. In addition to its aesthetic value, it will do an excellent job with protective functions. Everyone understands perfectly well that a phone in a case is less subject to mechanical stress, thanks to which it retains its original appearance for a long time.

Ergonomics is an important criterion that people pay attention to when choosing a smartphone. This is especially important for those devices that are quite large. Considering that the M3 Note is equipped with a 5.5-inch display, you shouldn’t dream of compact dimensions. Its physical dimensions are 153.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm. Weight can be considered average. The device without a case will tighten by 163 g. However, surprisingly, this does not affect the ease of use at all. Even with its substantial size, the phone fits very well in the hand and practically does not slip. Also, well-chosen ergonomics are indicated by the streamlined edges of the body. The rounded corners of the M3 Note add a distinctive elegance. When you touch the body, pleasant sensations arise. The coating on the back cover is non-staining, so you don’t have to worry about fingerprints constantly accumulating on it.

The line includes three colors: stylish gold (Gold), delicate silver (Silver), masculine dark gray (Space Grey). In light versions, the front panel is decorated in white tones, and in dark ones - in black.

Controls and Connectors

The Meizu M3 Note phone is equipped with all the necessary interfaces. The microUSB connector is located on the bottom end exactly in the center. Here, however, with a shift to the right, you can see the hole for the stereo speaker. Closer to the left side is a conversational microphone. The mini-jack connector is located on the opposite end. According to users, this solution is the most successful, since nothing interferes with listening to music when headphones are connected.

Mechanical control keys are located only on the right side. Here, in principle, everything is quite typical, as for any smartphone. The manufacturer has introduced a convenient lock button, and a volume rocker just above it. The left side edge served as a place to install a special tray. It is used for nano SIM cards and external microSD media. The device picks up 4G perfectly. However, it is worth considering that support for new generation networks can be selected for only one slot, while the second will work in the 2G standard.

The most beautiful side of the phone is the front panel. It is important to pay attention to the fact that you can purchase a case for the Meizu M3 Note that will not hide it. Besides the beautiful big screen, there is a proximity sensor, light sensor, front camera and notification indicator. Next to these elements is a speaker. Below the screen the user will see a multifunctional control panel. It has special key, which is both sensory and mechanical at the same time. “Why is it so difficult?” - you ask. Because it is in this button that a scanner is installed that reads the fingerprint.

On the back side there are functional elements arranged according to a standard layout. There is a two-position LED flash and the main camera lens, which is located in the center. The manufacturer also back cover presented its stylized logo. An indisputable advantage is that the camera lens is somewhat recessed into the body, so if you use a case, it will not be scratched on a hard surface.

A few words about the screen

As mentioned above, Meizu phone The M3 Note features a large touchscreen. Its size is 5.5 inches. The manufacturer did not skimp on manufacturing the display. The user will enjoy the LTPS matrix. The maximum screen capabilities allow you to display images in Full HD quality. By the way, let’s pay attention to one point: this type of matrix is most often used in more expensive gadgets. That is why they are considered high-tech.

In order to understand how quality this display, you need to refer to customer reviews. In them you can find information that the brightness level allows you to comfortably interact with the device both in complete darkness and in bright sunshine. Settings are carried out in automatic mode. There are no comments about it, since it works instantly. In this criterion, the M3 Note model can compete with high-end branded smartphones. The user will also be impressed by the viewing angles. They are as wide as possible, almost close to 180 degrees. With a strong tilt, the contrast level changes very little.

The advantages also include the sensor. It has a clear and fast response. Reacts even to pressure while wearing fabric gloves. For users who type a large number of texts or play modern games, the multi-touch option will be useful. This model supports up to 10 touches.

To protect the screen, the manufacturer used Dinotrail glass. Its properties allow you not to worry about the formation of scratches, chips and other damage. This model also uses one that prevents the accumulation of dirt on the screen and the appearance of glare.

Connection

All users have long been accustomed to the fact that modern mobile devices are a kind of compact computer. However, do not forget that the first purpose is to make calls. Let's look at how communication is implemented in Meizu M3 Note. The characteristics provided by the manufacturer indicate that the device supports the 4G standard. Currently, this criterion plays an important role for most users. The SIM card is inserted into a special tray. You can combine them in two ways. If the user needs to install an external drive, he will have to sacrifice one cellular operator card.

As for signal reception itself, this model boasts average performance. However, in defense, we will say that almost all modern smartphones work at the same level. During a conversation with a subscriber, speech sounds intelligible, there is no interference.

Navigation capabilities in this model are implemented quite well. Many owners use their phone as a compass or navigator.

Camera specifications

What modern user doesn't like to be photographed? Manufacturers of digital gadgets have done everything possible to make this process easier. The M3 Note model has two modules. The first, which is located on the front panel, has a resolution of 5 megapixels. According to users, selfies are of decent quality. Sometimes small gaps and digital noise may appear if the lighting is incorrect. This camera can record videos in 1080p format.

What are the main cameras? It is based on a 13-megapixel matrix. The lens is based on five wide-angle lenses. The quality of the photos is excellent. The shooting process is facilitated by the presence of a dual-band flash and phase detection autofocus. If you need to edit photos, you can use the application settings. The developer has provided all the necessary parameters in it.

Hardware "stuffing"

The Meizu M3 Note 32Gb did not let down the processor either. This model is based on a chipset trademark MediaTek - Helio P10. It is based on 8 computing modules. They work in pairs: 4x4. Clock frequency in the first case reaches 1800 MHz, in the second - 1000 MHz. The only drawback is the Mali brand graphics accelerator. However, even so, the level of performance of this smartphone cannot be called weak. The interface is smooth. Modern “heavy” games launch quickly. There are no problems even with resource-intensive applications.

operating system

This phone model runs on Android 5.1. The proprietary Flyme shell version 5.1.3 is installed on top of the operating system. Many buyers really like the interface. Setting up Meizu M3 Note will not be difficult. Application icons are located on desktops. The curtain has practically not changed its appearance in comparison with Flyme 4. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the absence of the usual menu strip. In this model, the developers replaced it with a “carousel”. However, this has its advantages. For example, with one movement you can clear all programs.

Memory

Two versions are available for sale to the buyer. The “junior” is equipped with two gigabytes of OS and 16 GB of internal memory. If the user does not plan to install a memory card, then it is necessary to understand that such a volume may not be enough for full-fledged work. In this case, it is recommended to purchase Meizu M3 Note 32Gb. This version has a high level of performance, since the developers installed 3 GB of RAM. The storage for downloading applications and other software has a capacity of 32 GB. It is this version that will allow you to make maximum use of the entire available potential of this device.

Meizu M3 Note: battery

What other criterion is considered important when choosing a smartphone? Of course, battery characteristics. The manufacturer did not disappoint customers in this matter. He installed a battery with a capacity of 4100 milliamps per hour. Its resource is enough:

for 10 hours in video mode;
for 5 hours spent in games;
for 18 hours of reading e-books.

The Meizu M3 Note phone can operate for up to 48 hours in mixed mode. This definitely commands respect. However, you need to understand that the more functions are used, the more the period will be reduced. battery life. For example, if you connect to 4G, a 100 percent charge will last approximately 14 hours.

Let's consider the reviews

The early majority of users were distrustful of products from the Middle Kingdom. After the release of the Meizu and Xiaomi line, the opinion changed dramatically. The M3 Note model receives only rave reviews. They talk about a great display, excellent camera resolution, high level of performance, and a beautiful, albeit copied, design. The advantages of this gadget can be listed endlessly. In any case, this device is considered to be of high quality. Even if some kind of breakdown suddenly occurs, repairing the Meizu M3 Note will not cost much. Spare parts are available in almost all service centers, since this model is popular.

The owners found virtually no downsides. If you really find fault, you can pay attention to the weak graphics accelerator.

Meizu M3 Note phone: price

Finally, let's talk about the cost of this gadget. Considering that there are two versions on sale, the prices for them differ. In 2016, a modification with 2 GB of RAM and 16 gigabytes of integrated memory cost about $150. The “older” model could be purchased for about $20 more. Each user can decide which one to choose individually, based on their needs.

Meizu smartphones have already begun to be officially sold in Belarus. We are talking about the so-called “European” (or international) versions of devices, which differ from the “Chinese” ones in a number of parameters, including price.

We decided to prepare a comparative review of the two versions of the device to help potential buyers make their choice. In addition, it is obvious that there will be a similar difference between other Meizu models intended for the European and Chinese markets.

Two identical versions of the device were compared - with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of permanent memory. Only the colors differ - the “European” in our review is golden, the “Chinese” is dark gray.

Different packaging

The differences between smartphones begin with the packaging. The “Chinese” got a more compact box.

It is noteworthy that the size does not affect the package in any way - in both cases there is only a USB cable, Charger and documentation.

Pay attention to the name of the smartphone - it differs in the two versions.

Smartphones officially sold by us received instructions in Russian and protective films with English notations. The “Chinese” have everything in Chinese.

On the left are “Chinese” stickers, on the right are “European” stickers

On the left are the instructions and warranty card for the smartphone officially sold by us. On the right is the “Chinese” version.

Chinese versions of devices have the following indexes - M681Q And M681C. European - M681H And L681H. You can see the model name on the back of the box.

Smartphones officially sold here have an excise stamp affixed to them.

In the Chinese version, the plug is not intended for our networks. But sometimes sellers equip the smartphones they sell with an adapter for free. If not, you will have to buy it separately (luckily it costs a penny).

Chinese firmware: Russification and lack of updates

Initially, Chinese versions of smartphones have firmware with the letter A at the end. It comes pre-installed with Chinese apps (which can be removed), lacks the Google Play store, and generally lacks Google services. But it has its own analogue - App Center, where you can download only Chinese programs.

The seller brought us a smartphone with firmware 5.1.3.6A(dated mid-August).

A program for translation into Russian/Ukrainian, as well as a store, was installed on top Google applications Play (which shouldn't be there).

In the root directory of the smartphone we found installation file Russifier Florus, apparently “flooded” by the seller (the box with the smartphone was initially opened).

Thus, before sale, “gray” Meizu are flashed, Russified and only then offered to the buyer. Probably due to the “crooked” firmware, our Chinese are not offered over-the-air updates, although this moment The current firmware version is 5.1.11.0A (beginning of November).

There are instructions online that describe the process of turning a “Chinese” into a “European” (by changing the device ID). However, in this way you can easily turn your smartphone into an unanimated “brick,” especially if you do not have experience in flashing Android devices yourself.

During testing, a strange situation occurred. The Google Play app suddenly disappeared.

We were unable to restore the application store using standard means (using the pre-installed Google Installer program). Obviously, you can install Google Play in other ways, but most users obviously won’t like this kind of “dancing with tambourines.”

European firmware: over-the-air update and self-installation of Google Play

The box with the official device was initially sealed; the smartphone had not been turned on before.

After initial settings and connection to Wi-Fi device suggested updating “over the air” to latest version(5.1.11.0G, early November). The letter G at the end means “global” firmware.

The Google Play catalog was not there initially either, but the smartphone offered to install it immediately after downloading Google services, including the online application store itself. After 3 minutes we were able to install programs from Google Play.

As in Chinese firmware, here we have our own online catalog Apps Center, but it contains programs and games that we are already familiar with, like Facebook and Instagram.

Specifications

The specifications of the two smartphones are identical, with the exception of the communication networks they support.

Without going into details, let's say that in Belarus this difference is not important, since both Meizu M3 Note supports 3G (HSPA+) 900/2100 MHz and 4G (LTE) 1800/2600 MHz, used in our country.

See the table below for other characteristics:

Display	5.5 inches, 1920×1080 pixels, 2.5D glass
CPU	MediaTek Helio P10, 8 cores, 1.8 GHz
Graphic arts	Mali-T860 550 MHz
RAM	2/3 GB
Persistent memory	16/32 GB, microSD support
Front-camera	5 MP, f2/0, 4 lenses
Main camera	13 MP, 5 lenses with f/2.2 aperture, dual flash
Battery	4100 mAh
Dimensions	53.6×75.5×8.2 mm
Weight	163 grams
Additionally	mTouch 2.1 fingerprint scanner

Design

The smartphone looks much more expensive than its price. Metal body, 2.5D glass rounded at the ends, rather thin frames around the display, edging Home buttons- it all looks great.

Even the golden color of our “European” does not look at all vulgar.

As with the iPhone, silver and gold models received a white front panel, while dark gray models received a black one. There are no complaints about the assembly - both the “European” and the “Chinese” look monolithic.

Unlike Meizu M2 Note, the new device has a fingerprint scanner located in the “right” place - under the screen. Here Meizu adheres to the position of Samsung and Apple, suggesting that this way the scanner is really convenient to use (and this is true, you don’t have to take the smartphone in your hand to unlock it).

We also note the fast operation of the scanner and recognition of even wet fingers.

Screen

Meizu M3 Note received a “standard” 5.5-inch IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.

The contrast and color rendition of the gadget are excellent (the color temperature can be adjusted in the settings), but the maximum brightness seemed insufficient. If there are no problems with this parameter indoors and in cloudy weather, then on a sunny day readability decreases noticeably.

In addition, the screen darkens a little when the smartphone is tilted, but the colors do not fade. The gadget’s asset also includes a good oleophobic display coating.

Performance

In everyday work, complaints about speed Meizu's works There are no M3 Notes. The gadget works quickly, smoothly and without lags.

However, you can’t exactly call it a “gaming machine”. In the popular AnTuTu benchmark, the Meizu M3 Note scores a very modest 46 thousand points. This is enough for most simple entertainment, but in “heavy” games there is not enough power.

For example, in the “reference” World of Tanks Blitz at medium settings, the Meizu M3 Note produces up to 45 fps, but periodically drops to an uncomfortable 15-20 fps. However, there are no performance problems on the minimum graphics.

Battery life

Another serious plus of a smartphone. A 4100 mAh battery, a fairly economical processor and constant software concern for saving energy allow the device to work for a couple of days even with a heavy load (about half an hour of calls and games, about an hour of Internet surfing, synchronization of Facebook, Skype, Viber, email).

Of course, constant games will drain the gadget much faster, but in most cases you can safely expect 2-3 days of operation without searching for an outlet.

The AnTuTu synthetic test confirms the real results obtained.

Cameras

Traditionally, cameras in inexpensive Chinese tablet phones (sorry) are not the strongest point. Meizu M3 Note was no exception. However, they certainly cannot be called disappointment.

The main 13-megapixel camera does an excellent job of shooting in good lighting, while blurring the picture in low light. However, such a strong-average level of the resulting image will be quite sufficient for most users.

Examples of photos of Meizu M3 Note in various conditions:

And this is how the front 5-megapixel camera takes pictures. Nothing special:

Guarantee

In Russia and the CIS countries, only Meizu smartphones purchased from official suppliers have an official warranty. In Russia this is HERMES MOBILE DISTRIBUTION, better known as MEIZU RUSSIA (mymeizu.ru), in Belarus the only official supplier of Meizu is TridexBelPlus LLC.

Smartphones purchased from resellers, including those ordered from China, are not subject to an official warranty in Russia and Belarus (“gray” sellers, as a rule, provide warranty cards from “their” workshops).

Meizu also explained the risks of purchasing their smartphones from resellers or directly from China:

“On sites like Ali, Gearbest, JD and others, they often sell refurbished ones or those written off from a defective batch. Meizu devices“It’s difficult to sell such smartphones inside China, but it’s very easy to sell them outside the country under the guise of new ones.”.

Following Xiaomi and Huawei, Meizu presented a budget device with a set of characteristics typical for the middle segment. Moreover, the Chinese went further and equipped the new smartphone with the basic parameters that were characteristic of their flagship a year ago. And this is at a very low (especially for China at the start of sales) price. Let's see what Meizu M3 Note is.

Specifications Meizu M3 Note

Case materials: metal, glass, plastic inserts
Operating system: Android 5.1, Flyme 6.1
Network: GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSDPA, LTE (TD/FDD-LTE)
Screen: IPS (LTPS), 5.5” diagonal, resolution 1920x1080, ppi 406, automatic backlight level adjustment, protective glass
Platform: MediaTek Helio P10
Processor: Octa-core, 64-bit, four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz + four Cortex-A53 cores at 1 GHz
Graphics: Mali T860
RAM: 2/3 GB
Data storage memory: 16/32 GB
Memory card slot: yes, microSD
Main camera: 13 MP, 5 lenses, f/2.2, phase detection autofocus, dual LED flash, video recorded in 1080p
Front camera: 5 MP, f/2.0, video recorded in 1080p
Interfaces: Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n) Dual-Band, Bluetooth 4.0 (LE), microUSB connector (USB 2.0, MHL) for charging/synchronization, 3.5 mm for headset
Navigation: GPS (A-GPS support), Glonass
Additionally: mTouch 2.1 fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, light sensor, proximity sensor
Battery: 4100 mAh
Dimensions: 153.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm
Weight: 163 grams

Case design and materials

Externally, the M3 Note resembles the Meizu MX5 and Pro 5, that is, the flagships of last year. Tactilely, the device also corresponds to these models: there is a metal back and volumetric (2.5D) glass, which makes the smartphone feel expensive. Yes, there are plastic inserts on the top and bottom, but they are painted in the color of metal and do not make any weather difference. So, in terms of design and perception, Meizu devices were able to play at the same level as Xiaomi and Huawei with Redmi Note 3 and Honor 5X, respectively, and maybe even better. It's a matter of preference which device you like. What I like about the Meizu M3 Note is the overall simplicity and uncluttered design; it is neat and without unnecessary details. And “borrowed” from Apple, which is a disadvantage for some, but a plus for others.

The colors are the same as the flagships - silver and gold with a front panel white and dark gray with a black front panel. No bright colors, only classic options.

Dimensions

In terms of size, the Meizu M3 Note is comparable to the MX5 and other smartphones with a 5.5" screen diagonal. I can’t call it compact among its classmates, but it doesn’t stand out on the big side either - it’s a typical average in this category in terms of size. The device is not too thick, which is good considering the 4100 mAh battery.

Controls

In terms of basic controls, the Meizu M3 Note is no different from its predecessors. The power and volume buttons are on the right, a tray for two SIM cards (or a SIM card and a memory card) on the left, a microUSB connector, a microphone and speaker grilles at the bottom (one of them is decorative), as well as a 3.5 mm mini-jack at the top.

Meizu finally paid attention to the fact that previously many elements on the bodies of their smartphones were located asymmetrically, and this flaw was corrected in the M3 Note. Symmetrical camera eye and light/proximity sensors, symmetrical speaker grilles and screws. It is also because of such little things that the device looks neater than the M2 Note.

But this is not the important difference between the M3 Note and last year’s model. The device now has a fingerprint scanner; it is integrated into a mechanical key, which also acts as a “Back” button thanks to the touch layer. The button is convenient; it is found in the Meizu MX4 Pro, MX5, Pro 5 and M1 Metal smartphones. And now in M3 Note.

Screen

The device uses a 5.5" diagonal screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels based on an IPS matrix. A display with maximum viewing angles, a good margin of brightness and close to natural color rendition. Although, in terms of the last parameter, I’ll be honest, the screen reminded me of that of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: both smartphones produce a picture that is not juicy enough, a little pale. But overall, the display is excellent for an inexpensive device.

By the way, the screen is better than that of the Meizu M2 Note, not only in brightness and picture quality, but also in the quality of the glass used and especially the oleophobic coating. In this regard, the M3 Note turned out to be very good, better than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and most other competitors. Probably, Meizu took the criticism regarding the poor oleophobic coating in the M2 Note too seriously and in the next device in the line they simply used the panel from the Pro 5. This is the feeling.

Platform, memory

The smartphone is built on one of the new platforms from the Taiwanese company Mediatek – Helio P10. This is not a top-end chip, but for FullHD resolution and device budget segment- a good option. Mali T860 graphics. The smartphone has 2/3 GB of RAM and 16/32 GB of internal memory. There is a slot for a microSD memory card, combined with a second slot for a SIM card. You can also install two SIM cards in nanoSIM format.

Camera

Both cameras, both the main one and the front one, have not undergone any changes in terms of characteristics compared to the cameras in the Meizu M2 Note. Accordingly, the photo quality in the new M3 Note is about the same. I won’t describe any features; after all, this is an inexpensive smartphone, just look at the example photos and judge for yourself.

I’ll just note that, like all other devices from Meizu, there is a completely manual shooting mode (this is good), and also that the interface still cannot be rotated to landscape orientation (this is bad).

Shooting during the day

Shooting at night

Front-camera

Manual mode

Interfaces

The new Meizu M3 Note differs from most budget devices (including the M2 Note) in two features. Firstly, there is support for dual-band Wi-Fi, and secondly, the device supports VoLTE. In 4G networks, the smartphone operates in all bands common in Russia. Bluetooth version 4.0 with support for the LE (Low Energy) profile.

Battery

Perhaps, main feature Meizu M3 Note – 4100 mAh battery. Here we can say thanks to the Xiaomi company, which Meizu considers its main competitors, because it was they who, having equipped their Redmi Note 3 with a 4000 mAh battery, gave Meizu a sign - “we need to do the same or better.” I don’t know how well the device will perform in terms of operating time in reality, but such a battery capacity inspires optimism. Coupled with non-top specifications (platform, screen resolution), you can expect two full days of device operation in active mode.

Flyme

The smartphone runs on Android based 5.1 with proprietary Flyme 5.1 interface. It’s strange that the company hasn’t upgraded the device to Android 6.0; Meizu probably decided to introduce a major update to its Flyme interface in the near future and make a big announcement out of it. I don't see any other explanation.

The shell is Flyme, with the interface logic familiar to many “like in iOS”, beautiful, neat, not overloaded. Some people like it, others hate it, it's a matter of preference.

Conclusion

In China, the first batch of Meizu M3 Note will be sold at prices of 800 and 1,000 yuan for the 2/16 and 3/32 GB versions, respectively. If we go back a few years and look at the prices the company set for its new products compared to its main competitor, Xiaomi, we will see that similar smartphones from Meizu were always more expensive at the start of sales. This time the situation is different, and this, it seems to me, is an indicator of the “promotional nature” of the prices announced at the presentation. Otherwise, the device turns out to be very attractive even compared to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, which, in turn, at the Chinese price looks like an amazing offer.

The cost for Russia is still unknown, perhaps it will be in the range from 16,000 to 18,000 rubles, maybe lower, maybe higher, I’m just trying to guess here. Official sales in Russia will start approximately in May.

After Xiaomi presented their Redmi Note 3, I very much doubted Meizu’s ability to show something at least of this level. Xiaomi came out with too strong a product. However, Meizu were able to perform at the same level and in some ways even get ahead of their main competitor. The main feature of the M3 Note is the design and materials of the case. This is the case when the company managed not only to take metal, glass and assemble a smartphone from it, but did it very high quality and thoughtfully: 2.5D glass, chic oleophobic coating, like on flagships, neat thin lines of antenna routing, symmetry in small elements – all this makes the device impressive. Otherwise, the Meizu M3 Note is a strong mid-ranger by Chinese standards with the price of a budget device.

P.S. In addition to the smartphone, Meizu introduced new headphones - Meizu EP51 with plastic arms for fixation in the ear and magnetic stripes on the bodies for attachment to each other and easy carrying. The headphones look interesting, but it is still unknown when they will appear in Russia.

Having replaced the popular M2 Note, Meizu M3 Note replaced the plastic case with a metal one, acquired a normal oleophobic coating and upgraded the battery. With an appearance that is almost as good as the iPhone 6s Plus, the device retains an attractive price, but this did not stop us from finding shortcomings.

The presentation of the new Meizu M3 Note smartphone, which was held under the slogan “It’s time to leave polycarbonate behind,” took place in early April in Beijing. In Moscow, this device, along with other products from the 2016 line, presented a month later. The new product replaced a fairly successful model, the sales of which, according to the manufacturer, have amounted to more than two tens of millions of devices since last summer. Meizu obviously expects that the M3 Note smartphone will, if not surpass, then at least repeat the success of its predecessor.

Specifications

Model: M3 Note (M681H)
OS: Android 5.1 (Lollipop) with Flyme OS 5.1.3.1G shell
Processor: 64-bit MediaTek Helio P10 (MT6755), ARMv8 architecture, 8 cores ARM Cortex-A53 (4x1.8 GHz + 4x1.0 GHz)
Graphics coprocessor: ARM Mali-T860 MP2 (550 MHz)
RAM: 2 GB/3 GB LPDDR3 (933 MHz, single channel)
Storage: 16 GB/32 GB, eMMC 5.1, microSD/HC/XC memory card support (up to 128 GB)
Interfaces: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.0 (LE), microUSB (USB 2.0) for charging/syncing, USB-OTG, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Screen: capacitive touch, IPS LTPS (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) matrix, GFF (full lamination), 5.5-inch diagonal, resolution 1920x1080 pixels, pixel density per inch 403 ppi, brightness 450 cd/sq. m, contrast ratio 1000:1, protective glass NEG 2.5D T2X-1
Main camera: 13 MP, PureCel matrix, OmniVision OV13853, optical size 1/3.06 inches, pixel size 1.12 microns, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, 5-element lens, f/2.2 aperture, phase detection (PDAF) autofocus, dual dual-color flash, 1080p@30fps video
Front camera: 5 MP, BSI sensor, Samsung S5K5E8 or OmniVision OV5670 PureCel, optical size (1/5 inch), 1.12 µm pixel size, 4-element lens, f/2.0 aperture
Network: GSM/GPRS/EDGE (900/1800/1900 MHz), WCDMA/HSPA+ (900/2100 MHz), 4G FDD-LTE (1800/2100/2600 MHz)
SIM card format: nanoSIM (4FF)
Slot tray configuration: nanoSIM + nanoSIM, or nanoSIM + microSD/HD/XC
Navigation: GPS/GLONASS, A-GPS
Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, Hall sensor, light and proximity sensors (infrared), fingerprint scanner
Battery: non-removable, lithium polymer, 4,100 mAh
Colors: dark grey, silver, gold
Dimensions: 153.6x75.5x8.2 mm
Weight: 163 grams

Design, ergonomics

When creating the M3 Note, the designers seem to have taken their inspiration from the older Meizu models of last year, in particular, smartphones and .

Thus, for the manufacture of the all-metal body of the new product, also known as unibody, we chose an aviation aluminum-magnesium alloy of the 6000 series.

To prevent the smartphone antennas from being shielded by metal, two inserts made of radio-transparent material were provided, separating them from the aluminum alloy with raised strips. The dimensions of the new product have not changed very significantly compared to the previous version - 153.6x75.5x8.2 mm versus 150.7x75.2x8.7 mm. Well, the weight has predictably increased due to the more capacious battery - 163 g versus 149 g.

Let us remind you that in its predecessor they were content with glossy colored plastic for the body and only matte polycarbonate was used for the gray color.

At the time of testing, two color options for the anodized coating of the M3 Note cases were offered for sale: silver (with a black or white front panel) and gray (with a black or white front panel).

The entire front surface of the M2 Note, including the screen, is covered with protective glass, which was chosen as Dinorex 2.5D T2X-1 from Nippon Electric Glass (NEG).

The 2.5D effect consists of a smooth “rounding” of this glass along the perimeter of the front panel.

Above the display, with traditionally narrow side frames,

The speaker grille is located, surrounded by the front camera lens (on the left), light and proximity sensors, as well as an LED indicator (on the right). The latter does not seem to be used by the standard smartphone tools.

Below the display there is a mechanical key with a built-in fingerprint scanner mTouch 2.1, which looks very similar to mBack, which first appeared in a smartphone. From the latter it also inherited its basic functionality. So, a regular touch (tap) of this button activates the “Back” function, a short press with a hardware “click” returns to the main screen (“Home”), and a long press (and hold) turns off the screen backlight. But the “Recent Applications” button is replaced by swiping up from the bottom edge of the display. After a short period of getting used to, this control scheme becomes very convenient.

On the right edge, in a small recess, there is a volume rocker and a power/lock button.

The hole for the second microphone (for noise reduction and sound recording) and the 3.5 mm audio headset connector remain on the top end.

On the rear panel, the first thing that catches your eye are the relief strips separating the metal from the radio-transparent plastic,

Both cameras can record video in Full HD quality (1920x1080 pixels) with a frame rate of 30 fps, while the content is saved in MP4 container files (AVC - video, AAC - audio).

The interface of the Camera application in the M3 Note, compared to that of its predecessor, has been slightly improved, but the main capabilities have changed little. The modes “Auto”, “Manual”, “Portrait”, “Panorama”, “Change focus” and “Slow motion” (4 times, resolution 640x480 pixels, up to 60 minutes) remain in place. At the same time, having removed the “Scanner”, they added “Macro” and “GIF” (up to 6 minutes of animation). In the settings, you can select the HDR mode, as well as decide on the photo size and video quality. Shooting in manual mode (M) involves adjusting the parameters of shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, saturation, white balance, etc. By activating the appropriate option, focus and exposure can be measured separately. In addition, there are almost a dozen image filters at your disposal. It’s convenient to switch the viewfinder from the main camera to the front camera and back using vertical swipes. But the volume rocker (both increasing and decreasing) is also proposed to be used to release the shutter. The manufacturer notes the role of the ISP TrueBright image processor, which allows you to take pictures in low light brighter and clearer. However, even the main camera can hardly boast of special shooting quality in such conditions.

Not only in the placement of the “multimedia” speaker grille, but also in its acoustic capabilities, the M3 Note is practically no different from its predecessor. The standard smartphone tools still allow you to listen to audio files, for example, with FLAC extensions, created by codecs for compressing audio data without loss of quality. After connecting an audio headset, you are offered to use a 5-band equalizer with presets and manual settings. Unfortunately, the device does not have a built-in FM tuner. The simple "Dictaphone" makes fairly high-quality monophonic recordings (44.1 kHz), which it stores in MP3 files.

Filling, performance

If they relied on the 64-bit MediaTek MT6753 platform with eight ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.3 GHz), then for the M3 Note they chose the first-born from the MediaTek Helio P10 family of mid-range chipsets (aka MT6755), intended, according to the manufacturer , for thin smartphones.

The basic configuration of the M3 Note is supplemented by LPDDR3 (933 MHz) RAM, which is controlled by a single-channel controller. Note that the smartphone variants with 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage (eMMC 5.1) have 2 GB or 3 GB of RAM, respectively. We received a device with a 2 GB/16 GB combination for testing. Judging by the published data, the Helio P10’s performance successfully competes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615/616 chipsets, which does not contradict the results of the tests performed.

The number of “virtual parrots” obtained on the synthetic benchmark AnTuTu Benchmark was obviously predetermined by the selected hardware platform.

The efficiency of using the processor cores (Geekbench 3, Vellamo) of the new smartphone looks quite optimistic, but the estimate of the amount of “horsepower” is not so positive.

On the Epic Citadel visual test settings (High Performance, High Quality and Ultra High Quality), the average frame rate changed as follows - 60.1 fps, 59.8 fps and 41.5 fps, respectively.

In turn, the total number of points scored by the smartphone on the cross-platform benchmark Base Mark OS II was 986.

Of the 16 GB of declared internal memory in the tested model, about 14.56 GB are available, and approximately 9.6 GB are free. At the same time, like the one, to expand the existing storage, it is possible to install a microSD/HC/XC memory card with a maximum capacity of up to 128 GB. True, the dual tray into which the memory card is inserted is universal, and if you take up one place in it, you will have to sacrifice the installation of a second SIM card (nanoSIM format). By the way, you can also expand the built-in memory thanks to the support of USB-OTG technology by connecting an external drive.

Similar to its predecessor, the M3 Note's set of wireless communications also includes a dual-band Wi-Fi module 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) and Bluetooth 4.0 (LE).

When two nanoSIM cards (4FF format) are installed, one radio channel of the device operates with them in Dual SIM Dual Standby mode, in other words, both SIM cards are active, but when one is busy, the other is unavailable. Both trays in the slot support 4G, while the SIM card for data transfer, as well as the priority network mode, is selected in the corresponding menu. Unfortunately, only two “Russian” FDD-LTE bands are available - b3 (1,800 MHz) and b7 (2,600 MHz). But the most “punchy”, low-frequency b20 (800 MHz), as before, remained “overboard”. The manufacturer especially emphasizes support for the promising VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology.

The volume of the lithium-polymer battery equipped with the M3 Note (4,100 mAh), compared to its predecessor (3,100 mAh), has increased quite significantly - by about 32% (1,000 mAh). Despite this capacity reserve, the body of the new smartphone has become 0.5 mm thinner. There is no support for fast charging here. The smartphone comes with a power adapter (5 V/2 A). It will take about 2 hours to fill the battery to 100% from a level of 15-20%.

We managed to earn an impressive 8,778 points in the AnTuTu Tester battery tests. While here I was limited to 6,289 points. When the battery is 100% full, the manufacturer promises up to two days of operation in active mode, or up to 17 hours of watching videos, or up to 36 hours of listening to music. A test set of videos in MP4 format (hardware decoding) and Full HD quality at full brightness played continuously for almost 9.5 hours.

In the "Power Management" settings section, depending on the expected load, you can force the smartphone to switch from "Balanced" mode to "Energy Saving" or "Performance". In addition, the “Power Consumption Optimization” section suggests not only managing the sleep mode of applications, but also taking advantage of flexible settings to save battery power - “Smart”, “Super” and “Custom”.

Software Features

The M3 Note smartphone runs under operating Android systems 5.1 (Lollipop), the interface of which is hidden under the proprietary Flyme OS 5.1.3.1G shell. It should be noted here that in the latest versions of Flyme firmware, including the one mentioned above, the first launch of the Google Play application store (creating a Google account) must be performed on a smartphone with a SIM card installed. This additional device authorization has become one of the new security requirements.

The “Special Features” section still contains possible smartphone control gestures, including the SmartTouch control “ring” (not shown in the screenshot) with adjustable transparency.

The new version of the shell has the ability to split the screen to simultaneously display the work of two applications, however, so far this only applies to the “Settings”, “Video” and “Maps” programs.

Using up to five fingerprints captured on the fast (0.2 second) mTouch 2.1 fingerprint scanner, you can lock not only the screen, but also access to files and applications.

Purchase, conclusions

Improvements in Meizu M3 Note, compared to its predecessor, affected not only the replacement of plastic with aluminum alloy, but also the functionality of the filling. Now the smartphone, which can be equipped with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory, uses a new processor, has significantly increased battery capacity, and has also added a fast fingerprint scanner. In addition, both trays in the slot support not only LTE technology, but also VoLTE. At the same time, they managed to keep the price of the M3 Note quite attractive: 16,990 rubles for the 2 GB/16 GB version and 18,990 rubles for 3 GB/32 GB (RAM/internal memory, respectively).

Unfortunately, some of the predecessor's shortcomings migrated to new model. In particular, the 800 MHz LTE band was left out, the mandatory choice between a second SIM card and memory expansion remained, and the built-in FM tuner is still missing.

As for the closest competitors of the Meizu M3 Note, Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, already certified for sale in Russia, looks good among them. No less metallic than the new product from Meizu, it has a more powerful processor, a 16-megapixel camera and a battery of almost the same capacity (4,000 mAh). At the same time, in large retail chains its 3 GB/32 GB configuration is priced at 17,990 rubles, and 2 GB/16 GB is another 2 thousand rubles cheaper.

Results of the review of the Meizu M3 Note smartphone

Pros:

Attractive price
High autonomy
LTE and VoLTE support on both SIM trays
Memory expandability
Fast fingerprint scanner

Minuses:

Alternative installation of a second SIM card or memory card
SIM tray is a bit wobbly
Clicking noises when playing music via Bluetooth
Lack of support for LTE Band 20 (800 MHz) frequency range
No FM tuner