Meizu m5c review: affordable first smartphone. Meizu M5c - Specifications How to put a fingerprint on meizu 5c

This budget smartphone has a compact polycarbonate body in one of the bright colors. In addition, it boasts the latest version of the Flyme OS 6 shell. At the same time, the modest hardware, designed for most everyday tasks, is compensated by the affordable price of the device. Vesti.Hi-tech found out all the pros and cons of the Meizu M5c.

Meizu M5c review: sound

We didn’t expect miracles from the “multimedia” speaker Meizu M5c, its “voice”, frankly speaking, is not so hot - the volume reserve is relatively small, high-pitched speakers have a lisp. But the sound in headphones, where it is proposed to use a 5-band equalizer with presets and manual setting, I liked it much more. Besides, regular means smartphones allow you to listen to audio tracks (SQ quality) created by codecs for compressing audio data without loss of quality (up to 192 kHz, 24 bits) and stored, for example, in FLAC files. Using the Voice Recorder application, you can record monophonic conversations into MP3 files (44.1 kHz) through a conversational microphone. Note that there is only one microphone in Meizu M5c. So you have to forget about noise reduction. There is no FM tuner in the smartphone.

Meizu M5c review: hardware, performance

As the base platform for the Meizu M5c, we chose the MediaTek MT6737 system-on-chip, in which a quartet of cores with ARM architecture Cortex-A53, made in compliance with 28 nm design standards, is clocked at up to 1.3 GHz. Graphics operations are handled by the ARM Mali-T720 MP2 accelerator with two execution units. The chip can work with two SIM cards and includes modules for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, while the 4G modem supports the LTE Cat mobile terminal category. 4. Meizu 5c has 2 GB of RAM associated with a single-channel controller.

Testing Meizu M5c. Results in the AnTuTu benchmark

Testing Meizu M5c. Results in the GeekBench benchmark

Testing Meizu M5c. Visual test resultsEpicCitadel

The manufacturer positions the MT6737 for low-budget smartphones, which is fully confirmed by the results of the tests. The power reserve for “heavy” games is enough, perhaps, for minimum settings, and it’s also unlikely to do without “brakes”. So in this regard, Meizu M5c is not original among state employees.

After turning on the smartphone for the first time, there was approximately 8.8 GB of free internal memory out of the installed 16 GB (10.7 GB available). As they say, there is nowhere to turn around. To expand such poor storage, it is possible to install a microSD/HC/XC memory card with a maximum capacity of up to 128 GB. It is worth recalling that the place where the memory card is inserted is also occupied by a second nanoSIM. Support for USB-OTG technology allows you to connect an external USB drive.

Two nanoSIM (4FF) subscriber identification modules operate in DSDS mode (Dual SIM Dual Standby). At the same time, the 4G LTE modem network (Cat. 4, up to 150 Mbit/s) supports the required LTE-FDD frequency bands: b3 (1,800 MHz), b7 (2,600 MHz), b20 (800 MHz), as well as LTE-TDD (2600 MHz). Wireless communications also include Bluetooth 4.1 (LE) and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz). It is regrettable that there is no less busy 5 GHz band, which is available, for example, in . In addition, without the NFC interface, working with the Android Pay service will be impossible.

GPS satellites are used to determine location and navigation. The AndroiTS GPS Test and GPS Test programs did not detect the declared support for GLONASS.

The capacity of the non-removable battery installed in Meizu M5c is 3,000 mAh. This is quite enough to successfully survive at least one working day without recharging. However, the manufacturer promises up to two days of active use of the smartphone. The device we tested included a power adapter with output parameters of 5 V and 2 A. So it will take at least an hour and a half to fill a completely discharged battery 100%.

The AnTuTu Tester battery test showed a result slightly above average - 8,809 points. A set of videos in MP4 format (hardware decoding) and HD quality at full brightness played continuously for almost 9 hours.

The settings in the "Battery" section suggest either stopping at maximum performance, or prefer a balance between performance and autonomy. In addition to the usual energy saving option, you can select a super mode, which reduces consumption to the minimum possible (in direct proportion to the loss of smartphone functionality).

Meizu M5c review: software features

The Meizu M5c smartphone runs under the operating system Android systems 6.0 (Marshmallow), the interface of which is replaced by the most latest version proprietary shell Flyme OS 6.0.2.0G.

It should be noted that Meizu smartphones require self-installation Google services, and in the accompanying documentation this “trick” is delicately hushed up. Of course, such a simple procedure does not bother more or less experienced users at all, but for “dummies”, who make up a considerable part of promising buyers, you still need to be a little more lenient.

The task manager is launched by swiping from the bottom and/or right edge of the screen (selected in the settings). At the same time, the list of open applications became horizontal, and the “Close all” button moved to the bottom of the display. There are now more shortcut icons on the notification shade, and long-pressing one of them opens the corresponding settings screen. Among these icons, an icon of a screen recording button has appeared, with which screencasts are created.

For each application in the task manager you can see the number used memory. Running program(swipe down on its preview opens the menu) can be protected from closing, hide the contents of its screen when scrolling, or (if possible) open in one of the two windows into which the screen is divided. The “Special Features” section contains gestures on the screen when the screen is off to quickly wake up the smartphone, as well as “smart” gestures for the SmartTouch ring with adjustable transparency.

Don't forget in new version Flyme OS about easy, children's and game modes.

Meizu's built-in keyboard promises to protect entered passwords from compromise. For a famous Wi-Fi networks a menu opens with a QR code for connection, where it is also proposed to measure the exchange speed. In the "Gallery" you can now edit videos - trim, apply a filter, apply a ready-made theme with sound design.

By simultaneously pressing and holding the power button and the volume control rocker (decrease/increase), you can not only take a “long” screenshot, but also immediately edit the screenshot.

Meizu M5c review: purchase, conclusions

So, the most compact representative of the fifth generation of the M line has become Meizu smartphone M5c. The polycarbonate case, offered in one of the bright colors, hides a rather modest filling, where we can note a good screen and a relatively capacious battery. But the biggest plus for this budget phone is the latest version of the Flyme OS 6 shell with new features.

However, there are also plenty of disadvantages, starting with low performance, the lack of a fingerprint scanner, as well as the mandatory choice between installing a second SIM card and expanding the memory. The need to install Google services yourself will not add popularity to this smartphone, especially among inexperienced users.

Meizu hardly flattered itself with the hope that the M5c model, offered at a price of 8,990 rubles, would be out of competition. She has no rivals in this price range more than enough, including, but not limited to, such famous brands as Samsung, Huawei and Nokia. Let's take for example a “classmate” from the Middle Kingdom - Xiaomi Redmi 4A, released last year. With the same price (8,990 rubles), in terms of hardware, these smartphones do not differ too significantly (as, indeed, all the others). In addition to the IR port, the “countryman” has a slightly more capacious battery (3,120 mAh), and a 13-megapixel main camera (though its aperture is worse - f/2.2). But if you add a thousand rubles (while remaining in the price range of up to 10 thousand), then the volume of built-in memory of Xiaomi Redmi 4A will increase to 32 GB. As for the shells ( Xiaomi MIUI and Meizu Flyme OS), then it’s a matter of taste and personal preference.

Results of the review of the Meizu M5c smartphone

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Compact polycarbonate housing
  • Attractive colors
  • Not a bad screen
  • Relatively capacious battery

Minuses:

  • Low performance
  • Choosing between installing a second SIM card and expanding memory
  • Lack of fingerprint scanner
  • Self-installation Google services

The external speaker of the device is very loud, even in a noisy McDonald's the words in the video are understood perfectly, there are no significant overloads at maximum, but the sound is flat, there is no bass, and high frequencies in places they choke. Despite its shortcomings, it is good by class standards. The sound in the headphones is of normal quality, but very quiet - in public transport you can hardly understand the words of familiar compositions.

The Meizu m5c multimedia tablet will not replace, and will cope with the role of a player mediocrely, but taking into account the price and other advantages, this oversight can be forgiven.

Communications, additional features

Most cheap smartphone The manufacturer received an mBack key, which is responsible for navigating the system: “Back” by touching, “Home” by pressing, hold and hold to lock, double-click to call the camera. The functionality is the same as any mTouch device, only there is no fingerprint scanner. But, unlike some more expensive Meizu devices, for example, there is a slot for memory cards (with a capacity of up to 128 GB).

The most attractive point was the use of a new version of the proprietary Flyme 6 shell. However, in this case it does not stand out with its set additional features, is also based on Android 6.0 (although in a budget device you can thank Marshmallow).

As a result, we have a standard set that competes equally in its segment with pleasant features like a compass and mBack. This is already enough to consider Meizu m5c a feature-rich budget phone.

The set of radio modules is as expected, the stability of their operation was pleasing, but the range of the same Wi-Fi is less than that of a comparable price. The GPS works quickly, the compass also does not fail, but it shows the direction correctly only if you freeze and wait 3-5 seconds. The performance of the cellular module is satisfactory (the reception strength is mediocre, but the contact is stable), the voice is transmitted clearly.

Competitors

Meizu m5c is available in black, red, blue, pink and gold cases, there is only one modification: with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of permanent memory. The cost of the device is .

The device works at a comfortable speed, connects to the Internet, launches simple games, looks good, plays music, is capable of photographing advertisements and documents, and popular software does not fail either.

Meizu m5c - second Best offer in the segment up to 3000 UAH, only Redmi 4A remains more interesting in all respects, which managed to fall in price to a comparable level by the time its competitor was released. But if Xiaomi is not to your liking, Meizu m5c should be considered for purchase first.

3 reasons to buy Meizu m5c:

  • nice appearance
  • stable operating speed
  • price

1 reason not to buy Meizu m5c:

  • Xiaomi Redmi 4A gives more for comparable money

Thanks to the online store for providing it for review.

General characteristics

Type

Deciding on the type of device (phone or smartphone?) is quite simple. If you need a simple and inexpensive device for calls and SMS, it is recommended to choose a telephone. A smartphone is more expensive, but it offers a wide variety of options: games, videos, the Internet, thousands of programs for all occasions. However, its battery life is significantly less than that of a regular phone.

smartphone operating system(at the start of sales) Android 6.0 Case type classic Housing material polycarbonate Number of SIM cards 2 SIM card type

Modern smartphones can be used not only regular SIM cards, but also their more compact versions micro SIM and nano SIM. An eSIM is a SIM card integrated into the phone. It takes up virtually no space and does not require a separate tray for installation. eSIM is not yet supported in Russia. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones

 nano SIM Multi-SIM mode variable Weight 135 g Dimensions (WxHxD) 70.51x144x8.3 mm

Screen

Screen type color, touch Type touch screen multi-touch, capacitive Diagonal 5 inches. Image Size 1280x720 Number of pixels per inch (PPI) 294 Aspect Ratio 16:9 Automatic screen rotation There is

Calls

Light indication of events There is

Multimedia capabilities

Number of main (rear) cameras 1 Main (rear) camera resolution 8 MP Main (rear) camera aperture F/2 Photoflash rear, LED Functions of the main (rear) camera autofocus Recording videos There is Front-camera yes, 5 MP Audio MP3, AAC, WAV, WMA Headphone jack 3.5 mm

Connection

Standard GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A Cat. 4 LTE bands support FDD-LTE: bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20; TD-LTE: bands 38, 40 Interfaces

Almost all modern smartphones have Wi-Fi and USB interfaces. Bluetooth and IRDA are a little less common. Wi-Fi is used to connect to the Internet. USB is used to connect your phone to a computer. Bluetooth is also found in many phones. It is used to connect wireless headphones, for connecting your phone to wireless speakers, as well as for transferring files. A smartphone equipped with an IRDA interface can be used as universal remote control remote control. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones

 Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.1, USB Satellite navigation

Built-in GPS modules and GLONASS allow you to determine the coordinates of your phone using signals from satellites. If there is no GPS modern smartphone can determine its own location based on signals from base stations mobile operator. However, finding coordinates using satellite signals is usually much more accurate. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones

 GPS/GLONASS A-GPS system yes

Memory and processor

CPU

Modern phones and smartphones usually use special processors - SoC (System on Chip, system on a chip), which, in addition to the processor itself, houses the graphics core, memory controller, input/output device controller, etc. Therefore, the processor largely determines the set of functions and device performance.Other functions Speakerphone (built-in speaker) there is Management voice dialing, voice control Flight mode yes Sensors illumination, proximity, gyroscope, compass Flashlight yes USB-host yes

Today Meizu officially released the updated budget smartphone Meizu M5C. The new product has a nice design, compact body and parameters entry level. For details about the smartphone, its characteristics and who it is intended for, read the announcement below.

  • Display: 5 inches, HD, GFF, 1280×720p, 293 ppi
  • Processor: MediaTek MT6737, 1.3 GHz, Mali-T720 GPU
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Flash memory: 16 GB, microSD up to 128 GB
  • Main camera: 8 MP, LED, f/2.0
  • Front camera: 5 MP
  • Battery: 3000 mAh
  • Navigation: GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
  • Wireless interfaces: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Operating system: Flyme 5 Android 6.0
  • Case thickness: 8.3 mm

Meizu M5C is built on the basis MediaTek processor MT6737 with clock frequency 1.3 GHz per core and graphic system Mali-T720 GPU. Random access memory 2 GB is available here, and flash memory is 16 GB with the ability to expand the drive by another 128 GB using microSD cards memory. The battery capacity of Meizu M5C is 3000 mAh.

Design and display

As many have already noticed, Meizu M5C is an improved modification budget smartphone 2016 - Meizu M5. The same plastic case is used here with the following colors:

  • black
  • red
  • blue
  • pink
  • gold

The case thickness is 8.3 mm. On its rear edge there is the main camera with LED flash and the Meizu logo. On the right side there is a lock and volume key, and on the left there is a slot for two Nano SIM cards. The speaker and micro are traditionally located at the bottom. USB port for charging your phone.

On the front panel there is a 5-inch HD display with a resolution of 1280x720p and full GFF lamination. Above the screen there is speaker, front-camera and a proximity sensor. And under the display there is a proprietary mBack key with a built-in mTouch fingerprint scanner. All the front panels of the Meizu M5C are white, except for the black model.

Cameras

The main camera of the Meizu M5C is set to 8 megapixels with an f/2.0 aperture, LED flash and supports 720p Slo-Mo video recording, as well as panoramic shots. The ArcSoft software algorithm is responsible for the quality and processing of images. The front model is set to 5 megapixels, and the Camera application offers 11 different photo filters.

Prices

The company has not yet announced the exact (Chinese) cost of the smartphone, but the approximate Meizu price M5C will be 130-150 dollars, depending on the market.

A fingerprint scanner can be found in both expensive and affordable Meizu phones. At first, the fingerprint sensor was tested on top-end devices, and then they began to be added to all smartphones so that the user would not worry about the safety of his data. Today we’ll talk about how convenient and useful this function is and how the fingerprint scanner generally works. You can use your phone either with or without a configured scanner; this is voluntary.

How to press?

The only touch-mechanical key on the front panel responds to various actions. If you lightly touch the button, then it performs the “Back” action. And if you click on it using some program, the phone redirects to the menu.

The touch surface is located in the button, so when you need to unlock the screen, you just press the key and the scanner is activated. It's that simple.

mTouch 2.1 is faster and more accurate than previous ones Meizu phones. The sensor responds very quickly, there were no complaints about the old type of scanners, and the new ones have become even faster.

How the scanner works

The capacitive fingerprint scanner responds to changes in the capacitance of semiconductors when the capillary pattern on the finger and the sensor come into contact. At the same time, the technology still remains accessible and does not greatly affect the final price of the phone.

To activate the sensor, we press the button itself, the screen turns on at the same moment when we unlock the phone, there are no delays. If you just need to look at notifications, then either tap the screen twice, or press the button under the screen with force, then the backlight will work. Alternatively, you can also use the power key.

The scanner recognizes equally well a finger placed at different angles, upside down or at an angle. The scanner resolution of more than 500 dpi ensures correct fingerprint recognition even with a wet finger.

I deliberately tried to unlock the smartphone several times with wet hands, out of 10 attempts 7 were successful. Although it is known that false positives when working with wet hands are a common occurrence, mTouch is above the exception.

How to setup?

At initial setup After purchasing a phone, you can save your fingerprints in the device’s memory. If you didn’t want to or didn’t have time to do this, then go to the phone settings menu and go to the “Security” item. We add up to 5 prints here; in the same menu, each one can be assigned its own name. Need to add a new one, but all slots are occupied? Not a problem, we remove the extra one if necessary, keeping your finger on the line with the name of the fingerprint.

When adding a new finger, you will need to touch it to the scanner several times and also move it from side to side to capture the edges. The button itself is oblong, but the scanning element is located in the center; pressing the edges of the key does nothing.

Fingerprint unlocking is only possible in combination with a digital password; it cannot be installed separately. In fact, this is convenient; if scanning failed twice and there were errors, the keyboard opens to enter the password. For security reasons, if the fingerprint is not recognized five times, the phone will be locked for a minute, only emergency calls are available.

What does it protect?

The scanner protects the phone and also saves data in its memory and applications. Now others will not be able to access personal data or messages, even if they get their hands on an unlocked smartphone. Almost all programs and functions of the device are protected. For example, you can cover a gallery or mail with a scanner so that work colleagues don’t get into it under the pretext of “let me see yours.” new phone" Parents can limit their children's activity and prevent them from running certain programs so that they don't spend all their free time playing mobile games.

When installing third party applications, supporting fingerprint actions, no problems or conflicts arise. I use the Tinkoff Bank application, where you can use your finger to authorize in addition to the password, everything works smoothly.

As far as safety is concerned, everything is solid here. Only the fingerprint template function code is recorded in the device’s memory, no personal information. Naturally, this data is protected by multi-level encryption used at the stage of data transmission and storage. The decryption algorithm is also encrypted using an exclusive method, so even if attackers somehow obtain the data, they still will not be able to use it. The encrypted feature code information is stored in a secure zone in the ARM TrustZone, which is not accessible to third-party applications.

In addition, device security is supported by guest mode, which can be activated in the settings. You choose a separate password for it, you can configure what will be displayed on the desktop and what will not. From a security point of view, everything in Meizu is well thought out.