Maximum Treat
The market is rife with sub RMlk smartphones. A perennial contention consumer will weigh in, is the price versus features comparison, where even the likes of Samsung and Apple are unable break into.
Those shopping for mobile devices in this segment have a wide range to select from, catering to every nuances of user needs in a smartphone.
Speaking of functions and features, PC.com was recently handed the Neffos C5 Max for review, this model is a follow up from Neffos C5, which was launched not too long ago. Shall we see where it stands?
SCREEN TEST
With a 5.5-inch full high definition screen, pictures are vivid and have bright contrast of 1600:1. The in-plane switching (EPS) gives better viewing angle of up to 178 degrees, which means when tilting left to right, images still look clear and crisp.
Maintaining the quality on the surface, Neffos has gone the way of premium flagships by incorporating Corning glass – assuring impeccable clarity while giving peace of mind on sturdiness.
Watching a HD video, we experienced close to zero imperfection, no colour gamut loss. Graphics were intense and playback sharp, gaming will be a ball on the C5 Max.
Compared to the Honor 5X, C5 Max comes across of being more solid built and slightly premium. Though its built, features a matte plastic all around, it is not at all flimsy. In fact, it was more solid than we had initially thought.
BEING THE UNDERDOG
As a new entrant in the market, there is an advantage of being the underdog. Neffos being a brand under TP-Link will need to ensure any product carrying the name will have to maintain and upkeep a certain standard.. .and they did.
Lighter UI means easy navigation. However, the two-dimensional design makes the phone seems dated, but this can easily be overcome with the customised OS.
A removable back means battery is replaceable, The 3045 mAH capacity does not disfigure the overall design and, in addition to adding unnecessary weight. Those who need long battery life on their smartphone and not be burdened with carrying a brick.
EYE ON CAMERA
A focal point (no pun intended) for any users of smartphones has to be the camera.
On the Neffos C5 Max, we have a 13Mp with F2.0 aperture for the back and 5Mp for the front. Suffice to say, they perform decently well.
That said, the autofocus for the rear camera has a slight delay of one to two seconds, that might have you missing that all important safari shot. But that should not be a deterrent; selfie lovers will be pleased with the wide angle feature for ‘we-fies’.
STRONG PEDIGREE
Riding on its excellent repertoire in networking solutions, TP-Iink has come out with a remarkable device despite being a new entrant. Bear in mind this is just their first foray with C5, C5L and C5 Max – all released just this year. After all, they do have the historical pedigree to do so.
SPECS
PROCESSOR: MT 6753 1.3GHz
Storage: 16 GB ROM (32GB of expandable memory)
MEMORY: 2GB RAM
BATTERY: 3045 mAH
OPERATING SYSTEM: Android 5.1
CAMERA: 13-megapixel, 5Mp front
PORTS: Dual micro SIM Card
CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, GPS, Bluetooth
DISPLAY: 5.5-inch
