Detailed review of Meizu M3 Note. Meizu M3 Note review - Inexpensive, but far from other smartphones
Meizu M3 Note is a beautiful, modern and productive smartphone in the budget segment. This balanced device has a large display and a fingerprint scanner. The device was officially unveiled in April 2016.
Appearance and ergonomics
The body of the Meizu M3 Note is made of high-quality aluminum alloy. This material is actively used in the aviation industry, as it has excellent characteristics. This metal undergoes careful processing so that the user experiences excellent tactile sensations. The all-metal body has rounded corners for better ergonomics. Symmetry dominates here, so all elements are arranged accordingly. At the bottom end there is a microUSB connector, and there are also multimedia speaker grilles. But the audio jack is located on the top edge. The entire front side is covered with very stylish 2.5D glass. Directly below the screen there is a mechanical button for navigation mTouch 2.1, which has a built-in fingerprint scanner. The gadget has a 4100 mAh battery. This battery guarantees long battery life. Available colors: gold, gray and silver. Dimensions: height - 153.6 mm, thickness - 8.2 mm, width - 75.5 mm, weight - 163 g.
Display
The M3 Note has a 5.5-inch screen, which is implemented using MiraVision 2.0 technology. For this reason, the display stands out for its natural color reproduction, as well as minimal power consumption. The LTPS matrix has a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, which provides highly detailed images. The display will delight the user with a contrasting image and wide viewing angles. Flyme Assistive Touch technology makes the screen extremely responsive and sensitive, and you can use it even with gloves.
Hardware and performance
The M3 Note has an eight-core Helio P10 processor, which is capable of operating at its maximum frequency of 1800 MHz. This solution provides the optimal balance between low power consumption and performance. The device has at its disposal 2 GB or 3 GB of LPDDR3 RAM (dual-channel mode). The volume of internal memory is 16 GB or 32 GB. At the same time, there is support for MicroSD cards up to 128 GB. The Mali-T860 chip is a graphics accelerator. It uses the Android 5.1 operating system along with the proprietary Flyme 5 shell. In the AnTuTu test, this model easily scores about 46,000-48,000 points. The smartphone handles many daily tasks confidently. Almost all games run smoothly if you do not increase the graphics level to the maximum.
Communication and sound
The Meizu M3 Note features a multimedia speaker that is truly loud. The sound detail is quite good. You can hear your interlocutors perfectly through the speaker. The device supports 4G TD-LTE and FDD-LTE wireless networks, as well as Bluetooth 4.0.
Camera
Meizu M3 Note has a 13-megapixel camera with a two-color flash, aperture ratio 2.2, panoramic lens and phase detection autofocus. TrueBright ISP technology makes it possible to take a bright photo even in poor lighting. Thanks to the 5-megapixel front camera with f/2.0 aperture, you can take very high-quality self-portraits.
conclusions
It is unlikely that the M3 Note has moved much forward from its predecessor, but it has certainly received much-needed and high-quality improvements. This is a truly balanced smartphone that is worth every dollar or ruble spent.
Pros:
- High quality aluminum housing.
- Great modern design.
- Excellent autonomy indicators.
- Fast fingerprint scanner.
- Massive display with a rich picture.
Minuses:
- The smartphone does not take good pictures in the evening.
- There may be software problems with some firmware.
Technical characteristics of Meizu M3 Note
| General characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Model | Meizu M3 Note, Meizu Blue Charm Note3 |
| Date of announcement and start of sales | April 2016 / April 2016 |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 153.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm. |
| Weight | 163 |
| Available colors | gold, silver, gray |
| operating system | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) + Flyme UI |
| Connection | |
| Number and type of SIM cards | two hybrid, Nano-SIM, dual stand-by |
| Communication standard in 2G networks | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| Communication standard in 3G networks | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 TD-SCDMA |
| Communication standard in 4G networks | LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 7(2600), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500) |
| Carrier Compatibility | MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2, Yota |
| Data transfer | |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | yes, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | No |
| Infrared port | No |
| Platform | |
| CPU | eight-core Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Mali-T860MP2 |
| Inner memory | 16 GB / 32 GB |
| RAM | 2 GB / 3 GB |
| Ports and connectors | |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, USB Host |
| 3.5mm jack | There is |
| Memory card slot | microSD, up to 128 GB (combined with SIM 2 slot) |
| Display | |
| Display type | LTPS IPS LCD capacitive, 16M colors |
| Screen size | 5.5 inches (~71.2% of the front surface of the device) |
| Display protection | Dinorex T2X-1 |
| Camera | |
| Main camera | 13 MP, f/2.2, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash |
| Functionality of the main camera | Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR, panorama |
| Video recording | 1080p@30fps |
| Front-camera | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1080p |
| Sensors | |
| Illuminance | There is |
| Approximations | There is |
| Gyroscope | There is |
| Compass | There is |
| Hall | No |
| Accelerometer | There is |
| Barometer | No |
| Fingerprint scanner | There is |
| Battery | |
| Battery type and capacity | 4100 mAh |
| Battery mount | non-removable |
| Equipment | |
| Standard kit | M3 Note: 1 USB cable: 1 SIM tray eject clip: 1 User manual: 1 Warranty card: 1 Charger: 1 |
Prices
Video reviews
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 gadgets of quite 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 perfectly cope 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. The speaking microphone is located closer to the left side. 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. In addition to the beautiful large 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 a special key, which is both touch 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 presented its stylized logo on the back cover. 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, the Meizu M3 Note phone is equipped with a large touch screen. 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 high quality this display is, you need to look at 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 sun. The setup is carried out automatically. 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. Users who type a large amount of text or play modern games will find the multi-touch option 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, in their own way, compact computers. 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 perform 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 the MediaTek brand chipset - Helio P10. It is based on 8 computing modules. They work in pairs: 4x4. The clock frequency reaches 1800 MHz in the first case, and 1000 MHz in the second. The only drawback is the Mali brand graphics accelerator. However, even with this, the performance level 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 battery life will be reduced. 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, as 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 also 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.
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 Android 5.1 Case type classic Housing material metal and plastic Number of SIM cards 2 Multi-SIM mode variable Weight 163 g Dimensions (WxHxD) 75.5x153.6x8.2 mmScreen
Screen type color IPS, touch Touch screen type multi-touch, capacitive Diagonal 5.5 inches. Image Size 1920x1080 Pixels per inch (PPI) 401 Aspect Ratio 16:9 Automatic screen rotation There isMultimedia capabilities
Number of main (rear) cameras 1 Main (rear) camera resolution 13 MP Main (rear) camera aperture F/2.20 Photoflash rear, LED Functions of the main (rear) camera autofocus Recording videos There is Max. video resolution 1920x1080 Front-camera yes, 5 MP Audio MP3 Headphone jack 3.5 mmConnection
Standard
There are several basic cellular communication standards that are supported by modern phones. In Russia, the GSM standard is used almost everywhere. For high-speed data transmission, 3G and 4G LTE standards are used - the highest speed of the existing standards. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones
GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE, VoLTE LTE bands support FDD-LTE: 1800, 2100, 2600 MHz 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, to connect your phone to wireless speakers, and also to transfer files. A smartphone equipped with an IRDA interface can be used as a universal remote control. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones
Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.0, USB Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS and GLONASS modules allow you to determine the phone's coordinates using signals from satellites. In the absence of GPS, a modern smartphone can determine its own location using signals from cellular operator base stations. However, finding coordinates using satellite signals is usually much more accurate. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones
GPS/GLONASS A-GPS system yesMemory 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. there is Management voice dialing, voice control Flight mode yes Sensors Light, Proximity, Hall, Compass, Fingerprint Reading There is a flashlight
Additional Information
Peculiarities processor: ARM Cortex-A53 1.8 GHz x4 + ARM Cortex-A53 1.0 GHz x4 Announcement date 2016-04-06Before purchasing, check the specifications and equipment with the seller.
When considering worthy Chinese manufacturers of consumer electronics, such as laptops and phones, Xiaomi is the first company that comes to mind. Probably because it was the first on the Russian market. But there is another vendor from the Middle Kingdom. Meizu M3 Note 32GB (as well as 16GB models) is one of the best inexpensive smartphones of 2016, the most balanced in terms of features and price of the last five years.
At the beginning of 2017, the company announced the release date of the M5 Note, which received a couple of minor mini updates, so last year’s model, along with the dropped price, is now almost the best buy both on the world market in general and on the Russian market in particular. It is also the most popular topic of discussion on consumer forums.
Of course, before you decide to make such a purchase, you should carefully weigh all the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, study unbiased reviews on Yandex and, of course, carefully read the description and photos presented in this material.
Let's make a full review of the Meizu M3 Note 32gb and figure out why some Russian publications are already predicting legendary status for this model.
Appearance
The Meizu company has always had and still has its own corporate style. Even during the release of Meizu M3 Note 32gb (and 16gb), critics often discussed the presence of numerous signs of copying in it. And only now they recognize the beauty and uniqueness of the company’s smartphones, even though they have hardly changed with the release of new versions.
The front panel of the smartphone is somewhat reminiscent of the iPhone. Small frames around the edges of the screen; speaker, camera, sensors on top; hardware button at the bottom. The latter has become a recognizable feature of the company’s smartphones, both in appearance and in its functionality.
2,5 D glass, rounded at the edges. It looks impressive until practical users start gluing protective glass or film. They physically cannot fit tightly to the edges, which is why long “air stripes” form across the entire area of the smartphone. This is definitely a minus. But since the glass is protected, in favor of aesthetics, you don’t have to use such protective equipment. Moreover, 2.5D visually reduces the dimensions.
On the right side of the smartphone there is a power button and a volume rocker. On the right is a hybrid slot for SIM cards. You can paste or two SIM cards, or oneSIM and othermicroSD to increase the amount of internal memory.
On the top edge there is a headphone input, on the bottom there is a microSD connector and two symmetrical grilles, behind which the speaker and microphone are hidden.
The back panel looks especially stylish. She metal, except for small plastic inserts at the top and bottom, separated by antennas.
At the top center there is a camera and a two-color flash; Below is a mini company logo.
Device dimensions - 153.6 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm, weight - 163 g.
The colors are standard: silver and gold with a white front panel and dark gray with black. Elegant black will be appreciated by lovers of classic models. And for those who find black too gloomy, there are glamorous gold and stylish silver options. The latter, judging by the reviews in Yandex from fans of this model who have already made a purchase, are more focused on the female part of the audience.
The mobile phone looks much more expensive than $150.
Performance Specifications
Meizu M3 Note has a processor installed MediaTekHelioP10. Graphics accelerator Mali-T860. In 2017, these components cannot be considered even average in terms of performance, however, this should be enough for almost any task, be it games, working with photos, listening to the radio and other functions that, judging by reviews on Yandex, are usually accepted place more emphasis not on the phone, but on the laptop.
Complementing this 3 GB RAM (RAM), the user receives a smartphone that is capable of holding several resource-intensive programs at once and running complex games: Asphalt 8, Vainglory, Modern Combat 5.
To Antututhe device approaches 50000 points.
If you are purchasing a smartphone solely for gaming, then pay attention to more expensive devices with better technical characteristics, at least from the same company. But if you only run them from time to time, M3The Note is a great choice even in 2017.
Installed in the smartphone 32gb of internal memory (in 16gb - 16, respectively), which can be supplemented with a microSD card for data storage. But only if you install one SIM card.
Display
The M3 Note's screen is the best you can get for the money.
Diagonal - 5.5 inches in size,IPS matrix, screen resolutionFullHD, aspect ratio – 403ppi. These numbers are not clear, but it is worth noting that everything is improved in software using MiraVision 2.0 technology. You can manually adjust the color temperature. Perhaps this balances out all the other shortcomings of the model.
Cameras
Let's continue the discussion by mentioning the technically weakest point of the smartphone. Optical sensors are the most expensive components, so it is not surprising that the manufacturer decided to save money on them.
The description on paper promises 13 MP, phase detection autofocus, dual-color flash and aperturef/2.2.
In practice, the smartphone has unsatisfactory quality of detail and inaccurate color rendition of photos, even those taken in sunlight. The video is shot in Full HD; Slow Motion is supported.
5 MP front camera with software features to improve the quality of selfies.
Battery
4100 mAh together with a fairly economical chip can guarantee you 2 days at medium load. Even if you use it more as a laptop than a phone, constantly play games, listen to the radio and watch videos, your smartphone should be enough for you throughout the day. In a gentle mode, using energy-saving programs, your cell phone can last for a long time from 3 to 5 days.
operating system
Meizu M3 Note runs Android 5.1 with an add-on from a company called Flyme OS. An update is expected this year.
The operating system itself is made in the style of iOS. There is no separate menu; installed applications are located on desktops. And at the bottom there is a panel for placing the four most used applications (for example, photo editors, or radio).
The list of recent applications is launched by swiping from the bottom edge. After this, you can get rid of both individual processes and completely clear the memory.
Description of some built-in Meizu applications:
- "Gallery" includes editing tools;
- “Security” controls the consumption of internal memory and the load of RAM. Responsible for battery operating modes;
- “Explorer”, which has extensive file management capabilities;
- “Useful” adds elements that are unusual for a mobile device, such as a compass, level, ruler, and magnifying glass.
You should definitely watch a video review of this OS to understand how convenient it will be for you to work with it. After all, even if you put a curtain on the launcher, the settings panel, or the style of the built-in applications, you won’t be able to change it.
Rest
Meizu has a famous tradition of installing separate audio chips in smartphones. The M3 Note doesn't have this, but the sound quality is above average. This applies to a greater extent to listening through headphones. And the speaker, although loud, is not suitable for lovers of high-quality music.
At the beginning of the material, the smartphone’s hardware button was mentioned. It plays such an important role that it even has its own name - mTouch 2.1. Its peculiarity is that the manufacturer was able to provide several functions:
- fingerprint sensor for fingerprint unlock;
- touch surface, soft pressing on which is responsible for the “back” action;
- the usual return to desktop button.
The dimensions of the button make its use comfortable for any user.
NFC is missing.
OTG supported. You can use it to connect mice, flash drives, and external hard drives.
Communication characteristics correspond to 2017. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth of the latest generation. Mobile communications - 4G (LTE).
Among Chinese smartphones with a diagonal of 5.5 inches, sales records are shared by two models: Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and Meizu M3 Note. Meizu devices are traditionally positioned as more expensive and functional due to proprietary features such as a hardware button and its own operating system based on Android.
The popular M3 Note was no exception. Its cost is $150, which corresponds to the average price segment for Chinese devices. But upon closer inspection it becomes clear: it could cost more.
Characteristics
| Display | IPS 5.5″, 1,920 × 1,080, 403 ppi |
| CPU | MediaTek Helio P10 (MT6755M), 8 cores, 4 × 1.8 GHz |
| Video accelerator | ARM Mali-T860 |
| RAM | 2/3 GB |
| Persistent memory | 16/32 GB |
| Cameras | Main: 13 MP, f/2.2, autofocus, LED flash; front: 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Frame | Metal with plastic inserts |
| Wireless interfaces | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (2 bands), Wi-Fi Direct; Bluetooth 4.0 BLE; GPS/A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Supported networks | GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz; WCDMA 900/2100 MHz, TD-SCDMA; LTE FDD Band 1/3/7, TD-LTE |
| Wired Interfaces | MicroUSB (USB 2.0, OTG) |
| Sensors | Directions, proximity, lighting, accelerometer, geomagnetic, fingerprint scanner |
| Battery | 4,100 mAh |
| operating system | Flyme OS 5 |
| Dimensions | 154 × 76 × 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 163 g |
Appearance
When you open the box, you expect to see another iPhone clone or the embodiment of a dubious design concept. But the front side of the smartphone says the opposite: Meizu M3 Note is truly a stylish device.
The main decoration of the smartphone is the multifunctional branded button mTouch 2.1 with a built-in fingerprint scanner. The scanner operates in just 0.2 seconds. This is exactly what is used in the MX 5 from the mid-price category and the flagship of the previous generation Pro 5. The button works as a Home key, is used to unlock the gadget, and in the settings you can define additional functions: for example, limit access to certain files.
There are no other controls near the center button. To access the list of open applications, you must use a vertical slide from the place where the corresponding button should be.
The smartphone fits like a glove in the hand - it’s not for nothing that the company used (one of the first, especially in this price segment) a solid metal body. The corners are rounded, and so is the back cover. The forms are strict, nothing superfluous. 2.5D protective glass creates an imitation of a rounded screen in the overall style of streamlined contours.
Symmetry is another disease of Meizu designers. The bottom edge has two grilles (there is still only one speaker), the microUSB port is exactly in the middle. Even the camera and proximity sensor, combined with an LED indicator, are spaced as symmetrically as possible from the earpiece.
Thanks to its streamlined shape, the M3 Note fits perfectly in any hand: women's, children's or men's. The central button is under the thumb, as is the power button with a volume rocker on the left side.
Despite the 5.5-inch display, the smartphone fits perfectly into pockets and bags - the difference in size with 5-inch devices is almost invisible.
Screen
The overall impression is supported by a bright LTPS display with Full HD (1,920 × 1,080 pixels). Such matrices are usually used in more expensive smartphones, although they are relatives of IPS matrices.
The screen can display information both in bright sun and in complete darkness. Auto-adjustment works just like on high-end branded smartphones - instantly. The viewing angle approaches 180 degrees: the contrast drops slightly, colors are distorted minimally. The sensor is responsive, responds quickly and accurately. Up to 10 simultaneous clicks are supported. The device can be used while wearing fabric gloves.
The screen is protected from scratches, glare and dirty handprints. For the first, Dinotrail brand protective glass is used. For the rest - a special polarizing filter (like on SLR camera lenses) and an oleophobic coating.
Performance
Meizu M3 Note uses the Mediatek Helio P10 platform. It consists of 8 processor cores: four of them operate at a frequency of 1 GHz, another four operate at an increased frequency of up to 1.8 GHz. The graphics subsystem is based on a rather weak Mali solution.
You shouldn't expect performance records from such a system. Synthetic tests even show 3–5 times lower numbers than those of the 2016 flagships. But are such indicators important in real use? Of course not.
The interface works smoothly. You can play World of Tanks, Asphalt 8 or their analogues. You can open a “heavy” presentation in PPT or a large PDF.
Low performance is the price to pay for efficiency and moderate heating. And this is more important than the “parrots” in Antutu (by the way, in it the M3 Note scores 46,978 points, in GeekBench - 809 for a single core and 3,002 in a multi-core test). Thanks to the use of a processor “cut” in frequency and number of cores, the temperature under load does not rise above 37–40 degrees.
Battery life depends just as much on the processor. The device's 4,100 mAh battery is sufficient for:
- 10 hours of video viewing in airplane mode;
- 18 hours of reading time at minimum brightness;
- 5 hours of 3D games;
- work up to 2 days in mixed mode of use;
- 14 hours with LTE, Bluetooth and occasional screen use enabled.
In any case, this is enough for a working or school day. Built-in energy saving features will increase battery life. For the rest you will need an external battery. There is no fast charging; it will take 3.5 hours to replenish energy.
operating system
The Meizu M3 Note uses the proprietary Flyme 5.1.3 shell, based on Android 5.1. The system is quite well developed compared to the usual AOSP builds of Android.
All applications are located on desktops, there is no general menu. Instead of the menu bar from Flyme 4, the system shows a regular “carousel” with the ability to quickly clear all programs in one motion. The notification shade looks quite familiar.
Like the company's main competitor, Xiaomi, the operating system received significantly more settings than the usual Android 5.1. They mainly concern customization, but there is also display color correction.
In addition, you can clear memory, grant permissions to applications, enable a spam blocker and antivirus. There are clear power management and energy saving options. The shell is thought out, detailed, and at the same time laconic and beautiful. Perhaps Flyme OS is one of the best add-ons on the market today.
Photo
The main camera uses a 13-megapixel matrix and a wide-angle five-element lens with f/2.2 aperture. There is phase detection autofocus (PDAF). The two-color flash is quite bright. The application allows you to configure all the necessary parameters.
The resulting images are not perfect, but quite competitive. In the dark it turns out worse, but not completely bad, like, for example, the Lenovo K5 or.
Taking a selfie is not a problem. The front camera produces slight overexposure and does not work very well in difficult lighting. But thanks to the software capabilities of the proprietary application, you can select a preset that suits the shooting conditions or use the image enhancement function.
Sound
Unfortunately, the audio path in the Meizu M3 Note is much simpler than in the MX6 or Pro 6. Yes, the volume is sufficient and the clarity is not bad. You can listen to MP3s with headphones and not notice any shortcomings. For anything larger you will need a different device.
Connection
Since the body is unibody, the M3 Note uses a dual SIM card slot. You can install two cards: microSIM and nanoSIM. Instead of the second one, you can insert a memory card. If desired, you can use a combined microSIM + microSD. There is enough space to place it.
The smartphone supports work in almost all networks necessary for Russia. But! Devices for the Chinese market do not work in LTE networks of the 20th band (Band 20). Therefore, in regions with 4G there may be certain problems.
The connection quality of all modern smartphones is approximately at the same level. Meizu M3 Note does not break records, but it also does not allow itself to be considered an outsider. You can hear your interlocutor perfectly, and no one on the other side complains either.
GPS works well: enough for use as a navigator or compass for orientation on the ground.
conclusions
The main advantage of the M3 Note is ease of use. It manifests itself in everything: convenient form, convenient controls, convenient OS. Everything in the design is thought out to the smallest detail, and where hardware capabilities cannot be used, software saves the day.
The cost of modifying the Meizu M3 Note with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage in the Chinese market is $168. The junior version (2/16 GB) costs $149.
Among the real competitors of the reviewed Meizu in terms of equipment and convenience, only Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro can be distinguished (Note 4 is still quite expensive). It costs $140 for the 2/16 GB version and $180 for the 3/32 GB version. In addition, it does not have a hardware button, the scanner is located on the back, the camera is slightly worse, and the OS is different. Thus, comparing smartphones is a bit unfair.
How to make a choice in this case? You need to decide what you like best, which device seems more beautiful. After a week with the M3 Note, you don't want to let it go. Even the stylish Xiaomi Note 4 seems rough in comparison. That's why I choose Meizu M3 Note - for the mTouch button and rounded shapes.
