Review: Lenovo K5 Note - cool multimedia smartphone

Recently, Lenovo time seriously inferior position in the market. The only brand smartphone, which is widespread in Russia - a K3 Note. The fourth generation of multimedia PHABLET gone unnoticed, and K5 line altogether lost among the news of similar modifications Xiaomi smartphones. Admittedly, undeserved.

Characteristics

Warning: this characteristic modification Lenovo K5 Note (K52) - Chinese version of the smartphone.

Also available are devices for the international market, they are assigned an internal model number A7020. Chinese and different external devices modems and completion: European modem is used only with support for GSM / HSPA / LTE, and K52 adds the ability to work in CDMA-networks.

It should be borne in mind that the European version with 2/16 GB of memory can be supplied with a fingerprint reader, or without - depending on the region of sale. The confusion arose from the fact that Lenovo has announced the Lenovo originally K5 and K5 Plus, different screens (HD against Full HD), the presence of an older version of a fingerprint scanner and a set of chambers (in the standard version - 13 and 5 Mn). In the sale of all of the options received under the same name. In response to a question about the reasons for such a decision by representatives of the company have remained silent.

Appearance and equipment

Nothing extra Lenovo does not offer: a smartphone, cable, charger under a European outlet. Unfortunately, from a set of proprietary headset gone bad.

When looking at the K5 seems that Chinese designers are completely exhausted. It is difficult to distinguish from LeEco smartphones, Xiaomi and masses of little-known manufacturers. Familiar metal housing already familiar pink and gold or silver color, except that the more severe forms. Even plastic inserts required for the transmission of wireless signals, if a single standard.

In the top part of the fingerprint scanner on it - the flash and the camera. The latter is protected by glass Gorilla Glass.

Scanner strongly recessed into the body to prevent accidental clicks. It can be used for photography and blocking of certain applications. The device stores up to 10 fingerprints and reacts instantly, even if your scanner is considered one mark of all time. This distinguishes a smartphone from their counterparts.

The front panel with no frills: the display above it - a proximity sensor, speaker grille and front camera. There is LED for notifications, but it is invisible in the inactive state. Nice moment for silent mode, users can configure which applications will be displayed warning lights, as well as their color.

On the left side - combined slot for micro- and nano-SIM cards. Instead of the second memory card can be used up to 128 GB. On the right - the volume rocker and the power button. The key travel is very soft.

Under the screen are touch buttons "Home", "Voice Assistant" and "Back". The bottom end takes the microUSB port and the main microphone (second hiding over the camera and is used for noise reduction during calls).

In his hand Lenovo K5 Note is not worse than analogues of Xiaomi, LeEco and other companies. Metal body gives a feeling of security. Squeaks and there is no backlash, the buttons are firmly in place. Girls smartphone may seem too thick.

Screen

The display occupies most of the screen. Unfortunately, the scope wide. But there is a plus instead of the popular 2,5D used ordinary glass (also a Corning Gorilla Glass). On its perimeter - frame for additional protection. There oleophobic coating, so that the fingerprints on the screen should not be afraid: they are easily erased.

Responsive touch screen - no problems with the management. And you can poke a finger gloves (this feature is included in the system menu). Default Vibrate a distinct, very pleasant.

Display brightness varies over a wide range. It is sufficient for use in the sun and can not irritate in complete darkness. Proprietary OS Android 5.1-based system allows to adjust the screen as you wish. You can change the color balance, brightness, saturation, or include a special night mode with reduced brightness. There is an option Night mode with yellow light instead of the white screen. Supports intelligent tuning display.

Performance

Lenovo K5 Note resources sufficient for most basic tasks. smooth interface. Basic applications open almost instantly, without causing irritation.

In games smartphone shows itself well. Performance platform enough for Asphalt 8 or World Of Tanks. Epic Citadel produces about 42 fps in Ultra High Quality.

AnTuTu latest version raises the level of the flagship smartphone of two years, three years ago: 47,000 "parrots".

operating system

C plant Lenovo K5 Note comes preloaded with proprietary VibeUI shell based on Android 5.1. The appliance is available, and the sixth version of the OS, but if the system is not updated over the air, begin Problems.

For each version of the gadget you must use the appropriate version of the firmware. As the hands was a smartphone for sale in the Chinese market, required manual installation. Thus, the tests were carried out on the drain version of the operating system.

Initially, all the menus, settings, and applications - in English. After installing the Russian language it became clear that the system of the names of the menu items retain the original version of the - Russified correctly. But even with such a translation to use Lenovo K5 it was very nice.

The operating system running quickly. Scrolling, scrolling - without the lag.

The interface is slightly different from stock Android, but it is at the usual places. Part of Google apps, including Google the Play, replaced by a brand Lenovo apps.

In fact, in the integrated application store access to the standard Android-service, so there are no problems. The disadvantage of using could cause the Chinese voice assistant LeVoice, which by default is launched by pressing the center button. We'll have to cancel it or to use the international firmware.

The main differences from the usual Android-interface related to usability. K5 is equipped with a lot of additional features in the management: control mode with one hand, support for dual-tapa, use Volume rocker for photography when the screen is off, application control by touching the fingerprint fingers. There are universal onscreen menu button, similar to that of the Xiaomi Max. Russia and the CIS for very urgent may be the opportunity to work with a screen with gloves on.

Interestingly implemented power saving function that automatically activated by reducing its level to 15%. At the same time it includes special lokskrin that hosts shortcuts for the main functions (Phone, Contacts, SMS and hours).

multimedia Features

As the main camera is used Lenovo K5 Note 13 megapixels unknown producer. Aperture of f / 2,2 - it is a little. Therefore, high-quality images are obtained only in good light - bright, very pleasant.

Instant autofocus, but it does not work with HDR: too slow processing. In macro make excellent bokeh effect.

In the dark under complex ambient light to make a good shot is almost impossible: pictures "noisy." A little to correct this will those versed in the photo: in the K5 has its own SnapIt application for photography with extensive customization.

If necessary, you can adjust the image quality and recording mode or use the additional features: including electronic horizon, mesh or a hint in the form of flourishes to create a snapshot of the golden rule section.

Sound

Sound - the main advantage of Lenovo K5 Note. Smartphone equipped DAC (digital-to-analog converter) Wolfson WM8281, hardware supports decoding the audio stream to 24-bit / 192 kHz. There is support for Dolby Atmos in its stereovariante. Unfortunately, these features work only in the official firmware. Any options Android, except VibeUI, forcibly reduce the sound quality to the 16-bit / 44 kHz.

Built-in speaker is only enough for ringtones or watching YouTube videos in a small company. The sound is loud and clear. For use in a smartphone is not suitable as a portable speaker.

But the sound in the headphones is very good for the price range up to $ 250. With devices Meizu fourth or fifth series comparison is not worth it, but other competitors sound worse. This also applies to Meizu M3 Noteand Xiaomi Redmi Note 3/4.

There are FM-receiver, which is now put not all manufacturers.

Runtimes

Battery capacity is Lenovo K5 Note 3500 mAh. In the main competitors - 500 mAh more. In fact, the difference is largely irrelevant. K5 does not hit records, but shows good results:

• up to 6 hours of games in 3D-airplane mode;
• up to 4.5 hours of 3D-games using Wi-Fi;
• up to 8 hours of web surfing or watching YouTube via Wi-Fi on the average brightness;
• up to 9 hours of video playback on the average brightness in airplane mode;
• up to 5 hours of web surfing or watching videos through 4G.

In the standard mode (using instant messenger, phone calls, up to 10 hours in 4G) capacity battery will last for two days. Charging time native device from zero to 100% is almost three hours, fast charge function is not implemented.

link

The smartphone has two slots for nano-SIM-card. The radio module supports the work in networks GSM, HSPA and LTE. When buying a smartphone in the official version of 2/16 GB junior compatibility issues with 3G and 4G no. Chinese "gray" model (with the same version of 2/16 GB, not designed for the European market) may not work with Russian LTE networks.

Wi-Fi-module is able to operate both in the frequency range of 2.4 GHz, and the new standard 802.11ac (5 GHz). Communication with the router tenacious, high-quality - two concrete walls do not become a hindrance.

The device is equipped with a module Bluetooth 4.1 with support for aptX to transmit high-quality stereo audio device (including headset), as well as energy-saving protocol LE (Low Energy).

The navigation system works with the GPS satellites, BeiDou and GLONASS. Receiving the signal steady. The cold start takes about 30 seconds after the device catches up to 15 satellites at a window and much more on the open countryside.

results

On the market there are several smartphone with a diagonal of 5.5 inches, it has already gained recognition in Russia. Unfortunately, Lenovo K5 Note late: in this niche firmly established Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro and Meizu M3 Note. If we consider the other options, you can pay attention to LeEco 2 X620, but recommend it to music lovers until absolutely not worth it.

To compete with them for the mass buyer K5 is only thanks to a slightly lower value (166 dollars for 3/32 GB version) and more advanced multimedia capabilities. It is necessary to pay attention to those who are not satisfied with the sound quality of a modest budget smartphones by Xiaomi or Meizu.