During our recent adventure  assignment in Berlin for IFA we were very fortunate to have the pleasure of attending an exclusive media invite to attend TP Link’s Global launch of the new Neffos X1 and X1 Max. A pair of new mid-range smartphones from the giant networking equipment maker. Lucky for us, our close ally, representative from TP Link Malaysia was able to sneak us a beta unit to play with.

And for our readers and prelude to the official launch here in KL, lets have a first look of the Neffos X1 Max.

Middle ground

From the onset the Neffos X1 Max stands apart from the X1, with a 5.5″ display and a full metal body the bigger unit feels more indulgent. Maybe the sleek sheen on the outer shell or of it being bigger yet not looking over-sized. Something the parent company, TP Link said was achieved using careful desi element, like the chamfered sides, dual curved metallic back and the amazingly slim edge of just 2.75mm, an industry record.

We were told the phones went through rigorous test before seeing daylight, like 16000 drop tests and 8000 times charger insertion test, a testament to the company’s quality control assertion on all its products. No wonder these guys are global leaders! As the unit handed to us has still kinks to be resolved especially on the software part, the hardware was final and ready to market. The full-incell, 1000:1 contrast bodes well even in bright daylight use, the technology allows the device to be much slimmer and lighter as touch and digital layers are combined to a single layer, giving higher contrast than even LCD.

Picture this

The quiet streets in front of the launch hall were decked with quaint cafes and restaurants, typical of alley ways in Europe, cobbled pavements and lined with huge trees. Our rendezvous point was a pastry shop with fresco dining. Perfect to try out the camera on the Neffos X1 Max.

Both models are armed with the similar shooters, 13 megapixel for the primary and a 5 megapixel for the front, the key factor is the f/2.0 aperture in this mid-range. Even for the brief moment we had the devices, we were able to try out the cameras and they performed rock solid (we need more time to test the Sony 5P lens sensor, the phones key feature), shutter speed was satisfactory, we hate phones that take ages to snap.

Conclusion

We found the Helio P10 processor integrate well withing the various components, TP Link does work with Qualcomm for their networking equipment’s, so we might see future devices on these premium chips, CEO did not rule this out. Having crucially included key features that determines if a consumer will consider the Neffos X1 Max is what will make the new smartphone from TP Link a compelling choice.