A refresh(F5)-ing tune for the smartphone market.
Byline: By Daryl Tan
BenQ, known for its display panels, is now moving into the smart device space. Known as the BenQ F5, can it stake a claim in the under-RM1K category in the already highly competitive space?
Just Enough
The F5’s design seems to harken back to the large monolithic design of yesteryear. The jet black profile and plastic construction speaks volumes of its pedigree as a mid-tier phone. The back cover, which is removable, protects the SD card slot and SIM tray. Curiously, BenQ has opted to go for a non-removable battery. Another odd design is the power button location as it is puzzlingly placed on the top left of the device. This proved challenging to a non-Southpaws.
Similar Display
Turning on the screen, it’s clear (no pun intended) that BenQ hasn’t really spent much time on arguably the most important aspect of the F5 – the display. From being known for its extensive decent to great screens, one would safely expect the new smartphone effort to have such basic necessities. Thankfully, it does as the panel usedoffers enough to get the job done since it manages to push out a seemingly balance mix of hues.
Megapixel Myth
If one ever needed an exhibit for how Megapixels are not the be-all-end-all of cameras, the BenQ F5 would be the perfect candidate. The 13MP rear shooter snaps decent photos with slightly mixed results. While it may be unrealistic to expect too much from a phone in this price range, I’d like to believe the performance can stretch a little beyond above average.
Fair Expectations
All things considered, the BenQ F5 is a decent phone. Its navigation is smooth thanks to its lightweight loader. This ensures apps run decently well and the battery easily lasting a full working day. For its highly affordable price point, the F5 is a case of getting exactly what you pay for – nothing more, and nothing less.
Price: RM799
Dimensions: 143 x 72.8x 8.5mm
Weight: 135 g
Display: 5.0 inches, 1280 x 720
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
Graphics: Adreno 305
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Camera: 13MP autofocus with flash, 2MP front-facing camera
Storage: 16GB
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G, 4G LTE
Ports: microSD up to 64GB, 3.5mm audio jack, micro USB
Battery: 2520mAh (non-removable)
Antutu: 18005
3DMark Ice Mark Extreme: 2893
Basemark X: 4372 (Medium)
Basemark OS II: 490
Anomaly 2 Benchmark: 95689 (High)
Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Usability: 8/10
Verdict: Decent is the right word to use here.
Total Score: 8.6/10
