Lenovo K5 Note (2018) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Lenovo K5 Note (2018), also known as the Lenovo K9 Note, is a mid-range smartphone that was announced and released in June 2018. It boasts a 6.0-inch display, a Snapdragon 450 chipset, up to 4GB of RAM, and a dual-camera setup on the back. The phone is available in black, gold, and blue colors, and it is priced at around 150 EUR.

Design and Build Quality

Lenovo K5 Note 2018 is a well-designed smartphone with a sleek and slim profile. The phone measures 158.3 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm and weighs 176 g, making it easy to hold and use with one hand. The phone comes in three colors - Black, Gold, and Blue - catering to different tastes.

The device features a metal body with a glossy finish that adds a premium touch. The phone's build quality is impressive, and it feels solid, durable, and well-constructed. The back panel houses the dual camera setup and fingerprint scanner, while the front panel boasts a 6.0-inch IPS LCD screen with thin bezels.

The phone's ergonomics are noteworthy, and it feels comfortable to hold and use, thanks to the smooth edges and rounded corners. The placement of the buttons and ports is also convenient, and they are easily accessible. The phone comes with a dual SIM slot that supports Nano-SIM cards.

The Lenovo K5 Note 2018 offers a decent level of durability, and it can withstand minor drops and scratches. However, the device is not water-resistant, so users should take extra caution when using it around water.

Overall, the Lenovo K5 Note 2018's design and build quality are impressive, offering a sleek and sturdy device that is comfortable to use and easy on the eyes.

Display

The Lenovo K5 Note (2018) boasts a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display that offers a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9. This results in a pixel density of approximately 268 pixels per inch, which is not the sharpest display out there but still provides decent visuals.

The color accuracy and vibrancy of the display are satisfactory, and the brightness levels are also decent, making it easy to use the phone outdoors. However, the display may struggle a bit in direct sunlight.

The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the screen are adequate, and users should not face any significant issues. The display is also responsive to multiple touch points, which is useful for playing games or using multi-touch gestures.

Overall, the display of the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) is not the most impressive out there, but it does the job well enough for daily use. It offers a decent viewing experience, and the 18:9 aspect ratio makes it suitable for multimedia consumption.

Performance

The Lenovo K5 Note (2018) is powered by an Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 processor and Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) chipset. The device comes in two RAM and internal storage variants: 32GB 3GB RAM and 64GB 4GB RAM. The phone's performance is overall satisfactory, with no significant lags or delays. Multitasking and app performance are smooth and efficient, making it a great device for everyday use.

The K5 Note (2018) performs well in terms of gaming capabilities, with the Adreno 506 GPU providing vivid graphics and smooth gameplay. The device's benchmark scores are also impressive, with the phone scoring well on various tests.

Real-world usage of the device is also noteworthy, as it performs well when used for everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, checking emails, and using social media apps. The phone's processor and chipset provide a seamless experience when using these apps, and there are no noticeable delays or lags.

Overall, the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) is a reliable device with impressive performance capabilities. Its processor, chipset, and GPU all work together to provide a smooth and efficient user experience. Whether you're using the phone for everyday tasks or for gaming, the K5 Note (2018) is a great option.

Software and User Interface

The Lenovo K5 Note (2018) runs on the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system with Lenovo's ZUI 3.9 interface. The user interface is well-designed and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. There are plenty of customization options available, including the ability to change the app icons, themes, and wallpapers.

The phone comes with a few pre-installed apps, but they are not overwhelming and can be uninstalled if desired. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, and the phone's performance is snappy and responsive.

The software updates are regular and timely, providing users with the latest security patches and bug fixes. The phone is also equipped with a fingerprint sensor on the back, which is fast and accurate, providing a secure way to unlock the device.

One downside of the software is the lack of an app drawer, which can be a bit confusing for users who are used to having one. However, this can be easily remedied by using a third-party launcher.

Overall, the software and user interface of the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) are well-designed and user-friendly, providing a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Camera

The Lenovo K5 Note (2018) boasts a dual-camera setup on the rear, with a primary 16 MP shooter and a 2 MP secondary lens for depth effects. The camera app offers a variety of features, including LED flash, panorama, and HDR. The front-facing camera is an 8 MP sensor, which is decent for taking selfies or making video calls.

The rear camera delivers impressive image quality, especially in good lighting conditions. Colors are well-balanced, and details are sharp and vibrant. The camera also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to its wide aperture lens. The depth sensor enables bokeh effects, which work well for portraits and macro shots.

The camera app offers a range of settings and modes, including Pro mode, which allows you to adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and exposure. Other modes include panorama, slow-motion, and time-lapse.

The video recording capabilities of the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) are impressive, offering full HD 1080p at 30fps. The video quality is smooth and clear, with good stabilization and accurate colors.

Overall, the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) has a capable camera setup, delivering impressive image and video quality in a range of conditions. While it may not compete with high-end flagship devices, it offers excellent value for its price range.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Lenovo K5 Note (2018) offers reliable and fast connectivity and networking options. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted internet access. The phone also features dual nano-SIM support, allowing users to use two different SIM cards simultaneously.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the phone features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct, enabling users to connect to Wi-Fi networks quickly and easily. Bluetooth 4.2 is also supported, providing a stable and fast connection for file sharing and music streaming.

While the phone does not include NFC capabilities, it does come with GPS for accurate location tracking and navigation. It also offers FM radio, providing entertainment on-the-go without the need for an internet connection.

The K5 Note (2018) also features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing secure and convenient access to the phone. Other sensors include an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, making the phone fully equipped for daily use.

Overall, the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) offers an excellent set of connectivity and networking features that are reliable, fast, and user-friendly.

Additional Features

The Lenovo K5 Note (2018) comes with a range of additional features that make it stand out in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. One of the most notable features is the fingerprint sensor on the rear of the device, which adds an extra layer of security to protect your personal data. Another great feature is the expandable storage option, allowing you to easily increase the amount of available storage space on the device, should you need it.

Audio quality is also a strong point of the K5 Note (2018), with a 3.5mm headphone jack and loudspeaker that provide clear and crisp sound for all your music and video needs. Additionally, the speaker performance is impressive, with good volume and clarity even at higher volumes.

While the K5 Note (2018) does not have any water or dust resistance rating, it does offer a range of other unique features. For example, it has a feature called U-Touch that enables you to control the device with gestures, without having to touch the screen. This can be useful when wearing gloves or if you want to avoid getting fingerprints on the display.

In terms of other innovations, the K5 Note (2018) has a face unlock feature that allows you to unlock the device with just a glance. While it's not as secure as the fingerprint sensor, it can be a convenient option for those who prefer not to use a passcode or pattern.

Overall, the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) has a range of additional features that provide added value to the device. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end smartphones, it offers plenty of features that make it a great choice for those looking for a mid-range device with solid performance and useful features.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) with other related phones, it's important to consider its overall value proposition. One potential competitor is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, which offers a similar screen size and resolution, as well as a powerful Snapdragon 660 processor. However, the K5 Note has a larger battery capacity and a more affordable price point, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.

Another phone to consider is the Samsung Galaxy A20, which boasts a similar display and battery capacity, as well as a dual-camera setup. However, the K5 Note has a more powerful processor and more RAM, which may appeal to users who prioritize performance over camera quality.

Finally, the Nokia 6.1 Plus is another viable option to compare with the K5 Note. Both phones feature similar processor and RAM specs, as well as dual rear cameras. However, the Nokia 6.1 Plus has a slightly smaller battery and a higher price point, which may make the K5 Note a more appealing choice for some users.

Ultimately, the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) offers a solid combination of performance, battery life, and affordability when compared to other phones in its class. While there are certainly other options to consider, the K5 Note stands out as a compelling choice for consumers who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

To sum up, the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers good value for its price. Its sleek design, large display, and decent camera make it a great choice for anyone looking for a budget phone that can handle basic daily tasks.

However, the phone's chipset and RAM may struggle when running more demanding apps or games, and its display resolution may not be as sharp compared to some of its competitors. Additionally, the lack of water and dust resistance and absence of NFC may be a drawback for some users.

Overall, the Lenovo K5 Note (2018) is a good option for those who prioritize design and camera quality over performance and advanced features. It is a suitable device for casual use, social media, and browsing, but may not be the best choice for heavy multitasking or gaming.

If you are seeking alternatives, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 and Samsung Galaxy A20 are two phones worth considering in the same price range. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a smartphone.