Lenovo Z5 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 Z5 Pro is a smartphone that was first announced in June 2018, and since its release, it has gained a reputation as a budget-friendly device with some impressive features. As of June 2023, the phone is still available on the market, and many people are considering it as a viable option for their next smartphone purchase.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, the Lenovo Z5 Pro is an impressive device. The phone boasts a sleek and modern look, with a glass front and back that are held together by an aluminum frame. The phone feels sturdy in hand, and the build quality seems to be quite good.
One of the most notable design features of the Z5 Pro is its slider mechanism. The phone's screen slides down to reveal the front-facing camera and various sensors. This is a unique design element that adds a touch of flair to the phone's appearance.
Ergonomically, the Z5 Pro is comfortable to hold and use. Its 153 x 75.7 x 7.9 mm dimensions make it easy to grip, and the phone's weight of 165 g feels balanced in hand. The phone's slim profile also makes it easy to slip into a pocket or bag.
In terms of durability, the Z5 Pro seems to be a solid device. The glass front and back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which should help prevent scratches and cracks. The phone's aluminum frame also adds to its durability.
Overall, the Lenovo Z5 Pro's design and build quality are impressive. The phone's modern look, slider mechanism, and sturdy construction make it a device that is sure to turn heads.
Display
The Lenovo Z5 Pro boasts a large 6.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels, which results in a pixel density of around 402 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is an impressive 83.6%, making it ideal for viewing media content and playing games.
The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which provides some level of durability against scratches and minor drops. The colors on the screen are vibrant and accurate, with good contrast and saturation levels. The viewing angles are also great, ensuring that images and videos remain visible even when viewed from extreme angles.
The brightness levels of the screen are decent, making it easy to view content even in brightly-lit environments. However, it may struggle a bit in direct sunlight, so it may be necessary to increase the brightness levels manually in such conditions.
The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the display are impressive, making it easy to navigate through the phone's interface and use various apps. Overall, the display on the Lenovo Z5 Pro is one of its key strengths, and is well-suited for anyone who enjoys consuming media content or playing games on their phone.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Lenovo Z5 Pro does not disappoint. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset, which is more than capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. Additionally, the phone comes with 6GB of RAM, ensuring that multitasking is a breeze.
In terms of gaming, the Lenovo Z5 Pro is a solid performer. The Adreno 509 GPU delivers smooth and responsive graphics, making games like PUBG and Asphalt 9 a joy to play. The phone also has no trouble handling more demanding titles like Fortnite, although you may need to lower the graphics settings to get the best performance.
In benchmark tests, the Lenovo Z5 Pro performs admirably. It scored 133,000 in AnTuTu, which puts it in the same league as phones like the Samsung Galaxy A50 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro. In real-world usage, the phone feels fast and responsive, with no noticeable lag or slowdowns.
One area where the Lenovo Z5 Pro could improve is storage. While the phone comes with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, there is no option to expand this via a microSD card. This could be a dealbreaker for users who need more storage space for their media files and apps.
Overall, the Lenovo Z5 Pro is a great performer that should satisfy most users. Its powerful chipset and ample RAM make it a joy to use for everyday tasks and gaming, although its lack of expandable storage may be a drawback for some.
Software and User Interface
The Lenovo Z5 Pro runs on Android 8.1 (Oreo) with ZUI 3.9, which is Lenovo's custom user interface. The software on the phone is clean and user-friendly, and the ZUI 3.9 offers a range of customization options for users. The interface is easy to navigate, and the phone comes with a range of pre-installed apps including Google services, Lenovo's own apps, and a few third-party apps.
One of the standout features of the phone's software is the ability to hide the front-facing camera and access it only when needed through the slider mechanism. This feature allows for a full-screen experience without any distractions.
The ZUI 3.9 also includes a number of useful features such as the ability to customize the home screen, use gesture-based navigation, and enable a one-handed mode. The phone also comes with a range of security features including a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and facial recognition technology.
The software on the Lenovo Z5 Pro is regularly updated, and the phone receives security patches and software updates on a consistent basis. Overall, the software and user interface on the Lenovo Z5 Pro are well-designed and offer a great user experience.
Camera
The Lenovo Z5 Pro boasts a dual rear camera setup, featuring a 16 MP primary sensor with f/2.0 aperture and PDAF, and an 8 MP secondary sensor. The rear camera setup is accompanied by dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama features. On the front, the device sports an 8 MP selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture and 1080p@30fps video recording capability.
In terms of image quality, the rear camera setup is capable of producing sharp and detailed photos with accurate colors in daylight conditions. In low light, however, the camera struggles to capture enough light and produces noisy images. The zoom capabilities and image stabilization are average, and the video recording quality is decent but not exceptional.
The front-facing camera is suitable for capturing good quality selfies, and the 1080p@30fps video recording capability is great for vlogging and video conferencing. Overall, the camera performance of the Lenovo Z5 Pro is acceptable for its price range, but it falls short when compared to other mid-range smartphones in the market.
It is worth mentioning that the camera app comes with various modes and settings to enhance the camera experience, including beauty mode, bokeh mode, and AI scene recognition. However, the camera app lacks manual controls, which may disappoint professional photographers.
In conclusion, the Lenovo Z5 Pro has an average camera performance that is suitable for casual photography but falls short in low light conditions. It offers a range of features and modes to enhance the camera experience, but the lack of manual controls may be a drawback for some users.
Battery Life
Connectivity and Networking
The Lenovo Z5 Pro offers a wide range of connectivity options that cater to the needs of most users. It supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring that you can connect to the internet and make calls regardless of your location.
The device comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, which provides fast and reliable internet connectivity, even in areas where the cellular signal is weak. Additionally, the Lenovo Z5 Pro supports Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to transfer files and data between devices without needing a wireless access point.
Bluetooth 5.0 is also available, which provides a faster and more stable connection with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature allows you to stream music wirelessly, connect to accessories such as wireless headphones, and transfer files between devices quickly and easily.
The Lenovo Z5 Pro does not support NFC, which may be a drawback for some users who rely on mobile payments. However, it comes with GPS, which provides accurate and reliable navigation for users who travel frequently.
Other connectivity features include FM radio and USB Type-C 2.0, which offers faster data transfer speeds and charging capabilities.
The device also features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which provides quick and secure access to your device. The Lenovo Z5 Pro also comes with accelerometer, proximity, and compass sensors, which add to its overall functionality.
Overall, the Lenovo Z5 Pro offers a solid range of connectivity options that cater to most users' needs. Its Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and GPS features are particularly noteworthy, while the lack of NFC may be a drawback for some users.
Additional Features
The Lenovo Z5 Pro boasts a variety of additional features that enhance its overall functionality and user experience. One of its standout features is the in-display fingerprint sensor which offers a seamless and secure unlocking experience. Additionally, the phone comes with a sliding mechanism that reveals the front-facing camera and other sensors, giving it a futuristic and sleek design.
The phone also supports Dolby Atmos audio for an immersive audio experience, and it features a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it easy to use your favorite headphones. Another notable feature is the dual-camera setup at the back, which includes a 16MP primary lens and an 8MP secondary lens that allows for stunning portrait shots.
In terms of connectivity, the Lenovo Z5 Pro supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE. It lacks NFC and wireless payment support, which may be a drawback for some users.
The phone does not have any water or dust resistance rating, which is a potential downside for users who are looking for a device that can withstand harsh environments. However, it does come with expandable storage options via a microSDXC card slot.
Overall, the Lenovo Z5 Pro has a solid set of additional features that make it a compelling option for users who are looking for a phone with a unique design, impressive camera, and good audio quality.
Comparison with Other Related Phones
When comparing the Lenovo Z5 Pro to other related phones, the first device that comes to mind is the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3. Both phones share similar designs with slide-out mechanisms that reveal the front-facing cameras. However, the Mi Mix 3 has a slightly larger screen and a higher screen-to-body ratio than the Z5 Pro.
Another related phone is the Honor Magic 2, which also has a slide-out mechanism for the front-facing cameras. The Magic 2 boasts a larger battery capacity than the Z5 Pro and also has a higher screen-to-body ratio. However, the Z5 Pro has a better rear camera setup with higher resolution and improved low-light performance.
The Samsung Galaxy A80 is another phone that can be compared to the Z5 Pro. Both devices have unique designs with rotating cameras that serve as both front and rear-facing cameras. However, the A80 has a larger screen and a higher screen resolution than the Z5 Pro.
Finally, the Oppo Reno2 is another phone that can be compared to the Z5 Pro. Both devices have similar screen sizes and resolutions, with the Reno2 having a slightly larger battery capacity. However, the Z5 Pro has better camera specifications and a more affordable price tag.
Overall, the Lenovo Z5 Pro holds its own against these related phones with its unique design, competitive specifications, and affordable price point.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Sleek and stylish design | 1. No water or dust resistance |
| 2. Large and vibrant display | 2. No NFC support |
| 3. Smooth and responsive performance | 3. Average battery life |
| 4. Impressive camera quality | 4. No wireless charging option |
| 5. User-friendly ZUI interface | 5. Limited availability in some regions |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lenovo Z5 Pro offers a great value for its price point. With its sleek design, impressive display, and capable performance, it can easily compete with other mid-range smartphones in the market. Its camera may not be the best in its class, but it can still take decent photos in most lighting conditions. The battery life is also commendable, providing sufficient juice for a full day's use.
Overall, the Lenovo Z5 Pro is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise on quality. Its user-friendly interface, customizable options, and regular software updates make it a great option for tech-savvy individuals who value up-to-date software.
While there may be other phones in the same price range that offer slightly better features, the Lenovo Z5 Pro is a well-rounded device that can cater to most users' needs. Therefore, if you're on a budget and looking for a reliable smartphone, the Lenovo Z5 Pro is definitely worth considering.
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