Smartphone TP-LINK Neffos C9A - advantages and disadvantages

The Taiwanese electronics company TP-Link has become very popular all over the world. They provide people with different products and system equipment. But smartphones began to be produced only in 2016. They called the brand of phones Neffos. It is still little known to users from the CIS countries. There are several models of Neffos. In this review, the Neffos C9A device will be considered. The company has introduced several interesting features in this model.

Specifications

The parameters of the budget device are quite good. All parameters are displayed in the table:

The device has recently appeared on the domestic market. Its recommended cost is about 7 thousand rubles. The manufacturer provides an official 2-year warranty for the device.

Set

The phone is delivered in a large branded box. It contains a standard set, as well as additional USB / MicroUSB cables, SIM card ejection clips, a power adapter (5V / 1A), as well as a protective film on the screen and a transparent silicone case.

Although the film and case are very simple, the client will like them, since he does not have to look for suitable ones in stores and pay extra money.

Design materials and assembly

The body of the phone has two types of colors: light gray with a white panel and dark gray with a black panel.

Here is the current aspect ratio of the device: 18:9. For a budget gadget, this is a big plus, because before such a screen was not made on a cheap phone, but only on expensive and popular smartphones. This bold decision should attract many new buyers.

However, it does not stand out with its original design. This is a very compact and handy mobile device. This model is very similar to Huawei Y5 2018. Frames of medium thickness wrap around the screen. Slightly asymmetrical top and bottom bezels. The glass is slightly rounded around the perimeter. The body is made of high quality plastic.

The lack of an oleophobic coating on the screen causes many problems, so it is not recommended to use the phone without a protective film or glass. If you do not put protection on the screen, then it will quickly get dirty, and traces will be difficult to remove.

Fortunately, there is a protective film that can be glued immediately after purchase.

Layout

This model has a typical layout of elements. These include: front camera peephole, one speaker that performs all functions (talks and audio playback), light and proximity sensors. A flash is installed at the top of the screen. The Neffos logo is drawn below the screen of the device.

The dual speaker volume rocker, as well as the power and screen unlock buttons are located on the right side.

On the left are slots for two nano-sim, as well as a slot for a flash card. All three slots are located on one plastic plate, which is inserted into the case. The good thing is that you don't have to choose between a second SIM card and a flash drive, because you can insert everything together.

At the bottom there is a microphone and an output for a microUSB port. The 3.5mm headphone jack is on the top.

An additional microphone for video, a flash and a rear camera lens in a silver frame. It looks elegant. The fingerprint scanner and the Neffos brand logo are located just below. The very same inscription of the company TP-Link is displayed at the very bottom of the phone cover.

Ergonomics

Due to its compactness, the phone can be absolutely comfortable to use, operating with one hand. All buttons and accessories are in place so there is no need to reach for the scanner or power button with your other hand.

The controls are conveniently placed here, and the phone itself does not slip in your hand.Great for people who have a small or medium size palm, or they are simply uncomfortable using a "shovel".

main parameters

Screen

The phone is equipped with an elongated display, which has an aspect ratio of 18:9. Matrix type - IPS. The display diagonal is 5.45 inches, and the extension is 1440x720. This is 295 pixels per inch, which is actually ideal for a screen of this size.

The display is very saturated and contrasting, has a good supply of brightness. During operation, color distortions are not observed. Automatic brightness adjustment works at medium speed.

In the settings there are such interesting functions as:

• Screen sensitivity;
• Night mode;
• Work with gloves;
• Eye protection mode;
• Schedule;
• Fingerprint gestures.

Performance

The gadget runs on a budget MediaTek quad-core processor - MT6739WW. Because of this, the smartphone has a small system performance. For example, the AnTuTu Benchmark system does not test this device at all, as it has too poor performance.

RAM is 2 gigabytes, which will "pull" the strength of the simultaneous operation of 2-3 applications without braking. There is also little memory here - only 16 gigabytes. Quite enough for an ordinary user who is only interested in social networks and likes to take a little pictures.

But here you can also fit enough music (about 1000 songs) and a few "light" games (up to 100 megabytes). If the buyer only needs the Internet and a basic package of applications, then this is an ideal option. But if the memory is small, then you can expand it with a flash card up to 128 GB.

If you download updates or applications from the Playmarket, then the device starts to “freeze” a little. System braking can last up to 10 seconds, and after downloading, normal operation will be restored. Applications are updated on average once every 2 weeks. In everyday use, these braking will be imperceptible. Also, sometimes the system slows down if you open some programs or the list of applications itself.

But these "bugs" are not tragic for the phone, since almost all budget smartphones periodically experience a "freeze" of the system. Such a device is suitable only for basic tasks (Internet, calls, watching videos, listening to music, using basic programs). If the phone is not overloaded with "extra" programs, then it will last longer.

cameras

The main camera received 13 megapixels with image phase detection autofocus. Considering the price of the smartphone, the camera shoots quite well. Color rendition and detailing of pictures at a fairly high level, as for a budget model.

Autofocus and camera shutter are fast.

Pictures are sometimes blurry even in good daylight.

Such a camera should be enough for an ordinary user, but it will not work for an advanced one. The video is shot in 1080p resolution. There is no video stabilization mode here.

The front camera received only 5 megapixels. Performs only basic tasks: Skype video calls or recording video messages. It is better not to take a selfie on it, as it will turn out a blurry picture.

The camera application is standard. Extra options:

• Monochrome mode;
• Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation and hue.

Shooting modes:

• exposure metering;
• exposure;
• Focus;
• Excerpt;
• white balance;
• Advanced manual mode.

Key unlock methods

Unlocking is carried out using a fingerprint scanner or a user's face recognition function. The scanner is very slow and does not always respond to human touches. This scanner can also open the notification shade or unlock apps.

The face unlock feature is also very slow. This function works only in a well-lit room and outdoors during the daytime, but in the dark it does not react at all to a person's face.

Tip: If it's dark outside, it's better to unlock the screen with a fingerprint scanner.

In this model, one person can be registered.

Autonomy of work

The battery capacity is 3020 milliamps. The battery is non-removable as it is soldered into the case. With active use, enough for a whole working day. Due to the weak processor, the battery will last much longer than a battery with the same capacity on the flagship model. On average, it works 5 hours with the screen on without interruption.

In addition, there are two modes that save energy. It takes a long time to charge with the original charger. The phone should fully charge in 2.5-3 hours. There is also no fast charging feature.

Sound and communications

The speaker also performs multimedia functions at the same time. Great for phone calls, but the audio quality leaves a lot to be desired. The level of media playback here is average for cheap smartphones.

The sound in the headphones is also good, but it is desirable to correct it with an equalizer, which is not here.

The network of the mobile operator is determined at lightning speed. Problems with the definition of GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth were not identified.

Firmware and software

The device has a proprietary shell NFUI 8.0, as well as the Android 8.1 operating system.

The shell works stably and without failures. Nice and easy-to-learn interface will appeal to any user. You can launch the following programs from the lock screen:

• Stopwatch;
• Timer;
• Torch;
• Calculator;
• Dictaphone;
• Camera.

The following functions are also available on the screen:

• Cloning applications;
• Gestures on the off screen (music control, screen control, programs).

There are also 2 ways to navigate: buttons that are located on the screen and gestures.

It is worth considering gesture control, since everyone knows how to control buttons, and gestures are something new. For example, in order to return to the desktop, you need to swipe down on the screen and perform the action back. To open the application, swipe from the bottom to the center and hold your finger on the screen for a few seconds. You can enable or disable gesture control in the settings. You can get used to managing gestures 10 minutes after enabling this feature.

Wi-Fi access can be shared using a QR code, which is not typical for a cheap smartphone. Anyone who wants to connect to the Wi-Fi network you use can simply scan this code.

Safety

In addition to unlocking with a pattern and code, there are ways to unlock the phone with your face and finger. Here, these functions work at an average level.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Low price;
• Good autonomy of work;
• Fingerprint scanner;
• face unlock;
• There is a QR code;
• Additional functions;
• Light;
• Compact;
• Does not slip in the hand;
• Separate memory card slot.

• No oleophobic coating;
• The system slows down if more than 3 applications are running;
• The scanner and face unlock work with a delay;
• Plastic case;
• Weak performance.

The phone handles basic tasks well. This is a good option for a budget smartphone. Suitable for an ordinary user who uses the Internet and mobile communications. For games, this device is not suitable due to poor performance.

The smartphone is easy to use and fits comfortably in the hand. The camera works at an average level. For those who need a phone for calls and the Internet, this is a great option.