BQ Selfie Max: good cameras

In early August, a Russian brand BQ announced the release of camera BQ-5504 Strike a Selfie Max, which is equipped with the main camera module from Sony with a resolution of 16 MP and a front 13-megapixel camera. But as we found out, this is not the only good budget news.

To the device we came to this interesting package — generally, smartphones BQ is easily distinguished by memorable box which consists of two modules. Inside — the smartphone itself, power adapter with micro USB cable, documentation and a variety of amenities like a promo code to purchase the accessories.

BQ Strike Max Selfie features a 5.5-inch IPS-display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, which has improved color reproduction. Many of the images, and apps look very colorful; of course, I would like a full Full HD, but it is necessary to go not to the budget smartphones, and the devices several times more expensive.

Under the "hood" news — Quad-core MediaTek processor MT6737 with support for LTE, 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB internal with support for microSD cards up to 128 GB. To admit, thought "the RAM" limit of 2 GB, as is currently the case in this segment, but nothing happened. 3 GB is more than enough for gaming and resource-intensive tasks, and the microSD card can be free space.

Autonomy provides battery capacity of 3000 mAh — we tested, with an average mode of use (social networking/calls, sometimes games) smartphone easily "live" for almost two days without recharging. The role played by the optimization of the hardware for the operating system Android 7.0 Nougat.

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Full features BQ Strike Selfie Max

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• Display: 5.5 inch IPS
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• Resolution: 1280 x 720
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• Operating system: Android 7.0 Nougat
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• CPU: MediaTek MT6737, 4 core, 1.3 GHz
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• RAM: 3GB
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• Built-in memory: 16 GB
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• Mobile communications: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
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• Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
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• Bluetooth: 4.0
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• Number of SIM: 2
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• memory Card microSD: up to 128 GB
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• camera Resolution: Front — 13 MP, primary — 16 MP
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• Navigation: GPS
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• Capacity: 3000 mAh
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• device Size: 155 x 76,8 x 8.9 mm
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• Weight: 171g

The Manufacturer is positioning the smartphone primarily as a selfie device, aided by the front-facing 13-megapixel camera. Outwardly BQ Strike Max looks stylish Selfie: the Golden body, small frame around the display, the back cover is made of brushed metal, making the smartphone does not slip from hands. The case has a rounded design, front panel is covered with a durable curved glass is 2.5 D.

Upstairs along with a front-facing camera houses the speaker grille, proximity sensor, led notification and... another flash. Now I understand why such an emphasis on selfies: more flash will help to make a quality photo on the front camera even in low light.

The Only thing that did not like the front panel — the lack of a standard touch buttons under the screen, here everything is controlled by the software elements of Android 7.0. Why leave such a large free area that is not doing anything? You or the screen to do more, or the fingerprint scanner to be placed (or the manufacturer's logo, in the end).

But no, the fingerprint scanner is back here, right under the camera and flash, and the logo is even lower. Elements are centered, so all looks unified and beautiful. The fingerprint scanner works quickly. Bottom — holes very loud speaker which can be easily used for creating party.

On the right side — the power button and the volume rocker; on top — 3.5 mm audio Jack at the bottom — the micro-USB port for charging.

Unlike many other state employees, this model is equipped with two slots for micro-SIM and an independent connector for memory cards microSD. That is, it is not necessary to choose — to insert another "SIM card" or memory card, because it will take it all.

As for performance, despite the fact that the smartphone is not the most productive and fresh 64-bit MediaTek chip MT6737 with 4 cores, 1.3 GHz and graphics Mali-T720 MP2, smartphone cope with most heavy tasks, helps it 3 GB of RAM. Even demanding games don't lag and run without problems. However, benchmarks for these devices to run pointless, especially compared with the flagships from Huawei or HTC. But if you want to know how much the smartphone is gaining in AnTuTu and Geekbench, the figures are 28 900 points and 1500 points, respectively, in multi-core mode.

Generally, the smartphone has a lot of software improvements that compensate for the most powerful "stuffing". For example, the app pre-installed MiraVision, which provides a lot of settings for creating better display all the information on the display. DuraSpeed mode allows you to run serious software, and demanding games without sacrificing performance.

And the front and main cameras give decent pictures, especially in good lighting conditions. The camera interface is intuitive, with settings very much. There is support for separate modes: portrait (a face is detected, the focus and blurred the background), a beautiful face or panorama.

Here are a couple of examples.

Shot on the main camera Selfie BQ Strike Max

Shot on the main camera Selfie BQ Strike Max

Filmed at the front camera Selfie BQ Strike Max

If you sum it up review — for my money BQ-5504 Max Selfie Strike a decent smartphone. Of course, the resourceful Chinese for the money offer "stuffing" a little more powerful, but this model impresses with build quality, advanced cameras and appearance. Moreover, it is another reason to support the Russian manufacturer.

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