Published in Reviews

Mlais M4 Note review, Hong Kong gang does it again

by on13 May 2015

Index

 

Design and Build Quality

By now it should be obvious that the M4 Note is a clone of the Galaxy Note 4, with only a few minor differences. We are no fans of clones, but the M4 has a few things going for it. While the M52 mimicked the Xiaomi Redmi Note, the design was more or less generic and it could get away with it, but the M4 Note is a spitting image of the Galaxy Note 4. The design is unoriginal and Mlais didn’t try to make it original. On the upside, the Galaxy Note 4 is a good looking phone, and so is the Mlais.

Mlais Note M4 review side screen 2

But what about the build quality?

At $159 you really can’t expect the same level of craftsmanship as you would get on a $600 flagship device, but Mlais did a good job. In fact, it did a damn good job considering the tight budget. The metal frame looks and feels great, and so do the buttons. The gently curved glass also helps, and the removable rear cover feels good, too.

Mlais Note M4 review curved glass1

It’s not perfect though. There are some minor issues like the jagged edge on the camera rim which points to a less than perfect CNC finish, but this sort of stuff is only visible upon closer examination and does not change the fact that you’re getting a steel frame and metal buttons on a $159 device. Overall, the build quality is truly impressive at this price point.

Mlais Note M4 review camera 2

The volume rocker is located at the right, while the power button is on the left.

buttons macro

Both buttons feel great, as does the home button.

buttons macro 2

Of course, they’re not on par with the Galaxy Note 4, but they are very good. There’s not a lot of travel and you get a pleasing click.

profil 1

The micro USB and 3.5mm audio ports are located at the top. There’s nothing at the bottom, save for the microphone.

Mlais Note M4 review buttons bottom

If you want to access the memory card and SIM slots, you’ll have to peel off the back cover. It provides quick access to the slots and the removable 2400mAh Li-Poly battery.

Mlais Note M4 review covers

You can also replace the back with a flip cover, with a similar faux-leather finish. It’s just $5, but it looks and feels good. Both covers offer a lot of grip and stand up to fingerprints and grease.

Since the device has a big, steel frame, there’s virtually no flex. The rim is cold to the touch and gives off a premium vibe. The soft finish on the back helps, too. Overall, the tactile experience is very good – the Mlais Note 4 simply doesn’t feel like a $159 device. The casual observer would probably think it costs twice as much, or more.

Mlais Note M4 review edge1

You get a choice of two colour options, white and black.


Last modified on 14 May 2015
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