TP-LINK Neffos C9A smartphone - advantages and disadvantages

The Taiwanese electronics company TP-Link has gained great popularity around the world. They provide people with different products and system equipment. But smartphones began to be released only in 2016. They called the brand of phones Neffos. It is still little known to users from the CIS countries. There are several Neffos models. This review will consider the Neffos C9A device. The company has introduced several interesting features into this model.

Specifications

The parameters of the budget device are pretty good. All parameters are shown 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 warranty for the device for 2 years.

Set

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

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

Design materials and assembly

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

Here is the modern aspect ratio of the device: 18: 9. For a budget gadget, this is a big plus, since 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 for its original design. It is a very compact and handy mobile device. This model is very similar to Huawei Y5 2018. Around the screen bezels of medium thickness wrap around. Slightly asymmetrical top and bottom frames. 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 a lot of problems, therefore 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. These include: a front camera peephole, one speaker that performs all functions (conversations and audio playback), light and proximity sensors. A flash is mounted in the front 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-sims, as well as a slot for a flash card. All three slots are on one plastic plate that fits into the case. The good news 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.

Additional microphone for video, flash and 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 from TP-Link is displayed at the very bottom of the phone cover.

Ergonomics

Due to its compactness, the phone can be used absolutely comfortably 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 located here, and the phone itself does not slip in the hand. Great for people who have a small or medium palm size, or simply uncomfortable using a shovel.

main parameters

Screen

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

The display is very rich and contrasty, has a good margin of brightness. During operation, color distortion is not observed. Automatic brightness control works at medium speed.

The settings have such interesting features as:

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

Performance

The gadget is powered by a budget quad-core MediaTek processor - MT6739WW. Because of this, the smartphone has little system performance. For example, the AnTuTu Benchmark system does not test this device at all, as it has too weak performance.

The RAM is 2 gigabytes, which will "pull" at most the simultaneous work 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 photo.

But you can also accommodate enough music (about 1000 songs) and several "light" games (up to 100 megabytes). If the buyer only needs the Internet and a basic package of applications, then this is the ideal option. But if there is not enough memory, then you can expand it using a flash card up to 128 GB.

If you download updates or applications from the Playmarket, the device starts to freeze a little. The system deceleration can last up to 10 seconds, and after downloading the normal operating mode will be restored. Apps are updated on average once every 2 weeks. In daily use, these brakes 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 "freezing" 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 "unnecessary" programs, then it will last longer.

Cameras

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

Autofocus and camera release are fast.

Photos sometimes come out blurry even in good daylight.

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

The front camera received only 5 megapixels. Performs only basic tasks: video communication via Skype or recording video calls. It is better not to take a selfie on her, as you will get a blurry picture.

The camera application is standard. Extra options:

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

Shooting modes:

• Exposure metering;
• Exposition;
• Focus;
• Excerpt;
• White balance;
• Advanced manual mode.

Key unlock methods

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

The face unlock function is also very slow. This function works only in a well-lit room and outdoors in 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.

One face can be registered in this model.

Autonomy of work

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

In addition, two modes are installed which save energy. Charges with the original charger for a long time. The phone should be fully charged in 2.5-3 hours. There is also no fast charging function.

Sound and communication

The earpiece speaker also performs multimedia functions. Great for phone calls, but audio playback quality is poor. The media playback level is average here for cheap smartphones.

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

The network of a mobile operator is determined at lightning speed. There were no problems with the definition of GPS, Wi-Fi and bluetooth.

Firmware and software

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

The shell works stably and smoothly. A pleasant and easy-to-learn interface will appeal to any user. The following programs can be launched from the lock screen:

• Stopwatch;
• Timer;
• Lantern;
• Calculator;
• Voice recorder;
• Camera.

The following functions are also available on the screen:

• Cloning applications;
• Screen off gestures (music control, screen control, applications).

There are also 2 ways of navigation: buttons located on the screen and gestures.

It is worth considering gesture control, since everyone can control buttons, and gestures are a novelty. For example, in order to return to the desktop, you need to swipe down from the top of the screen and perform the action back. To open the application, slide your finger 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 gesture control 10 minutes after turning on this function.

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 that you are using, just scan this code.

Safety

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

Advantages and disadvantages

• Low price;
• Good battery life;
• Fingerprint scanner;
• Unlocking by face;
• There is a QR code;
• Additional functions;
• Easy;
• Compact;
• Does not slip in the hand;
• Separate memory card slot.

• There is no oleophobic coating;
• The system slows down if more than 3 applications are running;
• Face scanner and unlock works with delay;
• Plastic case;
• Weak performance.

The phone copes well with basic tasks.This is a good option for a budget smartphone. Suitable for the average user who uses the Internet and mobile communications. This device is not suitable for games due to poor performance.

The smartphone is comfortable 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.