Meizu M1 Note (Blue Charm) first camera samples, benchmarks surface

The Meizu M1 Note (Blue Charm) is a new phone from China that you'll hear a lot more in the next few months for a simple reason: it offers a 5.5-inch 1080p Full HD display, a capable 64-bit octa-core chip, and a 13-megapixel camera for just $160 (¥999). All of that encapsuled in a design that is an unapologetical copy of iPhone 5c down to the vibrant colors and glossy finish. But is it any good, you may wonder, sprinkling those doubts with musings about the quality of Chinese products?

The first Meizu M1 Note camera samples and processor benchmarks are now out, giving us a preliminary answer to that question. The answer is a resounding yes, especially when you compare the performance with what's offered in the same price bracket by other companies. Let us also clarify - for those of you who don't follow the Chinese smartphone world - that Meizu is a name with a reputation for its meticulous designs. In fact, it has adopted an aluminum frame for its flagships, and is one to ship devices with some of the slimmest side bezel out there, making even large-screen phones appear more compact.

First, let's start with the M1 Note camera samples. The Blue Charm sports a 13-megapixel camera with f/2.2 aperture lens. We would not draw any final conclusions as these images are likely coming from a prototype (one very close to final, though), but it is obvious that the camera is able of capturing good detail and images even under lower light appear fairly sharp and without any huge issues in color. There are also two selfies shot on the 5-megapixel front shooter, which also look fine (they are noisy, but do keep in mind that they are captured in the later afternoon hours).