Smartisan

Smartisan M1L: Pros and Cons

Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro
Adreno 530
4 GB / 32 GB
5.7 inch (1440 x 2560 px)
23 MP, 5488 x 4112 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Smartisan announced the launch of the M1L smartphone in 2016. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.7 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The M1L series was launched with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. This phone features a high resolution 1440 x 2560 px IPS display. The size of screen is 5.7 inch. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (23 MP, 5488 x 4112 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization). Let's dive into what makes this device unique.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Smartisan M1L smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Smartisan M1L / 1

Smartisan M1L specifications

BrandSmartisan
NameM1L
ModelM1L
Release date2016

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.17 oz
Dimensions6.29 x 3.11 x 0.33 inch
Colorsbrown, silver, white
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of Smartisan M1L is about 6.17 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v6.0 (Marshmallow)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro
CPUQuad-core, Dual-core 2.35 GHz Kryo, Dual-core 2 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 530

The Smartisan M1L comes with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5.7 inch
Resolution1440 x 2560 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5.7 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5.7 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Smartisan M1L / 1

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotno

The Smartisan M1L comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The M1L has 32 GB. The internal storage of the Smartisan M1L (4 GB) cannot be expanded.

Cameras, flash

Main camera23 MP, 5488 x 4112 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera4 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of M1L has optical image stabilization (OIS). It counters camera shake.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.1, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The M1L smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The M1L has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 4080 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 4080 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of M1L isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, fingerprint, gyroscope, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 4, Dual SIM, Quick Charge, Smartisan OS 3.0

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The M1L smartphone has an accelerometer. The M1L phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. The fast charging technology comes in handy when you need quick juice on your device. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Smartisan phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • adequate memory
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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