So this is the step up (and quite a step up it is) to the Intel YOLO. It has an Intel Atom Dual-core 2Ghz processor and a PowerVR SGX544 graphics processor.
Back view
It’s sleek! Super light. From the faux brushed metal exterior, the tiny rivets on the back cover (no taking out the battery and no SD card business either it comes in with internal memory of 16GB or 32GB, take your pick) that match the Lenovo logo engraved on the back to the neat Micro SIM slot on the side. This phone is sleek.
The packaging redefines cool – Black box with a red interior that which peeks through the etched out K900) logo. Too cool.
This phone. Is sleek.
This box redefines cool
What needs work?
1. The OS.
Android contact manager keeps crashing
Annoying especially because it every time you use messaging, it crashes. It also brings up the error message when you use the phone log, contacts, Hangouts, Whatsapp, and Telegram. I assume it will do this for all messaging apps.
The crash screen
At 6.7” (hull, display is 5.5) this phone is actually a mini-tablet with phone capabilities. A phablet.
At 162g this phablet is superlight.
Camera
I am in love with the 13MP camera with its dual led flash. The split second autofocus and continuous shoot turned out to be an invaluable feature during a 7-hour event that I was live-tweeting. It meant that I could capture the targets while they were still doing what I wanted to capture, instead of a blur of the person who moved just when I finally focused. (That’s my other phone, story for another day)
The front 2MP Camera had me taking some pretty cute selfies (in good light of course as it has no flash).
The 2GB RAM makes for some awesome performance. I can do stuff on the K900 that I normally wouldn’t be able to – like Skype, a very resource heavy app, which came pre installed by the way.
What needs work?
1. The OS.
Android contact manager keeps crashing
Annoying especially because it every time you use messaging, it crashes. It also brings up the error message when you use the phone log, contacts, Hangouts, Whatsapp, and Telegram. I assume it will do this for all messaging apps.
2. Battery
Not impressed. At 2600 mAH it’s clearly Bigger than my other phone’s 2100mAH . But, with the K900 I always seem to run out of juice during the day. Also, would it kill them to provide a power backup
3. Welcome screen
Really? Was there not a designer in the vicinity?
4. Usability
I have a few objections here.
The icons are customized (read different). It took me a while to get used to.
This is not helped by the new android settings interface. After 1 month of use I still have no idea where the battery settings are. I gave up and got an app to manage battery use.
5. Naming of system apps
OK I know we want to be unique, but it took me a while to find the camera (named Super Camera) and the gallery (named Super Gallery). The phone has no camera button.
6. Size
While the phablet is superlight, it’s not very comfortable to text with for long periods. Especially lying down. It has a 5.5” display but the actual phone is almost 7”.
7. Accessories
These could use some work. The charger came apart within the first week of use. I had to patch it up for continued use, then it gave up the ghost in the 4th week.
The earphones could be more ear-friendly.
I would have voted for eardrum earphones. Those are way more comfortable and by way of proximity, noise cancelling 😉 The sound quality of the Lenovo earphones is fine though.
Her Geekyness’ verdict
This phone looks good, it’s superlight, superfast and takes awesome photos. If the manufacturers fix the bugs and improve the accessories, I would say go for it. Especially is you are a social media freak (Instagrammers will love this one)
-her royal geekyness-
A slightly different version was published on UP Magazine (Print Version)
Have you tried the phone? Share your experience in the comments section.