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The Meizu MX4 Pro showcases how far Chinese smartphones have come over the last few years, delivering top of the line specs and excellent overall performance for a price that undercuts most current flagships.
We liked
The MX4 Pro represents extremely good value for money, offering a multitude of premium features.
While the bump in display resolution compared to other QHD panels isn't striking, the 5.5-inch screen with super thin bezels offers a sharp, vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Audio quality is also impressive through both the on-board speaker and headphone jack thanks to great hardware and software enhancements.
Speaking of software, the Flyme 4 interface really raises the bar in terms of accessibility. Navigating through the UI is a breeze, even on such a large device, due to the inclusion of contextual softkeys and intuitive gestures.
Combine these features with a reliable fingerprint scanner, a brilliant camera and a large battery that can be pushed all day long and you have an all-round great performer.
We disliked
The lack of expandable storage is a little disappointing. 4K video recordings and images taken with the MX4 Pro's 20.7MP camera will fill up the built-in memory quickly if left unmanaged, especially on the 16GB model.
Chinese language elements can still be found in the Flyme app and theme stores on the international version of Flyme OS. However, with the Google Play Store pre-installed and an elegant looking stock theme, the chances are you won't need to use either of the two apps.
Despite the MX4 Pro offering good build quality with a metallic frame, some may find the minimal aesthetics of the exterior a little bland or uninspiring.
Final verdict
Meizu has done a wonderful job with the MX4 Pro, combining impressive build quality and raw power with intuitive software, to produce a great user experience.
Unlike many Chinese smartphones, it doesn't come with the normal risks associated with importing and though more expensive than in China, the international price still represents great value for money.
While many will be waiting to see what the first crop of 2015 flagships bring to the table, the Meizu MX4 Pro certainly is an interesting proposition for those currently looking for a high-end smartphone with a difference.
