HomTom S17 Review: specs and features, camera quality test, gaming benchmark, user opinions and photos
HomTom S17 Overview
HomTom S17 - functional for a penny?
Smartphones of the lower price segment attract attention with their rather wide functionality, largely repeating that of expensive representatives of this type of electronics. However, when choosing an affordable device, it is necessary to understand that the developer had to go for tricks to achieve cost reduction. In this regard, the risk to get not the highest quality and enjoyable to use the product increases. Sometimes it takes a very long and careful search for a mobile assistant in fear of running into an unsuccessful device. The Chinese company HomTom decided to help us in this matter by presenting a stylish smartphone S17. That he is the hero of this review.
Let's start considering the phone with its design and configuration. The box is made of thick cardboard, capable of withstanding fairly large loads. In addition to photos of the device, it contains almost a complete list of its technical characteristics. Together with the gadget, the developer supplies a USB cable, a screen protector (another one is already on the display itself), a user manual, a charger for European sockets (5V, 1A) and a silicone case. The quality of the components does not cause any complaints, the case itself is unlikely to protect the device from serious falls, but it will relieve from possible scratches and chips. The back of the smartphone and its side edges are made of polycarbonate. Backlash and squeaks are not observed, the body is assembled quite firmly and efficiently. The battery is removable, under the cover are also located SIM-slots and a slot for cards for MicroSD. The 32GB card was defined and worked correctly. The front is a 5.5-inch IPS-screen with an aspect ratio of 18: 9 . Let us analyze its quality in the next paragraph. For the design of the packaging and put the "five-minus." Do not forget the developer to report the headphones and add at least metal blotches to the assembly materials, the assessment would be the maximum.
The display is based on IPS technology, a small air gap between the glass and the sensor is present, but it affects the final image quality rather weakly. Oleophobic coating is absent, however, for the device of the price category in question, its presence was not an unaffordable luxury. The maximum brightness level is good. There is no possibility to evaluate the phone when the summer sun is scorching, however, in case of overcast winter weather, the image retains its visibility outside. The minimum brightness threshold may be too high in the dark for sensitive eyes. The resolution of 1280 x 640 dots with the diagonal used allows you to preserve the clarity of the image, which does not split into individual pixels. The white balance goes gray-yellow. On the one hand, the color rendition is distorted, on the other hand, warm shades are more pleasant for eyes than cold ones. The contrast of black is mediocre, in reality it is close to dark gray. Pleased viewing angles. The picture is not distorted, only loses in brightness. There is practically no GLOW effect at extreme angles. The touch itself is only for 2 touches , in gaming applications, it lacks some accuracy, which is why the control is not fully responsive. Thus, the display of the phone deserves a solid " four " and will not cause complaints from most buyers.
With the technical characteristics of the situation is quite controversial. The Mediatek MT6580 processor has become outdated in terms of performance, and it does not support LTE communication standards. For fans of a truly fast Internet, this flaw can be critical. They are trying to atone for the imperfection of the 2GB RAM chip and the Mali400MP2 video accelerator. It turns out only partially. First, the most modern game projects like Asphalt 9 and Fortnite are not available for download from the Play Market. Secondly, even less demanding projects run smoothly only at low graphics settings. For example, World Of Tanks Blitz operates at 30-40 frames per second only at low graphic presets. There are drops to 25 frames. I am glad that the activation of HD-textures practically does not affect the FPS index. The other “old”, but still popular game Asphalt 8 works fine at low graphics settings. Casual projects like Plants vs Zombies or Angry Birds will work almost perfectly. As a result, for the value category, performance deserves a “ four with a minus”. Not bad, but it could be better.
The telephone performs its telephone functions adequately. The speaker gives a slightly deaf speech to the interlocutor, but its volume is quite sufficient for most scenarios. Of course, if you are working near really noisy objects, there will be no alternatives to the headset. At the other “end of the line” they did not complain about audibility, no problems were identified. 3G reception is slightly worse than on Meizu 16th, ZTE Axon 7 and Xiaomi Redmi 4X, but the total loss of the Internet connection was almost not observed, only the departure at the speed of 2G standards. Wi-Fi works even 5-6 meters from the network distributing device (laptop), after 2 walls, there were no failures. The phone can also be used as a navigator. The device in cloudy weather was able to connect to 9 satellites in open areas in about 15-20 seconds. Indoors, their number dropped to 5, but the accuracy of determining the location remained at a good level. As a result, according to the parameter being considered, the device deserves an “ excellent with a minus” rating.
Let's talk about the cameras of the smartphone. The main 8 and 2 megapixel modules (interpolation up to 13 and 5 megapixels, respectively) demonstrate very good photo quality for a budget phone in the daytime. The color rendition is close to natural, most of the details in the image remain, the amount of noise is small.
With artificial light NII sensors also do not succumb. The amount of noise increases, it becomes more difficult to focus on objects, apparently because of the increase in telephone exposure, however, the results of the photo shoot are not upset. Macro shooting is possible from about 6-7 cm. You can evaluate its quality by the indicated example.
At night, of course, miracles do not happen. Sensors "catch" a little light, in the photos, most of the details are lost. The flash works well, but rather strangely. For example, when photographing documents, they perfectly illuminate the entire picture, while capturing the same colors, the picture was taken in that fraction of a second when only the buds were barely lit.
The video is recorded in HD resolution, there is no autofocus, only by tap. There is a partial electronic stabilization. The video quality is average, but not terrible, with good lighting, the picture is quite pleasant. The front module can easily replace a mirror, and you can make selfies with it. Given the low price of the phone, we may well put it “ four plus”. The cameras made a very good impression, even if they are far from ideal.
Consider the work of sensors . The proximity sensor worked correctly, almost always turning off the screen when the device was brought to the head during a conversation. With auto-brightness, the situation is quite controversial. She very often likes to underestimate the brightness level of the display, partly with the problem helped to repeatedly setting higher rates in the shutter settings. Apparently, there was a small calibration. The accelerometer adequately manifested itself in the game Asphalt 8, no inconvenience due to its incorrect operation was found. The fingerprint scanner also showed clear and responsive work. Approximately 9 touches out of 10 worked out correctly. The very same fingerprint sensor turns on the smartphone with some delay, the modest performance of the technical characteristics affects. There are no other sensors in an inexpensive phone. In general, HomTom S17 for the considered indicator deserves a strong “ four ”.
Separately, we analyze the sound component of the device. The call speaker has an average volume, which, together with a good vibration, will still allow you to hear or at least feel the bell in your jeans pocket. If the smartphone will be in the bag, then the noisy environment can interfere with the detection of a call or an incoming message. Listening to music from the speaker of the phone is not recommended for nervous and pregnant women, as there is a serious focus on high mid frequencies. In addition, there are noticeable distortion at high volume. The sound in the headphones is standard-mediocre for gadgets based on inexpensive Mediatek processors. For an unpretentious person, this sound will be enough when you buy good, inexpensive headphones, audiophiles, or even music lovers with experience should consider buying a separate player. Taking into account approximately the same results of competitors, we with a pure heart put the phone “ four with a minus” by the criterion “ Sound ”.
It remains to consider the autonomy of the device. Installed in HomTom S17, the battery has a capacity of 3000mAh , which together with the “pure” Android 8.1 without any add-ons and an energy-efficient “iron” should provide about one and a half days of active use of the gadget. In reality, the situation is as follows:
- overnight with Wi-Fi, GPS and Internet turned off HomTom S17 discharged by 3%;
- with the Internet turned on, the smartphone lost 5% overnight;
- 1 hour of playing World Of Tanks Blitz will spend 30% of the battery charge.
Thus, the user can count on about 3.5 hours of games. In the usual usage scenario, it will take about a day of work from a single battery charge. Not bad, but far from a record result. Sometimes uneven charge drawdowns have been observed. The gadget could show one percent for quite a long time for quite a long time, and then immediately lose a tenth of the battery charge. But over time, in several charge-discharge cycles, the problem began to manifest itself to a much lesser extent. For the autonomy of the phone, you can put the " four " within the price category.
As a result, the Chinese company HomTom presented us with a downed, balanced budget phone that can compete on an equal footing with price segment models. A number of critical shortcomings that some competitors are deprived of, does not allow him to reach the title of the best, but the apparatus is not deprived of its competitive advantages either. Let's take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of the device.
Advantages:
- modern design;
- good in terms of image quality display;
- rich equipment;
- decent performance of the gadget directly phone functions;
- Fingerprint's scanner;
- 2GB of RAM;
- canceled GPS operation;
- good daytime photographic abilities of the main camera;
- on the front-line it is quite possible to make good selfies.
Disadvantages:
- low performance specifications;
- lack of 4G;
- when lighting deteriorates, getting a good shot becomes very difficult;
- mediocre autonomy;
- the sound of the speakers and headphones can not be called quality;
- the price of the smartphone could be somewhat lower.
We thank the Chinese company HomTom for the machine provided for the review !
- See all of the best HomTom deals and specs in one place
- Here are the newest HomTom device reviews and user opinions.
- A full HomTom S17 Antutu and Geekbench benchmark tests (check how its good for gaming).
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The HomTom S17 was discontinued.
HomTom S17 - User reviews, opinions and customer ratings
- Brand: HomTom
- Model name: S17
- Weight: 165g
- Dimensions: 151,5 x 71 x 9mm
- Operating system: Android 8.1
- Display size: 5.5 inches
- Resolution: 1280x640
- RAM: 2Gb
- Storage (ROM): 16GB
- Cameras: 8Mp
- CPU: MediaTek MT6580
- Battery: 3000mAh
Specs
Operating system (OS) | Android 8.1 |
Geekbench Benchmark | 222 (Multi-Core) - Compare to the other models here |
Manufacturer | HomTom - View all HomTom models here |
Geekbench Benchmark | 65 (Single Core) |
Model name | S17 |
Performance | test antutu benchmark ~22768. - Compare to the other models here |
Display
Resolution | 1280x640 - More models with 1280x640 resolution see here |
Glass Types | Curved Glass |
Technology | IPS |
Multi‑Touch | 5 |
Bezelless | No - More models with bezel-less display see here |
Frame size | 4.3 mm |
Screen-to-body | 72.6 % |
Brightness | 450 cd/m² |
Screen size | 5.5 inches |
Processor (CPU)
CPU Architecture | 4 x ARM Cortex-A7 1,3 GHz |
Brand | MediaTek |
Processor name | MT6580 - More models with MT6580 CPU see here |
Release Date | 1/1/2016 |
Number of Cores | 4 |
Clock Rate | Up to 1.3 GHz |
Bit | 32 bit |
Chip technology | 28 nm |
Memory | up to 2 Gb |
GPU | Mali 400MP |
GPU frequency | 500 Mhz |
GPU cores | 2 |
The highest TDP | 5 W |
Features | Fast MediaTek modem |
Upload Speed (up to) | Up to 20 Mbps |
Storage
RAM (Memory) | 2 Gb - More models with 2 Gb RAM see here |
Storage (ROM) | 16 GB |
Card slot | MicroSD (TF), supports cards up to 64Gb |
Camera
Rear Camera(s) | |
Dual Camera | Yes |
Resolution | 8 Mp - More models with a 8 Mp camera see here |
Flash | Dual LED flash |
Selfie Camera(s) | |
Resolution | 5 Mp |
Flash | No |
Networks
Frequency | 2G (GSM): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz 3G (WCDMA): 850 / 900 / 2100 MHz |
Network Type | 3G |
SIM Card | nanoSIM + nanoSIM or microSD (TF) |
Network Connectivity
Wi-Fi | Yes |
Bluetooth | Yes |
NFC | No - More models with NFC see here |
Location
Network Support | GPS, A-GPS |
Battery
Battery capacity (mAh) | 3000 mAh |
Type | Removable |
Fast charging | No |
Stand-by time | 5-6 days |
Battery Life | 2-3 days |
Working hours in hard mode | 6-7 hours |
Talk time | 25 hours |
Wireless charging | No |
Sensors
Notifications Led | Yes |
Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
Proximity sensor | Yes |
Ambient light sensor | Yes |
Gyro | No |
Accelerometer | Yes |
Compass | No |
Barometer | No |
IR | No |
Sound
Audio processor | Integrated |
Loudspeaker | Yes |
Microphone | Yes |
Headphone Jack | Yes |
Design
Dimensions | 151,5 x 71 x 9 mm |
Weight | 165 g |
Body type | Plastic |
IP rating (IP68) | No - More models with IP68 see here |
Language support
Languages | English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Danish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, etc. - A detailed list of supported languages here |
Interfaces / connectors
micro USB | 1 |
HomTom S17 : Camera review.
In this table you can see the HomTom S17’s camera specs, including the all information about the 8Mp sensor. This information can help you find the maximum camera benefits when compared to competitor reviews.
Name | HomTom S17 |
---|---|
Rear camera | 8 Mp |
Sensor model | |
Flash | Dual LED flash |
Front (selfie) camera | 5 Mp |
Flash | No |
HomTom S17 : Battery Life Review.
Shown below is the HomTom S17's last battery life test and capacity. See what chargers it supports.
Name | HomTom S17 |
---|---|
Battery | 3000 mAh |
Type | Removable |
Stand-by time | 5-6 days |
Battery Life | 2-3 days |
Working hours in hard mode | 6-7 hours |
Talk time | 25 hours |
Fast charging | No |
Wireless charging | No |
HomTom S17 Frequently Asked Questions
-
- Does have wireless charging?
- Not. Does not have wireless charging support
-
- Does have headphone jack?
- The HomTom S17 has a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. No adapter needed.
-
- Does have IP68 waterproof?
- Not. Does not have water resistant supports
-
- Does have nfc?
- HomTom S17 does not support NFC.
-
- Does support 5g?
- HomTom S17 does not have 5G support.
-
- Does have quick charging?
- Not. Does not have fast charging support
-
- Does have SD card?
- HomTom S17 has SD card support.
-
- Does have IR Blaster?
- The HomTom S17 does not have an infrared (IR) blaster, so you cannot use it as a remote control.
HomTom S17 Photos / Pictures / Images
HomTom S17 Performance: Gaming Review (Benchmark Tests)
- AnTuTu benchmark: 22768. Compare to the other models here.
- Geekbench test: 65 single-core; 222 multi-core. Compare to the other models here.
HomTom S17 video review
HomTom S17 official site
HomTom S17 Firmware
Author: Andy Ray
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