There are quite a few Mi Mix clones available and here is one, the Maze Alpha. This is also a Mi Mix clone, not available in India but you can buy it from GearBest for under Rs. 12,000. Check the Maze Alpha review to know if this handset is worth the price.
The Maze Alpha though kind of looks like Mi Mix, it is quite heavy. This handset looks unique in the sense that the screen is extended right up to the top giving a different usage experience. There is space on the front bottom area and in fact the front camera has been moved to that area.
Overall performance is smooth, even gaming did really well. This handset also comes with dual camera setup, but do check the camera section for more on the camera quality. Battery life is pretty good and heat up is under control.
Maze Alpha features, specifications
Inside the box (unboxing the Maze Alpha) : Handset, data cable (USB to USB Type C), travel charger 12V/1.5A, user guide, warranty card and two screen guards
Body : Build and finishing is excellent, handset looks quite premium. It is using metal frame and there is glass on front and back
SIM Type : Hybrid – Nano SIM + Nano SIM / Micro SD card slot
Weight and Dimensions : 225g, 6.29 x 3.25 x 0.32 inches
Screen : 6 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, viewing angles, touch response and color reproduction are very good
Connectivity : 4G, WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth. Note : VoLTE option is not there you will need to use Jio4GVoice app to make voice calls in case you are using Jio SIM. I had mailed the company they said they will enable VoLTE via OTA update – so far I did not get any such update
Sensors : Accelerometer, Proximity, light and magnetic and Gyro
LED Notification : No
OTG : Yes supported
RAM : 4GB (about 2.4GB free on first boot)
ROM : 64GB (about 52GB free on first boot)
Micro SD : Yes 128GB MAX
OS : Android Nougat 7.0
Maze Alpha Performance
CPU : 2.5GHz MediaTek Helio P25 Octa Core
GPU : Mali T880
Heating : Medium
Max Battery Temperature : 37 degrees
Overall performance was smooth, games also played smoothly and heat up was under control.
Maze Alpha Benchmark
Antutu : 65074 / 11822
NenaMark3 : 59.4 fps (3-4)
Multi Touch : 5 points
Disk Speed : 180 MB/s read and 205 MB/s write
Maze Alpha Gaming Review
I played Modern Combat 5 as well as Asphalt 8 in High Visual quality mode. Both these games played well without any lag. The hardware can play high end games.
Maze Alpha Camera Review
Rear Camera : 13MP + 5MP, auto focus, flash, f/2.2
Front Camera : 5MP, f/2.2
Video Recording : 1080p (FHD) resolution
The only issue with this handset is the camera quality. The camera quality is average. If you use dual camera mode i.e via the Blur option from the camera interface, it is just no good. Dual camera mode is really bad and does not shoot like other dual cameras.
Normal camera mode is also just about average. Front camera is also average. Since the front camera has been shifted to the bottom when using the front camera you will get a message to invert the handset, also cause of the handset weight it is not that easy using the front camera for selfie. This handset can shoot FHD videos. Do check the samples.
Camera Rating : 2.8 out of 5
Maze Alpha Camera Samples
Other features
Finger print sensor is on the front and it is decently fast and accurate. Sound is loud and clear. I did not find any other issues.
Maze Alpha Battery Review
Battery capacity : 4000 mAh (non-removable)
Charging Time : QC 3.0 supported – Charge 1 hours 40 minutes using the charger provided from 17% to 100%.
Battery Life : 5 to 7 hours non-stop (moderate to heavy)
Daily usage battery life : One to One and a Half days of mixed usage
Battery Test Results
Battery Temp at idle : 30 degrees
Running Benchmark app : 16 minutes / 4% / 34 degrees
Mc5 + Asphalt 8 game play : 32 minutes / 10% / 37 degrees
FHD video playback with full brightness (WiFi /4G on) : 47 minutes / 11% / 34 degrees
Verdict
The Maze Alpha Smartphones looks great, it is heavy but unique. Hardware is powerful, dual cameras are no good and battery life is pretty good. Just hope the company rolls out VoLTE support on this.
Rating : 3.4 out of 5
This Maze Alpha handset was initially available for a much lower price but now the price has increased.
This handset is not available in India, but if interested you can buy from Gearbest website – price is $182.99 – use the Coupon Code: AFF33 and you will get it for $179.99 (approx Rs. 11,500). Do not go for free shipping / EMS shipping, instead opt for Priority Line or DHL shipping – Note you may need to pay custom duty if applicable it will be under Rs. 4000.