In the beginning of 2016 Lenovo revealed its K5 lineup and its several representatives, the company made haste to announce their official successors – part of the K6 series. This happened at the IFA 2016 technological exhibition in Berlin. Some time ago we received the Lenovo K6 and we would like to put it to the test and acquaint you with its capabilities.
The improvements in K6 over its predecessor K5 seem many enough despite that the models have only 6 months in between. Nonetheless, a specs sheet cannot be a good enough reason to say that the new smartphone is worth it but it gives good premises.
If you happen to show interest in the Lenovo K6, you could check its current price and availability here: http://amzn.to/2l457hx
Contents
Design and Construction
Display and Sound
Specs sheet
Battery
Software
Performance
Temperatures and Convenience
Camera
Verdict
Design and Construction
K6’s design features a metal body the back panel of which is not removable. We can also notice that, in comparison to its predecessor, the model now has more rounded corners and edges, resembling the latest iPhone’s design. You could hardly notice fingerprints on the phone’s body but the smooth surface and rounded corners make it a bit slippery. The good news, however, is that it’s a 5-inch smartphone so holding it in a single hand is comfortable and safe enough. Along with the silver and gold colors we saw in K5, now there is a new color option – dark gray. Other than that, thickness and weight remain almost unchanged – 8.2 mm and 140 grams.
A welcomed novelty here is the fingerprint scanner. It is round and is situated on the smartphone’s back exactly below the main camera and its LED flash. Above them you will only find the secondary mic which is there for background noise cancellation. On the same side’s bottom you can also observe a Lenovo inscription accompanied by two loudspeakers. Additionally, there are two parallel plastic lines near the longer ends of the panel which are there to facilitate the operation of antennas. As for the front, there are no surprises. Under the screen (without being part of it) there are the three traditional Android buttons which do not have LED backlighting. The forehead carries an earpiece, front camera, proximity and ambient light sensors as well as LED notification indicator.
As it was already made clear, the back is not removable just as in K5. On the left, however, you will find a small tray for the available slots. In our case we find only one nanoSIM card slot and a microSD card slot. In the dualSIM card version the second slot is shared with that of the microSD card. On the left, you can find the volume controls and Power button a bit lower down. We consider them as rather comfortable to use which is facilitated by the fact that they are slightly protruding. The top holds a microUSB port and headphones jack, while the base carries the integrated microphone.
Display and Sound
Lenovo K6 comes with a 5-inch display with a Full HD resolution (1920 х 1080 pixels). This ensures pixel density of 441 ppi, which means high image detail. The screen can be considered as Retina, if you are looking at it at 20 cm, which is reasonable for reading. Undoubtedly, such image detail is not common for this price range. Apart from this, you get an IPS panel making colors more vibrant and viewing angles – wider.
You can find some interesting modes and options in the Display section of the settings menu. For example, you are presented with a mode that increases color saturation for the purpose of more attractive images. You will also find the Brightness protection mode which is suitable for operation at night. Additionally, this menu lets you choose the type of notifications you want to engage the LED indicator.
Sound
We are presented with the Dolby Atmos audio technology that allows you to enjoy powerful and quality sound coming out of Lenovo К6’s loudspeakers. Along with it you get the Dolby app which features various sound modes for the best possible audio experience in watching movies, gaming, listening to music, etc.
Specs sheet
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OS
Android v6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937 (8-core, 1.40GHz, Cortex-A53)
RAM
2GB
Internal storage
16GB
GPU
Adreno 505
Display
5-inch IPS capacitive multitouch screen (1920 x 1080 p)
Connectivity
Bluetooth v4.2, A2DP, LE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, GPS, A-GPS
Cameras
13MP autofocus camera with LED flash (rear), 8MP (front)
Features
dualSIM capabilities (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
microSD card that supports up to 128GB (uses SIM 2 slot)
microUSB v2.0 port
loudspeaker
3.5 mm audio jack with Dolby Atmos audio
camera with geo-tagging, touch focus, face recognition, HDR, panorama
fingerprint scanner (on the back)
accelerometer
proximity sensor
compass
Battery
3000 mAh
Dimensions
70.3 x 141.9 x 8.2 mm
Weight
140 grams
Battery
The battery has also been increased to 3000mAh. We should not forget, though, that we are now dealing with a Full HD display, which means higher energy consumption. Despite this, we expect relatively good results as the ones of Lenovo K5. Once again, we tested this battery unit in five different tests – a phone call, Wi-Fi and 3G Web browsing, video playback and 3D gaming. The settings we used were the usual – screen brightness of 120 cd/m2, Wi-Fi module turned on, 3G turned off (with the exception of the 3G Web browsing test), Bluetooth and GPS
Talk Time
Web Surfing - Wi-Fi
Web Surfing - 3G
Video Playback
3D Gaming
In this test the screen doesn’t affect the battery life, since the proximity sensor turns it off during phone calls.
Smartphones
Results (min.)
Result
difference
Price
Lenovo K6 3000 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937)
986
0 %
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Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus 2750 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Lenovo K6 quick review – the K lineup is trendy once again
1242
25.96 %
Check price
Huawei Honor 7 Lite 3000 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, HiSilicon Kirin 650
1253
27.08 %
Check price
Meizu m3 note 4100 mAh, 5.5-inch, LTPS IPS LCD, MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10
1095
11.05 %
Check price
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max 4130 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, Mediatek MT6737M
1246
26.37 %
Check price
Motorola Moto G4 3000 mAh, 5.5-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 (MSM8952)
1460
48.07 %
Check price
We run our Web surfing test with a custom-made script, which browses through 70 popular web pages.
Smartphones
Results (min.)
Result
difference
Price
Lenovo K6 3000 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937)
677
0 %
Check price
Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus 2750 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Lenovo K6 quick review – the K lineup is trendy once again
457
- 32.5 %
Check price
Huawei Honor 7 Lite 3000 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, HiSilicon Kirin 650
715
5.61 %
Check price
Meizu m3 note 4100 mAh, 5.5-inch, LTPS IPS LCD, MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10
838
23.78 %
Check price
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max 4130 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, Mediatek MT6737M
965
42.54 %
Check price
Motorola Moto G4 3000 mAh, 5.5-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 (MSM8952)
618
- 8.71 %
Check price
This test uses the same custom-made script, but we use 3G connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Smartphones
Results (min.)
Result
difference
Price
Lenovo K6 3000 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937)
519
0 %
Check price
Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus 2750 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Lenovo K6 quick review – the K lineup is trendy once again
226
- 56.45 %
Check price
Huawei Honor 7 Lite 3000 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, HiSilicon Kirin 650
671
29.29 %
Check price
Meizu m3 note 4100 mAh, 5.5-inch, LTPS IPS LCD, MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10
469
- 9.63 %
Check price
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max 4130 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, Mediatek MT6737M
611
17.73 %
Check price
Motorola Moto G4 3000 mAh, 5.5-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 (MSM8952)
414
- 20.23 %
Check price
For this test we use a looping 720p movie.
Smartphones
Results (min.)
Result
difference
Price
Lenovo K6 3000 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937)
555
0 %
Check price
Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus 2750 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Lenovo K6 quick review – the K lineup is trendy once again
472
- 14.95 %
Check price
Huawei Honor 7 Lite 3000 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, HiSilicon Kirin 650
566
1.98 %
Check price
Meizu m3 note 4100 mAh, 5.5-inch, LTPS IPS LCD, MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10
700
26.13 %
Check price
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max 4130 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, Mediatek MT6737M
775
39.64 %
Check price
Motorola Moto G4 3000 mAh, 5.5-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 (MSM8952)
606
9.19 %
Check price
In order to simulate 3D gaming, we use Epic Citadel cycles at High Quality setting.
Smartphones
Results (min.)
Result
difference
Price
Lenovo K6 3000 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937)
287
0 %
Check price
Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus 2750 mAh, 5.0-inch, IPS, Lenovo K6 quick review – the K lineup is trendy once again
218
- 24.04 %
Check price
Huawei Honor 7 Lite 3000 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, HiSilicon Kirin 650
339
18.12 %
Check price
Meizu m3 note 4100 mAh, 5.5-inch, LTPS IPS LCD, MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10
312
8.71 %
Check price
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max 4130 mAh, 5.2-inch, IPS, Mediatek MT6737M
509
77.35 %
Check price
Motorola Moto G4 3000 mAh, 5.5-inch, IPS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 (MSM8952)
276
- 3.83 %
Check price
Modes
Apart from the standard Battery saver, which reduces screen brightness and restricts vibration, increasing battery life, you will also find the Ultimate Power Saver mode. Brightness is decreased here and the wallpaper becomes dark, leaving only basic functions available to the user.
Software
Lenovo K6 uses Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which we reviewed more than a year ago, using the Nexus 5X, and you can visit it to find more information about the capabilities of this OS:
http://laptopmedia.com/reviews/review-of-android-6-0-marshmallow/
A couple of Some of Android 6.0 Marshmallow novelties them are the new apps layout, which you have to scroll down and there is a particular algorithm which puts the four most frequently used apps on top. Also present is a submenu called “Memory” that allows you to control the RAM. Also available are smart apps control, which saves battery life, a “Do not disturb” option in the drop-down menu, and others.
Applications
In comparison to other Lenovo models, you won’t find that many pre-installed apps here. Along with the standard Google set of apps, you are provided with a few other apps including a file explorer, SHAREit for data transfer between devices and SYNCit for synchronization with a cloud service or a microSD card. Additionally, you get Theme Center offering many options for visual changes of the UI – menus, icons, wallpapers, etc. Also present is Lenovo Companion which allows diagnostics of your smartphone’s components, solutions to FAQs, informational videos, and updates.
Settings menu
This time the settings menu has the traditional Android platform layout, and all available options can be found in the image below.
Functions
By double-pressing one of the volume controls you can take a quick snap even when your screen is locked. If you double-tap, you can turn the display on, and long-pressing the Home button allows you to turn the flashlight on, while pressing the fingerprint scanner to take a shot. You can also select to have your ringtone silenced in incoming call when you grab the phone in your hand.
There is also a floating button ensuring shortcuts to frequently used apps and features – that’s something we have already seen in other Lenovo models. It’s a button whose size, transparency and position along the screen’s length can be determined by yourself. Depending on whether you long press it, tap once or twice, it can perform different functions such as lock phone, return to homescreen, open certain apps, etc.
Another curious feature is the option of creating modes. For example, we can create an “Office” mode and set period of activity and accessible features. You could also determine an active period of night eye protection within this mode or to have only one SIM card operating, an automatic GPS launc and more. In the same way you could create other modes for when you’re driving or at home.
We are presented with another interesting mode called “VR Mode Switch”, dividing screen content as a preparation for the use of a VR headset.
Accessibility
You are also provided with an “Accessibility” submenu that includes options for ease of use, chiefly meant for people with health problems.
Performance
Snapdragon 430 hit the market in the second half of 2015. Lenovo K6 is the first device with this chipset that we have tested. Snapdragon 430 is a 64-bit mobile processor built on the 28nm process technology. The CPU has eight Cortex-A53 cores with a maximum frequency of 1.4GHz. It’s specs include Full HD display support, up to 21MP camera sensors with up to Full HD video capturing (30fps), Quick Charge 3.0 technology for faster recharging ( 38% more effective than Quick Charge 2.0), Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC and LTE Cat 4 with download speeds of up to 150Mbps. The chip also includes the Adreno 505 graphics card which brings a major step up in graphics capabilities compared to its predecessor.
You can find more information about the Snapdragon 430 at Qualcomm’s official web page: https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon/processors/430
The available storage here is 16GB, 6.35GB of which are occupied by system files. Nonetheless, you have a microSD card slot that supports up to 256GB.
CPU
Geekbench 3.0 (Multi-Core)
Vellamo 3 Metal
Vellamo 2 Metal
Geekbench 3.0 is Primate Labs cross-platform processor benchmark which simulates real-world scenarios and gives a combined score, based on the results of integer, floating point and memory performance.
Smartphones
Results
Result
difference
Price
Lenovo K6 Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937) (8-core, Cortex-A53, 1.4 GHz), 2GB RAM
2478
0 %
Check price
Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus Lenovo K6 quick review – the K lineup is trendy once again 2GB RAM
2687
8.43 %
Check price
Huawei Honor 7 Lite HiSilicon Kirin 650 (4-core, Cortex-A53, 2.0 GHz), 2GB RAM
3486
40.68 %
Check price
Meizu m3 note MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10 (8-core, Cortex-A53, 2GB RAM
2450
- 1.13 %
Check price
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max Mediatek MT6737M (4-core, Cortex-A53, 1.25 GHz), 2GB / 3GBGB RAM
1425
- 42.49 %
Check price
Motorola Moto G4 Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 (MSM8952) (4-core, Cortex-A53, 1.5 GHz), 2GB RAM
2700
8.96 %
Check price
Metal 3 is the latest version of Vellamo’s CPU benchmark.
Smartphones
Results
Result
difference
Price
Lenovo K6 Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937) (8-core, Cortex-A53, 1.4 GHz), 2GB RAM
1065
0 %
Check price
Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus Lenovo K6 quick review – the K lineup is trendy once again 2GB RAM
1091
2.44 %
Check price
Huawei Honor 7 Lite HiSilicon Kirin 650 (4-core, Cortex-A53, 2.0 GHz), 2GB RAM
1460
37.09 %
Check price
Meizu m3 note MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10 (8-core, Cortex-A53, 2GB RAM
1295
21.6 %
Check price
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max Mediatek MT6737M (4-core, Cortex-A53, 1.25 GHz), 2GB / 3GBGB RAM
902
- 15.31 %
Check price
Motorola Moto G4 Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 (MSM8952) (4-core, Cortex-A53, 1.5 GHz), 2GB RAM
1469
37.93 %
Check price
Vellamo 2 Metal measures the CPU subsystem performance of mobile processors.
Smartphones
Results
Result
difference
Price
Lenovo K6 Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937) (8-core, Cortex-A53, 1.4 GHz), 2GB RAM
710
0 %
Check price
Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus Lenovo K6 quick review – the K lineup is trendy once again 2GB RAM
766
7.89 %
Check price
Huawei Honor 7 Lite HiSilicon Kirin 650 (4-core, Cortex-A53, 2.0 GHz), 2GB RAM
1039
46.34 %
Check price
Meizu m3 note MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10 (8-core, Cortex-A53, 2GB RAM
916
29.01 %
Check price
ASUS Zenfone 3 Max Mediatek MT6737M (4-core, Cortex-A53, 1.25 GHz), 2GB / 3GBGB RAM
672
- 5.35 %
Check price
Motorola Moto G4 Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 (MSM8952) (4-core, Cortex-A53, 1.5 GHz), 2GB RAM
937
31.97 %
Check price
GPU
GFXBench 2.7 (T-Rex, Offscreen)
GFXBench 3.0 (Manhattan, Offscreen)
3DMark (Ice Storm Unlimited)
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