4G is a new generation of networks that are an integral feature of most advanced smartphones. Midrange gadgets, and even more so flagships, today allow their owners to transfer data at speeds previously unavailable. But not everyone can afford an expensive smartphone. And the developers met the users halfway by starting to produce budget devices with support for LTE networks. The product from MTS Smart Sprint is deservedly considered one of the best budget smartphones that provide the ability to work in 4G networks. We'll talk about it today.
Specifications
- Network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100, LTE 800/1800/2100/2600
- Platform: Android 4.4.4
- Display: 5-inch IPS, resolution 720x1280 pixels, pixel density 294 ppi
- Camera: main - 8 megapixels with autofocus and LED flash, front camera 2 megapixels
- Processor: MediaTek MT6732 64-bit processor, 4 cores, 1.5 GHz; Mali-T760 MP2 graphics at 450 MHz
- Memory: RAM - 1 GB, built-in flash - 8 GB (user accessible 4 GB), support for microSD memory cards
- Communication capabilities: navigation A-GPS/GPS/GLONASS, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, 3.5 mm audio jack, microUSB, micro-SIM slot (sim-lock installed)
- Battery: non-removable, 3400 mAh
- Dimensions: 143 x 73 x 10 mm
- Weight: 167 g
Dimensions. Contents of delivery
The smartphone is supplied in standard carrier-grade hard cardboard packaging. The box contains an image of the device and information with the main parameters. In addition to the device itself, the box contains:
- USB charger adapter
- Cable for synchronizing with a computer USB - microUSB
- Battery
- Stereo headset with 3.5 mm mini-jack connector
- Instructions
- Warranty card
Due to the use of a large capacity battery, the device turned out to be large. Its dimensions are 143 x 73 x 10 mm, weight 167 grams. Fans of miniature MTS Smart Run 4G devices will definitely not like it. But let's face it, tiny phones run out of juice in less than a day, but the Smart Run 4G can easily last two days.
The smartphone fits in large male hands without any problems. The weight is felt, but it is not so critical. For women it's different. For them, the device is quite weighty.
If we talk about the convenience of carrying the device in the pockets of tight clothes, then there are no special problems. Although there is still one limitation. You can't put your phone in the back pocket of your trousers or jeans. It will either fall out or stick out too much in the pocket.
Sound
According to the owners, this 4G smartphone has very mediocre sound. When holding the device in your hand, as mentioned above, there is a risk of covering the speaker with your palm, which muffles the sound. This phenomenon turns out to be especially inconvenient when watching videos or games. As for the quality of the melodies, it doesn’t stand out as anything interesting here. In principle, the device can be used as a player, but it cannot become a full replacement for an MP3 device. The kit comes with a very weak headset, so it will most likely have to be replaced immediately with more expensive headphones.
Design, construction
The appearance of MTS Smart Run 4G is very simple and unpretentious. There is one case design option available for sale – black. The device itself has a rectangular shape, its lower ends are slightly rounded. Overall, a classic.
The smartphone body is made entirely of plastic. The front part is glossy, and the back part is matte. Screen protection is not bad, but much lower than that of models with mineral glass. It is better to keep your phone away from metal and sharp objects.
The back cover has a soft-touch coating, which is very pleasant to the touch. It doesn't leave marks from use, which is a plus. In addition, the tube is completely non-slip.
As for the placement of individual elements, almost the entire front part of the device is occupied by a 5-inch diagonal touch display. Above it is a speaker for voice calls. The front camera is located to the right. In addition, there is a motion sensor and a G-sensor.
Below the screen there are three touch control buttons. They are responsible for launching the running application manager and context menu, returning to the home screen and returning one level back. The markings are unobtrusive, but clearly visible.
The screen power/lock button is located on the right side surface. On the left there is a paired volume key.
At the top end there is a standard microUSB connector for charging and connecting to a computer. In addition, here you can see a 3.5 mm hole for headphones. On the bottom edge there is a microphone for voice communication.
On the back of the smartphone there is a main 8 megapixel camera lens and an LED flash. At the bottom there is a slot behind which hides a speaker for external calls, playing music and video. Its volume is average and the sound is flat. Considering the cost of the device, this is normal.
Under the cover there is a removable battery with a capacity of 3400 mAh. It is not removable. Here you can also see a slot for a standard (large) size SIM card and a compartment for a MicroSD memory card.
I can praise the assembly. The case does not creak, the parts fit closely to each other. It can be seen that the plastic is not expensive, but it is durable and reliable.
Screen. Graphics capabilities
The screen of MTS Smart Run 4G is 5 inches, made using IPS technology, with a resolution of 720x1280 pixels. The display is protected by mineral glass. One gets the impression that there is no oleophobic coating: the device gets dirty in a matter of seconds.
The picture on the screen looks good. The eyes do not perceive pixel boundaries. The colors are close to natural. There is enough brightness reserve. The viewing angles are fine; there are no color distortions when turning in any plane. But in the bright sun the picture noticeably fades. Even maximum brightness does not solve the problems.
Automatic brightness adjustment is delayed and, in my opinion, does not work smoothly enough.
There is a MiraVision option in the screen settings menu. It allows you to change the standard image modes in smartphones on the latest MTK chips, based on your own preferences.
As a result, the MTS Smart Run 4G display can be rated “good”. For a budget option, the screen is more than decent.
Hard Reset for MTS Smart Race 4G Dual sim lock
Instructions on how to do a Hard Reset on MTS Smart Race 4G Dual sim lock (reset settings). We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the visual guide called on Android. .
Reset codes (open the dialer and enter them).
- *2767*3855#
- *#*#7780#*#*
- *#*#7378423#*#*
Hard Reset via Recovery
- Turn off your device -> go to Recovery
- "wipe data/factory reset"
- “yes - delete all user data” -> “Reboot System”
How to log into Recovery?
- hold down Vol(-) [volume down], or Vol(+) [volume up] and the Power button
- A menu with the Android logo will appear. That's it, you are in Recovery!
Resetting settings on MTS Smart Race 4G Dual sim lock
You can do it in a very simple way:
- Settings->Backup and reset
- Reset settings (at the very bottom)
Menu. Interface and navigation
The smartphone runs Android 4.4.4, on top of which is the proprietary Celltick shell. The software add-on affects only the start screen of a locked device. In addition to the usual functions of unlocking and setting the sound mode, Celltick adds a clock, an operator logo, and an indication of the battery charge percentage to the screensaver. Well, on the left there are six tabs for quick access to the most necessary (according to Celltick) functions. For example, to a weather widget, a social network, a photo gallery, etc. In case of a missed event, another indicator bookmark with a warning is added.
If someone doesn’t like this operating mode, you can disable Celltick in the “Settings” menu by scrolling through the menu list to the very last line.
By default, MTS Smart Run 4G has about three dozen free applications installed, including social network clients, games, multimedia utilities and the like. There's also a full suite of Google mobile apps, including search, navigation, music, video, and more. There are also proprietary applications from MTS, which allow you to access your personal account, individual services, including navigation, payments, television and video.
To play music, there is only a standard Google Music player with a minimum number of settings in the form of preset equalizer values.
An FM radio is included as standard with the smartphone, and there is also a voice recorder. The device can also record telephone conversations from the line; to do this, just press a special button in the telephone application interface right during a call.
The standard headset is included in the package. Thanks to the 3.5 mm jack, you can choose any headphones.
Firmware for MTS Smart Race 4G Dual sim lock
Official firmware Android 5.1 [stock ROM file] – MTS custom firmware –
Firmware for MTS Smart Race 4G Dual sim lock can be found in the thread. In addition, first download the necessary software for flashing
What information do you need to know for flashing?
- Make/model [desirable] – MTS/Smart Race 4G Dual sim lock
- Processor – MediaTek MT6735M, 1000 MHz
- LCD Driver (version)
- Kernel (version) [desirable]
Before flashing and during the firmware selection process, check the basic technical characteristics (technical characteristics) through the program
What custom firmware are there?
- CM - CyanogenMod
- LineageOS
- Paranoid Android
- OmniROM
- Temasek's
- AICP (Android Ice Cold Project)
- RR (Resurrection Remix)
- MK(MoKee)
- FlymeOS
- Bliss
- crDroid
- Illusion ROMS
- Pacman ROM
Problems and shortcomings of a smartphone from MTS and how to fix them?
- If the Smart Race 4G Dual sim lock does not turn on, for example, you see a white screen, hangs on the splash screen, or the notification indicator only blinks (possibly after charging).
- If stuck during update / stuck when turned on (needs flashing, 100%)
- Doesn't charge (usually hardware problems)
- Does not see the SIM card (SIM card)
- The camera does not work (mostly hardware problems)
- The sensor does not work (depends on the situation)
For all these problems, contact (you just need to create a topic), specialists will help for free.
Photo and video shooting capabilities
The main camera in the smartphone is 8-megapixel with autofocus and flash. Unfortunately, you can’t count on getting excellent quality pictures. The camera is too simple, although in good lighting it takes quite tolerable quality photos. I would rate the photography as “satisfactory.”
The camera control menu is simple both in its capabilities and interface. It completely matches bare Android. In addition to the regular shooting mode, there is a panoramic and HDR mode, plus you can use some additional effects.
As for video, the camera shoots in a resolution of 1280x720 pixels at a speed of up to 30 frames per second. Quality is a C grade. There is no optical stabilization here, nor is it possible to shoot video at 60 fps.
The front 2-megapixel camera has a fixed focus. She shoots surprisingly well. For a budget device this is generally good.
Memory and speed
MTS Smart Run 4G runs on a 64-bit 4-core MediaTek MT6732 chip (1.5 GHz per core), Mali-T760 MP2 graphics with a frequency of 450 MHz. The amount of RAM is 1 GB. Built-in memory for data storage 8 GB. Initially, about 4 GB is available to the user. The memory can be expanded using microSD cards up to 32 GB.
What’s most interesting is that the smartphone works very quickly. Interface slowdowns are not felt. Opening third-party applications occurs in 2-3 seconds. These are average performance indicators. Of course, it is clear that this is a budget option, but the interface does not freeze and works smoothly.
Watching videos from YouTube in maximum quality is carried out with minor delays and freezes, there are no frame drops. If you watch a video in medium or low quality, the smartphone works without any glitches at all. The device also performed well in pre-installed games. In general, Smart Run 4G is equipped with a relatively decent video card, so modern three-dimensional games will work on it, without any brakes, and in some places with high quality graphics.
games and applications
The device's good hardware and good screen allow you to use many popular applications. Resource-intensive software is unlikely to work properly on a smartphone, but mid-level programs are processed perfectly.
As for games, the gadget is quite capable of running fairly high-quality products, but not at the highest graphic settings. Of course, the MTS Smart Sprint 4G smartphone is not able to play games from the TOP category correctly. But still, it is unlikely that anyone will purchase this device as a portable multimedia center or game console.
Communication capabilities
The device operates in 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and 3G networks. I didn’t notice any problems with reliable reception. In addition, Smart Run 4G works without any problems in Russian 4G networks. The phone has one slot for a standard size SIM card.
The 4G module is highly sensitive, and, which is unusual for a cheap smartphone, the device sticks to LTE literally “to the last.” Switches between networks of different standards quickly and clearly.
In addition, the smartphone supports Bluetooth version 4.0 for transferring files and voice. There is also Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, although without support for a second carrier. The device, of course, can be used as an access point or modem. In the settings, this item is listed as “Modem mode”.
The smartphone has a navigator with GPS support, A-GPS. “Cold” start – 5-6 minutes, “hot” – up to 15 seconds.
Duration of work
Among the main advantages of MTS Smart Run 4G is a high-capacity battery. The 3,400 mAh battery is enough for 1.5 days of intensive work. In moderate mode, the device will work for 2-3 days.
If we go into detail, when playing video with maximum screen brightness and active LTE/Wi-Fi, the operating time was 7 hours 10 minutes. In GPS navigation mode, the smartphone can work for about 5 hours.
The device has a scheduled power off and on mode, which further saves battery life.
The battery can be fully charged in four hours.
Battery
A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1800 mAh is responsible for autonomous operation here. If you believe the reviews, you can watch videos on your smartphone for 3.5 hours. The combined use of social networks and music will eat up the battery in about 6.5 hours. Moderate use of all energy-consuming options (music, Internet, games, video, communications) led to the device requiring a charge after only 5 hours of use.
Results
MTS Smart Run 4G can easily be considered a universal budget-level smartphone. It has everything you need and there are no pronounced shortcomings. Our editors definitely liked the device.
The device has a decent-quality display in the popular 5-inch size, supports 4G (LTE cat. 4, up to 150 Mbps), and has a good battery with a capacity of 3400 mAh. The interface works smoothly without any glitches. For the money - an excellent model with modern characteristics.
The disadvantages include the main camera. She shoots on too low a budget. Another minus is the dimensions. MTS Smart Run 4G is a very large brick.
Advantages
- High quality build
- LTE support
- Sufficiently powerful hardware platform
- Long battery life
Flaws
- Budget-quality camera
On the day of publication, MTS Smart Run 4G could be purchased at a price of 5,990 rubles , excluding special offers.
4G smartphone: reviews of MTS's brainchild
The smartphone received positive reviews about its design. Most users liked the assembly of the case: the design is quite well made. There are complaints about low-quality material, which retains dirt and fingerprints. Moreover, many note that it is very difficult to erase them later, and subsequently they still appear soon.
Users came in handy with the technical specifications. The owners believe that for such a price, 4G and a dual-core processor are a real gift for those who need a 4G LTE smartphone. Nubia is unlikely to be able to create such a cheap and high-quality device that supports 4G networks. As for performance, the gadget does not cause any complaints: applications and games run perfectly. The color rendition and good sound of the speaker completely immerse you in the gaming universe, from which you will not be able to leave for a long time. In addition, the device runs most modern options, which makes its use more productive. Many were also impressed by the fast performance of 4G networks.
Now about the cameras. The MTS Smart Sprint 4G Sim smartphone has received mixed reviews. According to the owners, using the main optics, you can take good pictures provided there is sufficient lighting. Night photography was criticized. Also, most users criticize the front camera of the device, which is frankly weak.
But the people who purchased the smartphone we are considering were satisfied with the battery life. The battery lasts for several days without recharging with moderate use. At the same time, the owners are quite active in surfing the Internet, making frequent calls and regularly listening to music. In this regard, the smartphone did not disappoint.
The best 4G smartphone in the budget category (according to many) has received mostly positive reviews, since the device from MTS has a good price-quality ratio and almost completely meets the expectations of its owners.
