It’s quite a relief to see a QWERTY handset that seems to have its own ‘personality’ and doesn’t look like a BlackBerry. This Q5 or ‘ezpad’ as it’s been dubbed, was apparently designed to be real bliss for the avid social networker and here’s how it fared.
Form
The handset’s prime focus is the keypad and not the screen, so there’s that slightly awkward Micromax LCD panel. Although the Q5 is less skewed than its predecessor, the Q3, it’s still the handset’s biggest drawback.
Thankfully, the large QWERTY keypad is fantastic. The buttons are easy to use and well-spaced and take a couple of attempts to get used to. Navigation is a breeze thanks to the track ball.
To ensure that the Q5 is branded a social networking handset, Micromax has incorporated two dedicated shortcut buttons for Facebook and the MSN application. A standard mini USB and a 3.5 mm socket are conveniently located at the base of the handset.
The Q5 is not a good looking handset and it’s heavy, but it’s built for easy use. Micromax has also included a rubberised case for the handset as well as a comfortable handsfree kit in the accessories.
Features
There is no problem with the UI, which is same as the Q3, save for some cosmetic changes. The handset seems to be designed for speed and there’s no lag whatsoever.
Everything is very neatly categorised. The only niggle is the LCD panel, which you will find difficult to stare at for a prolonged period.
Media
The music player is superb. Thanks to Yamaha’s contribution, the audio quality and decibel levels are great. The Q5 comes with a bass enhancement setting and EQ presets that include 3D surround modes as well as Reverb effects.
The sound quality can further be adjusted through the settings menu via an 8-band graphic EQ option. If the bundled handsfree doesn’t do it for you, buy a good set of earphones.
The FM radio, which has a recording option as well, has really good reception. Even in places where reception is just average, the Q5 somehow managed to provide really good reception.
The voice recorder is quite handy for memos but don’t keep the mic too far. A distance of about 2.5 feet will be sufficient for clear voice recordings.
Another very pleasant surprise was the fact that all of my test videos in 3GP and MPEG4 formats played without a hitch, including the higher resolution ones. And if it weren’t for the display, watching even full length movies would be easier.
Connectivity
The Q5 really shines in the connectivity department. With GPRS connectivity you’ll have access to a large array of services — from social networking with the preloaded Facebook application, to Instant Messenger services like MSN, Gtalk, Yahoo! Messenger and even an eBuddy application.
All the applications are well laid out and easy to use. Users will also be able to download and access their POP or IMAP email accounts.
The native browser is the same as you’d find in other Java handsets, so it’s okay for simple browsing. For a better browsing experience Opera Mini is preloaded.
Other modes of connectivity include Stereo Bluetooth support and USB 2.0. The Q5’s camera can also be used as a web cam when connected via USB. There’s also an Ebook reader thrown in.
Camera
The 2 megapixel camera is also strictly basic with all the features you’d expect to find in these budget handsets. Some of them include White balance, Contrast adjustment, Night mode and a few effect settings.
There’s no lag in the display and that’s also a major plus point for the Q5. Although, image quality is not good at all. But pictures might look quite decent on the small 320 x 240 pixel display.
In native resolution, the reds are overbearing and all pictures look more like water coloured paintings rather than digital photos.
Battery life
Yet again, the Q5 seems very impressive in this department. The 1000mAH Li-ion battery dished out over 4 hours and 35 minutes of talk time, which is almost as much as the company promised (5 hours).
With average use of the handset, you’ll be able to go for at least two days without a recharge.
Verdict
The Q5 ezpad is really affordable. At Rs 5,100, it’s a superb choice for a social networking ready handset. Other than the display issue and camera quality, the handset has covered all aspects of connectivity and multimedia well.
What we like
- Well-built handset
- Plenty of in-built social networking options
- Smooth interface
- Great audio quality
- FM reception was good
- Good battery life
What we don’t
- Display makes for awkward viewing
- Camera quality isn’t good.
© HT Media
Hi,
I bought this phone today i am able to brose the internet using opera mini, the speed is so gud. but i cannot logon to either facebook or gtalk and also yahooomessenger.
can you guide me what need to done get it working?? Thanks in advance.
Hi Korin,
If you are successfuly using the gtalk on Micromax mobile Q5. Can u please guide me how to access Gtalk on Q5.
Thanks & regards,
Sunil
sunil.ghadge@bwir.com
Its Qwarty keypad is nice
Good one to buy for dual sim users.. if you using one sim I prefer to use other brands.
I have bought around a month ago. Purchase price is : 4280.
really very good cell i found complete details from here..
http://www.mouthshut.com/review/MIcromax_Q5_EZPAD-187900-1.html
and compare with other very useful reviews
http://www.mouthshut.com/product-reviews/MIcromax_Q5_EZPAD-925592976.html
you can also check the details here…
i bought the q5 handset but i dont know how to put loop mobile’s wap settings although i have them.can you please help me
q5 is the best mobile to use socila networking & easy to chat with IN messengers using QWERTY keypad, track ball is nice to moves………
Micromax Mobile Phones
I have recently bought MM Q5 handset. I liked it.
Need some help. (1) When I check my mails, I cannot read it completely. If i use the track ball
it goes to next mail. (2) Opera Mini – what exactly it does. Could someone explain how one
can use this and its applications. (3) I have bluetooth handsfree which I got it from my old
phone. Can one connect to this phone. If so what settings I should change. Can someone
help me on those points.
Manju
i want to know that how i will fast forward in micromax q5 audio player ply any one tell me
i bought q5 mobile Rs 3530 in Bangalore
Hi……….All……..Actually i have bought Miccromax Q5, But Unfortunately i have deleted opera mini browser from my phone…….so kinldy any one of you can tell me how can i get that back………please………..
when we lose the opera application in mobile then we get it in the m.opera.com….
umnet.com is helpful to download some apllications…
hiiii i have micromax q5 fb can anyone tell me how to move songs from memory card to audio player
hiii………..
i also want to know the internet setting for MM q5 fb i have loop sim
please …. reply me
my email id is – chalke.saurabh536@gmail.com
thnxxxx in advance
I purchased this phone a month back.I am unable to use internet or FB on it.I called up my customer care and they sent me all the settings.Still i am unable to get internet on it.Can some one send me the steps how to activate internet on my phone..
Like afetr u get the setting from your operator.
Save it and where all to browse through the phone to get.
Help would be appreciated.
Mohasin Mulla
i bought mmq5. in this phone i coudn’t get how to use e-book reader. it can dwnld all kind of files like .pdf,.exe but there is no option for how to see these file? i am requesting everybody that if u have answer of these problem or proccessor pls pls pls rply me must my e-mail id is nikkisharma.sharma4@gmail.com. pls rply me very soon. i’ll very thankfull for u.
I,m Raj
u like songs on audio pla 4m mcard
open mcard
see songs&move them to my music folder in same mcard
(done)
now go to audioplayer & listen
frajiti@yahoo.in
I have MM Q5fb ezpad with
opera mini general performance is good,but facebook & nimbuss are not operated with one key designated,even reporting maximum time name & password are not matching ?
I am unable to use as manual
does not cover any application
even email configuration is not given.I found NOKIA is better on all counts may be bit costly.I have been using NOKIA 6600 since 5 YEARS but Battery performance poor on nokia you can have choice for various applications which is not possible on Micromax
Hi .Actually i have bought Miccromax Q5, But Unfortunately i have deleted opera mini from my phone so kinldy any one of you can tell me how can i get that back………please reply as quickly as possible
Micromax se ghatiya koi company nahi hai, My mobile is at their esrvice center since last 3 months. I have send mails to Customer care many time, but they never reply and still my mobile not repaired.
I will suggest never think about micromax. they invest onlly on advertise not on customer spport and quality
Never think about micromax, even u r getting free….
can anyone tell me how to use my micromax q5 as webcam??
hiii my name is RAHULMALIK MERe pas micromax q5 phone h .i like this but na to isme fb chat chalta h.aur na hi facebook midlet suite chalta .i m very sad please help me fast
I love QWERTY phones! And this look phone looks very easy to use with its large keypad.