The TIQ Mini M5 aims to be a lightweight, compact device catering to those looking for a minimalistic Android device.
Pros:
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Compact Design:
The TIQ Mini M5 is impressively lightweight and thin. -
Decent Battery Life:
The battery life is acceptable for a device in this category, BUT you must use a charger 10W or below. Any higher, and the charging becomes unreliable due to the motherboard’s poor power-handling capabilities. -
Functionality in the US:
The phone works reasonably well on US networks, which is a plus for US-based users. -
Android Auto Support:
Android Auto does work, usually with some lag and bugs.
Cons:
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Severe Data Corruption Issues:
A major flaw of the TIQ Mini M5 is it experiences data corruption issues, often requiring a factory reset. This is a significant drawback for anyone relying on the phone for important tasks. -
Unreliable RCS Messaging:
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is hit-or-miss on this device, which might frustrate users who prefer advanced messaging features like read receipts and typing indicators. -
Poor Build Quality:
The phone’s build quality feels subpar, with a noticeable lack of durability. Combined with its performance issues, this gives the device a very “cheap” feel. -
Physical Keypad Integration Issues:
The physical keypad is one of the device’s biggest disappointments.- No T9 predictive text, which makes typing slow and cumbersome.
- During calls, you must manually enable the keypad via the screen, and exiting the keypad screen afterward is an unnecessary hassle.
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Performance Problems:
The TIQ Mini M5 suffers from lag and slow response times, even during basic tasks. It is poorly optimized and has many bugs. -
Charging Issues:
Charging is another major weak point. The device struggles with chargers above 10W, causing the charging cycle to start and stop every few seconds. This is an inconvenience and could potentially harm the battery in the long term. -
Android Auto Lag:
While it technically works, Android Auto’s performance can be frustrating. -
Durability:
Given its flimsy build quality, the phone is unlikely to survive rough handling or drops.