Mintt is a new Australian smartphone brand – you may have seen it recently on Channel 9’s ‘The Block’. The Mintt UltraMintt Y3 is its most expensive offering – if you call $399 expensive.
We set out to analyse the Mintt UltraMintt Y3 and why it offers so much – a reasonable processor, battery, Qi wireless and fast charging, NFC, two-year swap warranty and more. Is there a catch?
The only catch is that Mintt is a new Australian company so we put it through due diligence first to check its bona fides and they are all good. As long the company sells sufficient to stay afloat – and at these prices, why not – then it is a safe bet. And Mintt has a range of lower-cost phones from $179 that we will review when we can.
How can they do low cost, well-featured phones? For starters, there are no middlemen, distributors or retailers making a margin along the way. Mintt estimates the distribution method could add up to 50% to the cost. We concur – this is a phone that could easily sell for much more.
Mintt uses an OEM/ODM (original equipment maker/original design maker) as it does not own factories. A quick check of the Mac address tracks it back to Shanghai TYD Electronic Technology established in 2007. Its house brand is Koobee, and it makes for Ravoz, Blu and many others. According to its website, it has over 500 qualified Doctoral and Master Degree staff in its Research and Development team. It makes about 40million smartphones a year primarily sold in China.
The Mintt UltraMinnt Y3 is the same as Blu G9 Pro (a US company that requires robust FCC certification for each model handset) or Ravoz Z8 (sold in China). That makes me a lot more confident that this is a tried and tested ODM model.
Mintt Ultramintt Y3
Australian website here
Price: $399 from Mintt online only
Buy here – or you will regret it
Mintt is an Australian company (partnering with MINTT Global that operates mainly in PNG and South-East Asia). All Mintt Australia smartphones have RCM (C-tick) certification. They are fully compliant with all Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) requirements for use in Australia.
This means it has the Australian firmware and LTE bands to work on all Australian Telco carrier networks and can make an 000-emergency call (not 911) without a SIM.
How we rate smartphones
We develop extensive paradigms – what it must meet or exceed – and then slot them into market segments.
Our original four categories have grown to seven, and we review against different paradigms for each category.
- Foldable $2500+
- Premium Flagship $1600-2499 (usually a flagship with more memory/storage, additional camera lens and now 5G)
- Flagship $1000-1599 (account for about 10% of sales)
- Premium mid-market $800-999 (10% and often last year’s flagship at run-out price)
- Mid-market $500-799 (about 25% of the market)
- Mass-market $200-499 (about 25% of the market)
- Value pre-paid <A$199 (about 30% of the market – good for pre-paid and children)
At $399 this fits in the middle of the mass-market segment. Here you have the OPPO AX7 ($349), LG Q60 ($349), Vivo Y17 ($369), Samsung Galaxy A30 ($379), Huawei Y9 Prime ($399), Motorola One Vision ($449), Vivo S1 ($449), Huawei P30 Lite ($449). An updated Nokia Version ‘.2’ may also slip in there.
While some may have a better camera or larger battery, none match the basket of features in the Mintt UltraMintt Y3.
In the box
- Mintt UltraMintt Y3 handset
- Charger 5V/2A (fast charge required an optional USB-C 18W or higher charger)
- Cable type USB-A to USB-C
- 3.5 mm earbuds and mic (standard grade)
- TPU clear bumper case
- Pre-fitted screen protector
The first impression
It is a 2.5 (curved edge), waterdrop glass slab with a pretty Amethyst gradient glass back – yes, it is a fingerprint magnet.
The back is 2.5D Gorilla Glass 5 curved to a similarly coloured metal frame. Three cameras sit on the top right (Apple style) with a dual-LED flash below. There is a rear fingerprint sensor with the Mintt OK logo below.
It has a pre-fitted screen protector and smallish bezels. Overall it appears well made and quite durable. It is a cut above the typical mass-market finish.
Screen
| Size: 6.3-inch Resolution: 2340 x 1080@60Hz PPI: 410 Ratio: 19.5:9 Type: LTPS (low-temperature polysilicon) IPS S-T-B-R: claimed 91% |
|
Colour depth: 16m Brightness: Claimed – no. Measured average/peak 300/330 nits Contrast: Claimed: No. Measured 1200:1 Grey-to-grey: 40+ms – a little slow for games HDR: No Notch: centre waterdrop |
| Colour gamut: Not specified. Measured at 78% sRGB with Delta E 6.7 Colour settings: No but MTK has a Miravision app that provides good adjustment (needs to be loaded with the OS and we suggest Mintt includes this in a future patch) |
|
Screen protection: Gorilla Glass (not stated but we understand
it is 5) Screen Protector: Plastic screen protector Case: Clear bumper case |
| AOD: No Daylight readability: Average. No glossy IPS screen is good, and while the automatic brightness tries to compensate, it is best in in-direct sunlight. |
| Pulse-width modulation: It uses PWM to adjust brightness which becomes evident at lower brightness levels. However, it is not an issue as you will drive this at maximum brightness. |
Its is a good, glossy, 1080p, colourful, 300-330 nits brightness, screen. It is not quite bright enough for good daylight readability, but it is better than most at this price.
Colour accuracy is ‘subjectively’ good, but it is capable of better calibration. If it had MTK Miravision software, I suspect it could get a much better result.
Summary: In this price bracket, all you can expect is 720p, so at 1080p, it exceeds this paradigm.
Performance
| Processor | Brand: MT6771V/C (Helio P60), 12nm Cores: 4 x Arm A73@2.0GHz + 4x Arm A53@2.0GHz. AI Engine: Mobile APU Deep-learning: facial detection (DL-FD) for Face ID Modem: 4G LTE WorldMode modem with all Australian bands |
| GPU |
Brand: Mali-G72 MP3 Video codecs: H.264, H.265 / HEVC DirectX 12, OpenCL 2.0, OpenGL ES 3.2, Vulcan 1.1 |
| RAM | RAM: 4GB LPDDR3 Storage: 64GB eMMC OTG Support: Yes Micro-SD card expansion: to 256GB |
The Helio P60 processor is compared to Qualcomm SD6XXs that are generally found in mid-market devices. It is a good chip, and it is unusual to see it in a mass-market $399 device.
GadgetGuy recently reviewed the UmiDigi F1 and last years Nokia 5.1 Plus so we have a baseline to compare. It performs similarly to these smartphones.
Performance tests: The new version of Geek Bench 5 has changed ratings that appear approx. 80% lower than GeekBench4 (multiply by five).
The single/multi-core/compute are 276/1372/1096 which is around the speed of a Motorola G7 and Samsung A50. Our reference Samsung Note9, is 667/1961/3801.
GPU: If there is a weakness, it is video performance – it is about 30% of the Qualcomm SD660 Adreno GPU.
Game use: The CPU/GPU is not great for games. It should support most mobile games to 30fps.
Throttling: A 15-minute test went from 132,180GIPS to 72,960GIPS (Average 89,618) effectively losing 58% after four minutes. There is always some throttling, but this is a little higher than we expected.
Temperature: at 100% load for 15 minutes the SoC reaches 76° (internal), but the battery and other components are no more than 32°. Outside it is even cooler at 22° (ambient temperature 19°). This is all within specification.
Summary: Our only issue is that MediaTek SoCs don’t play well with our testing software. However, it is a decent SoC usually seen in more expensive phones.
Comms
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi N, dual-band, MIMO Wi-Di, Hotspot |
| BT | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB | USB-C Type 1.0 |
| GPS | Yes |
Using Cell Info the 5GHz Signal strength at 5 meters from our reference D-Link AC5300 router is –52dBm and 86Mbps (the best you can expect for Wi-Fi N 5GHz).
GPS is accurate to within 10 metres, but it is not fast to find satellites sometimes taking a minute or more. It is adequate for turn-by-turn navigation and route recalculation.
Summary: Few phones this price offer 5Ghz N band so it will move data faster over dual-band Wi-Fi.
4G LTE
| LTE |
Cat 6 300/50Mbps DL/UL Carrier aggregation: 2CA Bands 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40 |
| Sim | Dual sim (hybrid) can use both at once or one for microSD card |
| Other |
VoLTE: depends on carrier VoWiFi: No Wi-FI Calling: No |
Signal strength is excellent at -87dBm. Our reference Samsung Galaxy Note9 is -109dBm (lower is better) – this is in a weak reception area.
As I have come to expect of 2019 technology, the Mintt UltraMintt Y3 found the next nearest tower at -91dBM (the Note9 does not).
That this is a phone for Australia, it does not have many world LTE bands activated.
Summary: Goods strong reception
Sound
| Sound |
3.5mm audio jack: Yes Earpiece: above the notch Speaker: Downfiring mono Mics – 2 Buds: 3.5mm buds/mic FM Radio: yes |
| Res |
BT 4.2 SBC codec EQ: None |
| Call quality | Handsfree is clear but a little low in volume |
| Volume | Ring 80+dB (above average), Voice 70dB, Music 73dB |
There are three tests – 3.5mm buds, BT headphones and the mono speaker.
The 3.5mm buds are surprisingly good with offset ear tips for a better canal seal. I cannot measure frequency response, but there is a hint of bass, peaking mids and a fair amount of treble – bright vocal.
Our reference Sony WH-1000Xm3 headphones are wasted on SDB codecs but we use them to listen for crosstalk and maximum volume. Sound is clean and quite flat showing the Helio P60 has a good built-in DSP.
The mono speaker is mid-centric for clear voice.
Speaker sound signature
We use spectrum analysis to determine the sound signature of the down-firing mono speaker.
Note: Frequency response is from 20Hz to 20kHz
- Deep Bass: 20-40Hz – none
- Middle Bass: 40-100Hz – none
- High Bass: 100 to 200Hz – none
- Low-mids: 200-400Hz – building
- Mids: 400-1000Hz – building
- High-mids: 1-2kHz – peaking
- Low-treble: 2-4kHz – flat
- Treble:4-6kHz – flat with another small peak
- High Treble: 6-10kHz – declining
- Dog whistle: 10-20kHz – none
I would generally call it a mid-signature, but the treble gently peaks again around 5kHz, so it is more Bright vocal. This is good for phone calls but a little harsh for music.
Battery
| Battery |
4050 mAh battery |
| Charger |
Charger type: 5V/2A (10W) USB-C Quick Charge: Supports 5V/3A and 9V/2A (18W) with optional charger Wireless Qi charge: 10W (can use 5-15W chargers) |
Our test software indicates a 3950mAh battery – that is not so much of an issue as batteries are typically rated at nominal capacity.
Recharge with the standard 5V/2A charger from 0-100% takes under three hours.
Qi wireless is 10W, and it takes about four hours (typical).
If you buy am 18W USB-PD 2.0 charger, you can get 50% in 30 minutes and the remainder in under two hours.
Tests:
- 1080p Video loop: 50% brightness, Airplane mode – 7 hours (this is an estimate extrapolated from two hours use)
- MP3 music – over 20 hours
- Heavy use: 50% screen on time – 6 hours (ditto)
- Under 100% load: GFX Bench T-Rex test 5.65 hours
Summary: The battery is large for this class of device. We expect it to go 36+ hours under typical use.
Build etc
| Colours | Amethyst |
| Build |
Gorilla Glass (5) over an alloy frame. Slippery – use the bumper case |
| Dimensions | 157 x 75.8 x 8.75mm x 183g |
| IP Rating | Nil |
| Warranty | 2-years Australia Post swap warranty |
| SAR | Website here and significantly below EUT maximum levels |
It is well made, no gaps and no #bendgate. The 2-year swap warranty via Australia-post is good. Although in practice you first send your phone back for a quick assessment and if it is a warranty claim (not user caused) a replacement is immediately sent. We understand the process takes less than a week. Mintt claims a .05% failure rate – that is excellent.
Mintt does not have many accessories. You can buy a Pleather flip case for $29, and you can buy Blu G9 Pro accessories at most online markets.
Other
| Security |
Fingerprint sensor on the rear (registers multiple
fingers) 2D Face Unlock |
The fingerprint reader is reliable and fast.
The 2D facial recognition is courtesy of a 24MP (binned to 6MP) selfie camera and the Helio P60 Deep Learning Facial Detection. It is fast, enough but you need good light as there is no LCD fill or IR. You can only register one face despite multiple account capability.
Operating system
| OS |
Android: Google Android 9.1 UI: Pure Android Supports multiple users |
|
Google Lens Google Assistant All Google apps | |
|
Security Patch At the time of review | 5 July 2019 |
The Mintt Ultramintt Y3 will receive an Android 10 upgrade when available. The security patch is one step behind – most Android phones should have August by now.
Transfer from other devices
As it is pure Google Android, you need to back up your old device to Google Cloud, and it will reinstall most apps and data to the new device.
What is missing?
| Missing |
Notification LED IP rating |
At $399 neither are deal-breakers. You could be picky and ask for an 18W fast charger in the box, but hey, that probably saves $20!
Camera
|
Rear Camera 1 Main |
Sony IMX499 16MP f/1.8 1.12um 66.8° Stabilisation: none Focus type: PDAF HDR: manual – select on or off Zoom: 4X digital (see UHD comment later) AI: scene recognition Flash type: Dual LED Images: Raw or JPEG Video: 1920 x 1080 1K@30fps Google Lens: Yes |
|
Rear Camera 2 Night mode only |
20MP pixel binned to 5MP (Quad Beyer) Sony IMX476 1.0um pixel binned to 2.0um f/1.8 FOV: 65.2° Fixed focus |
|
Rear Camera 3 Depth |
Samsung S5K5E9 Isocell depth camera 5MP f/2.2 1.11um 71.9° RAW/JPEG Fixed Focus |
| Selfie 1 |
Samsung S5K2X5 24MP (pixel binned to 6MP) .9um binned to 1.8um f/2.0 67.9° RAW or JPEG Contrast AF No fill flash |
Why the camera detail?
Its is vital for us to know the sensor brand and model so we can compare it to others using the same sensors – a benchmark that allows us to assess post-processing and lens quality as well.
We have found that Mintt marketing material tends to ‘amplify’ camera specifications. For example, technically there is a 20MP rear camera but it pixel bins to 5MP for all shots – you cannot get a 20MP shot. In
Similarly, the front selfie is a 24MP sensor but it to pixel bins to 6MP.
And it advertises UHD – ‘Zoom in up to 30 times with effective pixel resolution reaching 96MP – delivering still-sharp imagery. Clear photos are captured in a backlight environment, with even more colour and detail.” We have no idea what that means, let alone does. In practice, anything above 4X digital zoom produces unacceptable images.
Note to Mintt – while many will fall for marketing hype we don’t. Make it easy (for us) and talk up the advantages of Pixel binning just like Google does with its excellent Pixel smartphone cameras.
Summary: Given this is a new brand, the best advice I can give is to be accurate with camera specifications. But at $399 it is all about whether the camera output is merely social media standard or more.
AI software
It identifies ten scenes including
We found that it identified the Sky quite well but if anything it muted the colours. We found it is best to shoot without AI.
Tests – all auto
Daylight, outdoors
Colours are warmer than natural – there is a little more green in the forest and blue in the water and sky.
Telephoto: Detail is good, but that characteristic warm colouring persists.
Indoors Office Light (400 lumens)
Good detail and the reds and colours are reasonably accurate if slightly warm.
Low light (room with less than 100 lumens)
Not great in low light
Night mode: brings out the light but washes out detail in the screen
Selfie
No fill flash – face recognition needs decent light
Selfies are good due to pixel binning. You also have beauty and
portrait mode – smoother, Slimming, Whitening and Eye enlarger.
There are no emojis.
Bokeh
The rear camera has a 5MP depth camera that enables reasonably good bokeh even around irregular foreground objects.
The front 24MP (pixel binned to 6MP) does bokeh but lacks finer definition between foreground and background.
Video
Maximum 1920 x 1080@30fps. Colours are warmish, and details are quite good but use a tripod as there is no stabilisation.
GadgetGuy’s take – Mintt Ultramintt Y3 is excellent at $399
I must admit going into this review with low expectations – $399, meh!
But after spending a few days with it and discovering all the specifications that Mintt should have published (if only for credibility sake), I was warming to this phone. If I only had $399 it would be the pick of any phone – even those costing more than $500 – and then some. By that I mean Qi charging usually starts on handsets at $800.
To sum up as my brutally honest friends a the Whirlpool forum so elegantly put it, “You can’t really go wrong [with Mintt] for a cheap phone. It only must last a year, so if you get a decent phone, it is well worth it. Maybe we should give an Aussie upstart a chance before we judge so harshly. Think, they are up against the giants of the telco world who never like competition.”
