UniHertz Jelly Max: The mighty miniature phone that surprises
Unihertz Jelly Max. Picture: Noel Campion.
When we think of modern smartphones, images of sleek, massive screens and powerful internals come to mind. But UniHertz has taken a different route with their latest release, the Jelly Max. Dubbed the smallest 5G handset ever released, the Jelly Max is a compact powerhouse packed with features typically reserved for larger devices.
At just 5 inches, the UniHertz Jelly Max is undeniably compact, but don’t let its small size fool you. This phone is a bit chunky, so it is necessary to house all the high-end components within. It’s not aiming for the sleek and slender design of its larger counterparts, and that’s perfectly fine because this phone is not for those who prioritise aesthetics. Instead, the Jelly Max is for users needing a sturdy, feature-rich device to survive the daily grind.
The build quality is solid, and the case is made from transparent plastic so that you can see the internals. While it doesn’t have the premium feel of a glass-backed phone, it’s durable enough to take a few knocks—ideal for those working in more rugged environments. Despite its compact size, it feels substantial and comfortable in the hand.
Under the hood, the Jelly Max is surprisingly well-equipped. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, ensures this tiny phone can easily handle multitasking, gaming, and daily apps. The performance is smooth, and the phone doesn’t struggle with everyday tasks or even light gaming.
The 4,000 mAh battery provides excellent battery life that lasts a full day of heavy use. Fast charging is supported at 66W, and unlike many modern phones, the charger is included in the box.
The Jelly Max also boasts dual SIM support, NFC, an IR blaster, and a rear fingerprint reader. The fingerprint sensor is accurate but could be more pronounced; finding the sweet spot can be challenging.
The Jelly Max’s 5-inch display is decent for its size, though it’s not the brightest. The resolution is sufficient for everyday tasks, and the compact screen is perfect for one-handed use.
Cameras on compact phones are often an afterthought, but UniHertz has included a 100MP primary sensor and a 3.4x telephoto lens in the Jelly Max. On paper, this setup sounds promising, but in reality, I found the results were mixed on my prototype unit. There are known camera issues, which UniHertz will fix in the next update. Bearing that in mind, photos taken during the day are acceptable, but low-light performance is lacking, with images often appearing grainy and lacking detail.
The primary sensor also tends to add a reddish hue to indoor shots, which is something to keep in mind if you plan to use the Jelly Max for photography. Ultimately, while the camera setup is interesting, it’s clear that this phone wasn’t designed with shutterbugs in mind.
One of my favourite aspects of the Jelly Max is the programmable red button on the side. This button can be customised to launch any app. You can assign different functions to single, double, and long presses, making it incredibly versatile. Whether you want to quickly access your camera, launch a specific app, or even make a call, the red button has you covered.
The UniHertz Jelly Max is not a phone for everyone. It’s a niche device for those needing a small, rugged smartphone that doesn’t skimp on features. While it’s not without flaws, it offers a unique blend of portability and power.
The Jelly Max is worth considering if you’re in the market for a compact device that can easily handle most tasks and doesn’t require a massive screen. It’s perfect for those who need a sturdy, reliable companion in their pocket without sacrificing functionality. The Jelly Max is a refreshing reminder that good things can come in small packages in a world dominated by ever-growing smartphones.
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