Cubot Bigger Is Not Always Better - Handling the Unihertz Max 5

The Unihertz Max 5 is a sub-premium phablet featuring a 6.95-inch 144Hz IPS LCD for expansive viewing and a Mediatek Dimensity 8200 chipset for high-efficiency performance, aimed at power users who prioritize screen real estate and robust 5G connectivity. Released in July 2024, it competes with other large-format mid-range devices by focusing on durability and raw screen size rather than slim aesthetics.

The 6.95-Inch Reachability Crisis

Standing at 173.9mm in height, the Unihertz Max 5 represents a return to the mega-phone era. We found the sheer verticality of this device makes one-handed use almost impossible for the average user. While the 6.95-inch screen provides a massive canvas for media consumption, the human thumb simply cannot traverse the distance from the bottom navigation bar to the top notification shade without a significant grip adjustment.

This ergonomic strain is exacerbated by the 78.9mm width. Unlike the narrower flagship models from competitors like Samsung or Sony, this handset fills the palm entirely. Users should expect to utilize two hands for almost every interaction, from typing a message to simply dismissing an alarm. The 83.6% screen-to-body ratio means the bezels are relatively thin, but not thin enough to mitigate the physical footprint.

Compared to the previous generation of large-screen handsets, this model prioritizes vertical space over horizontal comfort. The IPS LCD technology used here offers a 144Hz refresh rate, which ensures fluid animations. However, the lack of an LTPO-style variable refresh rate means the panel is constantly drawing power to maintain that speed, unless manually adjusted in the settings. This contributes to the device's overall utility as a stationary media player rather than a nimble on-the-go tool.

Gravity and Glass

The 223-Gram Reality

With a weight of 223 grams, the Unihertz Max 5 carries a substantial heft that many users will find tiring during long phone calls or extended gaming sessions. This weight is comparable to the most expensive 'Pro Max' or 'Ultra' models on the market, yet it resides in a much more affordable price tier. The density of the internal components, including the 5100 mAh battery, creates a center of gravity that feels slightly top-heavy.

Our analysis suggests the weight distribution is largely concentrated around the camera module and the upper cooling assembly for the Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm) chip. When holding the phone in a standard grip, there is a constant sensation that the device wants to tilt backward over the index finger. This necessitates a tighter grip, which can lead to palm fatigue over the course of a day.

Fortunately, the build quality justifies some of this weight. The display is protected by Mohs level 6 glass, which provides a hardware-level resistance to scratches from common pocket items like keys or coins. Furthermore, the device carries an EU Label

Free fall Class B rating, surviving 180 falls in testing. This suggests that while it may be heavy, it is built to survive the inevitable drops that come with handling such a large chassis.

The Out of Box Experience

Setting up the Unihertz Max 5 is a straightforward affair, thanks to the inclusion of Android 14. Out of the box, the software is remarkably clean, avoiding the heavy bloatware skins often found in the mid-range market. The initial setup process takes roughly ten minutes, though users should prepare for a mandatory security patch download that usually exceeds 800MB depending on the region.

Inside the box, the inclusion of a 33W wired charger is a welcome sight, even if the charging speeds are modest by 2024 standards. We noticed that the device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, a departure from the rugged and utility-focused roots of the brand. Instead, users must rely on the USB Type-C port, which thankfully supports DisplayPort functionality for video output to external monitors.

One friction point during the initial 48 hours is the lack of a microSD card slot. While 256GB of internal storage is generous for the price, power users who record 4K@30fps video may find themselves reaching for cloud storage sooner than expected. The 12GB of RAM ensures that the setup process and background app installations don't cause the system to stutter, providing a smooth transition into daily use.

Swiping through the Void

Navigation and Gestures

Navigating a 6.95-inch display requires a reliance on gesture controls, but the execution here is a mixed bag. The back gesture—swiping from the edge of the screen—is responsive, but the height of the device makes the home gesture (swiping from the bottom) a reach. We observed that the side-mounted fingerprint sensor often interferes with the 'swipe to go back' motion if the user's thumb rests too low on the frame.

False touch rejection is a critical concern for a device this wide. While the screen is flat, the software occasionally struggles to distinguish between a palm resting on the edge and an intentional tap. This is particularly noticeable when reaching across the display to tap an icon on the opposite side. The 1080 x 2460 resolution ensures that icons are large enough to hit, but the physical distance remains the primary barrier.

To mitigate these issues, we recommend enabling the built-in one-handed mode. This shrinks the active UI area toward the bottom corner, making the top of the screen reachable. It is an essential tool for this handset, as without it, navigating a simple interface like Google Maps while walking becomes a precarious balancing act. The Mali-G610 MC6 GPU keeps these UI transitions smooth, even when the system is under heavy load.

Biometrics on the Edge

The biometric suite on the Unihertz Max 5 is centered around a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. This placement is standard for IPS-equipped phones where in-display sensors are technically impossible. The sensor is fast and accurate, but its placement on the right side of the frame favors right-handed users. Left-handed users will likely find themselves using their index finger, which requires a specific grip angle to register.

Face recognition is also available via the 32 MP selfie camera. In well-lit environments, the unlock speed is nearly instantaneous. However, since this is a 2D optical solution rather than an IR-based 3D system, security is lower than the fingerprint method. We found that the face unlock struggles significantly in low-light conditions, often reverting to the PIN or pattern lock.

Setting up these biometrics is part of the initial boot sequence. We suggest registering the same thumb twice from different angles to improve the success rate when holding the phone at the bottom or the middle. Given the 223g weight, your grip will change depending on whether you are standing or lying down, and the fingerprint sensor needs to be able to accommodate these variations.

Mastering the Stretch

Gesture Ease

Software gestures on the Unihertz Max 5 can be customized to trigger specific actions, such as opening the camera or turning on the flashlight. Given the physical size, these shortcuts are vital. For example, double-tapping the power button to launch the 100 MP wide camera is much more efficient than hunting for an app icon on a crowded home screen.

One specific feature to look for is the ability to pull down the notification shade by swiping anywhere on the home screen. This prevents the need to reach for the very top edge of the 173.9mm tall frame. Without this software tweak, the user experience becomes frustrating. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring that gestures involving smart home controls or wireless peripherals remain lag-free.

In our tests, the Cortex-A78 cores handled the multitasking gestures without the 'refresh' lag seen in lower-end Dimensity chips. Swiping between multiple open apps is fluid, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes the entire interface feel more responsive than it actually is. However, the physical reality of the hardware means that 'ease' is a relative term—this is a device designed for utility, not for effortless grace.

The Final Verdict on Scale

Ultimately, the Unihertz Max 5 is a specialist's tool. It ignores the trend toward compact, lightweight designs in favor of providing the largest possible digital window. The combination of the Dimensity 8200 and a high-refresh-rate screen makes it a formidable mid-range performer, but the ergonomic trade-offs are severe. It is a phone that demands your full attention and both of your hands.

For those who spend their day watching video, editing documents, or playing games that benefit from a wider field of view, the physical strain may be a price worth paying. For the average user, however, the sheer mass and height of the chassis will likely be a daily annoyance. The Mohs level 6 protection and Class B drop rating provide peace of mind, but they don't make the phone any easier to carry in a pocket.

The Unihertz Max 5 succeeds in its mission to offer 'Max' screen for a 'Min' price. It is a bold, unapologetic phablet that knows its audience. If you are part of that audience, there are few other options in the mid-range market that offer this much raw screen real estate without sacrificing modern 5G performance.