The Hotwav Note 13 Max: A Big Screen on a Budget, But What’s the Catch?
Let’s cut to the chase: the Hotwav Note 13 Max isn’t here to win spec wars. It’s a €139 phone with a 6.8-inch screen, and that tells you everything. But here’s the thing—big screens sell, especially at this price. So what’s the real story behind the specs? Let’s dig in.
The Screen: Bigger Isn’t Always Sharper
That 6.8-inch LCD sounds impressive until you realize it’s a 720p panel. Imagine stretching a DVD-quality image across a theater screen—it’s functional, but don’t expect iPhone-level crispness. Text looks slightly fuzzy if you squint, and Netflix shows won’t pop like they do on OLED. But here’s the twist: the 90Hz refresh rate. Scrolling through TikTok or emails feels smoother than most budget phones, which often stick to 60Hz. It’s like upgrading from a bumpy dirt road to a freshly paved street—subtle but noticeable.
Performance: The “Good Enough” Engine
The Unisoc T606 chip inside is the automotive equivalent of a reliable commuter car. It’ll get you to work (or through WhatsApp and YouTube), but don’t expect a turbocharged ride. Basic apps? Fine. Multitasking between five Chrome tabs? Prepare for hiccups. Gaming? Stick to casual titles like Candy Crush. Genshin Impact at medium settings? Forget it. The Mali-G57 GPU sweats under pressure, and you’ll see frame drops in heavier games. But hey, for €139, it’s par for the course.
Battery Life: The Secret Weapon
Here’s where the Note 13 Max shines. That 5160mAh battery is a tank. After a day of moderate use—streaming, social media, calls—I still had 30% left. Even with the 90Hz screen sucking extra juice, it outlasts pricier phones. The catch? Charging is stuck in 2015. The 10W brick takes nearly three hours for a full refill. Want to top up while brushing your teeth? You’ll get maybe 15%. It’s a trade-off: marathon endurance for snail-paced charging.
Cameras: One Hit Wonder
The 48MP main camera is decent in daylight. Photos have acceptable detail, though colors lean toward “instagrammy” saturation. Low light? Grainy messes. The 0.1MP “depth sensor” is a joke—it’s like attaching a calculator to a DSLR. The 16MP selfie cam is serviceable, but skin tones look washed out under artificial light. Pro tip: stick to the main shooter and avoid zooming in.
Who’s This For?
This phone is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious streamers: That screen is huge for YouTube binges.
- Grandparents: Simple interface, loud speakers, and battery that won’t quit.
- Secondary phone users: Toss it in your gym bag without fear.
Skip it if: You game heavily, crave premium design, or need fast charging.
The Elephant in the Room: The “Upside-Down Cake” OS
Hotwav’s Android 14 skin has quirks. Notifications sometimes lag, and bloatware like “Chess Master 3D” comes preinstalled. But Google Services work smoothly, and NFC means you can tap-to-pay—a rarity in this price tier.
My Take: Would I Buy It?
If I needed a backup phone or something for my kid? Absolutely. The battery and screen are stellar for the price. But as my daily driver? No. I’d miss wireless charging, snappy performance, and a sharp display. Still, Hotwav nailed the basics here. For €139, it’s like getting a decent buffet meal—you won’t get filet mignon, but you won’t leave hungry either.
