Lenovo S5 Pro Review: Mid-Range AI Camera Smartphone

Lenovo S5 Pro – Mid-Range AI Camera Smartphone (2018)

Definition

The Lenovo S5 Pro (model code: L58041) is a mid-range 4G smartphone unveiled in October 2018, featuring a 6.2-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset, dual rear cameras (12MP + 20MP) with 2x optical zoom, dual front cameras (20MP + 8MP) for AI-enhanced selfies, 3500mAh battery with 15W charging, and ZUI 5 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo). It targets users seeking a balance of performance, advanced photography, and premium design at an affordable price, competing with the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite and Honor 10 Youth Edition. A defining trait is its infrared face recognition for zero-light unlocking and stereo speakers for immersive audio.

Core Specifications Overview (English)

Category	Details
Launch Date	October 2018
Model Code	L58041联想
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 (SDM636, 14nm); 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold + 4×1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver; Adreno 509 GPU
Display	6.2-inch FHD+ IPS LCD (1080×2246, 402 ppi); 60Hz refresh rate; 2.5D curved glass; 19:9 aspect ratio
Camera System	Rear: 12MP (f/1.8, PDAF, OIS) + 20MP (f/1.8, 2x optical zoom); Front: 20MP (f/2.2, wide) + 8MP (infrared for face unlock)
Memory & Storage	6GB LPDDR4X RAM; 64GB/128GB UFS 2.1; expandable via microSDXC up to 256GB (hybrid SIM)
Battery	3500mAh Li-Ion (non-removable); 15W charging (USB-C); no wireless charging
Connectivity	4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.0, FM radio, 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C 2.0; no NFC/IR blaster/5G
Security & Build	Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor; infrared face recognition (zero-light unlock); all-metal frame with glass back; colors: Crystal Black, Ice Blue, White
Dimensions & Weight	154.5 × 75.45 × 7.7 mm; 170g
Software	ZUI 5 (based on Android 8.1 Oreo); no official OS upgrades
Launch Price (China)	~CNY 1298 (6GB+64GB)

Detailed Hardware & Software Breakdown

1. Display: 6.2-inch FHD+ IPS LCD

A premium mid-range panel for daily use:

FHD+ Resolution: Sharp visuals for media consumption and web browsing.
IPS Technology: Wide viewing angles and accurate colors for consistent image quality.
2.5D Curved Glass: Sleek design with better grip and a premium feel.

2. Camera: AI-Enhanced Dual Rear & Front Setup

Advanced photography for enthusiasts:

Dual Rear Cameras: 12MP main with OIS for stable shots and 20MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom for detailed close-ups; supports 4K@30fps video.
Dual Front Cameras: 20MP wide for high-resolution selfies and 8MP infrared for zero-light face unlock; AI beauty modes for enhanced portraits.
AI Features: Scene recognition, HDR, and low-light enhancement for professional-grade results.

3. Performance & Battery

Snapdragon 636: Mid-range chipset delivers smooth multitasking, gaming, and content creation; efficient power management for all-day use.
3500mAh Battery: ~12–14 hours mixed usage; 15W charging fully charges in ~2 hours.
Expandable Storage: Hybrid SIM slot allows for extra storage or a second SIM card, adding flexibility.

4. Software & Connectivity

ZUI 5 (Android 8.1 Oreo): Custom UI with features like app cloning, game mode, and system optimization for performance.
Infrared Face Recognition: Unlocks the phone in complete darkness, providing added security and convenience.
Stereo Speakers: Immersive audio for music, videos, and gaming.

Core Features & Market Position

Key Features

AI-Enhanced Cameras: Dual rear with 2x optical zoom and dual front for selfies and zero-light face unlock.
Snapdragon 636 Performance: Balances power and efficiency for daily tasks and light gaming.
Infrared Face Recognition: Zero-light unlocking for added security and convenience.
Stereo Speakers: Immersive audio experience for media consumption.

Reception & Target Audience

Target Users: Mid-range buyers prioritizing camera quality, performance, and design; those seeking AI-enhanced features and zero-light face unlock at an affordable price.

Strengths: Affordable, advanced cameras with optical zoom, infrared face unlock, stereo speakers, expandable storage.

Criticisms: No official OS upgrades, no wireless charging, hybrid SIM slot limits dual-SIM and storage expansion simultaneously.