When it comes to smartphone brands, Energizer is not a name you’ll usually hear mentioned.

But in 2019 the company has launched numerous smartphones in the mid-range and budget market. Aiming to provide unparalleled battery life and a hardy form factor, Energizer has waded into some interesting territory.

But how do the devices measure up in real life? I reviewed the PowerMax P600S for a few weeks to find out.

PowerMax P600S specifications

So what do the device’s hardware and software look like? Marketed as a capable rugged device with a long-lasting battery, the P600S doesn’t come with a top-tier processor or premium camera.

However, it has an incredibly impressive battery, as well as a surprisingly appealing design and display.

A summary of the phone’s specifications can be found below:

• Display: 5.99-inch Full HD 18:9 display
• Processor: Mediatek Helio P25 MT6757CD Octo Core 2.5 GHz processor
• RAM: 3GB/6GB
• Battery: 4500mAh
• Main camera: 13MP + 5MP dual camera
• Front-facing camera: 13MP
• OS: Android 7.0
• Other features: Dual-sim functionality, 12V Fast Charge support, fingerprint sensor

Appealing design for a budget phone

My first impression of the P600S was how surprisingly sleek its design is. The side bezels are minimal and the back of the device features an attractive carbon-effect case. It’s relatively slim at 9.8mm and lightweight.

While it does feature a significant lower chin and top bezel, the device still manages to look attractive. In fact, when looking only at the front of the device, I sometimes mistook it for my Huawei P20 Pro.

The P600S is the first Energizer smartphone to take a shot at minimal bezels and it has done this well. And what it lacks in a curved display it makes up for in durability, withstanding the knocks and drops that come with occasional clumsiness.

Energizer PowerMax P600S: how does it perform?

When it comes to daily performance, the P600S stands out in terms of battery life. In fact, when run through a PCMark battery benchmarking test, it lasted 12h 57 minutes at 50% screen brightness. To put that into perspective, it lasted longer in the test than premium devices such as the Galaxy Note 10+.

When it comes to daily usage, the phone does leave a bit to be desired when it comes to speed. It occasionally struggled slightly with intensive apps like Pokemon Go and there was a slight delay when taking pictures.

However, on other fronts it performed extremely well. The camera was a pleasant surprise, featuring different modes. I preferred the standard mode as snaps were taken quicker.

The camera picks up differing shades and object details accurately

Closeup shot taken with P600S.

Photos taken with the phone were clear and detailed, with good colour balance and decent low light performance. While it’s not something a hardcore smartphone photographer would use, its camera is great for a budget smartphone.

Meanwhile, its fingerprint sensor is accurate and speedy, with its placement making it a convenient way to unlock the phone.

The display is also clear, bright, and colour-accurate; making it perfect for daily content viewing.

Energizer PowerMax P600S: should you buy one?

So, based on my experiences, would I recommend the phone?

Energizer markets the P600S as a capable budget smartphone suited for those who need extended battery life in a durable form factor. As such, it isn’t meant to have the highest performance or the latest operating system.

Rather, it’s seen as the perfect phone for outdoorsy types or people who need a work phone for physical jobs where drops might ruin other devices.

In this regard, the phone is perfect for this. It’s battery life and durability are superb, and the R3999 price tag makes it an attractive prospect.

The only real downside of the phone is its slowdown during intensive mobile games, but this only makes it unsuitable for some mobile gamers (although I should note I still used it often for Pokemon Go and it still ran the game, it just had the occasional issue).

It is definitely a budget phone I would recommend.

The Energizer mobile phone range is available through Takealot and Incredible Connection.

For more information visit the Energizer websiteor Facebook page.