nubia Neo 5 Max revives the phablet for mobile gaming

The nubia Neo 5 Max has arrived as an unusually large gaming-focused smartphone built around a 7.5-inch 1.5K display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 7100, 8GB of LPDDR5X memory and 256GB of storage, the device targets players who value screen space and battery life more than flagship-level performance. Physical Neo Triggers with a 990Hz touch-sampling rate make shooters easier to control, while a large vapour-chamber cooling system helps manage heat during longer sessions.

Testing shows strong results in lighter competitive games, including smooth performance in Mobile Legends and Call of Duty Mobile, but demanding titles such as Wuthering Waves expose the limits of the mid-range chipset. The 7,100mAh battery is a major strength, supported by 45W charging and bypass charging for play while connected to power. The size also works well for emulation, particularly systems that benefit from large touch-control areas or multiple screens.

Compromises include average cameras, no microSD slot, occasional Wi-Fi issues and an IPS panel rather than OLED. At its launch discount, the Neo 5 Max offers a distinctive option for players who want something between a conventional phone and a compact gaming tablet.