The K3 Note is supposed to take on devices like the Meizu M2 Note, Xiaomi Redmi Note, and literally dozens of small-brand 5.5-inch phones designed on a budget. Speaking of which, we are dealing with a $149 phone here, yet a quick glance at the spec sheet could easily lead you to conclude that this is a $250+ device. That said, you are likely to pay a bit more than $149 due to strong demand, so many resellers are asking for $150-$160 or more. We received the sample from GearBest, which sells it for $152 with free shipping (depending on your location, VAT and customs may apply).

The phone features a 1080p IPS panel, 13-megapixel camera, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, Android 5.0, and a snappy MediaTek octa-core processor that breaks the 45,000 mark in AnTuTu. Not bad, eh?

There are, however, a few compromises and caveats, but on paper the Lenovo K3 Note looks like a winner. It's almost too good to be true, so let’s take a closer look. Surely, there must be something to complain about.