The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
If you're looking for a solid blend of ruggedized durability and all the power to handle communications basics, the AGM M7 adds enough features to stay fairly future-proof without requiring you to hunt a charger every few hours or treat your phone like a delicate flower.What's good
- Rugged, durable design
- Very loud, capable speaker
- A nice balance of simplicity and app selection
- IP68/IP69K Water resistance
- MIL-STD-810H Shock resistance
- 4G compatible
What's bad
- Weak camera
- Limited storage
AGM is most known for its rugged and capable line of phones built to withstand the abuse of a busy worksite or active lifestyle. The M7 is the latest member of this family provides an interesting balance of design, simplicity, and features. But is it worth buying for most users? Let’s look at the reviews.
Design
The AGM M7 features the candy bar phone design of decades past and is built to withstand just about anything. There is a tire-tread-like bumper around the outside of the phone to help protect against drops, dents, and scratches. The phone is also IP68/IP69K rated and MIL-STD-810H rated making it highly water-resistant and shock-resistant. Around the back, you’ll find one of the largest speakers we’ve ever seen on a mobile phone.
Display
Coming in at a tiny 2.4-inches, the small touch screen of the M7 allows for basic app use while avoiding the extra bulk -- and fragility -- of a larger display. It won't win any graphics awards but reviewers said it was still impressive with plenty of brightness and clear text when checking email, sending messages, or browsing social media.
Performance
Since the processor only needs to push that small display, performance reviews are excellent. No, it won’t play the latest games at full tilt, but who would want to play games on a 2.4-inch screen. For everything else, it’s plenty snappy offering improved performance over most feature phones.
Software & Storage
The AGM M7 only comes with 8GB of storage. You also won’t find a microSD card reader, so don’t expect to store a ton of files, videos, or music on the phone. It uses a simplified version of Android Oreo which reviewers found plenty usable even with the smaller display.
Cameras
Again, the camera on this phone is not meant to wow photographers. But if you need a quick snapshot to remember something later or the like, the 2MP camera will capture something to refer to later -- even if it’s not amazing looking.
Battery Life
Don’t let the battery’s smaller 2500mAh rating fool you. Since there’s less software and screen fanciness going on, the battery lasts for days. Reviewers also loved that the phone uses USB Type-C charging -- something essentially unheard of at this point in basic or feature phones. It also includes a charging dock for your desk to make charging simple.
Audio
The M7 is essentially untouchable when it comes to phone audio. No, it won’t keep up with a home theater system or larger Bluetooth speaker, but the 3.5W speaker on the rear of the phone will blow any smartphone on the market away in terms of overall loudspeaker volume.
Specs at a Glance
- Plastic chassis
- 2.4-inch QVGA support touch panel display
- MediaTek MT6739 Quad-core 1.5 GHz processor
- 1GB of RAM
- Simplified Android Oreo
- 8GB of storage
- 2MP camera
- 2500mAh battery
- 21-button keypad
Bottom Line
AGM provides an interesting mix between the simplicity of a feature phone and the power of a smartphone, helping the M7 stand out in a world full of high-powered little rectangles. AGM has always focused on more rugged phone designs. This experience shows in their latest release. It would be ideal for someone who likes to hike or works in an industrial or construction setting, but it can have just as many benefits for those looking for a bit of digital minimalism or wanting to simplify their phone-driven life.
The Gadgeteer says, “This phone offers a retro feel while maintaining the specs and capabilities of a modern smartphone.”
TechToy Reviews states, “Over and above the aforementioned features, the AGM M7 also features a high-volume removable 2500mAh battery, supports GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth, and has the ability to clear all DNS cache in one click.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Luke Gaul, Android GuysThe AGM M7 is a durable feature phone for those who work hard and play hard. This 4G device is IP68/IP69K rated. That means it can operate in temperatures ranging from -20 to 60 degrees Celcius. Additionally, it can withstand drops from 2 meters, soak in up to 1.5 meters of water, and block 99% of d...
- Ian Buckley, Make Use OfThe AGM M7 is a budget semi-smartphone that is almost unbreakable and looks like something from the pre-smartphone era but offers much more. Those looking for a smartphone experience will be disappointed, but those looking for something unique will find this hybrid beast compelling.
- Eileen Brown, ZDNetFor a simplified rugged phone, the AGM M7 really has most of the features that I probably need -- and a superbly loudspeaker if I'm in a noisy environment, or start losing my hearing. The keys are comforting and the phone is easy to use -- albeit a little basic -- but it would certainly suit the nee...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
AGM backs up the M7 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your M7 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact AGM support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find AGM's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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