Smingsy T5 Flashlight Review: A Compact 1400-Lumen Right-Angle Light With Real Utility
When a company reaches out with a budget flashlight, expectations tend to be modest โ but the Smingsy T5 immediately stands out as something more interesting. This compact right-angle light offers a 90-degree swivel head, USB-C charging, a magnetic tailcap, AA compatibility, and a maximum output of 1400 lumens, all at an extremely attainable price.
After hands-on testing, charging, and carrying it around, the T5 proves to be a versatile and genuinely useful little tool that punches above its price point.
๐ฅ Watch the Full Video Review:
๐ https://youtu.be/_6X-4cR11H8
๐ Buy the Smingsy T5 on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4hTjqmH
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Smingsy T5 shows off its biggest advantage: versatility. Itโs not just an EDC-style handheld light โ it converts into a right-angle utility light or even a headlamp thanks to its included strap.
Key Performance Specs:
Max Output: 1400 lumens
Max Runtime: 168 hours
Battery Options: AA compatibility + included 14500 lithium-ion
Charging: USB-C
Impact Rating: 1.5 meters
Water Rating: IP66
The tactile feel is solid, the button is responsive, and the magnetic tailcap adds instant hands-free capability.
๐ Buy the Smingsy T5 on Amazon
Unboxing and Build Quality
Inside the box, the T5 includes everything needed to get started:
- Smingsy T5 flashlight
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- Head strap
- Two-way pocket clip
- Red diffuser
- Documentation
The 90-degree swivel head is the standout feature. It rotates smoothly and locks into place firmly. For hands-free work, the magnetic tailcap holds well on metal surfaces, making this light a great option for automotive or workshop use.
Dimensions & Weight:
Length: 4.25 in
Diameter: 0.74 in
Weight: 2.12 oz (with battery)
One minor gripe is the clip orientation โ not ideal for hat-brim use โ but itโs offset by the inclusion of the head strap.
Battery and Power
The T5 ships with a 14500 1000mAh lithium-ion battery, but it also supports standard AA cells, which is a huge benefit for long-term usability.
Power features include:
- USB-C charging
- Charging indicator
- Magnetic tail for hands-free use
- AA backup compatibility
- Included protected 14500 battery
- Internal lockout mode
Before first use, the protective shipping chip inside the battery compartment must be removed. Once removed and aligned properly, the light functions as expected.
Lighting Performance
The Smingsy T5 offers a full range of brightness settings, each with defined lumen output, runtime, and throw distance:
Moonlight
- 3 lumens
- 168-hour runtime
- 8-meter throw
Low
- 30 lumens
- 18-hour runtime
- 25-meter throw
Medium
- 120 lumens
- 6-hour runtime
- 50-meter throw
High
- 420 lumens
- 5-hour runtime
- 98-meter throw
Turbo
- 1400 lumens
- 4-hour runtime
- 168-meter throw
Turbo mode delivers excellent brightness for such a compact right-angle flashlight. The documentation does not note any automatic step-down timing, and none is printed on the box โ a common limitation with lower-visibility flashlight brands.
A triple-tap activates a full-power strobe.
Modes and Features
The Smingsy T5 keeps the interface simple:
- Press & hold: Cycle brightness (Moonlight โ Low โ Medium โ High)
- Double-tap: Turbo
- Triple-tap: Strobe
- Press & hold from off: Moonlight mode
- Electronic lockout included
Additional design attributes:
- 90ยฐ rotating head for directional lighting
- Strong magnetic tailcap
- Two-way clip for flexible carry
- Compatible head strap for headlamp conversion
- Red diffuser for low-light use
For a light under $30, the feature list is surprisingly robust.
Real-World Testing
During testing, the Smingsy T5 showed consistent performance across all modes. The magnetic tailcap held firmly, the rotating head stayed stable, and the side switch remained easy to operate even with gloves.
Beam shots demonstrated:
- A bright, well-defined hotspot
- Smooth spill for practical use
- Strong visibility at short and mid-range distances
Between camping, home tasks, vehicle use, and work around the shop, the T5 handled every scenario without issue.
Final Thoughts
The Smingsy T5 delivers excellent value. Its combination of right-angle functionality, headlamp capability, AA compatibility, USB-C charging, magnetic base, and strong turbo output make it a compelling option for anyone needing a compact, versatile flashlight.
At $27.99, itโs a smart addition to an EDC kit, tool bag, or emergency setup.
๐ Get the Smingsy T5 on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4hTjqmH
๐ฅ Watch the Full Review:
https://youtu.be/_6X-4cR11H8
Key Specs Recap
Brightness: Up to 1400 lumens
Runtime: Up to 168 hours
Battery: 14500 lithium-ion (included) or AA
Charging: USB-C
Material: Aluminum
Water Resistance: IP66
Impact Resistance: 1.5 meters
Weight: 2.12 oz
Modes: Moonlight, Low, Medium, High, Turbo, Strobe
EDC Takeaway
The Smingsy T5 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a right-angle flashlight that pulls double duty as a headlamp, workstation light, or compact EDC utility tool. Itโs affordable, functional, and surprisingly well-rounded for the price.
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