INTRODUCTION TO THE Gionee S12
Gone are the days around 2014 to 2017 when Gionee became the bone of contention as one of the best brands in Nigeria at the time. Real phone expects and high end usage often chose Gionee Devices over the likes of Samsung, iPhones and Nokia as the top leading contenders at that time.
Devices which catapulted Gionee to limelight include the likes of Gionee M5, M5 Plus, Gionee M6. M6 plus, Gionee M7 power etc But gradually Gionee began to fizzle out reasons best known the the OEM.
As at 2019, Gionee began to find their bearings and as am talking to you right now, the market value of Gionee in Nigeria has dwindled drastically which would take a very long time for them to regain their lost glory.
After making a Review on factors and features to consider before buying a mobile device in 2020, I believe that the New Gionee S12 has all it takes to be considered as either the main phone or an alternative mobile device.
One good attribute of Gionee known globally is their ability to produce a long-time lasting durable device at affordable prices. But it seems OEMs. Like Xiaomi, Samsung, Oppo, Nokia etc has taken the centre stage.
Now let's cut to the chase. The Gionee S12 was launched in July, 2020 as a mid range device but it can be rated as Low-Mid-Ranger because of its microprocessor.
I think the most captivating aspect of this device or the area of strength and dominance in this device when compared to Devices in its ranks is it's Camera configurations.
In summary the Key Specs
- SCREEN = 6.53" 720 x 1600 pixels
- WEIGHT = 175 g
- MAIN CAMERA = 16MP 1080p
- PLATFORM = Android 10 Amigo UI
- RAM = 4GB RAM
- STORAGE = 64 GB
- CHIPSET = Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm)
- BATTERY SIZE = 4000 mAh Li-Po
HERE IS THE FULL REVIEW OF THE GIONEE S12
Like I made mentioned of earlier, the stand out point in this device is it's Camera configurations setup, Just imagine this device with a Quad Camera setup with the highest at 16 MP and a selfie camera of 13MP. This is just so good as High end mid rangers are using the 13mp as their selfie camera also.
DISPLAY
Screen Size: The screen size placed on this device is first of it kind on a Gionee Devices, a large 6.53 inches display that is similar to that used on Xiaomi devices like the Redmi Note 8 Pro,. Redmi Note 9, Redmi 9, Redmi 9A and Redmi 9C.
As a user, this device has all it takes to give you a comfortable view on the large screen without have to stress your retinas.
As per light Gaming, Movies playback and other on screen activities you don't need to worry as this device is capable to handle your display needs.
Pixel Display:
The pixel display is just normal to Devices of this range since they are budget cut devices. I can tell you that the 720 by 1600 pixels display produces clear, crispy and formidable display at a 60Hz refresh rate.
PPI density and Brightness:
Also on the display department is the PPI density of about 295 ratings which is too low to my liking and a brightness not greater that 400nits. But the device is usable under direct sunlight, depending on how high the sunlight is though but it should serve it it's capacity as it was able to serve me.
Screen to body ratio is rated at 87% not that bad right? At least it is almost 90% Which only few devices could beat this percentage score.
Advantages:
I think for a giant device of it nature reasons due to its Large screen possessing such a high screen to body ratio can not be ignored. And based on that it is a good one.
Disadvantages:
if there is any Disadvantages in the display aspects of this device I think it's basically due to it large screen size which would invariably amount to more power consumption. If not the device display is ok and this should not put you off as its advantages outweighs the disadvantage.
CHIPSET OR MICROPROCESSOR
Most OEM uses MediaTek Processors for their Low end devices I don't really know way but maybe due to their less expensive nature I supposed.
As described on the MediaTek website "The MediaTek Helio A25 brings octa-core CPU performance, advanced connectivity and global location services to everyone. Its powerful octa-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU operates up to 1.8GHz and combined with the IMG PowerVR GE8320-class graphics processor it’s perfect for everyday apps and a splash of gaming".
The new A25 has incredible low-light performance, multi-frame noise reduction and a clear-image zoom technology over the older MediaTek Helio P22 Chipset.
But according to the Comparisons of the tow Processors on Versus website, The MediaTek P22 scored 72% as against 64% on the A25 processor.
But in all this Processor should be able to game lightly not strongly as the gaming process would continue to freeze and frustrating in the end.
In terms of browsing and other stuff it was responding greatly due to an extra 4GB RAM space.
STORAGE And RAM
In terms of internal storage, the device has on it a 64GB storage space which about 50GB was usable due to preinstalled apps or bloat wares. But in case you need extra storage capacity you can make use of the additional Dedicated SD card slot for it.
RAM: A 4GB RAM size was used here as most OEMs will opt for either 2GB or 3GB RAM space but reverse is the case here. This Ram would go along way in assisting in the multitasking aspects of this device.
Overall at least about 1GB of Ram was always available no matter what was being done with the device.
MAIN CAMERA
Generosity is the term to be used here in terms of the main camera. A quad core cameras aligned together to function with the best output possible.
The camera configurations are as follows:
- 16 MP, f/1.8 main sensor
- 2 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.0″, 1.6µm
- 8 MP, f/2.2, ultra-wide, 120°
- 2 MP, f/1.8 depth sensor
The 16MP main camera performance is accompanied with the 8MP, 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensing producing a great image output as it is with Gionee UI which has a fantastic UI OPTIMIZATION. It has a LED flash, HDR, and a panorama mode.
The video recording is capped at 1080p@30fps but there were alot of noises at the background. You will enjoy the camera output seriously.
SELFIE CAMERA
A 13MP Camera was used here, wow, some might even be tempted to rely on the selfie over the rear camera but in all the output were great and unquestionable based on its level. It recorded videos at 1080p@30fps with HDR mode inclusion.
PLATFORM OR OS
The Android version 10 accompanied by the Amigo UI 4.2 was flashed into this device. Gionee optimizations is always great but their launcher, Home screen and icons always look weird. Added to this is the non availability of Android update on their devices meaning this device will be stocked on Android 10 forever.
But since it is one of the Android version closest to the latest version of Android 11. Users should not worry about this department at all.
CONNECTIVITY
In terms of connectivity these are the features available. They include WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, Radio and USB type 2.0.
The Bluetooth version is an outdated one including the use of the traditional Micro USB port. How I wish these were upgraded to USB C port and Bluetooth 5.1 version.
Remember there is no available IR blaster for remote control used on device like Gionee M5 and M6.
Gionee S12 Full specifications
- Launched Info
- Device Name: Gionee S12
- Released Date: July,2020
- Network Type/Supported
- 2G:GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 1 & SIM 2
- 3G;850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
- 4G: LTE Band 3, 27
- Sim: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
- Body & Display Type
- Dimensions:163.3 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm
- Weight: 175 g
- Build Type: plastic
- Colours:Blue
- Screen Type: IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
- Screen Size: 6.53 inches [87.0% Screen-to-body ratio]
- Resolutions: 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio ~295 PPI
- Protection:4D Curved Glass
- Device Platform & Chipset
- OS: Android 10, Amigo UI
- Chipset:Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm)
- CPU:Octa-core CPU (4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4×1.4 GHz Cortex-A53)
- GPU:PowerVR GE8320
- Memory
- Internal:64GN
- RAM: 4GB
- SD card: Yes [Dedicated SLOT]
- Camera
- Front Camera: 13 MP, f/2.0
- Features: HDR
- Video:1080p@30fps
- Main Camera: 16 MP, f/1.8 depth sensor
- 2 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.0″, 1.6µm
- 8 MP, f/2.2, ultra-wide, 120°
- 2 MP, f/1.8 depth sensor
- Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama
- Video: 1080p@30fps
- Connectivity
- WiFi: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, WiFi Direct, hotspot
- Bluetooth: 4.2, A2DP, LE
- NFC: No
- GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
- Radio: Yes
- USB: Micro USB 2.0
- IR Blaster: No
- Audio
- Alert type: Vibration; Sounds
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- 3.5mm jack: Yes
- Additional Features
- Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, light
- Messaging: SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM)
- Browser: HTML5– XviD/MP4/MKV/H.265 player
- – MP3/WAV/eAAC+/APE/Flac player
- – Photo/video editor
- – Document viewer
- Battery
- Capacity: Non-removable Li-Po 4000mAh battery
- Charging speed: 18W max
- Price: N65, 000
- MyGistPoint Overall Rating: 75%
SECURITY
This device has a fingerprint reader or sensor mounted at the rear of the device which has made it more accessible without stress and troubles. The sensor response was great, quick and fast based on the amigo UI Optimization.
Other security options include the face recognition setup which was fast but not secured.and could be unlocked by family members.
Then the traditional pin and pattern which most people prefer, but they should come in as alternative to the finger print sensor in situations where it cannot be used.
BATTERY
A 4000 mAh battery was used on the device and I can tell you that this battery lasted for along time after usage. But the battery would have been preserved longer had it not been because of the Chipset and the screen size. The Chipset is a power consumption hungry one.
In all with heavy usage 10% dropped in every 1 hour 10minutes.
Light usage lasted more entering into its second day of usage.
When Watching HD movies about 5 percent dropped in about 4 hours on flight mode. So interesting right? Gionee really tried here.
Charging Speed: The charging speed calibration is an 18W charging speed with a surported adapter out of the box. So the charging time on the device was 2 hours from 0% to 100% on idleness.
DESIGN LANGUAGE
Point to note is that the device is said to be a plastic body but still confused as to what plastic body glitters like a glass body. The design language is sweet because the device looks great and quality feel in the hand.
Which made me believe that a 4D curved glass was used as the protection on this Gionee S12 device.
The blue colour added extra layer of beauty to the device.
A water drop cut out was made on the display for the front facing camera.
PRICE
This device is currently being priced at at N65, 000. You can purchase it from reliable online platform like from Jumia Here and Konga Here those are the places WHERE TO BUY In Nigeria.
Also Read@>> Redmi Note 9 - Complete Review/Guide to The Redmi Note 9 (Global) PROS & CONS (Before you Buy)
CONCLUSION
I conclude by saying that most Gionee fans ditched it for brands like Xiaomi brands not because they are good but because they went on sabbatical leave which is really affecting them right now.
But many are tempted to return to this device which is not that bad to be used as a secondary or standby device, or probably for our wives, girlfriends, children, students and so on due to its durability, functionality and camera options.
So I would advise you for and not against this device instead of going for a lower end Tecno or INFINIX or item devices priced similarly but Gionee S12 having a better specs.
The decision is yours. Make the smartest choice.