Unveiling Gigabyte GSmart Alto A2 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Gigabyte GSmart Alto A2 is a smartphone that joined the market in the latter part of 2013, designed to offer a balance between functionality and affordability. Released in November 2013, this device provides basic smartphone capabilities aimed at fulfilling the needs of users who require essential phone features without any extravagant specifications. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a point of interest due to its implementation of modest specifications and user-friendly design suited for technology beginners or those with minimal requirements.

Network Capabilities

The GSmart Alto A2 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies. With its capability to operate over 2G bands on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies and 3G bands on HSDPA 900/2100 frequencies, it ensures decent connectivity for voice and data communication. The maximum data speed it offers is HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, which can cater to basic browsing and social media needs without high demands on speed.

Launch Details

The device was announced in October 2013 and became available in the market a month later in November. Although it has now been discontinued, the phone’s release captured attention as it was aimed at a price-conscious demographic looking for basic smartphone features at an affordable price.

Body and Design

The GSmart Alto A2 features a practical design with a dual SIM configuration, making it convenient for users who need to manage two numbers simultaneously. While the exact dimensions and weight are not specified, the build is anticipated to be compact and manageable considering the 5.0-inch screen size, which aligns with the typical dimensions of smartphones at the time of its release.

Display Quality

The smartphone comes equipped with a 5.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 196 ppi, a standard in budget-conscious devices, providing acceptable clarity and color depth for everyday tasks and media consumption.

Platform and Performance

Running on the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system, the GSmart Alto A2’s performance is driven by a MediaTek MT6572 chipset in combination with a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400 GPU. This hardware setup is suitable for general operations such as browsing, basic gaming, and running most apps available to the Jelly Bean OS. It emphasizes energy efficiency and adequate performance for straightforward applications.

Memory and Storage

This device features 4GB of internal storage which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to increase their storage capacity to manage more apps, photos, and music. Additionally, with 1GB of RAM, the smartphone can handle multitasking reasonably, though it is mainly aimed at users with lighter usage expectations.

Camera Specifications

The main camera is a single 5MP shooter accompanied by an LED flash, capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. For video calls and selfies, the phone offers a VGA front camera, which was a common feature for smartphones in this price range during its time.

Sound and Audio Features

The GSmart Alto A2 is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to enjoy their music and media without the need for proprietary connectors or Bluetooth peripherals. The inclusion of a standard earphone jack offers flexibility for audio accessory choices.

Communication and Connectivity

The phone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards, enabling users to connect to wireless networks with ease. Moreover, Bluetooth 3.0 is available for wirelessly pairing with devices such as headsets and speakers. While it lacks NFC, it does feature GPS for location-based services and an FM radio for entertainment. The microUSB 2.0 port allows for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

The GSmart Alto A2 is integrated with basic sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which assist in functions such as auto-rotate and display power management during calls. The simplistic array of sensors aligns with the phone’s positioning as an entry-level device.

Battery Life

Powered by a Li-Ion 2000 mAh removable battery, the GSmart Alto A2 offers a standby time of up to 150 hours and a talk time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. This battery performance is adequate for moderate daily usage, giving users a full day of light activity without constant recharging, which is an essential feature for practical mobile usage.

Color Options

The smartphone was available in two classic color variants: black and white. These colors cater to a wide audience preferring neutral tones that are both stylish and traditionally appealing.

Conclusion

The Gigabyte GSmart Alto A2 was positioned as a basic, user-friendly smartphone suitable for individuals entering the smartphone world or those who prefer functional devices without the complexity of advanced features. Its support for dual SIM, expandable storage, and standard connectivity options made it a prudent choice for budget-savvy consumers at its release time. While it may not hold up against modern demands, it stands as a representation of functional yet straightforward technology from its era.