Price and specifications of Gigabyte GSmart Classic Lite advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Gigabyte GSmart Classic Lite

The Gigabyte GSmart Classic Lite, launched in November 2015, is a budget-friendly smartphone designed to cater to the needs of users looking for basic smartphone functionalities. Despite its discontinuation, this device still holds relevance for those interested in exploring the evolution of budget smartphones. This article offers a detailed insight into its specifications, performance, and usability.

Design and Build Quality

The GSmart Classic Lite features a traditional smartphone design with dimensions of 143 x 73 x 9.2 mm and a weight of 145 grams. It is fairly compact and comfortable to hold, making it suitable for daily use. The phone supports Dual SIM functionalities with options for Mini-SIM and Micro-SIM, which is a convenient feature for users needing two separate networks.

Display Characteristics

The device is equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. The display’s screen-to-body ratio stands approximately at 66%, offering adequate viewing space for basic multimedia consumption and web browsing. Although the resolution and pixel density (~196 ppi) are modest, they are satisfactory for the price range of this device.

Performance and Hardware

The GSmart Classic Lite is powered by a Spreadtrum SC7731 chipset featuring a quad-core 1.2 GHz processor and a Mali-400 GPU. This hardware setup is designed to handle basic smartphone operations, such as calling, messaging, and light application use. Despite having only 512MB of RAM, the device manages to perform essential tasks, although multitasking might present challenges.

Storage Options

For storage, the smartphone offers 8GB of internal memory, which is considered minimal by modern standards. However, it includes a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand the storage capacity for apps, media, and documents, making it more versatile for various needs.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera

The rear camera setup includes a single 5 MP lens accompanied by an LED flash, suitable for basic photography in well-lit conditions. The camera supports video recording capabilities, allowing users to capture memorable moments.

Selfie Camera

On the front, the device is equipped with a 2 MP camera, adequate for simple selfie photos and video calls. While it does not offer high-resolution imaging, it is functional for everyday use.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery, the GSmart Classic Lite provides users with up to 250 hours of standby time and around 12 hours of talk time. This battery performance ensures that the device can endure a typical day of moderate usage. The removable design also offers the benefit of battery replacement, enhancing the phone’s longevity.

Software and Operating System

This smartphone runs on Android 4.4 KitKat, which, at the time of its release, offered a streamlined user experience with access to numerous apps via the Google Play Store. However, users might face limitations in app compatibility with more recent updates and software advancements.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports GSM/HSPA technology with 2G and 3G bands, providing reliable network connectivity for communications and internet access. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS for location services, and FM radio. The device is equipped with a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

Other notable features include a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio connectivity and sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which enhance the overall user experience. However, the absence of NFC might be a limitation for users requiring contactless payment options.

Market Positioning and Price

Costing around 80 EUR at its launch, the GSmart Classic Lite was positioned as an affordable entry-level smartphone. Despite its basic specifications, it provided an economical option for users seeking essential smartphone operation without significant financial investment.

Conclusion

In summary, the Gigabyte GSmart Classic Lite is a straightforward device aimed at budget-conscious consumers demanding basic functionality. Though it lacks advanced features available in modern smartphones, it represents a significant step in making technology accessible to a wider audience. Its design, practical hardware, and affordability make it a relevant choice for understanding the evolution of entry-level smartphones.