Overview

The Gigabyte GSmart G1342 Houston is a smartphone that was launched in 2011, representing a period when mobile technology was rapidly evolving. Positioned as an affordable yet capable device, it appealed to users who desired functionality without the premium price tag. Its specifications were modest, yet sufficient for basic tasks and everyday use.

Design and Build

The GSmart G1342 is equipped with dimensions measuring 121 x 62.5 x 12.5 mm and a weight of 120 g, contributing to a compact and manageable form factor. This design makes it easy for users to handle the device with convenience. The body offers a Dual SIM capability, which was particularly useful for consumers needing more than one number or network provider.

Display

Featuring a 3.5-inch TFT display, the GSmart G1342 offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 48.2%, it has a pixel density of about 165 ppi. While these specifications are relatively basic compared to modern smartphones, they were adequate for the time of its release, providing clear visuals for applications and media.

Performance

Under the hood, the G1342 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7225AA Snapdragon S1 chipset, featuring an 800 MHz Cortex-A5 CPU and an Adreno 200 GPU. This hardware combination ensures basic performance for tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. Although its power pales in comparison to current devices, it met the expectations of average users nearly a decade ago.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB of internal storage complemented by 512MB of RAM. For users requiring more space, a dedicated microSDHC slot is included, allowing for memory expansion. This feature was particularly appreciated by users who needed extra storage for media files and applications.

Camera

Gigabyte's GSmart G1342 includes a 3.15 MP main camera capable of recording video. While it lacks advanced features found in higher-end cameras, it serves well for casual photography and quick snapshots. The absence of a front-facing camera highlights its basic positioning in the market, aligning with the primary communication needs rather than media creation.

Battery Life

The smartphone is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. It offers a standby time of up to 115 hours and a talk time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. These figures indicate a satisfactory battery performance for regular daily usage, with the removable aspect allowing users to replace the battery if necessary.

Connectivity and Network

Supporting GSM and HSPA technologies, the GSmart G1342 ensures connectivity across various network bands, including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 as well as HSDPA 900 and 2100. Its communication features are rounded out with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR, GPS for navigation, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

The device is equipped with basic sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing user experience with its interface and applications. A 3.5mm audio jack allows for convenient audio connections, and the built-in loudspeaker provides sound output for speakerphone calls and media playback.

Operating System

Running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the Gigabyte GSmart G1342 supports a user-friendly interface with access to a wide variety of applications through the Google Play Store. Although now dated, at the time of launch, this version of Android offered significant improvements over previous iterations, including enhanced user interaction and added functionalities.

Conclusion

The Gigabyte GSmart G1342 Houston reflects the early 2010s smartphone market, offering basic features and functionalities at an affordable price point. While it may not hold up against today's advanced smartphones in terms of performance and features, it served its purpose well during its time, catering to users seeking practicality and basic mobile capabilities.