Unpacking the Gigabyte GSmart G1355 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Gigabyte GSmart G1355

The Gigabyte GSmart G1355 is a dual SIM smartphone that was officially announced in February 2012 and released in September of the same year. Although it is now discontinued, the device made a notable impression upon its release with its basic yet functional specs tailored for users seeking a mid-range smartphone experience for the time.

Design and Build

Sporting dimensions of 129.8 x 69.8 x 11.5 mm and weighing 168 grams, the GSmart G1355 features a compact form factor that fits comfortably in hand. Its relatively thick body reflects the design norms of early 2010s smartphones. The device comes in a classic gray color, offering a straightforward and business-like appearance suitable for a variety of users.

Display Features

The GSmart G1355 features a 4.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Delivering a pixel density of approximately 217 ppi, the screen offers clear visuals for typical usage. While it lacks the sharpness and vibrant colors of modern displays, for its time it provided an adequate viewing experience for browsing, multimedia, and general applications.

Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the G1355 is the Qualcomm MSM7227T Snapdragon S1 chipset, featuring an 800 MHz ARM 11 CPU and an Adreno 200 GPU. Coupled with 512MB of RAM, this setup enables the device to handle basic operations and apps without significant lag. However, the limitations become apparent with more demanding applications or multitasking, which were not the primary focus of this model.

Storage Capabilities

Internal storage is limited to 1GB, which is quite modest by contemporary standards. Nevertheless, the presence of a dedicated microSDHC slot allows users to expand the storage capacity, which offers flexibility for storing additional apps or media files.

Camera Specifications

The device comes equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing images sufficient for everyday photography needs. Video recording capabilities are available, though they are basic and reflect the technological limitations of its release period. Absent is a front-facing camera, which limits the device's appeal to those interested in video calls or selfies.

Battery Life

The G1355 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, offering up to 115 hours on standby and approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. These figures are typical for devices of its class during this time, offering enough power for day-to-day usage without frequent recharging for average users.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, the GSmart G1355 offers basic Android features accessible to users during its market period. While this version of Android lacks the features and optimizations of newer systems, it serves well for essential smartphone requirements, such as calling, messaging, and browsing. Users would not be able to benefit from more recent apps as many require updated operating systems, a limitation found with legacy systems.

Connectivity Options

The device supports GSM/HSPA network technologies with dual SIM capabilities (Mini-SIM) allowing two numbers to be active simultaneously, an attractive feature for professional users managing work and personal lines. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS, and microUSB 2.0, facilitating basic connectivity needs like internet access and wireless data transfer.

Additional Features

Equipped with essential sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, the GSmart G1355 provides basic interactive and navigational functionalities to apps and the user interface. The presence of a 3.5mm audio jack and a loudspeaker supports audio connectivity, which remains a staple requirement in smartphones for versatility in audio output.

Market perspective and Legacy

Priced at around 190 EUR at launch, the Gigabyte GSmart G1355 targeted a mid-range market, appealing to users who required dual SIM capabilities and straightforward smartphone features without the demands of high-end performance or luxury designs. While its hardware and software now fall short of current standards, it provides a glimpse into the technological progress and user expectations of the early 2010s market segment.

Conclusion

In summary, the Gigabyte GSmart G1355 stands out as a representative example of early-2010s smartphone technology, offering essential features in connectivity, multimedia, and usability. Its dual SIM functionality, modest price, and standard specifications made it a viable option for users seeking budget-friendly and reliable mobile communication solutions during its time. Although it is no longer in circulation, the G1355 reflects an era of transition in mobile technology where basic smart capabilities began reaching a broader audience.