Introduction to Gigabyte GSmart Maya M1 v2

The Gigabyte GSmart Maya M1 v2 is a smartphone that was launched in mid-2013. This device, though discontinued, offered a range of features that appealed to a variety of users. Known for its affordability and decent specifications for the time, it holds a place in the history of early smartphones. In this article, we will explore the in-depth specifications and functionalities of the Gigabyte GSmart Maya M1 v2, touching upon its network capabilities, design, display, performance, cameras, sound, connectivity, battery, and additional features.

Network Capabilities

The Gigabyte GSmart Maya M1 v2 supports GSM and HSPA technologies, catering to both 2G and 3G band users. It includes bands such as GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 for both SIM slots, supporting a dual SIM configuration in Mini-SIM format with dual standby capability. The 3G bands supported include HSDPA 900 and 2100, enabling moderate-speed mobile internet access over HSPA technology.

Design and Build

The smartphone features dimensions of 136 x 67 x 9.7 mm, weighing at 147 g, which provides a comfortable grip and portability. The design accommodates dual SIM functionality, allowing users to maintain two separate lines, which is useful for separating business and personal communications. The phone was available in various colors including Gray, White, and Red, giving consumers options to choose according to their preference.

Display

The device is equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This amounts to a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi, which provides reasonably sharp visuals for most standard uses such as browsing and media consumption. The screen size and resolution cater to users looking for a compact display that still offers decent clarity.

Performance and Platform

The GSmart Maya M1 v2 operates on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, driven by a Mediatek MT6589 chipset built on a 28 nm process. It houses a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, accompanied by a PowerVR SGX544 GPU for graphical performance. While the processing power may seem modest by today's standards, it was adequate for basic applications and multitasking when first released.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB of RAM, which at its time of release was standard for delivering basic multitasking capabilities. It includes 4GB of internal storage, which could be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC slot to accommodate extra data, apps, and media files.

Camera Specifications

On the photography front, the phone is equipped with a single 8 MP rear camera, featuring autofocus and a dual-LED flash for improved low-light performance. The camera can capture video but lacks modern enhancements such as high frame rate recording. The front-facing camera is 2 MP, suitable for basic selfies and video calls.

Sound and Multimedia

The smartphone is fitted with a loudspeaker for media playback and call sound and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack to connect to external audio devices. These features make it practical for audio consumption without needing adapters or wireless connections.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is made possible through various options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, Bluetooth 3.0, and GPS for location services. The GSmart Maya M1 v2 lacks NFC but offers traditional FM radio and microUSB 2.0 connectivity for data transfer and charging.

Battery Performance

Powering the device is a removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, offering up to 500 hours of standby time and around 4 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. While not particularly large, the battery capacity was typical for devices of that era, providing adequate usage times for moderate daily activities.

Additional Features and Sensors

The phone is equipped with a basic set of sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the interaction experience by enabling functionalities such as screen rotation and navigation assistance. The budget-friendly price of about 200 EUR made it accessible to a broad user base, particularly in markets looking for affordable smartphone solutions.

Conclusion

The Gigabyte GSmart Maya M1 v2, with its range of features, marked a significant role in the smartphone market of its time. With its dual SIM capability, expandable storage, and adequate performance, it served as a reliable choice for users who needed essential smartphone functionality without the price tag of flagship models. Although it has been discontinued, its design and capabilities are remembered by users who favored its balance of cost-effectiveness and utility.