Unveiling the Gigabyte GSmart Mika MX Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Gigabyte GSmart Mika MX

The Gigabyte GSmart Mika MX made its debut in January 2015 and was released to the public in February of the same year. Though currently discontinued, it remains a noteworthy device from that period, offering an ample feature set suitable for mid-range smartphone users of the time. Some might find its specifications basic by today's standards, but it reflects the typical offerings of smartphones in the mid-2010s.

Network and Connectivity

The GSmart Mika MX supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, covering multiple network bands. Its 2G bands include GSM 850/900/1800/1900, applicable to both SIM slots. In the 3G spectrum, the phone supports HSDPA 900/2100 bands. For 4G connectivity, it aligns with LTE bands 3, 7, and 8. The device also provides decent speed capabilities with HSPA at 42.2/11.5 Mbps and LTE Cat4 at 150/50 Mbps, ensuring relatively fast data access for its users.

Design and Build

Engaging dual SIM slots, this phone caters to users seeking flexibility in managing two numbers simultaneously. The phone's dimensions are 143 x 72 x 9.8 mm, making it comfortable to hold and operate single-handedly without feeling overly large. It weighs 165 grams, providing a good balance between being lightweight and sturdy enough to withstand daily usage.

Display Features

The display measures 5.0 inches and utilizes IPS LCD technology, presenting visuals with decent color reproduction and viewing angles for the time it was released. The resolution stands at 540 x 960 pixels, arranged in a 16:9 aspect ratio with a pixel density of approximately 220 ppi. While this might seem modest now, it was conducive for media consumption, web browsing, and basic gaming at the time of launch.

Hardware and Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 chipset, the GSmart Mika MX features a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. While this hardware combination was mid-tier at launch, it can manage standard applications and light multitasking with reasonable ease. An Adreno 306 GPU supports graphical performance, enabling it to handle basic games and multimedia playback. However, demanding applications and newer games might test its limits.

Memory and Storage

The device includes 1GB RAM, which was typical for mid-range phones of that era but potentially restrictive for users expecting extensive multitasking capabilities. Onboard storage is 8GB, with a dedicated microSDHC slot allowing storage expansion. This feature is crucial for users wishing to store more apps, photos, or media files than the internal storage can accommodate.

Camera Capabilities

The GSmart Mika MX is equipped with a 5MP primary camera with autofocus capabilities providing users with the essential tools to capture everyday moments. The camera supports video recording, though details about specific video resolutions or frame rates aren't explicitly elaborated in the specs. For selfies and video calls, a 2MP front camera is available.

Sound and Audio Features

Audio output is managed by a loudspeaker, which delivers standard sound quality. A 3.5mm headphone jack is present, aligning with user preferences for wired audio solutions. This jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of headphones and external speakers, allowing for enhanced audio experiences.

Communication and Interface Options

When it comes to connectivity, the GSmart Mika MX offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and capabilities to function as a hotspot. Bluetooth 4.0, LE support enables wireless audio streaming and data transfer to other devices. Geolocation services are facilitated through GPS and GLONASS, which were advanced features for tracking and navigation tasks. The phone includes FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port for wired connections and charging, though it doesn’t support NFC.

Additional Features

The phone is equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, supporting various functionalities from automatic screen rotation to call-related features. Despite its expected limitations, the GSmart Mika MX manages to incorporate practical features into its build.

Battery Life

A pivotal aspect of any mobile device is its battery life, and the GSmart Mika MX houses a removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery. This capacity was sizeable and could easily support day-long usage, backed by up to 320 hours of standby time and up to 20 hours of talk time according to manufacturer claims. The removability aspect allows users to replace the battery if needed, thereby extending the device’s longevity.

Color Variants and Aesthetic Appeal

The phone was available in a subtle black finish, promoting a classic and professional appearance suitable for a wide range of users, from everyday individuals to professional circles.

Conclusion

The Gigabyte GSmart Mika MX offered a compelling set of features for its time, balancing between basic functionality and some advanced capabilities. While it might not cater to today's highly demanding smartphone user, it represents an era of mobile technology where utility took precedence, and value was a significant consideration. It stands as an example of how phone designs from the mid-2010s tried to offer diverse functionalities within competitive price brackets.