Comprehensive Review Gigabyte GSmart S1205 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Gigabyte GSmart S1205 is a feature-rich smartphone that was announced in March 2010 and released in April of the same year. Though it has been discontinued, the device made an impression with its dual-SIM capability and the use of Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional operating system. With a classic black finish, it was priced around 150 EUR at launch, offering ample features at an affordable cost.

Network Capabilities

The device supports GSM technology and includes 2G bands such as GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for SIM 1. It benefits from GPRS class 12 and EDGE class 10, which were considered adequate for mobile internet connections at the time of its release.

Design and Build

Compact in design with dimensions of 110.6 x 55 x 13.1 mm and weighing approximately 114.5 grams, the Gigabyte GSmart S1205 is portable and easy to handle. It's designed to support dual SIM cards (Mini-SIM, dual standby), making it convenient for users needing multiple lines or those who travel frequently.

Display Features

The phone is equipped with a 3.2-inch TFT resistive touchscreen that supports 65K colors, providing users with a satisfactory viewing experience. The screen resolution is 240 x 400 pixels with a 5:3 ratio, resulting in about 146 ppi density. This resolution was typical for smartphones in the era, suitable for basic multimedia and display needs.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the GSmart S1205 houses a 416 MHz MediaTek MT6516 processor. While modest by today's standards, this CPU handled the basic requirements of the Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional operating system efficiently. The device was not designed for heavy multitasking but was more than capable for daily applications and communication tasks typical for its release period.

Memory and Storage

This smartphone is built with 256MB of internal ROM storage and 128MB of RAM. However, the presence of a dedicated microSDHC slot allows users to expand storage to accommodate more multimedia files and applications, enhancing the phone's utility.

Camera Functionality

The Gigabyte GSmart S1205 is equipped with a 3.15 MP main camera. While basic, it suffices for taking decent photos and can record video at 480p. The absence of a front-facing selfie camera aligns with its design focus on functionality over luxury features.

Audio and Sound

Audio playback through the loudspeaker is supported, along with the convenience of a 3.5mm audio jack for standard headphones and external speakers. The audio tests indicate satisfactory sound quality with voice reaching 67dB, noise at 75dB, and ringtone at 66dB.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity options in the GSmart S1205 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, enabling wireless internet connection and device pairing for file transfers or hands-free usage. Additionally, the phone supports GPS and A-GPS for location tracking, a stereo FM radio for live broadcasts, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfers.

Additional Features

The browser supports WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, which provides flexibility in internet browsing tasks. However, the phone's onboard sensors are minimalistic, consistent with hardware prevalent during the time of release.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Po 1320 mAh battery, the Gigabyte GSmart S1205 promises up to 150 hours of standby time and approximately 4 hours of talk time, which was competitive for smartphones in 2010.

Conclusion

The Gigabyte GSmart S1205 may seem basic by today’s standards, but it represented a balanced combination of functionality and affordability in its prime. Its standout features include dual-SIM support, expandable storage, and a user-friendly interface. Although it may not fit the needs of those looking for high performance or advanced features, it serves as an excellent example of the evolution in mobile technology over the past decade.