Price and specifications of Gigabyte GSmart Sierra S1 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Gigabyte GSmart Sierra S1

The Gigabyte GSmart Sierra S1 was released in 2013, representing a significant step for Gigabyte in the smartphone arena. Known for its fine balance between performance and affordability, it managed to attract a fair share of enthusiasts. Although it is discontinued now, the device still serves as a noteworthy reference for discussions around smartphone evolution.

Design and Build

The GSmart Sierra S1 boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 145.5 x 72.5 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 168 grams. It utilizes a dual-SIM technology, supporting two Mini-SIM cards, which were particularly popular choices at the time. Although it was a bit bulky for its display size of 5.0 inches, its aesthetic was modern and appealing for the period.

Display

The phone features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, it provided a 16:9 ratio, and a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. The display delivered good color reproduction and viewing angles, thanks to the IPS technology, making it suitable for multimedia consumption.

Platform and Performance

The device was powered by Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system. It used a Mediatek MT6589 chipset with a Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a PowerVR SGX544 GPU, which was quite competitive for mid-range phones in 2013. This setup allowed for smooth performance in basic tasks and moderate usage scenarios.

Memory and Storage

The GSmart Sierra S1 came with 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. For users needing more space, it offered a microSDHC card slot for memory expansion. Although the base storage was limited by today's standards, the expandable memory was a welcome feature.

Camera Capabilities

One of the main attractions of the GSmart Sierra S1 was its camera system. It had a 13 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of shooting 1080p videos at 30fps. The front camera, at 2 MP, was adequate for video calls and selfies, also supporting 720p video recording.

Battery Life

The device was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. Although modest, it provided a standby time of up to 600 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours and 30 minutes. For typical use, this meant a day's worth of battery life, which was standard at the time.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM and HSPA networks, this device offered compatibility with many carriers worldwide. The HSPA network could handle speeds up to 42.2/11.5 Mbps. The phone also featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port, providing a good range of connectivity options.

Audio and Sensors

The GSmart Sierra S1 was equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack for audio. It included essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhanced its functionality and usability.

Price and Market Position

Initially priced around 220 EUR, the GSmart Sierra S1 managed to position itself competitively within the mid-range market segment. It appealed to users seeking a balance between functionality, design, and price.

Conclusion

Though no longer in production, the Gigabyte GSmart Sierra S1 is remembered as a device that once captured the essence of value smartphones. With its performance, decent specifications, and accessible price, it successfully catered to a wide audience and marked Gigabyte's contribution to the evolving world of mobile technology.