Gionee Elife S55 The Ultimate Specs and Review Guide

Overview of Gionee Elife S5.5

The Gionee Elife S5.5 was a remarkable smartphone upon its release in 2014. At just 5.6 mm thick, it claimed the title of the world's slimmest smartphone at the time. This impressive feature alone set it apart from many competitors, attracting tech enthusiasts and design-focused consumers alike. The Elife S5.5 combined cutting-edge design with robust performance, catering to those who were not just looking for a phone, but a statement piece that reflected modern aesthetics and reliable functionality.

Design and Build Quality

The Gionee Elife S5.5 was lauded for its sleek and sophisticated design. The device featured dimensions of 145.1 x 70.2 x 5.6 mm, making it extremely slim and comfortable to hold. Weighing only 133 grams, it strikes the perfect balance between size and weight. The phone’s build is a harmonious blend of glass and metal, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on both the front and back. This not only gives it a premium look but also adds to its durability against scratches and minor drops.

Display

The Elife S5.5 is equipped with a Super AMOLED display, which delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The 5.0-inch screen boasts a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi. This high resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals, making it ideal for media consumption, gaming, and everyday use. The incorporation of Gorilla Glass 3 protection also ensures that the screen is more resistant to scratches and impact.

Performance

Under the hood, the Gionee Elife S5.5 is powered by the Mediatek MT6592 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. It sports an octa-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, complemented by a Mali-450MP4 GPU. This combination delivers smooth performance whether you're multitasking, playing graphics-intensive games, or streaming high-definition content. The device comes with 2GB of RAM, further enhancing its ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously without significant lag.

Operating System and User Interface

The device originally launched with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean but is upgradable to Android 4.4.2 KitKat. It features Gionee's custom Amigo 2.0 interface, which offers a unique user experience compared to the stock Android. The interface includes various customization options, themes, and widgets to enhance user interaction and personalization. However, it's worth noting that users who prefer stock Android might find the Amigo UI to be a significant departure.

Camera

The Gionee Elife S5.5 is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/2.4. The camera supports autofocus and comes with features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, which enable users to capture stunning images in various lighting conditions. It also supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, ensuring high-quality video capture. On the front, the phone houses a 5 MP camera with an f/2.4 aperture, ideal for selfies and video calls.

Storage

In terms of storage, the Gionee Elife S5.5 offers 16GB of internal storage. Unfortunately, it does not support external storage via microSD, which might be a limitation for users looking to store extensive media libraries directly on the device. However, the provided storage might be adequate for average use, including apps, photos, and videos.

Battery

The smartphone is fueled by a non-removable Li-Ion 2300 mAh battery. Given the slimness of the device, this capacity is reasonable, providing a balance between design and functionality. According to manufacturer specifications, the battery can support up to 490 hours of standby time and up to 27 hours of talk time on 2G and 11 hours on 3G networks. Despite its modest capacity compared to some modern standards, the battery life can be considered respectable, thanks to the less power-hungry Super AMOLED display and efficient CPU.

Network and Connectivity

The Gionee Elife S5.5 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with 2G and 3G band compatibility. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities for internet sharing. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and EDR ensures seamless connectivity with peripherals. Additionally, the phone supports GPS for location-based services and FM radio with RDS for on-the-go entertainment. A microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support allows for connection with external devices and data transfer.

Sound and Multimedia

The Elife S5.5 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating both casual listening and high-quality audio experiences with external headphones or speakers. The multimedia experience is further enhanced by the vivid Super AMOLED display, supporting a variety of audio and video formats, making the device a competent multimedia companion.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device comes with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. These sensors contribute to the phone's capability to offer interactive features such as motion-based actions, enhanced navigation, and improved overall user interaction with applications dependent on these data inputs.

Miscellaneous Features and Final Thoughts

Initially priced at approximately 270 EUR, the Gionee Elife S5.5 was available in a range of colors including black, white, blue, pink, and purple, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. The device also adheres to safety standards with an SAR rating of 0.38 W/kg for the head and 0.33 W/kg for the body.

In conclusion, despite being discontinued, the Gionee Elife S5.5 remains a noteworthy device due to its thin design and capable features. While it may not compete directly with modern smartphones boasting higher specs and updated software, it stands as a testament to the technological innovations of its time, particularly for design-conscious consumers.