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Ultimate Review Gionee Marathon M4 Specs Price Pros & Cons

Release Date
2015, August
Camera
8MP
Battery
5000mAh
Screen
5.0"
Storage
16GB , microSDHC
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 5, Amigo 3

Overview of Gionee Marathon M4

The Gionee Marathon M4, released in August 2015, is a device known for its exceptional battery performance and all-purpose functionality. With the market leaning towards smartphones with longer battery life, the Marathon M4 appealed to users needing extended usage without constant recharging. Though it is now discontinued, it made a substantial impact during its time of availability.

Design and Build

The design of the Marathon M4 combines practicality with a clean, professional aesthetic. Measuring 144.7 x 71.2 x 10.2 mm and weighing 176 grams, it's a relatively compact phone given the size of its battery. The dual SIM feature allows users flexibility in managing work and personal contacts without requiring multiple handsets. Available in classic black and white, the device caters to users with a preference for traditional smartphone colors.

Display

The Gionee Marathon M4 features a 5.0-inch Super AMOLED display, renowned for its brightness and vibrant color reproduction. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, the screen offers a decent 294 ppi pixel density, ensuring clarity and sharpness in visual content. The design allows for an approximately 66.9% screen-to-body ratio, balancing screen size with practical handling.

Performance and Software

Equipped with a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor and Mali-400 GPU, the Marathon M4 is designed to handle everyday tasks efficiently. Though not built for high-end gaming, it excels in running multiple applications and general navigation smoothly. It runs on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) with the Amigo 3 interface, providing a user-friendly experience with access to a wide range of apps and features.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSDHC slot. This setup caters well to users who need to store moderate amounts of data, like apps, photos, and videos, without drastically affecting the phone's performance. The expandable memory ensures users can manage their storage needs effectively.

Camera Features

The Gionee Marathon M4 is fitted with an 8 MP autofocus rear camera, equipped with LED flash and panorama capabilities. The rear camera can capture video at 1080p@30fps, making it suitable for basic photography and videography needs. The 5 MP front-facing camera serves well for selfies and video calls, although it's not aimed at professional-grade photography.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Marathon M4 is its 5000 mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery, allowing for extensive usage times compared to other smartphones in its category. According to specifications, the device can sustain up to 50 hours of 2G talk time or 18 hours over 3G, with stand-by times reaching up to 400 hours on 3G networks. This extended battery life ensures users remain connected and productive without frequent interruptions for charging.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM, HSPA, and LTE technology, the Gionee Marathon M4 accommodates multiple bands, including 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G (HSDPA 900/1900/2100), along with select 4G bands (3, 40). This wide range of compatibility ensures users can maintain high-speed data connections across various regions. Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support.

Additional Features

The Marathon M4 comes equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the user experience through intuitive, on-the-go functionalities. It also includes an FM radio and a 3.5mm headphone jack, addressing the multimedia needs of users who enjoy traditional media consumption methods.

Price and Availability

Upon its release, the Gionee Marathon M4 was priced at approximately 220 EUR. While the model is now discontinued, it remains an exemplary reference for long-lasting battery phones, having catered efficiently to users desiring extended device usage without compromising on essential smartphone functionalities.

Key Features of Gionee Marathon M4

  • Network Compatibility: Supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies.
  • Display: 5.0 inches Super AMOLED with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution.
  • Battery: High-capacity 5000 mAh non-removable battery, offering long standby and talk time.
  • Camera: 8 MP main camera with LED flash and 1080p video recording; 5 MP front camera.
  • Memory: 16GB internal storage with 2GB RAM and a dedicated microSDHC slot for expansion.
  • Dual SIM Support: Efficient management of two SIM cards simultaneously.
  • Operating System: Android 5 (Lollipop) with Amigo 3 UI.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot capabilities, and microUSB with OTG support.
  • Lightweight: Weighs 176 g, making it portable and easy to handle.

Gionee Marathon M4 Key Disadvantages

  • Outdated Android OS: Comes with Android 5 (Lollipop), which is obsolete compared to newer versions.
  • Low Processor Power: Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 is considered slow for modern applications and multitasking.
  • Limited Internal Storage: Only 16GB of internal memory may not be sufficient for users with large storage needs.
  • No NFC Support: Lack of NFC limits contactless payment capabilities and other NFC-related functions.
  • Heavy Device: Weighing 176 grams, it might feel bulky for users preferring lightweight phones.
  • Lack of 4G Band Support: Limited 4G frequency band support (only bands 3, 40) may hinder network compatibility in some regions.
  • Average Display Resolution: 720 x 1280 pixels might not provide the sharpness and clarity available in newer models.
  • No Advanced Camera Features: Main camera with 8 MP and basic features may not satisfy photography enthusiasts.
  • Discontinued Status: As the device is discontinued, obtaining service and parts might be challenging.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 3, 40
Speed HSPA, LTE
Launch
Announced 2015, August. Released 2015, August
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 144.7 x 71.2 x 10.2 mm (5.70 x 2.80 x 0.40 in)
Weight 176 g (6.21 oz)
SIM Dual SIM
Display
Type Super AMOLED
Size 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 5 (Lollipop), Amigo 3
CPU Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7
GPU Mali-400
Memory
Card slot microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal 16GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 8 MP, AF
Features LED flash, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 5 MP
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth 2.0, A2DP
Positioning GPS
NFC No
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable
Stand-by Up to 225 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 50 h (2G) / Up to 18 h (3G)
Misc
Colors Black, White
SAR 0.85 W/kg (head)     0.73 W/kg (body)
Price About 220 EUR

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