Gionee Marathon M5 Lite Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Gionee Marathon M5 lite

The Gionee Marathon M5 lite, launched in December 2015 and released in January 2016, is recognized for its robust battery life, mid-range performance, and practical features. This smartphone is part of Gionee's Marathon series, which is admired for its battery efficacy. Though it has been discontinued, it still attracts attention from users seeking durable battery life in an affordable package.

Design and Build

The Marathon M5 lite sports an ergonomic design with dimensions of 143 x 69.9 x 8.5 mm, weighing 183 grams. Its compact size fits comfortably in hand, providing ease in usability. The device comes in two classic shades - Gold and Gray, lending it a touch of elegance. The dual SIM capability offers flexibility, catering to users who use two networks simultaneously.

Display

Equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen, the Marathon M5 lite offers a balanced display size that is neither too big nor too small. The screen's resolution stands at 720 x 1280 pixels, with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of approximately 294 PPI. The device's display is protected by Asahi Dragontrail Glass, ensuring additional resistance to scratches and impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Gionee Marathon M5 lite is powered by the Mediatek MT6735 chipset, manufactured with a 28 nm process. It features a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720MP2 GPU. This combination delivers a satisfactory performance for day-to-day tasks. With 3GB RAM, the device provides smooth multitasking, and the 32GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC, offers ample space for media and applications.

Operating System and User Interface

The device runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop, topped with Gionee's proprietary Amigo 3.1 interface. The interface is customized to enhance usability, providing features and services tailored for user convenience. Despite being an older Android version, it still supports essential applications and functions efficiently for regular use.

Camera

The Gionee Marathon M5 lite features an 8 MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities. It can record videos at 1080p@30fps. The front-facing camera has a 5 MP sensor, adequate for selfies and video calls. While not high-end by today's standards, the camera setup caters to users with basic photography needs.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Marathon M5 lite is its robust Li-Po 4000 mAh non-removable battery. The battery can last up to 450 hours on standby (2G) or 400 hours (3G). It offers up to 33 hours of talk time on 2G networks and 19 hours on 3G networks. This makes the device an excellent choice for users who prioritize long battery life over frequent charging.

Connectivity

The Marathon M5 lite is equipped with WLAN support (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot), Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for navigation, and FM radio support. The lack of NFC might be a downside for some, but the device features a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Audio and Sound

The smartphone includes stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, ensuring users can utilize traditional wired headphones. The sound quality is satisfactory for media consumption and phone calls.

Sensors

For a mid-range device of its age, the Gionee Marathon M5 lite comes equipped with essential sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality in various applications.

Price and Availability

Initially priced around 170 EUR, the Gionee Marathon M5 lite was considered affordable, offering good value for money, especially with its commendable battery life. Being a discontinued model, it's generally available in the second-hand market or through specific retailers specializing in older devices.

Conclusion

The Gionee Marathon M5 lite remains a testament to Gionee's commitment to providing long-lasting battery performance in a budget-friendly package. Although not packed with the latest features or high-end specifications, it delivers consistent performance for everyday use, primarily appealing to users who prioritize battery life above all else.