Gionee S96 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Gionee S96

The Gionee S96 is a feature phone that was announced and released in March 2014. Known for its sleek design and essential functionalities, it appealed to users seeking a basic mobile experience without the complexities of modern smartphones. The device is notably slim, measuring only 7.4 mm in thickness, making it user-friendly and portable.

Network and Connectivity

The Gionee S96 operates on GSM technology, supporting dual SIM functionality. This enables users to manage two phone numbers simultaneously, a useful feature for those needing separate lines for personal and business purposes. However, its connectivity options are limited; while it supports GPRS, it does not support EDGE technology. Bluetooth 2.0 provides basic wireless connectivity, suitable for transferring files between compatible devices. The device does not support WLAN, NFC, or advanced positioning technologies, keeping its offerings strictly fundamental.

Design and Display

The phone’s body measures 128 x 52.8 x 7.4 mm and weighs 81.3 grams, making it lightweight and easy to handle. It sports a 2.6-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, delivering a modest viewing experience with 256K colors. The screen size and resolution are adequate for basic functions such as viewing messages and calls but are not suitable for high-quality media consumption.

Platform and Performance

Under the hood, the Gionee S96 is powered by a Mediatek MT6260 chipset with a 360 MHz CPU. Given its feature phone status, the limited processing power is sufficient for the device’s intended use, which mainly involves calling, texting, and using simple applications. There is no dedicated GPU, and the phone does not support advanced graphics or multimedia-rich applications.

Memory and Storage

The device is equipped with 64MB of RAM and 128MB of internal storage. This can be expanded through a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to store additional files such as music and photos. While the storage capacity is limited compared to today’s smartphones, it is adequate for its target market segment who might prioritize simplicity and basic use over extensive media storage.

Camera Features

The Gionee S96 includes a single 2 MP rear camera with an LED flash, offering basic photography capabilities. Users can capture images and videos with moderate quality. Given its specifications, the camera is not designed for high-resolution photography but serves to capture spontaneous moments and essential visual documentation.

Sound and Audio Capabilities

In terms of audio output, the Gionee S96 features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting traditional wired audio accessories. These features ensure users can enjoy music on-the-go and conduct hands-free calls with compatible headsets. The inclusion of an FM radio provides entertainment and access to broadcast news without needing to rely on Internet data.

Battery and Power Management

The phone is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery, which is typical for feature phones of its category. The battery offers up to 206 hours of stand-by time and approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes of talk time, adequate for daily basic use without frequent charging. The removable nature of the battery allows users to replace it if necessary, extending the device's overall lifecycle.

Software and Additional Features

Running on a feature phone operating system, the Gionee S96 comes with SMS, MMS, and IM messaging capabilities. The software supports downloadable games, adding some entertainment options for users. However, the lack of Java support limits the complexity and variety of applications available for the device.

Color Variants and Miscellaneous Details

The Gionee S96 was available in three colors: White, Gold, and Grey, appealing to different aesthetic preferences. Its SAR values are reported at 0.56 W/kg for the head and 0.52 W/kg for the body, providing reassurance in terms of safety standards.