Gionee Steel 2 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Gionee Steel 2

The Gionee Steel 2, released in January 2017, stands out as a smartphone offering from Gionee that appeals to users looking for long-lasting battery life, decent performance, and a comfortable design. This device is equipped with mid-range specifications which aim to provide a well-rounded smartphone experience.

Design and Build

The Gionee Steel 2 is constructed with practicality and simplicity in mind. Its dimensions are 144.3 x 70.5 x 8.6 mm, making it relatively easy to hold and operate with one hand. Weighing in at 160 g, it presents a solid yet ergonomic feel. Designed to accommodate Dual SIM cards, it allows users flexibility in managing multiple network providers. The body comes in two appealing colors, Jazz Gold and Gold Black, enhancing its visual appeal.

Display

With a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, the Gionee Steel 2 offers users clear and vibrant visuals. The screen resolution stands at 720 x 1280 pixels, providing a fairly crisp image quality with a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. Such a display ensures decent brightness and color reproduction, sufficient for regular media consumption and day-to-day tasks.

Performance

Under the hood, the Gionee Steel 2 is powered by the Mediatek MT6737 chipset, which features a Quad-core 1.25 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. This setup, combined with 3GB of RAM, ensures a smooth and responsive experience for standard applications and multitasking. The Mali-T720MP2 GPU complements the processor to handle graphical demands adequately.

Storage

The device is offered with two internal storage options: 16GB and 32GB, both paired with 3GB RAM. For those who need additional storage, the presence of a dedicated microSDXC slot is a useful feature, allowing users to expand storage to accommodate more data, apps, and media.

Camera

The Gionee Steel 2 is equipped with an 8 MP main camera with autofocus. This camera setup comes with features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, enabling users to capture images with moderate clarity and detailing. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, making it possible to record quality videos. The front-facing camera has a 5 MP sensor, which is reasonable for selfies and video calls.

Battery and Endurance

One of the standout features of the Gionee Steel 2 is its battery. It comes with a robust Li-Po 4000 mAh non-removable battery. This capacity promises extensive usage time, capable of offering up to 527 hours in standby mode and up to 45 hours of talk time on 3G networks. Such endurance makes the device particularly appealing for users who prioritize battery life.

Network and Connectivity

The smartphone supports a wide range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, ensuring reliable connectivity. It is compatible with multiple 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, making it versatile for usage in various locations. For wireless connectivity, the Gionee Steel 2 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth 4.0, GPS for location tracking, FM Radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, the device lacks NFC support which may be a drawback for those who use mobile payment systems.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with Gionee’s custom Amigo 3.5 UI, the Steel 2 offers a user-friendly interface with several customization options. Although Android 6.0 is somewhat outdated, it still provides a stable environment for essential applications and tasks. Gionee’s Amigo UI adds a layer of distinct functionality with its visual tweaks and added features.

Audio and Extras

For audio, the Gionee Steel 2 includes a standard loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional audio needs. The inclusion of FM Radio is a bonus for users who enjoy tuning into radio stations. Other sensors embedded within the device are an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhance the usability and functionality of the smartphone.

Price and Availability

Upon release, the Gionee Steel 2 was priced at approximately 210 EUR, positioning it as a budget-friendly option in the market. However, it has been discontinued, meaning finding a new unit may be challenging, but used models could still be available on certain online platforms or second-hand markets.

Conclusion

The Gionee Steel 2 serves as a reliable smartphone for users seeking essential features without complexity. Its strong battery life, sufficient performance for daily tasks, and uncomplicated design make it a favorable choice for those in need of a no-frills mobile experience. Despite its release being several years ago, it remains a noteworthy device for its balanced offerings in the budget category.