The Gionee K3 Pro and Marathon M5 mini represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The K3 Pro aims for a balance of performance and features, while the M5 mini prioritizes extended battery life and simplicity. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Gionee K3 Pro is the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Mediatek Helio P60 chipset delivers a far smoother experience for everyday tasks and even light gaming. While the M5 mini boasts reverse charging, the K3 Pro’s overall capabilities outweigh this niche feature.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| EDGE | Class 10 | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 24. Released 2020, September | 2016, January. Released 2016, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 77.6 x 9.7 mm (6.47 x 3.06 x 0.38 in) | 143.5 x 71 x 9.6 mm (5.65 x 2.80 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 5.1 (Lollipop), Amigo 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, AF
2 other unknown cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Yes |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Reverse wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 666 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h | Up to 18 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jade Green, Pearl White | White, Gold, Black |
| Models | - | M5 mini |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.1dB / Crosstalk -70.7dB | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 75dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 70dB
| - |
Gionee K3 Pro
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for better battery life per task
- Likely a better display with higher resolution and color accuracy
- Charging speed is limited to 10W
- No reverse charging capability
Gionee Marathon M5 mini
- Reverse wired charging for emergency power to other devices
- Potentially longer standby time due to simpler functionality
- Lower price point (likely)
- Very slow processor leading to lag and frustration
- Inefficient chipset drains battery quickly under load
- Outdated technology and limited software support
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the market positioning, the K3 Pro likely features a larger, higher-resolution display than the M5 mini. The K3 Pro’s more powerful processor could also support a higher refresh rate, though this is speculative. The M5 mini, being an older model, likely has a lower-resolution panel with wider bezels. The difference in display quality will likely be noticeable in sharpness and color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. It’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The K3 Pro, being the newer device, likely has a more advanced image sensor and image processing pipeline. The M5 mini’s camera will likely struggle in low-light conditions due to its older sensor technology. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison, but the K3 Pro’s processor allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms.
Performance
The performance disparity is stark. The Gionee K3 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P60, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). This architecture provides a substantial performance boost over the Marathon M5 mini’s Mediatek MT6580, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor fabricated on a much older 28nm node. The Helio P60’s Cortex-A73 cores offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the eight cores provide better multitasking capabilities. The 28nm process of the MT6580 is less efficient, leading to higher power consumption for the same level of performance, and more heat generation. This translates to a sluggish experience on the M5 mini, especially when running multiple apps or demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Gionee Marathon M5 mini’s key feature is its focus on battery life, and its inclusion of reverse wired charging. However, the K3 Pro’s more efficient 12nm chipset partially offsets any potential battery capacity difference (which is not specified). The M5 mini’s reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, but this comes at the cost of overall performance. The K3 Pro’s 10W wired charging is standard for its class, while the M5 mini’s reverse charging is likely slow and inefficient.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee K3 Pro if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, streaming video, and running modern apps without significant lag. It’s ideal for students, social media users, and anyone who wants a responsive experience. Buy the Gionee Marathon M5 mini if your primary concern is maximizing battery life above all else, and you only need a phone for basic calling, texting, and very light usage. It’s best suited for users who frequently find themselves away from power outlets and prioritize longevity over speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6580 in the Marathon M5 mini sufficient for running WhatsApp and basic social media apps?
While the MT6580 *can* run WhatsApp and basic social media apps, expect noticeable lag and slow loading times, especially with multiple apps open. It's a very basic processor designed for minimal tasks. The K3 Pro offers a far smoother experience for these everyday activities.
❓ Does the Gionee K3 Pro support popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio P60 in the K3 Pro can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but not at maximum settings. Expect to play at medium or low graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The Marathon M5 mini is not suitable for these games due to its severely underpowered processor.
❓ How useful is the reverse charging feature on the Gionee Marathon M5 mini in real-world scenarios?
The reverse charging feature is a niche benefit. It's useful for topping up accessories like Bluetooth headphones or a smartwatch in an emergency, but it's a slow process and will significantly drain the M5 mini's battery. It's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank.
❓ Will the Gionee K3 Pro receive software updates and security patches?
Gionee's software update track record is inconsistent. While the K3 Pro launched with a relatively recent version of Android, long-term support is uncertain. Expect limited updates compared to more established brands.
