Gionee targets the budget-conscious market with both the M15 and Max Pro, but they take distinctly different approaches. The M15 prioritizes processing power with a Mediatek Helio G90, while the Max Pro aims for affordability with a Unisoc SC9863A. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which phone delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance, especially gaming or demanding applications, the Gionee M15 is the clear winner. Its Helio G90 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Max Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A. However, the Max Pro may appeal to those seeking the absolute lowest price point for basic smartphone tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 24. Released 2021, May 28 | 2021, March 01. Released 2021, March 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 165 x 75 x 10 mm (6.50 x 2.95 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 212 g (7.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Quad | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black, Red, Blue |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
Gionee M15
- Significantly faster processor for gaming and multitasking
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially better camera performance due to ISP capabilities
- Likely higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load (though mitigated by faster charging)
Gionee Max Pro
- Lower price point
- Potentially longer battery life in very light usage
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Slow processor struggles with demanding apps
- Less efficient chipset
- Likely lower-quality camera
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the M15’s focus on performance, it’s reasonable to expect a higher-quality panel with potentially better color accuracy and brightness. The Max Pro, aiming for cost reduction, likely utilizes a more basic LCD panel. Bezels are also likely to be larger on the Max Pro to further reduce manufacturing costs.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent, making a precise comparison impossible. However, the M15’s positioning suggests a more capable camera system. The chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) is likely more advanced, enabling better image processing and potentially supporting features like 4K video recording. The Max Pro’s Unisoc chipset likely has a simpler ISP, resulting in lower-quality images and limited features. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Gionee M15’s Mediatek Helio G90 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, paired with six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture delivers significantly more processing power than the Gionee Max Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The SC9863A uses a less efficient 28nm process and a CPU configuration of four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This means the M15 will handle demanding tasks like gaming and video editing with greater ease, while the Max Pro will struggle with anything beyond basic app usage. The larger process node of the Unisoc chip also implies higher power consumption for similar tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the M15’s 18W wired charging suggests a focus on faster replenishment. The Unisoc SC9863A’s lower power demands *could* translate to longer battery life in light usage scenarios, but the M15’s more efficient chipset architecture and faster charging capability likely provide a better overall user experience, especially for power users. The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip will likely negate any battery life gains from lower performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee M15 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and smoother overall operation. It’s ideal for users who value responsiveness and future-proofing within a budget. Buy the Gionee Max Pro if you primarily need a device for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize minimizing upfront cost above all else. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or those on extremely tight budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Gionee M15 be able to run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Mediatek Helio G90 chipset in the M15 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a playable frame rate. The Max Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A would likely struggle significantly with this title.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Gionee Max Pro sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and making calls. However, expect noticeable slowdowns when multitasking or opening multiple apps. It’s best suited for users with minimal smartphone requirements.
❓ How much faster is the Helio G90 compared to the Unisoc SC9863A in real-world usage?
The Helio G90 offers a substantial performance advantage – roughly 2-3 times faster in CPU benchmarks and significantly better GPU performance. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience on the Gionee M15.
❓ Does the Gionee M15 support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Gionee M15 supports 18W wired charging. While the exact 0-100% charge time depends on the charger and battery capacity (which is unspecified), it should be considerably faster than the Max Pro, likely taking around 2-3 hours for a full charge.
