The Gionee M3 and A1 Lite represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The A1 Lite, released earlier, prioritizes affordability, while the M3 aims to deliver a more robust experience with a newer chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Gionee M3 is the superior choice. Its Helio P60 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the A1 Lite’s MT6753, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. While the A1 Lite remains a viable option for basic use, the M3 offers a significantly improved user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 07. Released 2021, April 14 | 2017, June. Released 2017, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.9 x 9.3 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) | 150.5 x 74.4 x 8 mm (5.93 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 161 g (5.68 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~277 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6753 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-T720MP3 |
| OS | Android | Android 7 (Nougat), Amigo 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Sky, Gray | Gold, Black |
| Models | - | A1 lite |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 15000 INR |
Gionee M3
- Significantly faster processor (Helio P60)
- More efficient 12nm process
- Faster 18W charging
- Likely improved camera ISP
- Potentially higher price
- No information on display quality
Gionee A1 Lite
- Lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Potentially longer battery life with light usage
- Outdated and slow processor (MT6753)
- Less efficient 28nm process
- Slower charging speeds
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the M3's positioning as a slightly more premium device, it likely features a higher resolution panel and potentially better color accuracy. The A1 Lite, being an older model, likely utilizes a standard IPS LCD. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both operate at the standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the M3’s newer chipset likely includes a more advanced image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The A1 Lite’s ISP is likely more basic, resulting in less dynamic range and more noise in challenging lighting scenarios. It's reasonable to assume the M3 has a more capable primary camera sensor, even if the megapixel count is similar.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Gionee M3’s Mediatek Helio P60 (MT6771), built on a 12nm process, is a significant upgrade over the A1 Lite’s Mediatek MT6753 (28nm). The P60’s octa-core configuration, featuring four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside four Cortex-A53 cores, delivers substantially higher CPU performance. The MT6753, with its eight Cortex-A53 cores at 1.3 GHz, is geared towards basic tasks. The 12nm fabrication process of the P60 also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation compared to the older 28nm process of the MT6753. This means the M3 will likely experience less throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Gionee M3’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the A1 Lite, which likely supports slower charging speeds. The more efficient Helio P60 chipset in the M3 will also contribute to better battery life, even if the battery capacity is comparable. The 18W charging will significantly reduce the time required to replenish the battery, offering a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee M3 if you need a phone capable of handling modern apps, occasional gaming, and smoother multitasking. Its more powerful processor and faster charging will be noticeable in daily use. Buy the Gionee A1 Lite if you prioritize absolute affordability and only require a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Gionee M3 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P60 in the Gionee M3 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The A1 Lite’s MT6753 would struggle significantly with this title, even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two chipsets noticeable for everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio P60 in the M3 will result in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience compared to the A1 Lite’s MT6753. Multitasking will also be significantly improved on the M3.
❓ Does the Gionee M3 support fast charging with any specific charging brick?
The Gionee M3 supports 18W wired charging. While it may charge with a standard 5W charger, you'll need an 18W Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge (QC) compatible charger to achieve the fastest charging speeds.
