Looking for an affordable Android phone? The Gionee M3 and M12 are both contenders in the budget smartphone market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Gionee M3 clearly takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio P60 chipset. While the M12 might offer slightly better battery life depending on the model, the M3's superior performance makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 1900 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 07. Released 2021, April 14 | 2020, November 16. Released 2020, November 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.9 x 9.3 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) | 163.9 x 76.8 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.3% 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 (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) - model 1Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 - model 2 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - model 1Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) - model 2 |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Sky, Gray | Magic Green, Dazzling Black |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Gionee M3
- Significantly better performance
- More powerful chipset (Helio P60)
- Likely better image processing
- Potentially larger display
- Limited availability
- Potentially shorter battery life than M12 Model 1
- Basic camera features
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Gionee M12
- Potentially longer battery life (Model 1)
- More affordable (potentially)
- Decent for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Outdated chipset (Helio A25/P22)
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Basic camera features
Display Comparison
While specific display details are scarce, both phones likely feature LCD displays with standard resolutions (likely HD+). Expect similar viewing experiences, with neither offering exceptional color accuracy or brightness. The M3 might have a slightly larger display based on general Gionee M-series trends, but this is unconfirmed.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are limited. Both phones likely feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, with a primary sensor and a depth sensor for portrait mode. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the M3's more powerful processor might allow for slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Front-facing cameras are likely standard 8-16MP sensors.
Performance
This is where the M3 shines. The Helio P60 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Helio A25 (M12 Model 1) or even the Helio P22 (M12 Model 2). Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the M3. The M12 will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely around 4000-5000mAh for both devices. The M12, with its less power-hungry chipset (especially Model 1), *might* offer slightly better battery life under moderate usage. However, the M3's efficient 12nm process should still provide a respectable battery life.
Buying Guide
The Gionee M3 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, even on a budget. The Gionee M12 (especially model 2) could be a decent option for those primarily focused on battery life and basic tasks, and are extremely price-sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Gionee M12 models?
The Gionee M12 has two variants: one with the Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 and another with the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22. The P22 model offers slightly better performance than the A25.
❓ Are these phones readily available?
Gionee phones have limited availability in many markets. You may need to search online retailers or local distributors to find them.
