Gionee, once a significant player in the mobile market, continues to offer budget-friendly smartphones. The M3 and M15 are two such devices, targeting users seeking affordability. But which one offers the better value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Gionee M15 edges out the M3 thanks to its more powerful Helio G90 chipset featuring Cortex-A76 cores, resulting in noticeably better performance for gaming and demanding apps. Both offer similar charging speeds, but the M15's improved processing makes it the preferable choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 07. Released 2021, April 14 | 2021, May 24. Released 2021, May 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.9 x 9.3 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% 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 (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | 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, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP |
| 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 | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Sky, Gray | Gray |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Gionee M3
- Potentially lower price
- Decent battery life
- Standard Android experience
- Older chipset
- Lower performance
- Limited availability
- Likely less RAM/Storage
Gionee M15
- More powerful chipset (Helio G90)
- Better gaming performance
- Potentially brighter display
- More modern design
- Potentially higher price
- Camera quality not exceptional
- Availability may be limited
Display Comparison
While specific display details are scarce, both phones likely feature similar LCD panels with standard resolutions. Expect adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level display quality. The M15 might have a slightly brighter panel, but this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are limited. Both likely feature a multi-lens setup (likely a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a depth sensor). Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the M15's more powerful processor could offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Expect decent, but not exceptional, camera performance from both.
Performance
This is where the M15 shines. The Helio G90 chipset with its Cortex-A76 cores provides a significant performance boost over the M3's Helio P60. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the M15. The M3 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices feature similar battery capacities (likely around 4000-5000mAh) and 18W charging. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage on either device. Charging times will be roughly equivalent.
Buying Guide
The Gionee M3 is a good option for users prioritizing basic functionality and a potentially lower price point (if available). The Gionee M15 is ideal for those who want a smoother experience, better gaming performance, and a more modern chipset, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones readily available?
Gionee's availability varies greatly by region. Finding either of these phones new might be challenging; consider checking online retailers or local markets.
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both likely run Android 9 or 10, potentially with a custom Gionee UI. Updates are unlikely to be guaranteed.
