The Gionee M3 and M6s Plus represent Gionee's attempts to capture the mid-range smartphone market. While both devices aim for affordability, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. The M3 leverages the newer, more efficient Mediatek Helio P60, while the M6s Plus opts for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 653. This comparison dives deep into the implications of these chipset choices, alongside other key features, to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and potentially longer software support, the Gionee M3 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P60 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a more modern architecture and improved power efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 653's 28nm process. However, the M6s Plus's Quick Charge 3.0 and reverse wireless charging capabilities are unique advantages.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO / TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 07. Released 2021, April 14 | 2017, April. Released 2017, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.9 x 9.3 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) | 163.3 x 80.9 x 8.3 mm (6.43 x 3.19 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~367 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~75.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4x1.44 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8976 Pro Snapdragon 653 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 510 |
| OS | Android | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Amigo 3.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 12 MP, f/1.9, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, QC3
Reverse wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 843 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 51 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6020 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Sky, Gray | Black |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 460 EUR |
Gionee M3
- More efficient Helio P60 chipset
- Likely better thermal management
- Potentially longer software support due to newer chipset
- Lacks Quick Charge 3.0
- No reverse charging capability
Gionee M6s Plus
- Quick Charge 3.0 support for faster charging
- Reverse wired charging for topping up accessories
- Potentially slightly better single-core performance (Snapdragon 653)
- Less power-efficient Snapdragon 653 chipset
- Older 28nm process node
- Potentially shorter software support lifecycle
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are not provided. However, given the market segment, both likely feature IPS LCD panels. The M6s Plus, being a 'Plus' model, *may* have a slightly larger screen size. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both are likely capped at 60Hz. Color accuracy and peak brightness are unknown, but generally, phones in this price range prioritize size over quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests both phones likely feature modest camera setups. The absence of any mention of advanced features like OIS indicates both rely on software processing for image stabilization. The focus should be on real-world image samples to assess quality, as megapixel count alone is not indicative of performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Gionee M3’s Mediatek Helio P60 (12nm) utilizes a combination of Cortex-A73 and A53 cores, offering a good balance of performance and efficiency. The Snapdragon 653 (28nm) in the M6s Plus, while also an octa-core processor with Cortex-A72 and A53 cores, is built on a significantly older and less efficient 28nm process. This means the M3 will likely exhibit better thermal management and battery life under sustained load. While the A72 cores in the 653 offer a slight per-core performance advantage, the P60’s newer architecture and process node give it an overall edge in modern tasks and multitasking. The 12nm process of the Helio P60 translates to lower power consumption, which is crucial for all-day usage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Helio P60’s superior power efficiency in the M3 gives it an advantage in real-world battery life. Both phones support 18W wired charging, but the M6s Plus adds Quick Charge 3.0 compatibility, enabling faster charging speeds with a compatible charger. Furthermore, the M6s Plus uniquely offers reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent in the M3.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee M3 if you need a phone that balances performance with battery life and benefits from a more modern chipset architecture. This is ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and moderate gaming. Buy the Gionee M6s Plus if you prioritize quick charging, the convenience of reverse wireless charging to top up accessories, and don't mind a slightly older, less power-efficient chipset. This phone is suited for users who frequently rely on fast charging and need a power bank alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 653 in the M6s Plus struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 653 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The older architecture and less efficient process node mean it will heat up faster and potentially experience throttling during extended gaming sessions, unlike the more modern Helio P60.
❓ How much faster is the Quick Charge 3.0 on the M6s Plus compared to standard 18W charging?
Quick Charge 3.0 dynamically adjusts the voltage and amperage to optimize charging speed. While both phones support 18W, Quick Charge 3.0 can potentially reduce charging times by 20-30% *with a compatible charger*, getting you from 0-50% faster than standard 18W charging.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the M6s Plus useful for everyday carry?
The reverse charging feature is a niche but useful addition. It's ideal for topping up wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even a friend's phone in an emergency. However, it will drain the M6s Plus's battery significantly, so it's best used sparingly.
