Gionee, once a prominent name in the smartphone market, offered a range of devices with unique features. The M3 and M7 Plus were two of their mid-range offerings. But which one holds up better today? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Gionee M7 Plus edges out the M3 thanks to its slightly faster processor, more efficient charging, and generally better software support during its lifespan. While both are aging devices, the M7 Plus offers a marginally superior 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 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 07. Released 2021, April 14 | 2017, November. Released 2018, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum/leather back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.9 x 9.3 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) | 166.5 x 81.6 x 8.7 mm (6.56 x 3.21 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 241 g (8.50 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~376 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 106.7 cm2 (~78.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android | Android 7.1 (Nougat), Amigo 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, AF
8 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Sky, Gray | Blue |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 670 EUR |
Gionee M3
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Large Display
- Decent Battery Life (potentially)
- Slower Processor
- Outdated Software
- Potentially Lower Battery Capacity
- Less Efficient Charging
Gionee M7 Plus
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 660)
- Longer Battery Life (potentially)
- More Efficient Software (at launch)
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Outdated Software
- Larger Size/Weight
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6 inches, but the M7 Plus potentially has a slightly higher resolution. Expect similar viewing experiences, though the M7 Plus might offer marginally sharper visuals. Screen technology is likely IPS LCD for both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a rear dual-camera setup and a front-facing camera for selfies. Image quality will depend heavily on software optimization, which may be outdated on both devices. Expect decent daytime shots but struggles in low light.
Performance
The Snapdragon 660 in the M7 Plus generally outperforms the Helio P60 in the M3. The Kryo 260 cores in the Snapdragon are known for their efficiency and performance. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the M7 Plus. Gaming performance will also be better on the M7 Plus.
Battery Life
The M7 Plus likely has a larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh) compared to the M3. However, the M3's 18W charging is faster than the M7 Plus's 10W charging. Overall, the M7 Plus should offer longer battery life, but it will take longer to charge.
Buying Guide
The Gionee M3 might appeal to budget-conscious users seeking a large display and decent battery life, but be aware of its limitations. The Gionee M7 Plus is a better choice for those prioritizing performance and faster charging, assuming you can find one in good condition and with functional software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
Given their age, finding these phones in good condition and with functional software can be challenging. They are best suited for users on a very tight budget who need a large screen and basic functionality.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both phones originally shipped with Android, likely Nougat or Oreo, with Gionee's custom UI on top. Software updates are unlikely to be available.
