The Gionee P15 and Gionee Max Pro present a unique challenge for reviewers: they are, on paper, nearly identical. Both devices utilize the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, suggesting similar performance. This comparison aims to dissect any subtle differences – in software, potential thermal management, or pricing – that might sway a buyer towards one model over the other, particularly within the ultra-budget smartphone segment.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Gionee Max Pro likely represents the better value proposition, assuming a lower retail price. The shared Unisoc SC9863A chipset guarantees comparable performance, making price the primary differentiator. However, potential software optimizations on either device could shift this balance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 26. Released 2021, July 30 | 2021, March 01. Released 2021, March 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.3 x 9 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 165 x 75 x 10 mm (6.50 x 2.95 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 212 g (7.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 8 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP
0.08 MP | - |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Unspecified | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Light Blue | Black, Red, Blue |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
Gionee P15
- Identical Unisoc SC9863A chipset for consistent performance.
- Potential for slightly better brand recognition (Gionee P15).
- Likely similar battery life due to shared chipset and display tech.
- May be priced higher than the Max Pro for no tangible benefit.
- Limited performance headroom for demanding applications.
Gionee Max Pro
- Identical Unisoc SC9863A chipset for consistent performance.
- Likely lower price point, offering better value.
- Potentially newer software version.
- May have less established brand recognition.
- Limited performance headroom for demanding applications.
Display Comparison
Both the Gionee P15 and Max Pro are expected to feature displays optimized for cost-effectiveness. Given the target market, we anticipate IPS LCD panels with resolutions around 720p+. Without specific data on panel brightness (nits) or color gamut coverage, it's safe to assume both displays prioritize visibility over color accuracy. The 28nm Unisoc chipset suggests limited power for driving high-refresh-rate panels, so 60Hz is the likely standard. Differences, if any, will likely be in the quality of the digitizer and the anti-reflective coating.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying heavily on software processing to enhance image quality. The absence of detailed camera specifications suggests the use of basic sensors. While both may include a primary camera, expect limited dynamic range and detail, especially in low-light conditions. Any secondary cameras (depth or macro) are likely to be low-resolution and offer minimal practical benefit. Image processing algorithms will be key, and any differences here could be a differentiating factor, though unlikely to be substantial.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture is geared towards efficient multitasking rather than demanding gaming. The 28nm manufacturing process, while cost-effective, is less efficient than newer nodes, potentially leading to thermal throttling under sustained load. RAM capacity and type (likely LPDDR3 or LPDDR4) are crucial but unspecified; more RAM will benefit multitasking. Given the identical chipset, performance will be virtually indistinguishable in day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and calling.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the power efficiency limitations of the 28nm Unisoc SC9863A chipset and the likely 720p+ displays, both phones should achieve at least a full day of moderate use. Charging wattage is also unknown, but we anticipate slow charging speeds (5W-10W) due to cost constraints. Battery life will be heavily influenced by software optimization and user habits. A larger battery capacity on one device would be a clear advantage, but without that information, it's a tie.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee P15 if you find it significantly discounted and prioritize a known brand with a slightly longer track record. Buy the Gionee Max Pro if you're seeking the absolute lowest price for a functional smartphone with the same core performance as the P15, and are comfortable with a potentially newer model in Gionee's lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Unisoc SC9863A is capable of running basic applications like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between multiple apps or when using resource-intensive features within these apps. It's designed for light to moderate usage, not heavy multitasking.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
While PUBG Mobile may be technically playable on these devices, the experience will likely be poor. The Unisoc SC9863A's GPU is not powerful enough to run the game at high settings. Expect very low frame rates, even on the lowest graphical settings, and significant lag. It's not recommended for serious gaming.
❓ What type of storage do these phones use, and is it expandable?
Storage type (eMMC vs. UFS) and capacity are unspecified. Given the price point, eMMC storage is most likely. Expandability via microSD card is also unknown, but highly probable to accommodate user needs for additional storage.
