The Micromax In Note 1 and Gionee Max represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The In Note 1, launched with a focus on gaming performance, clashes with the Gionee Max, a device aiming for basic functionality at an extremely low price point. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Micromax In Note 1 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Gionee Max’s Unisoc SC9863A, making it suitable for more demanding tasks and offering a smoother user experience. While the Gionee Max is cheaper, the performance compromise is substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 24 | 2020, August 25. Released 2020, August 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 148 x 70.9 x 10.8 mm (5.83 x 2.79 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@24fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White | Black, Red, Royal Blue |
| Models | E7746 | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | 0.41 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
Micromax In note 1
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset potentially leading to better battery life
- Faster 18W charging
- May be slightly more expensive than the Gionee Max
- Limited camera details available
Gionee Max
- Extremely affordable price point
- Basic functionality for essential communication
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow processor resulting in laggy performance
- Less efficient chipset potentially leading to shorter battery life
- Likely slower charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are missing for both, but the focus here is on the underlying performance difference. The display quality is likely similar, being budget-oriented, but the chipset will dictate how smoothly content renders on either screen.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. However, given the price points, expectations should be tempered. The absence of information regarding sensor size and image processing suggests neither phone will excel in photography. The focus should be on basic image capture for social media, rather than high-quality photography. Any differences in image quality will likely be minimal and dependent on software optimization, which is difficult to predict.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Micromax In Note 1’s Mediatek Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – octa-core with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Gionee Max’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The SC9863A’s CPU, with 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, is demonstrably slower. The 12nm process of the Helio G85 also offers better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. This translates to a much smoother experience for gaming and multitasking on the In Note 1.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Micromax In Note 1’s 18W wired charging (and 2.5W reverse wired) provides a clear advantage over the Gionee Max, which likely offers a slower charging solution. The more efficient Helio G85 chipset may also contribute to better overall battery life, even if the battery capacities are similar. The 18W charging will allow for quicker top-ups, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax In Note 1 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and everyday apps without significant lag. It’s ideal for students, casual gamers, and users who want a phone that won’t feel outdated quickly. Buy the Gionee Max if your primary needs are basic communication – calls and texts – and you prioritize absolute minimum cost above all else. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax In Note 1 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G85 chipset in the Micromax In Note 1 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings. While it won't deliver a flagship-level experience, it provides a playable experience, unlike the Gionee Max which would likely struggle significantly.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Gionee Max sufficient for basic social media and web browsing?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is adequate for basic tasks like social media browsing, checking emails, and light web browsing. However, expect noticeable lag when opening multiple apps or navigating demanding websites. It's best suited for users with minimal smartphone requirements.
❓ Does the Micromax In Note 1 support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Micromax In Note 1 supports 18W wired charging. While a precise 0-100% charge time isn't available, it should be significantly faster than the Gionee Max, likely taking around 2-3 hours for a full charge depending on the charger used.
