Introduction
Gionee, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer, introduced the Elife S5.1 in 2014, capturing attention with its ultra-slim design. At just 5.1mm thick, it was among the slimmest smartphones globally at its release. Targeted at users who prioritize aesthetics without compromising functionality, the Elife S5.1 offers a blend of style and performance suitable for fashion-conscious individuals and tech enthusiasts alike.
Design & Display
The Gionee Elife S5.1 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a metal frame sandwiched between two layers of Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing both durability and a premium feel. Its slim profile and lightweight build (97.7 grams) ensure a comfortable grip and effortless portability.
Display Specifications:
- Size: 4.8 inches
- Resolution: HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
- Technology: Super AMOLED
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
The Super AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts, enhancing the visual experience for activities like browsing, gaming, and media consumption.
Performance & Hardware
Under the hood, the Elife S5.1 is powered by the MediaTek MT6592 chipset, featuring an octa-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and Mali-450 MP GPU. Paired with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage (non-expandable), it handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and standard applications efficiently. However, the limited RAM may affect multitasking capabilities and performance with resource-intensive applications.
Hardware Specifications:
- Processor: MediaTek MT6592, Octa-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A7
- GPU: Mali-450 MP
- RAM: 1GB
- Internal Storage: 16GB (non-expandable)
In real-world usage, the device manages standard applications smoothly but may struggle with high-end gaming or extensive multitasking due to its hardware limitations.
Camera & Photography Capabilities
The Elife S5.1 features an 8MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing decent images in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is average, with some noise and reduced detail. The camera supports Full HD 1080p video recording at 30fps.
Camera Specifications:
- Rear Camera: 8MP, autofocus, LED flash
- Front Camera: 5MP
- Video Recording: 1080p@30fps
The 5MP front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls, offering satisfactory performance for social media sharing.
Battery & Charging
Equipped with a 2,050mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, the Elife S5.1 provides moderate usage time. Users can expect a full day of operation under typical usage, including calls, messaging, and light app usage. However, extensive gaming or video streaming may necessitate mid-day charging. The device lacks fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
Software & Special Features
The Elife S5.1 runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, overlaid with Gionee’s Amigo OS 2.0. The custom interface offers various themes and customization options but may not be as intuitive as stock Android. Notably, the device does not support LTE connectivity, limiting data speeds compared to more modern smartphones.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-Slim Design: At 5.1mm, it’s one of the thinnest smartphones available.
- Premium Build Quality: Metal and glass construction exudes elegance.
- Vibrant Display: Super AMOLED screen offers rich colors and sharp visuals.
Cons:
- Limited Storage: 16GB internal storage without expansion options.
- Modest Performance: 1GB RAM may hinder multitasking and high-end gaming.
- Outdated Software: Runs on Android KitKat with no official updates.
Competitor Comparison
When compared to contemporaries like the Samsung Galaxy Alpha and Sony Xperia Z3 Compact, the Elife S5.1 stands out for its ultra-slim design but falls short in areas like performance and camera capabilities.
| Feature | Gionee Elife S5.1 | Samsung Galaxy Alpha | Sony Xperia Z3 Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 5.1mm | 6.7mm | 8.6mm |
| Display | 4.8″ Super AMOLED | 4.7″ Super AMOLED | 4.6″ IPS LCD |
| Processor | MT6592 Octa-core | Exynos 5430 Octa-core | Snapdragon 801 Quad-core |
| RAM | 1GB | 2GB | 2GB |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 12MP | 20.7MP |
| Battery | 2,050mAh | 1,860mAh | 2,600mAh |
| Storage Expansion | No | No | Yes |
Conclusion & Buying Recommendation
The Gionee Elife S5.1 is a compelling choice for users seeking an ultra-slim, stylish smartphone for everyday tasks and moderate media consumption. Its design and display are commendable, but potential buyers should consider the limitations in performance, storage, and software support.
Who Should Buy It:
- Individuals valuing
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