Gionee Marathon M3

Display Size: 5 Inch  IPS LCD, 1280 X 720p HD resolution,  295 PPIProcessor: 1.3 GHz Quad Core MT6582RAM: 1 GBSoftware Version: Android 4.4.2 KitKat based Amigo UICamera: 8 MP, Can record 1080p Full HD videosSecondary Camera: 2 MP, can record 720p VideosInternal Storage:  8 GBExternal Storage: 128 GB using MicroSD cardBattery: 5000 mAh (Not Removable)Connectivity:  HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS,  Micro USB 2.0, USB OTG

Gionee M3 Hands on Review, Camera, Benchmark, Features, Price and Overview HD [Video]

Design, Build and Display

Gionee Marathon M3 is a well built device. The matte finish back is mostly flat but curves towards the edges. The 5000 mAh battery adds some heft to the smartphone, but it doesn’t feel too heavy. The weight is well balanced and Marathon M3 won’t be uncomfortable for day to day usage. It’s not a thin phone from any angle.

Both volume rocker and power key are plastic buttons on the right side with decent feedback. Edges have chrome finishing. Micro USB port is present at the bottom and 3.5 MM audio jack is present on the top. Secondary mic for noise cancelation is present next to camera module on the rear side.

The 5 inch IPS LCD OGS display with 720p HD resolution is a good quality panel. Viewing angles, brightness and colors are very good. The software keys lined below the display are not backlit.

Processor and RAM

Gionee Marathon M3 is powered by 1.3 GHz quad core MT6582 chipset, backed by 1 GB RAM. The SoC is same which we have seen in Android One phones and numerous others over last year. Out of 1 GB only 152 GB RAM was free which can be a problem. After using the pre-installed RAM cleaner, more than 400 MB was free, which is decent enough. UI lag was very noticeable and this could get even worse over a period of usage.

Camera and Internal Storage

Both 8 MP rear camera and 2 MP front camera are average performers. Camera app is rich in features and the low light shots we clicked initially weren’t rich in details. We didn’t observer any shutter lag and the colors rendered were also good.

Internal storage is 8 GB out of which around 5 GB is available for users. Gionee claims that USB OTG is supported, although we didn’t test this in our initial testing. There is option for up to 128 GB MicroSD expansion.

User Interface and Battery

User interface is customized Android 4.4.2 kitkat. It is different from Amigo UI which we conventionally see on Gionee smartphones. There is an App drawer and several pre loaded apps on the device. The quick settings menu has many toggles including a RAM cleaner. Battery saver mode is also present.

Battery capacity is massive 5000 mAh. This is the most we have come across in a tablet and based on a trusted consumer feedback, this will last for more than 1.5 days on moderate to heavy usage. Although the back cover is removable, the battery is sealed using a metallic plate.

Conclusion

Gionee Marathon M3 in no way feels like a cheap device. The build quality, display and battery backup are all good, but at the same time, the rear camera quality and performance left us wanting for more. If you are a basic user prioritizing battery life over everything else, the handset is worth considering for around 12,000 INR.