Display and Processor
The Gionee Elife S5.1 boasts of a 4.8 inch Super AMOLED display with a HD screen resolution of 1280×720 pixels and a pixel density of 306 pixels per inch. On the other hand, its predecessor houses a 5 inch Full HD Super AMOLED display with 1920×1080 pixels and 441 ppi pixel density. Both the displays are protected using Corning Gorilla Glass 3 coating to withstand daily wear and tear. Nevertheless, the Elife S5.5 is the best offering out there in terms of display quality as it is bigger and better with increased resolution. On the hardware front, both the smartphones are stuffed with a true octa-core MediaTek MT6592 chipset that is clocked at 1.7 GHz that is known for its excellent octa-core capabilities. However, the RAM capacity on the latest offering is downgraded to 1 GB from the 2 GB capacity in its predecessor. This would definitely lower the multi-tasking capabilities of the Elife S5.1, but it is acceptable as it comes with mid-range specs. What remains unclear is if the sequel to the Gionee Elife S5.5 will also suffer due to heating issues caused by its slim design and metallic build.
Camera and Internal Storage
To handle the imaging requirements of users, Gionee Elife S5.1 uses an 8 MP rear camera sensor coupled with LED flash for enhanced low light performance and supports FHD 1080p video recording. The Elife S5.5, on the other hand, impresses us with a 13 MP primary shooter with LED flash. There is a 5 MP front facer as well on both the smartphones that can take charge of clicking selfies and making video calls. Furthermore, there are features such as Charm Camera, Face Detection, Panorama, Burst Shot, Gesture Shot and others. Both the smartphones score the same in the storage department as they come packed with 16 GB of native storage capacity. However, their thin profiles have made them compromise on a micro SD card slot for expandable storage. However, the inclusion of USB OTG support should be of some help.
Battery and Features
Energizing the Elife S5.1 is a 2,050 mAh battery that is rated to last up to 10 hours of talk time. On the other hand, the Elife S5.5’s 2,300 mAh battery is claimed to pump in up to 11 hours of talk time. Both the smartphones are based on Android 4.4 KitKat operating system topped with Amigo 2.0 UI. In terms of connectivity, they are packed with aspects such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G and USB OTG.
Key Specs
Price and Conclusion
Pricing wise, while the Gionee Elife S5.5 was launched for Rs 22,999, the pricing of its successor is yet to be revealed. It is expected that the device will be priced in the sub Rs 20,000 range as it comes with slightly downgraded specifications than its successor. While, the Elife S5.5 packs advanced specs such as a striking FHD display, relative higher rear snapper resolution, larger RAM and a marginally better battery, the Gionee Elife S5.1 carries the credits for measuring too thin at 5.1 mm. But, to enjoy using the thin smartphone, you need to be ready for compromises as well.
