Gionee S6s Review: A good camera smartphone with an overwhelming price tag

≡ MENU

Gionee S6s Review: A good camera smartphone with an overwhelming price tag

HomeAnalysisGionee S6s Review: A good camera smartphone with an overwhelming price tag

Reported by Zara Ali  Analysis, Mobiles & Tablets, News,Review  Posted: September 18, 2016 at 10:27 am 2

Gionee S6s is a latest “selfie-centric” smartphone by the Chinese manufacturer. The device was launched a month ago featuring an 8MP selfie camera with LED flash, which is being marketed as its USP. Before the S6s, Gionee has been keeping a low profile with Marathon series as its front-runner. To cash on the growing craze for selfies, Gionee launched the S6s, and we got a chance to review the device.

Specifications

The Gionee S6s features a 5.5-inch Full HD in-cell display with 2.5D curved edge glass and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is powered by a 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6753 octa-core chipset coupled with 3GB of RAM. The S6s bears 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 128GB via microSD card. It sports a 13-megapixel IMX258 rear camera with PDAF and f/2.0 aperture. There is an 8-megapixel selfie camera onboard with ‘selfie flash’ (something that Gionee has come up with and is also getting it trademark for future references), f/2.2 aperture and 5P lens. A 3,300mAh battery backs the device. The camera app is full of features making it a camera-focused device.

It runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow-based Amigo 3.2 UI. The smartphone comes packed with a variety of pre-loaded apps such as the UC Browser, TrueCaller, WhatsApp, Danger Dash, and much more. Regarding connectivity, it supports Hybrid dual-SIM, 4G LTE with VoLTE (LTE (FDD) Band 3/Band 5, LTE (TDD) Band 40), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and MicroUSB 2.0 port. It will be up for sale in Gold, Rose Gold, and Silver color options. A 3,150mAh battery backs it.

Gionee S6s Specifications at a glance:

5.5-inch Full HD in-cell display with 2.5D curved edge glass and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels1.3GHz MediaTek MT6753 octa-core chipset coupled with 3GB of RAM32GB internal storage, expandable up to 128GB via microSD cardAndroid 6.0 Marshmallow-based Amigo 3.2 UI13MP rear camera with LED flash and 8MP selfie camera with selfie flashHybrid dual-SIM, 4G LTE, VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS3,150mAh battery

Product Shots

 

 

So, what’s good in the Gionee S6s?

We used the device for a couple of months. The camera functions are good, and we were impressed by its selfie clicking abilities. It has got a LED front-flash, which ensures that you get bright selfies every time. More than the front camera, we liked its outdoor image quality of its rear camera (as you can see in the pictures below). Regarding design, we think that it has got an uncanny resemblance with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3. But it does look good with a slim body that fits the bill. Thankfully, Gionee bundles the device with a transparent plastic cover, which saved the day so many times during our usage. The smooth back is good to hold, but it is a hell lot of slippery. So, if you buy this device, we would like to advise you to use it with cover.

The performance of the Gionee S6s is pretty decent, and we did not face any issues. However, we do think that at a price tag of 17k, the 1.3GHz is not a good deal. The battery backup is of 12 hours, which you can extend by a couple of hours through the power saving mode.

Camera Samples

Here are a few rear camera shots clicked from the Gionee S6s:

 

 

What’s not good?

Throughout the duration of our usage, we came across the delay in camera app whenever we switched to the video. Also, some of the features or modes given in the camera have no real benefit. The Amigo UI is not very efficient, the lack of app drawer is felt now and then. Particularly for Android users, the lack of app drawer could be frustrating.

We also tried to play some top end games on the Gionee S6s, but were disappointed by stuttering graphics and heating issues. Given its underwhelming performance specs, we couldn’t ask for more. We think that Gionee should have focused on the performance of the device instead of just focusing on the camera. Also, Amigo UI needs a lot of tweaks to make it likable.

What’s our take?

If asked about camera performance, we like the Gionee S6s, but its mediocre performance in other segments does not seem justifiable for the 17k price tag. So, for anyone who just wants a good camera smartphone without caring about other features, can go for the Gionee S6s.