Gigabyte

Gigabyte GSmart Sierra S1: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Mediatek MT6589
PowerVR SGX544
1 GB / 4 GB
5 inch (720 x 1280 px)
13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus

Gigabyte announced the launch of the GSmart Sierra S1 smartphone in 2013. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch IPS display, Mediatek MT6589 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system. The IPS display of this phone has wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction and better contrast and black levels. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Let's explore what sets this device apart.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Gigabyte GSmart Sierra S1 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

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Gigabyte GSmart Sierra S1 specifications

BrandGigabyte
NameGSmart Sierra S1
ModelSIERRAS1
Release date2013

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.93 oz
Dimensions5.73 x 2.85 x 0.35 inch
Colorsblack, white
SIM typeMini SIM

The weight of the Gigabyte GSmart Sierra S1 is still considered to be lightweight and portable.

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System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean)
SoCMediatek MT6589
CPUQuad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUPowerVR SGX544

The Gigabyte GSmart Sierra S1 comes with Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Many consider PowerVR GPUs to highly compete with other leading mobile GPUs.

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Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

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Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage4 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the GSmart Sierra S1 (4 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

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Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera2 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The GSmart Sierra S1 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

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Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv3.0
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Compared to modern 4G and 5G networks, 3G networks are much slower. This Gigabyte phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your GSmart Sierra S1 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

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Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 2000 mAh

The Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

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Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The GSmart Sierra S1 smartphone has an accelerometer. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Gigabyte phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 4G support
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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