Gionee

Gionee Steel 5: Pros and Cons

Android OS v9.0 (Pie)
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762
PowerVR GE8320
4 GB / 64 GB
0.22 inch (720 x 1280 px)
12 + 2 MP, 4032 x 3096 px, autofocus

Gionee announced the launch of the Steel 5 smartphone in 2020. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 0.22 inch IPS display, Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The Steel 5 series was launched with Android OS v9.0 (Pie) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 0.22 inch phone comes with a high resolution IPS display (720 x 1280 px). The Steel 5 has a multi-camera setup. The lens offers versatility. It lets you capture a wide range of subjects and scenes from different perspectives. Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Gionee Steel 5 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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Gionee Steel 5 specifications

BrandGionee
NameSteel 5
ModelSTEEL5
Release date2020

Weight, dimensions, colors

Dimensions6.29 x 2.99 x 0.39 inch
Colorsblack
SIM typeNano SIM

Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v9.0 (Pie)
SoCMediatek Helio P22 MT6762
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUPowerVR GE8320

The Gionee Steel 5 comes with Android OS v9.0 (Pie) out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. PowerVR GPUs have a reputation for being power-efficient and delivering strong performance.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size0.22 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 0.22 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The Gionee Steel 5 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. You can expand the internal storage (64 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 + 2 MP, 4032 x 3096 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera13 MP

Using multiple cameras has advantages. They provide more versatility and creative possibilities. They let you capture a wider range of subjects. The main camera of Steel 5 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Steel 5 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. 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.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of Steel 5 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM, Fast charging

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The Steel 5 phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. The fast charging technology comes in handy when you need quick juice on your device.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Gionee 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

  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • multicamera setup
  • good battery
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
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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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