Gigabyte GSmart S1205 Disadvantages

Introduction

Dual-SIM smartphones are hard to get by. The Gigabyte GSmart S1205 is a fresh addition to that scarce product line, but doesn’t take its unique selling point as a license to empty your wallet. A well built phone, the GSmart is sturdy as a work horse – and probably as good looking. But that’s not the point – at this price you won’t look it in the mouth. It’s a straight deal: a dual SIM PocketPC within budget. The home-brewed Smart Pack user interface on top of the Windows Mobile 6.5 is the only bonus feature.

Gigabyte GSmart S1205 official photos
The GSmart S1205 hits the market a few months before the release of the new Windows Phone 7 OS and must fight among a slew of Android handsets. But it has one powerful weapon – dual-SIM dual standby support. We are sure there are many people out there who have to lug around both their home and work phones and would welcome a one-device solution. Their choice has always been limited and Gigabyte are pleased to offer a solution. The GSmart S1205 seems to have a whole niche all to itself. Let’s look at how it’s gonna handle it.

Key features

• 3.2" 65K-color resistive touchscreen at WQVGA resolution
• Dual-SIM dual standby quad-band GSM/EDGE support
• Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional OS with Smart Pack UI
• MediaTek MT6516 416MHz CPU
• 128MB RAM, 256MB ROM
• 3 megapixel fixed-focus camera and VGA@30fps video
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• FM radio with RDS
• Stereo Bluetooth 2.1, standard microUSB port
• GPS receiver
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Office document viewer and editor
• Good audio quality

Main disadvantages

• Low-end display resolution
• Poor sunlight legibility
• Smudge-prone screen surface
• No 3G connectivity
• No Back button
• Task manager buried deep in the Settings menu

The lack of 3G support is perhaps the most important drawback. Still, there is EDGE to cover data connections and Wi-Fi for heavy use, which should be enough for most. The three megapixel fixed-focus camera is perhaps more of a disadvantage rather than a key feature. But dual-SIM smartphone shoppers are not quite likely to care about imaging anyway.