Editor's Rating
A solid build, bright screen and swivelling camera make the Gionee Elife E7 mini an interesting midrange device. The dated OS -- Jelly Bean -- is a big limitation, however. Perhaps with a software and price update, the E7 mini can still compete well against newer devices out in Gionee's target Asian and European markets.
Software and user interface
As earlier mentioned, the Elife E7 mini is powered by Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean customized with Amigo UI. This means users don’t have access to the new Android Runtime (ART), SMS app database sharing, material design and other new features that come with KitKat and Lollipop.
Amigo UI’s Navi Launcher ships by default, and the home interface is similar to Xiaomi’s MIUI. There is no separate app drawer, although users can group apps by folder. This means limited use of widgets, however. This device being an Android phone, users will inevitably slap on their own launchers. Yes, Google’s own launcher is an option, which enables the use of Google Now and its “Okay Google” interface.
In terms of security, this implementation of Android is quite strict when it comes to giving permissions. In fact, I think it’s too aggressive, as it requires the user to confirm permissions every time you update an app.
I like how Gionee has incorporated smart gestures into Android. This includes double-tap to wake, flip to mute and shape-based gestures. You can also set the device to launch the default camera app when the camera is swivelled.
Image quality from the camera is predictable for a device this class. It’s not top-notch, although it’s acceptable for a smartphone. A big advantage is that you use the same 13-megapixel autofocus camera for front-facing photos and videos, which is excellent for selfie lovers. However, I wonder why you could not use the LED flash when the camera is facing front.
Performance
While benchmark tests on smartphones do not really reflect real-world performance, these serve as a gauge in terms of the device’s potential relative to other smartphones with similar specs. The Elife E7 mini got a 32,442 score on AnTuTu, which sets it smack at the center of midrange territory. UI-wise, the device sometimes stutters with animations and has delays in opening apps. Perhaps it’s one of the manifestations of Jelly Bean’s disadvantages, in terms of resource utilization.
Screen quality is excellent, with good readability even in sunlight. The fact that the device has a relatively smaller size than most flagships (4.7 inch screen vs. 5 inches) means it has a bigger pixel density compared with larger devices with the same screen resolution.
I have no complaints in terms of call and audio quality, as well as battery life. The Elife E7 mini ships with a “quick power saving” mode, which reduces maximum CPU capacity in order to extend battery life. The phone does manifest some interface and animation lags, although I think it’s an issue with the OS, and not the device itself.
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Verdict
The Gionee Elife E7 mini currently retails for about $250 unlocked, and is still a top midrange seller for the brand in its main markets in Asia, such as India, Vietnam and the Philippines. The device is a decent performer, although Android Jelly Bean is starting to show its age. Gionee is set to launch its next flagship series at MWC, but with a price drop and Android update, the E7 mini might still be a good contender in the midrange market, especially with its interesting camera configuration.
