Display:540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density)
Camera:8 MP, AF
Battery:
Released:Released 2013, April
The GSmart Maya M1: A Blast from the Past
The year 2013 may seem like a distant memory, but for Gigabyte's smartphone line, it marked an important milestone – the release of the GSmart Maya M1. While the device may be considered outdated now, it was a game-changer back then, boasting decent specs and a dual-SIM feature. Let's take a closer look at this retro gem and what made it stand out in its time.
A Smart Choice from Gigabyte
Gigabyte may not be a popular name in the smartphone market, but the GSmart Maya M1 proved to be a worthy contender against more established brands. Released in April 2013, this device ran on Google's Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, which was a major selling point at the time.
With dimensions of 136 x 67 x 9.7 mm and weighing just 150.5g, the GSmart Maya M1 was a slim and lightweight phone that could easily fit in your pocket. Its IPS LCD display may seem small by today's standards, measuring at 4.5 inches, but back then, it offered an immersive viewing experience with its 540 x 960-pixel resolution.
A Solid Performer
Under the hood, the GSmart Maya M1 was powered by a MediaTek MT6577 chipset and a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, making it a decent performer for its time. It also had a dedicated microSDHC slot for expandable storage, as well as 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage.
The device's main camera featured an 8 MP lens with autofocus and dual-LED flash, while the front-facing camera had a 2 MP lens. Although these may seem modest now, they were considered impressive specs in 2013. The main camera could also record videos at 480p@30fps, while the front camera was capable of taking selfies.
A Versatile Network and Connectivity
The GSmart Maya M1 offered versatile network options, with GSM and HSPA technologies supported. It had 2G bands of GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, making it compatible in most parts of the world, and 3G bands for HSDPA, providing faster data speeds.
For connectivity, the device had Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and could be used as a hotspot. Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, and an FM radio were also included. However, there was no NFC support and the device only had microUSB 2.0, limiting its compatibility with newer devices.
The End of an Era
Unfortunately, the GSmart Maya M1's reign didn't last long, with its discontinuation just a few months after its release. Its Li-Ion 1700 mAh removable battery could provide up to 300 hours of stand-by time and 4 hours of talk time. The device was available in three colors: Brown, Brown/White, and Brown/Red, with a price tag of around 220 EUR, making it an affordable option for its time.
While it may not have made a lasting impact in the smartphone market, the GSmart Maya M1 still deserves recognition for being a decent device in its era. Its legacy may live on in the hearts of those who owned and loved this unique piece from Gigabyte.