Last December, Gigaset announced the GX4, which was supposed to follow in the footsteps of the old GX290 (Plus) model. The orientation as an outdoor smartphone remains the same: The Gigaset GX4 meets the requirements of MIL-STD-810H as well as IP68 and should thus be able to withstand environmental influences.
Changes have been made to the hardware, which has largely been dropped. The display resolution of 1560 x 720 remains the same, but the new model is supposed to offer a new design, a better camera and a faster SoC. In addition, there is now an LED bezel on the back, a freely programmable additional button, and finally the option to replace the wirelessly chargeable battery in this model as well.
Gigaset charges an MSRP of 349 Euros for this revamped package, which is already somewhat undercut in the meantime. Currently, the smartphone can be purchased for € 319.39 *; at the time of testing, 337 Euros were demanded. Whether the smartphone is a recommendation for this price, and whether it proves to be a worthy successor to the GX290 (Plus) in our opinion, we clarify in the following test.
Specifications
| Operating system: | Android 12 |
| Display: | 1560 x 720 pixels, 6.1″, 550 cd/m², Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Camera (rear): | Main camera: 48 MP F1.79 / F2.2 Wide angle / macro: 8 MP F2.2 / F224 Video: 2560 x 1440 |
| Camera (front): | 16 MP F2.0 |
| Interfaces: | USB-C 2.0, 3.5mm jack, WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, 4G |
| Sensors: | Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, light sensor, compass, barometer, fingerprint sensor (power button) |
| Notification LED: | Existing (+ LED ring on back) |
| SoC: | Mediatek Helio G99 |
| CPU: | 2x 2.20 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6x 2.00 GHz Cortex-A55, 6 nm |
| GPU: | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| RAM: | 4 GB |
| Memory: | 64 GB |
| Battery: | 5,000 mAh (charging at 30 W), wireless charging (15 W), removable |
| Dimensions: | 160.9 x 80 x 12.2 mm |
| Certification: | MIL-STD-810H & IP68 (According to Gigaset: Drop-proof up to 1.2m height, 30 minutes allowed in 1.5m water depth) |
| Weight: | 270 g |
| Inserts: | 2x nano-SIM + 1x microSD |
| Variants: | Black, Petrol |
| Price: | 349 €, current: € 319.39 * |
Gigaset GX4: scope of delivery & setup
- Smartphone and back cover separately
- Holding strap included
- No SIM pin required
Gigaset remains true to previous principles when it comes to the scope of delivery. As in previous tests, the GX4 also relies on a colorfully printed packaging. This is kept in orange and white and emphasizes the final production in Germany. It contains the smartphone and the scope of delivery.
The former is delivered in three parts: The smartphone itself, the battery and the back. Accessories include a booklet with the usual operating and warranty instructions, a 1.0-meter USB-C charging cable and a wrist strap. On the other hand, a SIM pin is not included, and it is not even necessary. Instead, the cards are simply inserted under the open back.
This is also the first step when setting up the Gigaset GX4 itself. Two SIM cards and a microSD card can be inserted at the back, followed by the battery. Finally, the back cover itself is put on, which snaps into place in several places and seals the interior tightly. Finally, you can thread in the strap and finally start with the Android setup. This runs as usual, so the Gigaset GX4 was ready to go after a few minutes in our test.
Gigaset GX4: Design & Workmanship
- Stable construction
- LED ring on the back
- Damage minimization in focus
- Useful auxiliary button
The outdoor orientation clearly rubs off on the design of the GX4. As in the predecessor, strips of metal are placed on both sides in a casing made of durable TPU, which has also been provided with ribbing. There are also protrusions on the display’s edge and on the back. This requires quite a large distance to the display so that it cannot be noticed during use. At the same time, however, this prevents the display’s cover glass from coming into contact with the ground in case of a drop. The camera is also protected even better since it is embedded even deeper.
The smartphone relies on the usual layout of the controls: Ports and speakers at the bottom, camera at the top and buttons on the side. A third button next to the power button and volume rocker is conspicuous: There is a button on the left that can be freely assigned.
Compared to the predecessor, there is also a change in the ports: the USB-C and jack sockets are no longer covered by a rubber tab. This makes the smartphone much more practical, but there is now a risk that dirt could get into the ports. Gigaset could have supplied individual plugs as a middle ground here.
A clear advantage is the holder for the strap at the bottom right. The added battery replacement option is also praiseworthy. Gigaset’s entire portfolio now offers this feature, which is particularly impressive for the waterproof outdoor devices. The back is a bit tight, but it can be easily lifted out and removed with a fingernail. A tool-free battery replacement is thus possible without any problems, and replacement batteries are available directly from the manufacturer. The corresponding model costs 35 Euros there.
Finally, the build quality remains, and there is nothing to criticize about the smartphone here. It is big and heavy due to the outdoor orientation, but there are no visual or haptic flaws. The smartphone also gives the impression that it can survive many a drop. We can also confirm the impermeability, because the GX4 passed our submersion test without any problems.
Software of the outdoor smartphone
- Android 12
- Update on the horizon
- No bloatware
As noted in previous reviews, Gigaset also ships the GX4 with a largely unchanged Android. The older Android version 12 is used, but Gigaset still wants to deliver Android 13 and Android 14 later. Experience shows that this takes some time for the company, but older models, such as the Gigaset GS5, were also supplied.
The use of an untouched Android is praiseworthy in any case. After all, it saves removing the usual bloatware, and no memory is taken up by superfluous manufacturer apps. Thus, 51 GB are available for free use in the GX4 ex-factory, which can of course be optionally expanded via microSD card. The standard interface is also pleasant to use in our eyes. Overall, there is absolutely nothing to criticize about the software – with the exception of starting with an older version.
Special features: Additional key & LED ring
- LED ring as a nice gimmick
- Auxiliary key can be very useful
One thing is noticeable about the software, however, because two options stand out compared to the standard Android: In the settings, the additional button and the LED ring on the back can be customized. You can choose whether you do not want to use the LED ring as a message LED or as a support for the flashlight. Both is not possible at the same time. However, the flashlight amplification is not very useful anyway due to the comparatively dark LEDs in the ring. Whether the LED ring is useful as a signal light is up to the individual user. In any case, the ring causes a stir, especially since Gigaset has managed a good, homogeneous illumination.
As a second special feature, the smartphone also offers the previously mentioned additional key on the left side. This can be assigned for three operating options in the settings: Single click, double click and hold. A few options are available in each case: App launch, flashlight, sound recording, screenshot and the Android emergency call function.
The extent to which it makes sense to assign the additional key depends on the user’s individual behavior. At least the quick assignment of a flashlight seems quite useful to us, for example, if you have a use on the construction site in mind. The quick switch between two or three frequently used apps can also be quite convenient. Due to the button’s positioning, however, this only comes into question when you hold the smartphone with two hands.
Gigaset GX4: performance & battery life
- Solid performance on the expected level
- Decent battery life
Inside, Gigaset’s GX4 relies on the Mediatek MT6789 Helio G99. The two installed A76 and the six A55 cores as well as the GPU reliably deliver the expected performance, which does not drop even in long-term benchmarks. Thus, the smartphone provides exactly the targeted performance level that is sufficient for all common multimedia applications without problems. The interface always responded quickly and without problems in the practical test.
The battery runtime also deserves positive mention. In our test, the Gigaset GX4 managed 10:30 hours in PCMark Battery Test with maximum screen brightness, which is enough for a normal day. It is also 14:30 hours at about half brightness, and the smartphone even manages 21:31 hours at minimum illumination. Users who do not use the smartphone excessively or have to manage without a charging cable for a long time can use the battery-saving charging limit without losing comfort. Of course, the optional wireless charging is also worthwhile. This is still not nearly offered by all smartphones – and the option to change the battery is even rarer.
| Benchmark | Result (points / percent) |
| Geekbench 6 Singlecore | 720 |
| Geekbench 6 Multicore | 1,896 |
| Geekbench 6 OpenCL | 1,344 |
| Geekbench 6 Vulkan | 1,339 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 8,897 |
| PCMark Storage 2.0 | 21,397 |
| 3DMark Wild Life | 1,350 |
| 3DMark Wild Life (Stability) | 99% |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 375 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme (Stability) | 98.9% |
Gigaset GX4: Display & Multimedia
- Average sound
- Moderate display resolution
- Quick unlocking
In addition to performance, the practical & multimedia department is of course also important. At least on paper, it initially looks like there is standstill in this regard: The display’s technical specs correspond to those of the predecessor, and the camera is reminiscent of that of the GS5.
Gigaset talks about 1560 x 720 pixels with a maximum brightness of 550 cd/m² for the display. The resolution looks low compared to many modern models; 1080 pixels in width are actually common here. Of course, more would actually be better, but even so, the Gigaset is sharp enough for the usual fields of application. The color reproduction also looks solid, and the brightness makes the smartphone at least largely suitable for outdoor use. Midsummer days in blazing sunlight become a problem, but at least in the current season – in the snow in sunlight – the smartphone can be read well. In short: The display is not really a strength, but not a serious drawback either.
Gigaset’s GX4 simply delivered the expected sound in our test: The microphone is sufficient for problem-free, pleasant communication, and the built-in DAC operates the jack without any fuss. As with most smartphones, only the speaker has room for improvement – music enjoyment is different. However, it is sufficient for calls or not too demanding music enjoyment.
Finally, the unlocking options are simply as expected. Both the fingerprint sensor in the power button and the face unlock work quickly and with the usual reliability. There is nothing to complain about here.
Improved camera
- Tidy app
- Identical hardware as on the GS4
- Despite this, some noticeably better results
When it comes to the camera, Gigaset itself refers to the GS5’s system, which has supposedly been optimized. Surprisingly, this is apparently not just marketing twaddle, but a fact. In particular, the rear camera of the Gigaset GX4 delivers more coherently colored and also sharper pictures than the GS5 in our eyes. Compared to the predecessor, the GX290 (Plus), the leap is thus more than clear. The GX4 cannot keep up with smartphones in the price range that are designed for the camera, but the main camera is certainly suitable for practical use. However, image stabilization would have been nice for video recordings.
The wide-angle camera has to accept a slight drop in quality, but it offers a well-implemented macro mode. There is also room for improvement in the front-facing camera. It offers coherent colors, but is not too detailed when zoomed in.
Overall, the Gigaset GX4 is suitable for all users who do not focus too much on their social media content. We particularly like the uncluttered camera app, which offers some useful functions in a tidy layout.
Conclusion
With the GX4, Gigaset has finally introduced a successor to the GX290 (Plus), and the new model has done well in our eyes. The former weak points, i.e. performance and camera, have clearly improved, so the smartphone is now up to date. In addition, old strengths like the battery life, wireless charging, and stable construction are maintained – and there is now even another unique selling point in the form of the replaceable battery.
The LED signal ring on the back advertised by Gigaset is more of a gimmick in our eyes, but the freely assignable additional key and the holder for a wrist strap offer real added value. Gigaset will probably also have business customers in mind who have already used the predecessor.
The GX4 is an all-around improved successor, but there are of course some points to consider compared to the general smartphone market. For example, the outdoor design results in high dimensions and a high weight. A slightly higher display resolution and 128 GB instead of 64 GB storage would have been nice extras. However, neither is absolutely necessary for a purchase recommendation.
After all, the combination that the GX4 offers is largely unique. Outdoor smartphones are rare enough in themselves. If one of the additional features is important – such as the removable battery or the additional button – it is hard to avoid the GX4. In short: The smartphone fits perfectly into its niche. If you find yourself in this niche, you can grab it without any problems. However, if the technical specifications are more demanding, the more expensive Gigaset GX6 might be worth a look.
Gigaset GX4
Workmanship
Hardware
Multimedia
Performance
Battery
Value for money
88/100
Successful outdoor smartphone with useful extensions.
