The manufacturer Gigaset launched its new top smartphone model, the GX6, in September 2022. It scores with a robust design including IP68 certification, high-quality features, and a replaceable battery. Our Gigaset GX6 review clarifies whether it lives up to the comparatively high price of 579.00 Euros.
Technical data
| Model name | GX6 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 900 5G |
| CPU | 2 x 2.40 GHz Arm Cortex-A78 6 x 2.00 GHz Arm Cortex-A55 |
| Operating System | Android 12 |
| Display |
|
| Camera |
|
| Memory | 6 GB RAM; 128 GB UFS 2.1 flash memory |
| Network | Two SIM card slots (nano-SIM) and 5G |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.0, GPS, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), NFC, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Dimensions and Weight | 170.7 x 82.2 x 11.9 mm (H x W x D); Weight: 278g |
| Battery Capacity | 5,000 mAh (replaceable) with maximum charging power of 30 watts (wireless up to 15 watts) |
| Colors | Titanium Grey, Titanium Black |
| Prices | € 562.00 * |
Gigaset GX6 review: the scope of delivery
The Gigaset GX6 trundles into our editorial office in an inconspicuous, small cardboard box for the test. First plus point: Apart from the protective strip on the display, the outdoor smartphone “Made in Germany” does not use any plastic in its packaging – a commendable decision in terms of sustainability.
Besides the actual smartphone, we find the obligatory accessories in the compact box. There is one important difference, at least for the younger generation: The battery and the plastic back of the GX6 are included separately in the package. Because what was once commonplace for all manufacturers is now good practice for Gigaset: a replaceable battery.
The scope of delivery is rounded off by a rather thick manual, a reflective wrist strap and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. However, the manufacturer unfortunately does not include a power adapter in the scope of delivery.
Design and workmanship
- Elegant, high-quality design
- Extremely robust; water-resistant
- Side button and 3.5mm jack port
The nice thing about the Gigaset GX6 is: it doesn’t look at all like a typical outdoor smartphone in the style of an AGM H5 Pro (our review). There is no particularly thick rubber frame, no bulges. Just a completely normal smartphone.
But appearances are deceptive, because the GX6 is certified according to military standard MIL-STD-810H and protected against dust and water according to IP68. Thus, the smartphone should be able to withstand an extensive dive as well as a fall from a great height.
However, the self-proclaimed “noblest 5G outdoor smartphone” is certainly a big bruiser. With dimensions of 170.7 mm x 82.2 mm x 11.9 mm and a weight of 278 grams, it turns out to be larger, but above all much heavier than most ordinary smartphones. In direct comparison, the Google Pixel 7 Pro (our review) looks downright small – and that despite the larger display.
Before you can get started with the GX6, you first have to plug in the battery and attach the robust back shell made of textured polycarbonate. Under the battery cover you will find two SIM card slots and an additional microSD card slot. Another positive surprise.
Otherwise, the Gigaset device looks like an ordinary smartphone. Two camera sensors on the back, volume and power buttons on the right, an additional (freely assignable) button on the left. At the bottom you will find the USB-C port for charging, as well as a 3.5 mm jack.
Pleasingly, the Gigaset GX6 looks as sturdy and high-quality as the specs would suggest. Despite the high weight, it lies comfortably in the hand and convinces with a pleasant haptic, not least due to the grippy back and the grooved keys.
120 hertz display with high resolution
- Fast display with high resolution
- Notification LED
- Low color and low contrast LCD panel
When it comes to the display, the Gigaset GX6 relies on a Full HD+ display with a resolution of 2,412 x 1,080 pixels that speeds up to 120 Hz. It is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and is correspondingly scratch-resistant and dirt-repellent.
The display has a decent, but not outstanding brightness of 550 nits. However, you will look in vain for an OLED or even AMOLED panel because the manufacturer relies on a classic LC display. Although it achieves a decent pixel density of 401 ppi, it cannot keep up with higher-quality smartphone displays in terms of colors and contrasts.
Nevertheless, the readability, even under direct sunlight, is absolutely okay. The 6.6-inch display has comparatively wide edges (around 5 mm at the top and bottom, 4 mm on the left and right) and the cutout for the selfie camera (punch hole) is also quite large.
In return, there is at least a single-color notification LED that informs about new messages or similar. However, there is no always-on display.
Hardware and performance
- Very good performance despite mid-range SoC
- Working memory is a bit tight at 6 GB
The Gigaset GX6 uses the MediaTek Dimensity 900 5G octa-core CPU as SoC, which combines two A78 computing cores with a clock speed of 2.4 GHz with six A55 efficiency cores with a clock speed of 2.0 GHz. The Arm Mali-G68 is the GPU under the hood.
In addition, there is 6 GB of working memory and 128 GB of UFS 2.1 system storage, which can be expanded via microSD card. This upper mid-range configuration does an excellent job in practice and ensures a very good everyday performance.
Everyday tasks and multi-tasking hardly pose serious problems for the GX6. Surfing, listening to music, video streaming and all that at the same time is possible without any problems. This is then also confirmed in the benchmark tests, where the smartphone even leaves the Google Tensor G2 behind in PCMark Work 3.0. However, the current Google smartphone is again clearly ahead in the single- and multi-core tests of GeekBench 5.
In contrast, the Gigaset GX6 clearly loses out in gaming performance and is therefore only suitable for gaming to a limited extent. However, you can rely on a smooth system performance if that does not bother you. Apps start quickly, and smooth scrolling is no problem. That fits.
| Benchmark | Gigaset GX6 | Pixel 7 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 12,079 pts | 11,752 pts. | N/A |
| GeekBench 5 (Single Core) | 692 pts | 1,045 pts. | 1,873 pts. |
| GeekBench 5 (Multi Core) | 2,091 pts. | 3,105 pts. | 5,517 pts. |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 2,172 pts; 13.00 FPS | 6,537 pts; 39.10 FPS | N/A |
This is joined by a fingerprint scanner in the power button, which works reliably and quickly. Alternatively, unlocking is also possible via face recognition. This also works reliably. At least in good lighting conditions. I also like the vibration motor, which scores with a comparatively strong haptic feedback.
And then there is the single button on the left side of the smartphone, which you can freely assign. Here you can assign a function to a single press, a double press, and a press and hold. From taking a screenshot to opening an app. Very practical.
Software and connectivity
- Pure Android 12 with no bloatware
- Modern communication thanks to Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC
The fast system speed of the Gigaset GX6 is also supported by software that comes without all bloatware. The manufacturer relies on an almost original Android 12 interface, where you only find the typical Google apps, an FM radio and a barometer.
Gigaset’s update promise also deserves praise. Two major Android upgrades to version 13 and 14, as well as five years of security updates are promised. Thus, the GX6 is well prepared for many years of use.
In terms of connectivity, the outdoor smartphone made in Germany does not show any weaknesses either. 5G and fast Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) are offered as well as Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC. Thus, no wishes remain unfulfilled here.
Cameras of the Gigaset GX6
- Very good main camera with 50 megapixels and rich colors
- Exciting camera modes like pro, night or GIF
- Good selfie camera
The quality of the cameras turns out surprisingly good, not only for an outdoor smartphone. On the back, the Gigaset GX6 was only relying on one real camera (and a 2 MP macro lens, which is hardly worth mentioning), but it delivers a surprisingly good image quality.
It comes with a resolution of 50 megapixels and also features an optical image stabilizer. Thus, photos can be taken blur-free even hands-free. The aperture of f/1.88 is also very open and creates a nice bokeh, especially for portraits.
Keyword bokeh: Of course, there is also a portrait mode that artificially blurs the background. This also works well in most cases, but it does not look as realistic as on a Pixel 7 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro or Galaxy S22.
Unedited test photos of the Gigaset GX6.
For this, the cameras are capable of several tricks. Among them is a professional mode, where you can set ISO, white balance, aperture and much more. Of course, there’s also a panorama mode, a macro mode, and even a GIF mode that lets you create an animated photo from a maximum of six-second videos.
You can also apply various filters over the photos, add HDR, and enable AI-powered image enhancement. Videos are recorded by the GX6 in 4K Ultra HD resolution at up to 30 frames per second, and slow-motion and time-lapse recording are also possible here.
The selfie camera resolves with 16 megapixels and has an aperture of f/2.0. The pictures are of good quality, but cannot keep up with that of the rear-facing main camera.
Battery: Strong runtime and replaceable
- 5,000 mAh strong, replaceable battery
- Up to 15 hours of typical usage
- 30 watts charging speed
The battery of the Gigaset GX6 is a special feature of the rugged outdoor smartphone; after all, it is replaceable. This is of course another advantage in terms of sustainability or handy if you want to take a spare battery with you on longer trips or outdoor trips.
The capacity of 5,000 mAh is also high. It can be charged with a cable at a speed of 30 watts or wirelessly with a maximum of 15 watts in the Qi standard. The GX6 is fully charged in one hour and 17 minutes via cable. 60 minutes on the mains fill the battery to 90 percent.
But not only the capacity knows how to please: The battery runtime is also convincing. I achieved a runtime of just under 15 hours during normal, everyday use. Thus, the smartphone is very energy-efficient. Of course, it cannot quite keep up with the 7,000 mAh of the AGM H5 Pro, but 2-3 days of standby time are absolutely no problem.
Gigaset GX6 review: Conclusion
The Gigaset GX6 marks an all-around successful outdoor smartphone and looks really chic to boot. The manufacturer from Germany has managed to combine robustness with a design that is suitable for everyday use and provides technical features that hardly leave anything to be desired.
The long-lasting and replaceable battery deserves special praise, while the system performance is also up to demanding tasks. The SoC only lacks power in current games, but that is not the smartphone’s core competence.
The GX6 also makes a positive impression in another weak point of many outdoor smartphones, namely the camera, and scores with a convincing quality in photos and videos. Only the LC display is a bit weaker in terms of color reproduction and contrasts, but there are two SIM card slots plus additional space for a microSD card, 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and much more.
If you are looking for a robust and high-quality outdoor smartphone and do not have a problem with a bulky and heavy device, you will definitely get your money’s worth with the Gigaset GX6.
Gigaset GX6
Workmanship
Hardware
Multimedia
Performance
Battery
Value for money
90/100
The Gigaset GX6 marks a high-quality and very classy outdoor smartphone that scores with a strong performance, good camera, and excellent battery life.
No replies yet
Neue Antworten laden...
Gehört zum Inventar
Beteilige dich an der Diskussion in der Basic Tutorials Community →