Notebookcheck Logo

Gigaset GS170 Smartphone Review

Back to the roots. A few years ago, smartphones with a removable battery were a dime a dozen. Nowadays such devices are rather rare. The new entry-level smartphone by the German manufacturer Gigaset is such a device. You can find out in our extensive test, how the GS170 model fares against the strong competition.

For the original German review, see here.

With the Gigaset GS170, the manufacturer brings a slightly improved version of the 2016 model to the market. The successor of the Gigaset GS160 that we tested earlier is still equipped with a 5-inch IPS display with an HD resolution of 1280x720 pixels. The MediaTek MT6737 low-budget quad-core processor is also on the equipment list, but now it is supported by 2 GB of working memory. The internal flash storage of the LTE smartphone holds 16 GB and can be expanded by up to 128 GB, without losing the dual-SIM functionality. 

Gigaset asks 150 Euros (~$177) as the recommended retail price for its entry-level model. With this, the manufacturer positions the GS170 in a very competitive smartphone segment. Accordingly, the list of the possible competitors is long. For our review, we use the comparisons of the Moto G4 Play and C2 Lenovo devices, the Coolpad Modena 2, and the Blade A510 and Blade V7 Lite ZTE smartphones. We also include the UMi Max, the UleFone Metal, and the Blackview P2 as imported devices. 

Gigaset GS170 (GS Series)
Processor
Mediatek MT6737 4 x 1.3 GHz, Cortex-A53
Graphics adapter
Memory
2048 MB 
Display
5.00 inch 16:9, 1280 x 720 pixel 294 PPI, capacitive, multitouch, LCD, IPS, 2.5D curved, glossy: yes
Storage
16 GB eMMC Flash, 16 GB 
, 10.25 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio port, Card Reader: microSD up to 128GB, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: position sensor, proximity sensor, status LED
Networking
802.11 b/g/n (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0, GSM / 2G: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz, UMTS / 3G: 900 / 2100 MHz, FDD / LTE / 4G: 800 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 MHz, Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 9.5 x 144 x 72.3 ( = 0.37 x 5.67 x 2.85 in)
Battery
9.5 Wh, 2500 mAh Lithium-Ion, removeable, 3.8 V, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 630 h, Talk time 3G (according to manufacturer): 31 h
Operating System
Android 7.0 Nougat
Camera
Primary Camera: 13 MPix 5-layer lens (for sharper images), resolution (picture): 13 MP auto-focus, aperture: f2.2, LED flash light
Secondary Camera: 5 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: mono, Keyboard: virtual, Keyboard Light: yes, 1 charger, 1 SIM-card adapter (Nano to Micro), 1 USB cable, 1 2500 mAh Li-Ion battery, Gigaset UI, 24 Months Warranty, SAR value: 0,56 w/kg (head), fanless
Weight
139 g ( = 4.9 oz / 0.31 pounds), Power Supply: 32 g ( = 1.13 oz / 0.07 pounds)
Price
149 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

Thanks to the 2.5D edge, the glass front of the Gigaset GS170 is set slightly rounded into the case. The bezels around the 5-inch display are relatively wide, which is reflected in the display to surface ratio of just 67%. Yet due to the relatively compact measurements of 144 x 72 mm (~5.7 x 2.8 in), the 9.5-mm (0.37 in) thick smartphone fits into the hand comfortably.

The surface of the removable plastic back cover is slightly rough, which visibly minimizes annoying fingerprints. However, the case of the GS170 does not ooze a high-value feeling. After taking off the back, the 16 GB internal storage can be expanded via microSD card, and the battery can be exchanged. The two card slots are also below the cover.

The on/off button and the two keys for the volume adjustment on the right side of the case have a good pressure point and are well-built. The stability of the case also makes a sturdy impression.

Size Comparison

154 mm / 6.06 inch 77 mm / 3.03 inch 10.4 mm / 0.4094 inch 230 g0.507 lbs154.5 mm / 6.08 inch 76.5 mm / 3.01 inch 7.85 mm / 0.3091 inch 143 g0.3153 lbs150.8 mm / 5.94 inch 75 mm / 2.95 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 199 g0.4387 lbs144.4 mm / 5.69 inch 72 mm / 2.83 inch 9.9 mm / 0.3898 inch 137 g0.302 lbs144 mm / 5.67 inch 72.3 mm / 2.85 inch 9.5 mm / 0.374 inch 139 g0.3064 lbs144 mm / 5.67 inch 72.3 mm / 2.85 inch 9.5 mm / 0.374 inch 139 g0.3064 lbs143 mm / 5.63 inch 71 mm / 2.8 inch 9.35 mm / 0.3681 inch 155 g0.3417 lbs143.8 mm / 5.66 inch 70.2 mm / 2.76 inch 8.3 mm / 0.3268 inch 135 g0.2976 lbs143 mm / 5.63 inch 71.4 mm / 2.81 inch 8.6 mm / 0.3386 inch 139 g0.3064 lbs143 mm / 5.63 inch 70 mm / 2.76 inch 8 mm / 0.315 inch 130 g0.2866 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Features

Slots for SD and two microSIM cards
Slots for SD and two microSIM cards

The internal eMMC storage of the Gigaset smartphone has a capacity of 16 GB, leaving only 10.3 GB in the delivery state available for the user. Apps can be moved to the external storage via a formatted microSDXC card (up to 128 GB. As well as the SD card slot, the GS170 also has two slots for microSIM cards. In addition, the entry-level device has a status LED for missed calls or new messages, a fingerprint sensor, and an FM radio. Using Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is also possible and wireless transfer of the display contents to external monitors is also supported.

The Gigaset GS170 has a Micro-USB connector of the 2.0 standard. This works only for charging the device, since the USB port does not recognize peripheral devices such as USB sticks or external keyboards.

Software

For the system software, the German manufacturer uses the quite current Google Android 7.0 "Nougat" version. At the time of our test, the entry-level smartphone only has the security patch level from May 2017.

The Gigaset user interface closely follows Google's stock Android. However, the GS170 has additional software features. The fingerprint sensor can be used for functions such as scrolling, or apps can be opened by drawing particular symbols with your fingers on the display. For example, the letter "W" opens WhatsApp. Up to 8 predefined gestures can be used on the Gigaset GS170.

Fortunately, there is hardly any pre-installed bloatware that cannot be uninstalled almost completely.

Communication and GPS

For wireless communication between mobile devices, the Gigaset GS170 has Bluetooth version 4.0. Furthermore, the features include WLAN according to the 802.11 b/g/n standard. 

The WLAN module has good reception qualities and at barely -35 dBm in close proximity to the router (Telekom Speedport, W921V), the damping is low. At 50 Mbit/s (sending) and 49 Mbit/s (receiving) from 1 m (~3.3 ft) distance, the average rates for data transfer to our reference router (Linksys EA8500) are on a typical level for entry-level devices and barely better than in the predecessor

The GS170 communicates with mobile networks via GSM (quad-band), UMTS (dual-band), and LTE in the frequencies of 800, 1800, 2100, and 2600 MHz. Due to the dual-SIM capabilities, up to two microSIM cards can be used in parallel. Both slots support using the LTE net at up to 150 Mbit/s in the download.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
HTC U11
Adreno 540, SD 835, 64 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
639 MBit/s +1181%
UMI Max
Mali-T860 MP2, Helio P10 MT6755, 16 GB eMMC Flash
98.8 MBit/s +98%
Blackview P2
Mali-T860 MP2, MT6750, 64 GB eMMC Flash
98.5 MBit/s +97%
Lenovo C2
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6735, 8 GB eMMC Flash
53.3 MBit/s +7%
Gigaset GS170
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6737, 16 GB eMMC Flash
49.9 MBit/s
Coolpad Modena 2
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6735, 16 GB eMMC Flash
48.4 MBit/s -3%
Gigaset GS160
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6737, 16 GB eMMC Flash
48.2 MBit/s -3%
ZTE Blade A510
Mali-T720, MT6735P, 8 GB eMMC Flash
47.9 MBit/s -4%
iperf3 receive AX12
HTC U11
Adreno 540, SD 835, 64 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
394 MBit/s +698%
UMI Max
Mali-T860 MP2, Helio P10 MT6755, 16 GB eMMC Flash
103 MBit/s +109%
Blackview P2
Mali-T860 MP2, MT6750, 64 GB eMMC Flash
78.7 MBit/s +59%
Lenovo C2
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6735, 8 GB eMMC Flash
50.5 MBit/s +2%
Gigaset GS170
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6737, 16 GB eMMC Flash
49.4 MBit/s
ZTE Blade A510
Mali-T720, MT6735P, 8 GB eMMC Flash
48.7 MBit/s -1%
Coolpad Modena 2
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6735, 16 GB eMMC Flash
44.5 MBit/s -10%
Gigaset GS160
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6737, 16 GB eMMC Flash
33.5 MBit/s -32%
GPS test, indoors
GPS test, indoors
GPS test, outdoors
GPS test, outdoors

The position is located via the GPS satellite system. Outdoors, the position was located very quickly with an accuracy of up to 2 meters (~6.6 ft). In enclosed spaces, there was not sufficient satellite signal to enable locating the position in our test. During our GPS test, we observed hardly any discrepancies (10 m, ~33 ft) between the built-in GPS module of the Gigaset GS170 and the professional Garmin Edge 500 reference device on the 12-km (~7.5 miles) test route. The GPS performance is excellent for a device in this price range.

GPS test Gigaset GS170
GPS test Gigaset GS170
GPS test Gigaset GS170
GPS test Gigaset GS170
GPS test Gigaset GS170
GPS test Gigaset GS170
GPS test Garmin Edge 500
GPS test Garmin Edge 500
GPS test Garmin Edge 500
GPS test Garmin Edge 500
GPS test Garmin Edge 500
GPS test Garmin Edge 500

Telephone and Call Quality

The call quality in the entry-level smartphone is satisfactory, even though the earpiece reproduces the voices with a slight noise. The maximum volume leads to the conversation partner to be easily understandable, and we were also understood well. There were no other disturbing noises in the earpiece.

Cameras

5-MP front camera
5-MP front camera
Main camera
Main camera

The camera module in the back has a resolution of 13 MP. In good light conditions, the pictures can compel with a high-contrast color reproduction. The sharpness achieved by the automatic focus is good, but decreasing slightly towards the edges. Due the low aperture of f/2.2, comparatively little light hits the image sensor, so the brightness in the images is barely sufficient. The dynamic range tends to be too small, causing the images to become too dark in widely varying light conditions. 

If the light conditions become worse, strong image noise begins to occur. The very low image brightness then makes the image contents hardly recognizable. 

In the front of the device is a 5-MP camera. The quality is sufficient for selfies and video calling. Videos can be recorded in 720p quality at 30 FPS. 

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3
click to load images

Accessories and Warranty

Exchangeable case backs in Mocha and Urban Blue
Exchangeable case backs in Mocha and Urban Blue

Besides a modular 5-watt charger (5V, 1A), a USB cable and the usual booklets are included in the delivery contents.

According to the included warranty card, the manufacturer offers a 24-month warranty from the date of purchase. Please see our Guarantees, Return policies and Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Input Devices and Operation

The navigation of the GS170 is performed with the usual Android onscreen keys. The capacitive multi-touchscreen reacts reliably up to the edges of the display to inputs with up to five fingers. Moreover, the glass surface has good sliding characteristics. We negatively note the slow reaction time of the display. Subjectively, it feels very long.

The recognition rate of the active fingerprint sensor on the back could be better. Often the finger must be repositioned on the sensor for it to be recognized. The time it takes the device to wake up from standby is also relatively long. However,  the performance of the fingerprint sensor is sufficient for this price range.

Onscreen keyboard, landscape
Onscreen keyboard, landscape
Onscreen keyboard, portrait
Onscreen keyboard, portrait
Onscreen keyboard, portrait
Onscreen keyboard, portrait

Display

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid

As in the GS160 before, the IPS display of the GS170 offers a native HD resolution of 1280x720 pixels in a 5-inch diagonal, leading to a pixel density of about 294 PPI.

Even though at a maximum of 432 cd/m², the panel brightness is sufficient for most usage scenarios, it is exceeded by some of the competition. In the measurement of evenly distributed bright and dark areas (APL-50), we detected an average brightness of only 349 cd/m²

403
cd/m²
425
cd/m²
422
cd/m²
399
cd/m²
418
cd/m²
427
cd/m²
407
cd/m²
432
cd/m²
427
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LCD tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 432 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 417.8 cd/m² Minimum: 14.56 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 92 %
Center on Battery: 418 cd/m²
Contrast: 929:1 (Black: 0.45 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 9.7 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 11.3 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.27
Gigaset GS170
IPS, 1280x720, 5.00
Gigaset GS160
IPS, 1280x720, 5.00
Lenovo Moto G4 Play
IPS, 1280x720, 5.00
Lenovo C2
IPS, 1280x720, 5.00
ZTE Blade A510
IPS, 1280x720, 5.00
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
IPS, 1280x720, 5.00
Coolpad Modena 2
IPS, 1280x720, 5.50
UMI Max
IPS, 1920x1080, 5.50
Ulefone Metal
IPS, 1280x720, 5.00
Blackview P2
IPS, 1920x1080, 5.50
HTC U11
Super LCD5, 2560x1440, 5.50
Screen
9%
18%
23%
20%
21%
8%
39%
-3%
29%
41%
Brightness middle
418
489
17%
412
-1%
458
10%
528
26%
312
-25%
482
15%
522
25%
312
-25%
424
1%
482
15%
Brightness
418
479
15%
414
-1%
449
7%
524
25%
302
-28%
468
12%
498
19%
315
-25%
420
0%
472
13%
Brightness Distribution
92
95
3%
94
2%
92
0%
94
2%
79
-14%
86
-7%
86
-7%
87
-5%
85
-8%
90
-2%
Black Level *
0.45
0.55
-22%
0.42
7%
0.35
22%
0.62
-38%
0.15
67%
0.63
-40%
0.23
49%
0.56
-24%
0.15
67%
0.33
27%
Contrast
929
889
-4%
981
6%
1309
41%
852
-8%
2080
124%
765
-18%
2270
144%
557
-40%
2827
204%
1461
57%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
9.7
8.3
14%
5.6
42%
6.5
33%
5.2
46%
8.2
15%
6.5
33%
6.9
29%
6.8
30%
9.5
2%
3.2
67%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
18.9
14.4
24%
9.7
49%
11.7
38%
8.7
54%
16.5
13%
12.4
34%
12.3
35%
14
26%
19.7
-4%
5.4
71%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
11.3
8.7
23%
6.9
39%
7.7
32%
5.7
50%
9.2
19%
7.3
35%
9.2
19%
7.1
37%
14.5
-28%
2.2
81%
Gamma
2.27 97%
2.08 106%
2.4 92%
2.15 102%
1.99 111%
2.29 96%
1.91 115%
2.38 92%
2.77 79%
2.28 96%
2.22 99%
CCT
10414 62%
9034 72%
8422 77%
8518 76%
6631 98%
9017 72%
7249 90%
8687 75%
7402 88%
10840 60%
6581 99%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The combination of the display brightness and a black value of 0.45 cd/m² results in a contrast ratio of 1:929, which is above the manufacturer's specifications of 1:800. Our APL-50 measurement qualifies the higher contrast though. Even though the black value remains constant in evenly distributed light and dark image areas, the contrast drops to 1:776. 

Compared to the competition, the display analysis with a photo spectrometer and the CalMAN software shows rather high deviations in the color (9.7) and grayscale display (11.3). Furthermore, the display's color temperature of 10414 Kelvin is calibrated clearly too cool. In practice this results in a visible blue tint.

CalMAN color accuracy (sRGB target color space)
CalMAN color accuracy (sRGB target color space)
CalMAN color space (sRGB target color space)
CalMAN color space (sRGB target color space)
CalMAN grayscales (sRGB target color space)
CalMAN grayscales (sRGB target color space)
CalMAN saturation (sRGB target color space)
CalMAN saturation (sRGB target color space)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
19.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 7.6 ms rise
↘ 11.6 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 36 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
37.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 19.2 ms rise
↘ 18 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 48 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Outdoors, the liquid crystal display of the Gigaset GS170 works convincingly. However, in direct sun, the contents are hard to read. As typical for IPS displays, the viewing angles are on a good level, and the contents are displayed with relatively good color accuracy even from very steep viewing angles. 

Outdoor readability
Outdoor readability
Outdoor readability
Outdoor readability
Outdoor readability
Outdoor readability
Viewing angles
Viewing angles
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance

The SoC (System-on-a-Chip) used in the GS170 is an entry-level MediaTek MT6737 processor. It has four CPU cores based on the 64-bit-capable Cortex-A53 architecture. The MT6737 is accompanied by an ARM Mali-T720 (MP2) graphics unit and 2 GB RAM.

The subjective system performance is rather below average. Although the system runs relatively smoothly in everyday life, there are often delays. Opening and closing of apps is also slow. However, in the benchmarks the Gigaset GS170 can keep up with the competition quite easily. Compared to the predecessor, the values of the MediaTek SoC have even slightly improved.

AnTuTu v6 - Total Score (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
30144 Points
Gigaset GS160
28459 Points -6%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
23822 Points -21%
Coolpad Modena 2
24875 Points -17%
Lenovo C2
23825 Points -21%
ZTE Blade A510
24338 Points -19%
UMI Max
49057 Points +63%
Ulefone Metal
37103 Points +23%
Blackview P2
41852 Points +39%
HTC U11
175032 Points +481%
PCMark for Android
Work performance score (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
3344 Points
Gigaset GS160
2563 Points -23%
Coolpad Modena 2
3119 Points -7%
Lenovo C2
1908 Points -43%
ZTE Blade A510
2675 Points -20%
UMI Max
4485 Points +34%
Ulefone Metal
4079 Points +22%
Blackview P2
3667 Points +10%
HTC U11
8295 Points +148%
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
2600 Points
ZTE Blade A510
2109 Points -19%
Blackview P2
2782 Points +7%
HTC U11
6828 Points +163%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
538 Points
Gigaset GS160
178 Points -67%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
448 Points -17%
Coolpad Modena 2
483 Points -10%
Lenovo C2
147 Points -73%
ZTE Blade A510
141 Points -74%
UMI Max
341 Points -37%
Ulefone Metal
273 Points -49%
Blackview P2
298 Points -45%
HTC U11
3034 Points +464%
System (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
1170 Points
Gigaset GS160
1029 Points -12%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
801 Points -32%
Coolpad Modena 2
909 Points -22%
Lenovo C2
826 Points -29%
ZTE Blade A510
829 Points -29%
UMI Max
2123 Points +81%
Ulefone Metal
1691 Points +45%
Blackview P2
1623 Points +39%
HTC U11
5570 Points +376%
Memory (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
610 Points
Gigaset GS160
497 Points -19%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
487 Points -20%
Coolpad Modena 2
598 Points -2%
Lenovo C2
332 Points -46%
ZTE Blade A510
285 Points -53%
UMI Max
998 Points +64%
Ulefone Metal
802 Points +31%
Blackview P2
831 Points +36%
HTC U11
2085 Points +242%
Graphics (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
210 Points
Gigaset GS160
208 Points -1%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
174 Points -17%
Coolpad Modena 2
178 Points -15%
Lenovo C2
177 Points -16%
ZTE Blade A510
174 Points -17%
UMI Max
666 Points +217%
Ulefone Metal
433 Points +106%
Blackview P2
620 Points +195%
HTC U11
5976 Points +2746%
Web (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
558 Points
Gigaset GS160
9 Points -98%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
592 Points +6%
Coolpad Modena 2
565 Points +1%
Lenovo C2
9 Points -98%
ZTE Blade A510
10 Points -98%
UMI Max
10 Points -98%
Ulefone Metal
10 Points -98%
Blackview P2
9 Points -98%
HTC U11
1221 Points +119%
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
581 Points
Blackview P2
620 Points +7%
HTC U11
1906 Points +228%
64 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
1595 Points
Blackview P2
2463 Points +54%
HTC U11
6443 Points +304%
Compute RenderScript Score (sort by value)
Blackview P2
1633 Points
HTC U11
8281 Points
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
3666 Points
Gigaset GS160
3780 Points +3%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
3070 Points -16%
Coolpad Modena 2
3222 Points -12%
Lenovo C2
Points -100%
ZTE Blade A510
3109 Points -15%
UMI Max
10942 Points +198%
Ulefone Metal
7059 Points +93%
Blackview P2
9496 Points +159%
HTC U11
40014 Points +991%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
3167 Points
Gigaset GS160
3291 Points +4%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
2645 Points -16%
Coolpad Modena 2
2789 Points -12%
ZTE Blade A510
2682 Points -15%
UMI Max
10612 Points +235%
Ulefone Metal
6469 Points +104%
Blackview P2
9604 Points +203%
HTC U11
55725 Points +1660%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
8178 Points
Gigaset GS160
7881 Points -4%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
7026 Points -14%
Coolpad Modena 2
7061 Points -14%
ZTE Blade A510
7025 Points -14%
UMI Max
12239 Points +50%
Ulefone Metal
10371 Points +27%
Blackview P2
9612 Points +18%
HTC U11
20140 Points +146%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
152 Points
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
124 Points -18%
Coolpad Modena 2
130 Points -14%
Lenovo C2
Points -100%
UMI Max
598 Points +293%
Ulefone Metal
293 Points +93%
Blackview P2
546 Points +259%
HTC U11
4744 Points +3021%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
227 Points
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
101 Points -56%
Coolpad Modena 2
106 Points -53%
UMI Max
521 Points +130%
Ulefone Metal
243 Points +7%
Blackview P2
482 Points +112%
HTC U11
5877 Points +2489%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
781 Points
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
618 Points -21%
Coolpad Modena 2
621 Points -20%
UMI Max
1239 Points +59%
Ulefone Metal
1057 Points +35%
Blackview P2
1030 Points +32%
HTC U11
2832 Points +263%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
93 Points
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
81 Points -13%
Lenovo C2
Points -100%
UMI Max
421 Points +353%
Ulefone Metal
195 Points +110%
Blackview P2
387 Points +316%
HTC U11
3590 Points +3760%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
74 Points
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
65 Points -12%
UMI Max
354 Points +378%
Ulefone Metal
158 Points +114%
Blackview P2
328 Points +343%
HTC U11
3883 Points +5147%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
772 Points
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
609 Points -21%
UMI Max
1247 Points +62%
Ulefone Metal
1084 Points +40%
Blackview P2
1055 Points +37%
HTC U11
2841 Points +268%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
11 fps
Gigaset GS160
11 fps 0%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
8.2 fps -25%
Coolpad Modena 2
8.9 fps -19%
Lenovo C2
8.5 fps -23%
ZTE Blade A510
8.5 fps -23%
UMI Max
17 fps +55%
Ulefone Metal
12 fps +9%
Blackview P2
16 fps +45%
HTC U11
58 fps +427%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
6 fps
Gigaset GS160
6 fps 0%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
4.9 fps -18%
Coolpad Modena 2
5 fps -17%
Lenovo C2
5 fps -17%
ZTE Blade A510
4.9 fps -18%
UMI Max
17 fps +183%
Ulefone Metal
19 fps +217%
Blackview P2
16 fps +167%
HTC U11
91 fps +1417%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
4.8 fps
Gigaset GS160
4.7 fps -2%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
1.8 fps -62%
Coolpad Modena 2
4 fps -17%
Lenovo C2
3.7 fps -23%
ZTE Blade A510
3.5 fps -27%
UMI Max
7.1 fps +48%
Ulefone Metal
6.4 fps +33%
Blackview P2
6.7 fps +40%
HTC U11
29 fps +504%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
2.2 fps
Gigaset GS160
2.1 fps -5%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
3.4 fps +55%
Coolpad Modena 2
1.8 fps -18%
Lenovo C2
fps -100%
UMI Max
7.1 fps +223%
Ulefone Metal
2.9 fps +32%
Blackview P2
6.7 fps +205%
HTC U11
51 fps +2218%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
3.4 fps
Gigaset GS160
3.4 fps 0%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
1.2 fps -65%
Coolpad Modena 2
1.2 fps -65%
Lenovo C2
2.7 fps -21%
ZTE Blade A510
2.5 fps -26%
UMI Max
4.7 fps +38%
Ulefone Metal
4.5 fps +32%
Blackview P2
4.4 fps +29%
HTC U11
15 fps +341%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Gigaset GS170
1.4 fps
Gigaset GS160
1.4 fps 0%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
2.5 fps +79%
Coolpad Modena 2
2.9 fps +107%
Lenovo C2
1.2 fps -14%
ZTE Blade A510
1.1 fps -21%
UMI Max
4.7 fps +236%
Ulefone Metal
8.9 fps +536%
Blackview P2
4.4 fps +214%
HTC U11
33 fps +2257%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
UMI Max
2.5 fps
Blackview P2
2.3 fps
HTC U11
13 fps
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
UMI Max
2.5 fps
Blackview P2
2.3 fps
HTC U11
24 fps

Legend

 
Gigaset GS170 Mediatek MT6737, ARM Mali-T720 MP2, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Gigaset GS160 Mediatek MT6737, ARM Mali-T720 MP2, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
ZTE Blade V7 Lite Mediatek MT6735, ARM Mali-T720, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Coolpad Modena 2 Mediatek MT6735, ARM Mali-T720 MP2, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Lenovo C2 Mediatek MT6735, ARM Mali-T720 MP2, 8 GB eMMC Flash
 
ZTE Blade A510 Mediatek MT6735P, ARM Mali-T720, 8 GB eMMC Flash
 
UMI Max Mediatek Helio P10 MT6755, ARM Mali-T860 MP2, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Ulefone Metal Mediatek MT6753, ARM Mali-T720, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Blackview P2 Mediatek MT6750, ARM Mali-T860 MP2, 64 GB eMMC Flash
 
HTC U11 Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (8998), Qualcomm Adreno 540, 64 GB UFS 2.1 Flash

In contrast to the system performance, the browser speed with the Chrome browser is satisfactory and rather good for the price range. Just like the synthetic benchmarks, the Chinese competition consisting of the UMI Max, the Blackview P2, and the Ulefone Metal, clearly do better in the browser performance. 

JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
HTC U11
69.5 Points +385%
UMI Max
25.5 Points +78%
Blackview P2
20.48 Points +43%
Ulefone Metal
17.83 Points +24%
Lenovo Moto G4 Play
17.09 Points +19%
Gigaset GS160
14.43 Points +1%
Gigaset GS170
14.34 Points
Lenovo C2
13.5 Points -6%
Coolpad Modena 2
13.15 Points -8%
ZTE Blade A510
12.78 Points -11%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
12.73 Points -11%
Octane V2 - Total Score
HTC U11
11781 Points +416%
UMI Max
4231 Points +85%
Blackview P2
2838 Points +24%
Lenovo Moto G4 Play
2773 Points +21%
Ulefone Metal
2738 Points +20%
Gigaset GS160
2493 Points +9%
Gigaset GS170
2284 Points
Lenovo C2
2159 Points -5%
ZTE Blade A510
2102 Points -8%
Coolpad Modena 2
1975 Points -14%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
1910 Points -16%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Coolpad Modena 2
19647 ms * -17%
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
19234 ms * -15%
ZTE Blade A510
17364 ms * -4%
Gigaset GS170
16723 ms *
Lenovo C2
16585 ms * +1%
Gigaset GS160
13907 ms * +17%
Ulefone Metal
13397 ms * +20%
Blackview P2
13174 ms * +21%
Lenovo Moto G4 Play
12953 ms * +23%
UMI Max
9796 ms * +41%
HTC U11
2760 ms * +83%

* ... smaller is better

Besides the CPU, the speed of the internal storage also plays an important role in the subjective system performance. For eMMC storage, the access rates of the GS170 are good, but compared to the modern UFS storage of the HTC U11 it is quite slow. 

The integrated microSD card slot is also relatively slow. We tested its speed with our Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 (UHS-II, Class 3) reference storage card. At 37 MB/s (reading) and 21 MB/s (writing), the performance of the slot was at the level of other entry devices.

Gigaset GS170Gigaset GS160Lenovo Moto G4 PlayLenovo C2ZTE Blade A510ZTE Blade V7 LiteCoolpad Modena 2UMI MaxUlefone MetalBlackview P2HTC U11
AndroBench 3-5
-10%
59%
-43%
-43%
-8%
-10%
20%
11%
38%
315%
Sequential Read 256KB
197.9
200.5
1%
144.1
-27%
120.7
-39%
111.9
-43%
187.3
-5%
147
-26%
257.9
30%
228.8
16%
264.8
34%
717
262%
Sequential Write 256KB
44.79
46.6
4%
43.95
-2%
8
-82%
9.94
-78%
70.3
57%
42.56
-5%
69.5
55%
39.91
-11%
133.8
199%
206.4
361%
Random Read 4KB
18.34
18.5
1%
17.9
-2%
14.5
-21%
14.03
-24%
18.24
-1%
23.03
26%
26.66
45%
22.18
21%
22.07
20%
91.4
398%
Random Write 4KB
10.45
6.8
-35%
28.31
171%
4.7
-55%
4.69
-55%
8.26
-21%
6.79
-35%
10.91
4%
7.87
-25%
9.54
-9%
80
666%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
37.41
30.71
-18%
65.5
75%
24.2
-35%
25.55
-32%
22.77
-39%
35.59
-5%
36.64
-2%
49.6
33%
34.26
-8%
68.8
84%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
21.34
19.19
-10%
51.1
139%
16.1
-25%
16.5
-23%
12.62
-41%
18.25
-14%
18.07
-15%
27.6
29%
19.61
-8%
46.25
117%

Games

The Mali-T720 (MP2) graphics unit integrated into the MediaTek MT6737 has two clusters and a maximum clock speed of 650 MHz. In our gaming tests, devices with this SoC achieve maximum frame rates of 28 fps. With this, the GPU performance is insufficient to display demanding games such as "Dead Trigger 2" or "Asphalt Xtreme" smoothly. Furthermore, there are often considerable drops in the frame rates during gaming operation. 

The touchscreen as well as the position sensor of the Gigaset GS170 work without a hitch in our test.

Dead Trigger 2
Asphalt Xtreme

Emissions

Temperature

The temperature development of the Gigaset GS170 is exemplary. Neither during idle operation nor during load conditions (Stability Test app running for more than 1 h), the smartphone reaches critical temperature ranges. In our test, we measure a maximum of 37.8 °C (~100 °F) in the back.

Max. Load
 36.1 °C
97 F
36 °C
97 F
35.7 °C
96 F
 
 37 °C
99 F
35.1 °C
95 F
36.4 °C
98 F
 
 37.3 °C
99 F
36.7 °C
98 F
35.7 °C
96 F
 
Maximum: 37.3 °C = 99 F
Average: 36.2 °C = 97 F
32.9 °C
91 F
32.8 °C
91 F
33.9 °C
93 F
33 °C
91 F
32.9 °C
91 F
36.6 °C
98 F
32.9 °C
91 F
32.7 °C
91 F
37.8 °C
100 F
Maximum: 37.8 °C = 100 F
Average: 33.9 °C = 93 F
Power Supply (max.)  33.7 °C = 93 F | Room Temperature 21.7 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 36.2 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37.3 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 37.8 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(±) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 33.5 °C / 92 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.

Speaker

Speaker test: pink-noise
Speaker test: pink-noise

The speaker positioned on the back is sufficiently powerful at 84 dB(A). The sound reproduction is appropriate for the price range and sounds tinny with increasing volume. In the audible range between 100 and 16000 Hz, the sound of the GS170 is not very linear - the bass is not audible. 

Alternatively, for a balanced sound experience the 3.5-mm port can be used.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2031.633.22525.433.93125.331.64032.925.65033.629.56331.622.88028.427.21002727.412520.824.1160222320021.322.725020.827.431521.235.240019.446.150019.554.463017.759.980017.966.9100017.874.7125017.376.6160017.475.9200016.772.7250017.272315018.270.1400017.973.1500017.673.1630017.772.7800017.873.51000017.973.31250018.166.11600018.263.8SPL3084.4N1.357.3median 17.9median 66.9Delta1.414.131.644.525.435.225.336.532.932.133.641.231.631.628.435.32727.520.8242226.121.325.220.829.421.239.119.444.119.552.817.759.917.965.517.869.417.370.317.470.116.769.117.268.418.272.617.976.917.668.917.765.617.869.217.964.418.152.718.249.23082.41.348.5median 17.9median 64.41.413.217.919.719.617.919.618.619.519.617.617.521.317.62019.223.22017.715.620.717.715.516.621.915.517.218.214.417.218.120.315.918.128.930.425.328.91424.611.81414.929.511.914.916.432.413.516.418.934.214.718.922.238.813.422.225.843.914.425.83046.910.63036.853.1836.84056.98.94039.856.39.839.83956.183936.952.68.136.936.553.66.536.535.453.86.435.437.756.46.237.74058.15.74044595.74443.658.65.743.638.6545.838.63246.15.8322437.25.62451.167.620.851.17.121.20.37.1median 35.4median 52.6median 8.1median 35.48.810.43.88.8hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseGigaset GS170UMI MaxLenovo Moto G4 Play
Gigaset GS170 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (84.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 40.3% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (5.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 9.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (11.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.6% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (2.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (31.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 77% of all tested devices in this class were better, 3% similar, 19% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 88% of all tested devices were better, 2% similar, 9% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

UMI Max audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 35.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 7.4% lower than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (8.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (31.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 78% of all tested devices in this class were better, 3% similar, 19% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 89% of all tested devices were better, 2% similar, 9% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Lenovo Moto G4 Play audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (67.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 24% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5% lower than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.6% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (25% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 55% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 38% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 72% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 22% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency comparison (Checkboxes selectable!)

Battery Life

Power Consumption

The power management has been resolved well in idle operation as well as under load. Only the ZTE Blade V7 Lite fares better overall in our measurements.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.01 / 0.29 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 0.54 / 1.56 / 1.6 Watt
Load midlight 3.18 / 4.42 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Gigaset GS170
2500 mAh
Gigaset GS160
2500 mAh
Lenovo Moto G4 Play
2800 mAh
Lenovo C2
2750 mAh
ZTE Blade A510
2200 mAh
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
2500 mAh
Coolpad Modena 2
2500 mAh
UMI Max
4000 mAh
Ulefone Metal
3050 mAh
Blackview P2
6000 mAh
HTC U11
3000 mAh
Power Consumption
-14%
-4%
-3%
-19%
5%
-30%
-9%
-84%
-39%
-40%
Idle Minimum *
0.54
0.56
-4%
0.68
-26%
0.71
-31%
0.61
-13%
0.63
-17%
0.64
-19%
1.02
-89%
1.41
-161%
0.99
-83%
0.73
-35%
Idle Average *
1.56
1.7
-9%
1.58
-1%
1.62
-4%
1.75
-12%
1.37
12%
1.96
-26%
1.53
2%
2.46
-58%
2.04
-31%
1.96
-26%
Idle Maximum *
1.6
1.75
-9%
1.61
-1%
1.64
-3%
1.83
-14%
1.71
-7%
1.98
-24%
1.62
-1%
2.83
-77%
2.12
-33%
1.98
-24%
Load Average *
3.18
4.17
-31%
3.36
-6%
3.24
-2%
4.49
-41%
2.82
11%
4.99
-57%
2.91
8%
5.15
-62%
3.77
-19%
4.82
-52%
Load Maximum *
4.42
5.07
-15%
3.91
12%
3.36
24%
5.14
-16%
3.36
24%
5.48
-24%
2.93
34%
7.05
-60%
5.78
-31%
7.15
-62%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

In our practically relevant WLAN test (display brightness on 150 cd/m², Power Saving profile), the GS170 achieves a satisfactory value of 7 hours and 22 minutes. Compared to the competition in the lower price segment and in particular the predecessor, the 2500-mAh battery offers a runtime that is below average. 

With the included 5-watt charger (1 A, 5 V), the Gigaset device needs barely 2 hours to charge the battery from 0 to 100%.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
7h 22min
Gigaset GS170
2500 mAh
Gigaset GS160
2500 mAh
Lenovo Moto G4 Play
2800 mAh
Lenovo C2
2750 mAh
ZTE Blade A510
2200 mAh
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
2500 mAh
Coolpad Modena 2
2500 mAh
UMI Max
4000 mAh
Ulefone Metal
3050 mAh
Blackview P2
6000 mAh
HTC U11
3000 mAh
Battery Runtime
WiFi v1.3
442
615
39%
630
43%
662
50%
416
-6%
517
17%
518
17%
588
33%
403
-9%
1083
145%
560
27%

Pros

+ very accurate GPS module
+ good IPS panel
+ solid workmanship with removable battery
+ slim Android
+ dual-SIM + SD-card expansion

Cons

- display calibration
- weak hardware
- mediocre system performance
- speaker
- surface feel

Verdict

In the test: Gigaset GS170. Test unit provided by Gigaset Germany.
In the test: Gigaset GS170. Test unit provided by Gigaset Germany.

The manufacturer from Munich offers a careful upgrade to its GS series. Basically, the GS170 is a technically slightly improved version of the predecessor, since visually the devices look only marginally different, if at all. 

The newest Gigaset entry-level device continues to score with a removable battery and the dual-SIM function, without losing the option to extend the storage via an SD card. In addition, the GS170 has a very accurate GPS module.

This is contrasted by a few reasons for complaint: The system performance could be improved, the SoC is weak, and the internal eMMC storage as well as the SD card slot are relatively slow. In addition, the display is calibrated clearly too cool and the speaker quality is at most, appropriate for the price range.

The Gigaset GS170 is a solid advancement of its predecessor, even if some of our complaints still remain valid. Whether the complete package justifies the price of almost 150 Euros (~$177) is justifiable is at least doubtful. 

Gigaset GS170 - 08/01/2017 v6(old)
Marcus Herbrich

Chassis
82%
Keyboard
66 / 75 → 88%
Pointing Device
85%
Connectivity
39 / 60 → 66%
Weight
93%
Battery
90%
Display
80%
Games Performance
6 / 63 → 9%
Application Performance
30 / 70 → 43%
Temperature
89%
Noise
100%
Audio
51 / 91 → 56%
Camera
59%
Average
67%
78%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
Marcus Herbrich, 2017-08- 9 (Update: 2019-04- 5)