Apart from the new dialer interface, it also brings a smart dialing feature which works wonderfully, enabling you to numerically enter a name, even if it's incomplete (i.e. 8632 for Vodafone, as seen on the picture) and displaying all matches instantly. With this new dialer, it doesn't exist anymore the two call buttons to choose which SIM should establish the call. Instead, the green call button can immediately start the call when set to a certain SIM card or open a pop up which let's you choose it every time.
It's hard not to accept that this new user interface was definitely thoroughly developed.
Many new options can now be set under the dual SIM management menu. The user can edit the name of each SIM and also set the associated background color that will appear in call log as well as in the notification bar (behind the network strength bars).
Other than that, also in the same menu, the user has the possibility to set a default card to establish all outgoing calls or set it to always ask, thus enabling the pop up that can be seen some images above showing the dialer (with the options of which SIM card should initiate the call). The same thing can be set for messaging and data connection purposes.
Messaging application was updated as well and conversations are now displayed inside color balloons.
Colors have been now added to the icons present in the settings menu, making user experience more eye-appealing. The phone sports all the normal sensors, such as proximity, light and gravity.
It also natively supports portable Wi-Fi hotspot feature, letting the user share data connection over a wireless network.
Just like on previous MT6516 based smartphones, in the new MT65x3 platform, the feature to schedule power on / off is still present. Again, this feature must be evidenced because it can't be found in many smartphones.
Given that G11i is a clone, people might be worried that not all features work, but that is not true. The user can achieve the full Android user experience. It features full Android Market access, provided by the latest version of the application.
The latest version of Google Maps is installed as well.
Other than that, Skype (version 2.0.0.45+) works like it is supposed to and there's already modified version of the Adobe Flash Player application working on ARMv6 devices.
In terms of GSM reception, G11i performs greatly and beats any other clones. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to test a call in a place where I normally couldn't establish it, while using my HD9. Sound quality is clear enough and microphone quality seems to be pretty decent because people tell me that they can hear me perfectly.
Photos and videos
Camera interface provides enough manual controls, such as the ability to modify exposure, contrast, saturation, to enable the user to perfectly capture specific shots in all of their glory. And finally, its vast mix of effects will entertain just about anyone who wants to add a sprinkling of quirkiness or fun to their shots.
When switched to video recording mode, it can be noticed that effects can be applied as well. The maximum video quality is 480p.
MT6513 chipset and benchmarks