Samsung Galaxy Star S5280
ManufacturerSamsung [1]
First releasedMay 2013 [1]
Form factorCandybar [1]
Dimensions105 x 58 x 11.9 mm [1]
Mass100.5 grams [1]
Operating systemAndroid Jellybean [1]
Memory512 MB RAM [1]
Storage4 GB [1]
Removable storageMicroSD support for up to 32GB [1]
BatteryLi-Ion (1200 mAh)[1]
Display240 x 300 piexels, 3.0 inches [1]
Rear camera2 Megapixels Back Camera, No Front Camera [1]
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi b/g, GPS [1]

The Samsung Galaxy Star is an Indian smartphone which was announced by Samsung Electronics in April 2013, and subsequently released in May 2013.[2] Like all other Samsung Galaxy smartphones, the Galaxy Star runs on the Android mobile operating system.[1] The phone features a 3.0 inch touchscreen, which is capable of multitouch.[1] The phone also features dual-sim capabilities.[1] Many users have found that the device's capabilities are limited, seeing it as a low-end smartphone.[3] The device is only capable of operating on 2G networks.[4] At Rs 5,000, it was the cheapest smartphone on the Indian market when reviewed in July 2013.[5]

Specifications edit

The phone is only available in India.[2] It is only capable of operating on 2G networks, unlike most Samsung Galaxy smartphones.[2] The phone follows the candybar form factor for smartphones, and features a plastic exterior.[1] The Galaxy Star features a 1GHz processor, and comes equipped with 4 gigabytes of internal storage, which can be upgraded to 32 gigabytes through the use of an SD card.[1] Because the device comes with a modified version of the Android 4.1 software, Samsung has stated that CPU usage is conducted in a more efficient way to ensure longer battery life.[6] The device features an accelerometer intended to translate natural gestures into commands on the phone; for example, if the phone is ringing and the user turns it face down, it will stop ringing, or if the user wishes to establish a Bluetooth or wireless internet connection, they can shake the device and it will automatically connect.[6] However, users have found that these gestures are often poorly recognised, resulting in the device performing unwanted tasks.[7] It is not the first device to have these features; the HTC Desire Z introduced these features in 2010.[8]

Reception edit

Because the Samsung Galaxy Star was only released in India, there is a lack of credible reviews for the device. According to The Times of India, the Samsung Galaxy Star is a decent device capable of providing users with an adequate mobile experience.[9] The Times of India found the screen to be very small and of poor quality.[9] However, they have stated that this is understandable considering this is the cheapest smartphone in India.[9] Furthermore, the device excels in terms of web browsing and communication, despite the fact that it sometimes experiences difficulties with maintaining an online connection.[9] The device has access to the Google Play Store, however, it is not capable of running many newer apps.[9] Many older apps which do not require as much processing power still function normally on the device.[9] Some features, such as pinch-to-zoom, cause the device to lag, which is a direct result of its lack of RAM.[9]

Many reviewers have criticized the device due to its lack of a GPS, which has become the norm for modern day smartphones.[7][10] Reviewers have agreed that the phone excels in terms of battery life, which is a result of Samsung modifying the operating system to control battery drainage.[11] Despite the fact that the device only has a 2 MP camera, reviewers have found that the camera is capable of taking clear pictures with adequate picture quality.[4]

References edit

Category:Samsung mobile phones Category:Samsung mobile phones