The Galaxy Pocket S5300 from Samsung is a single SIM android phone powered by an 832 MHz processor and loaded with important features. Samsung calls it a budget phone but is the price tag of under Rs. 7,000 worth it, let’s find out.
Hardware
The Pocket definitely comes with a better computing power thanks to the 832 MHz ARM11 processor. This handset comes with 3 GB internal memory which again is really good, more space for apps. The android 2.3 gingerbread OS runs smoothly without lags. Samsung Galaxy is light weight at 97 grams with a thickness of 12 mm. There is built in loudspeaker and a 3.5 mm jack for connecting headphones. The pocket has got that typical Samsung look with curved edges and 3 buttons on the front side.
Display
Being a low cost android handset, you cannot expect much from the display. The capacitive touchscreen display (multi touch supported) is 2.8 inches with QVGA resolution (240 x 320 pixels with 143 ppi). If you have used a higher resolution mobile before the display quality will be disappointing. Though the quality is not that bad but it’s nowhere when compared with a slightly higher resolution. The Pocket comes loaded with the TouchWiz UX user interface.
Connectivity
This handset supports 3G (HSDPA 3.6 Mbps; HSUPA), EDGE, GPRS and Wi-Fi. You can share 3G using Wi-Fi as hotspot or via USB tethering.
Memory
As motioned before this smartphone though compact is really powerful. It comes with 3 GB internal memory with microSD slot for adding extra storage of up to 32 GB.
Camera
There is a modest 2 MP camera capable of clicking pictures in 1600 x 1200 pixels resolution. Geo-Tagging is supported and videos can also be recorded in QVGA format @ 15 fps. There is no secondary camera. Since this is a Samsungs brand the camera quality will be better but do not expect too much from a 2 MP resolution. Camera features are 2x digital zoom, smile / panorama/ shot mode, photo effects and white balance.
Multimedia
The media player supports MP4, MP3, eAAC+, H.264/H.263 and WAV files. There is an FM radio receiver with RDS support.
Additional features
Other features included are a GPS receiver with A-GPS support, Bluetooth 3.0, mobile tracker, Java support via MIDP emulator, SNS integration, Video and image editor, document viewer, Google services and compass / accelerometer sensors.
Battery performance
The 1200 mAh Li-ion battery gives a standby time of about a month on 2G network and 20 days when using the 3G network. The talktime is up to 5 hours on 3G and 17 hours on 2G networks. As you can see the battery life is really impressive.
Price : Samsung Galaxy Pocket S5300 is selling for Rs. 6,990 with 1 year warranty.
Review
This is a very good android phone with a 3 GB memory and a camera of 2 MP resolution. However it is the price factor that it seems is on the higher side.
If you compare the Galaxy Pocket with Micromax A50 there is a price difference of Rs. 2000 which is too high. Pocket handset has a slight advantage but it’s not worth the price, at less than 2000 you get a dual SIM phone, so the A50 wins comfortably here.
Now if you are a brand conscious user and do not believe in the Micromax brand this handset is a good choice but then there is a Samsung Galaxy Y for just Rs. 500 extra. It is the same with less memory but with a larger 3 inch screen. However the pixel density is 133 ppi. So Pocket is still the best choice.