Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 Unveiling Specs Prices & Features

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Ace 3

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 was announced in June 2013 and released in July of the same year. Though discontinued, this smartphone was popular at its time due to its affordability and decent set of features for an entry-level device. The device was available in several models like GT-S7272, GT-S7275, and others, each catering slightly to different market needs.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy Ace 3 was equipped with GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, making it relatively versatile in terms of connectivity options back in the day. It supported 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, which facilitated a wide-reaching network capability. Users could enjoy speeds up to HSPA 42.2 Mbps for 3G and LTE Cat4 with speeds up to 150/50 Mbps. These network features allowed for decent browsing speed and connectivity for the users.

Design and Build

The Galaxy Ace 3 had dimensions of 121.2 x 62.7 x 9.8 mm for the 3G model and a slightly thicker profile for the LTE model at 10 mm. This compact size made it easy to carry around. Weighing at 115g for the 3G version and 119.5g for the LTE, it was relatively lightweight. It featured a glass front with a plastic back and frame, characteristic of budget smartphones of that era. The device came with either a Single SIM or Dual SIM (both micro-SIM, dual stand-by) options, adding to its versatility.

Display

The device showcased a 4.0-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This resulted in a pixel density of about 233 pixels per inch, offering acceptable display clarity for everyday use though not very sharp or vibrant compared to modern standards. The screen-to-body ratio was approximately 59.9%, illustrating that bezels were significantly larger.

Platform and Performance

The Galaxy Ace 3 operated on Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), which provided a smooth, user-friendly experience, although it lacked many of the features found in later Android versions. It ran on two different chipsets based on network variability, Broadcom BCM21664 for 3G and Qualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400 for LTE, both offering dual-core performance. The 3G variant featured a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, while the LTE featured a slightly faster 1.2 GHz Krait CPU. Graphic processing was handled by the Broadcom VideoCore IV for the 3G model and Adreno 305 for the LTE variant.

Memory and Storage

The Galaxy Ace 3 came with 1GB of RAM, a standard for budget smartphones at the time but limiting by today’s standard. It provided a storage choice between 4GB for the 3G version and 8GB for the LTE model. However, the presence of a dedicated microSDXC slot allowed for expansion, which was an essential feature for storage management given the limited internal storage.

Camera Capabilities

The device supported a single 5 MP rear camera with an f/2.6 aperture, autofocus, and LED flash. These features delivered basic photography capabilities suitable for casual users. It could record videos at 720p at 30 frames per second, offering decent video quality for the price range. The front mounted VGA camera served for basic video call functionality.

Audio and Sound

For audio output, the Galaxy Ace 3 included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a standard audio feature at the time. The sound quality provided was acceptable for voice and media playback, with a loudness potential measured at 66dB for voice and 62dB for noise, and 66dB for ringtones.

Communication and Additional Features

The device was equipped with various communication and wireless options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. It supported Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming. Location detection was enhanced through GPS and GLONASS support. For models supporting LTE, NFC was also included for seamless data sharing and mobile payments. Moreover, it offered stereo FM radio with RDS for live radio listening, and a microUSB 2.0 port was used for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Battery

Galaxy Ace 3 was equipped with a set of sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a digital compass, adding basic navigational and interacting capabilities. It was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery (with some older models boasting a 1500 mAh battery). The standby time extended up to 370 hours on 3G and offered up to 8 hours of talk time.

Design and Color Options

The phone was available in three color options: Black, White, and Dark Red, catering to personal preferences in aesthetics. With its understated aesthetic that was typical for Samsung smartphones of the period, the Galaxy Ace 3 maintained a modern yet simple design.

Pricing and Market Positioning

At the time of release, the Galaxy Ace 3 was competitively priced at about 130 EUR, which made it accessible to a wide range of consumers seeking functionality without the cost of high-end devices. The reasonable pricing, combined with its feature set, positioned it well within the entry-level smartphone market.

Overall Evaluation

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 offered a balanced combination of features and performance in a compact form. While it did not boast cutting-edge technology, it was a reliable choice for users requiring essential smartphone functionalities. Its legacy is a testament to Samsung’s ability to cater to a wide audience by providing variety in device capabilities and price ranges.