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Samsung Galaxy C5 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Release Date
2016, June
Camera
16MP
Battery
2600mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Snapdragon 617
Screen
5.2"
Storage
32GB/64GB , microSDXC
Ram
4GB RAM
Operating System
Android 6.0.1, up to Android 8.0

Introducing Samsung Galaxy C5

The Samsung Galaxy C5, initially announced in May 2016 and released in June 2016, showcases Samsung's commitment to marrying style with performance. Though discontinued now, it offers a good blend of features for its time, embodied in a sleek design and powerful hardware.

Design and Build

The smartphone sports a premium design featuring a glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frame, ensuring durability while keeping it lightweight at just 143 grams. With dimensions of 145.9 x 72 x 6.7 mm, it comfortably fits in the hand, making it suitable for one-handed usage.

Display

Equipped with a 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy C5 offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals at a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. The 16:9 aspect ratio and approximately 424 ppi pixel density ensure crisp and detailed images, enriching the user experience whether viewing photos, videos, or reading text.

Performance and Hardware

The device is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 chipset featuring an octa-core CPU (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53). This, coupled with the Adreno 405 GPU, ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Galaxy C5 comes with two storage variants: 32GB and 64GB, both paired with 4GB of RAM. It also supports expansion via a microSDXC card, sharing the SIM slot, for additional storage.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy C5 is outfitted with a 16 MP rear camera featuring an f/1.9 aperture and autofocus. This allows the capture of clear, detailed photos even in low-light conditions. It also supports dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR modes. Video recording is available at 1080p@30fps, providing solid video quality for the era. On the front, there's an 8 MP selfie camera, also with an f/1.9 aperture, designed to capture sharp and vivid selfies and make video calls.

Battery Life

The Galaxy C5 houses a 2600 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. Supporting 18W wired charging, it offers a decent battery life considering its specifications. Although not equipped with fast charging technology by today's standards, its endurance rating of 75 hours means it can last a typical day of usage comfortably.

Software and Features

Originally launched with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), the device is upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), providing improved performance and features over time. It includes a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, accelerating access and protecting user data. The device is equipped with various sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass.

Connectivity

Offering a comprehensive range of connectivity options, the Galaxy C5 includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, LE, and NFC capabilities. It supports GPS with GLONASS/BDS based on region, stereo FM radio with RDS and recording, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. It features a hybrid dual SIM configuration allowing the use of two SIM cards or one SIM card and a microSD card.

Audio and Multimedia

The device comes with a 3.5mm audio jack, a feature that remains popular despite the move towards wireless audio solutions. The loudspeaker provides decent sound, with audio quality measured at -93.1dB for noise and -68.3dB for crosstalk, ensuring a satisfactory listening experience for calls and media playback.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy C5 remains a noteworthy option for those seeking a stylish mid-range smartphone with solid performance. Despite being discontinued, its specifications and features provided a balanced, reliable experience during its availability. Today, it serves as an example of the evolution in smartphone design and capabilities from 2016 onwards.

Key Features of Samsung Galaxy C5

  • Network Support: GSM, HSPA, LTE technology for seamless connectivity.
  • Sleek Design: Slim profile with dimensions of 145.9 x 72 x 6.7 mm and lightweight at 143 g.
  • Premium Build: Glass front with an aluminum back and frame for a premium feel.
  • Display: 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering vibrant visuals and high pixel density (~424 ppi).
  • Powerful Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset with Octa-core processor for efficient multitasking.
  • Memory Options: Available with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, both equipped with 4GB RAM and expandable via microSD card.
  • Main Camera: 16 MP camera with f/1.9 aperture, dual-LED flash, and support for panorama and HDR for crisp photos.
  • Selfie Camera: 8 MP front-facing camera with f/1.9 aperture for high-quality selfies.
  • Sound: Equipped with a loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack for audio convenience.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS, stereo FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 support.
  • Security: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking.
  • Battery: 2600 mAh battery with 18W fast charging capability for extended usage.
  • Color Options: Available in Gold, Pink Gold, and Dark Gray shades.
  • Additional Features: Hybrid Dual SIM capability and a range of sensors including accelerometer, proximity, and compass.

Samsung Galaxy C5 - Key Drawbacks

  • Discontinued Status: The device is no longer in production or officially supported.
  • Outdated Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) and only upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  • Mid-Range Chipset: Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 617, which may struggle with demanding applications.
  • Limited Battery Capacity: Features a 2600 mAh non-removable battery, which might not suffice for heavy users.
  • Shared SIM and MicroSD Slot: Uses a hybrid slot, which forces a choice between a second SIM card and microSD expansion.
  • Absence of Advanced Connectivity: Limited to microUSB 2.0 and lacks support for modern USB-C connectivity.
  • Moderate Loudspeaker Performance: Average loudspeaker output levels may not satisfy audiophiles.
  • Basic Display Sunlight Visibility: Display contrast ratio is lower under sunlight conditions (3.911).
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - C5000
4G bands 1, 3, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - C5000
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2016, May. Released 2016, June
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 145.9 x 72 x 6.7 mm (5.74 x 2.83 x 0.26 in)
Weight 143 g (5.04 oz)
Build Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
SIM Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type Super AMOLED
Size 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 405
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 16 MP, f/1.9, AF
Features Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/1.9
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS/ BDS (region dependent)
NFC Yes
Radio Stereo FM radio with RDS; recording
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable
Charging 18W wired
Misc
Colors Gold, Pink Gold, Dark Gray
Models SM-C5000
SAR EU 0.45 W/kg (head)     1.07 W/kg (body)
Price About 220 EUR
Tests
Performance Basemark OS II 2.0: 815Basemark X: 5039
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.911 (sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 67dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 72dB
Audio quality Noise-93.1dB / Crosstalk -68.3dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 75h

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