Samsung Galaxy Core I8260 Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices & More

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy Core I8260

The Samsung Galaxy Core I8260 is a smartphone that was launched by Samsung in 2013. While it might be considered outdated compared to contemporary smartphones, it played a crucial role in providing essential smartphone functionalities for its time. With its user-friendly design and moderate specifications, it catered to users looking for a reliable and affordable device.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy Core I8260 supports GSM/HSPA network technologies, allowing for satisfactory connectivity during its release period. The 2G bands support GSM 850/900/1800/1900, while the 3G bands include HSDPA 900/2100. It offered data speeds up to HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps, which was adequate for regular use such as browsing the web and checking emails.

Design and Build Quality

Measuring 129.3 x 67.6 x 9 mm and weighing 124 grams, the device is reasonably compact and lightweight. It featured a classic design with a glass front, a plastic back, and a plastic frame. The phone was available in two colors: Metallic Blue and Chic White, giving users some variety in their choice of aesthetics. The dual-SIM support made it versatile for people needing separate lines for personal and work-related uses.

Display Features

Featuring a 4.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels (~217 ppi density), the Galaxy Core offered a decent visual experience for its class. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 60.2%, it provided a satisfactory display size for handling basic smartphone tasks.

Platform and Performance

Powering the Samsung Galaxy Core I8260 is the Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4 Play chipset, paired with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU and an Adreno 203 GPU. This configuration ensures a moderate level of performance suitable for running the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean operating system, with the ability to handle basic multitasking and app usage.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, of which 4.5GB is available to the user. It also includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for expandable storage, which is essential for users needing additional space for apps, photos, and media.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a single 5 MP main camera with an LED flash, the Galaxy Core I8260 enables basic photography with decent image quality for its time. Capable of shooting 480p videos at 30fps, the phone's camera features autofocus, enhancing the quality of pictures it can capture. The VGA front camera is also included for selfies and video calling despite its limited resolution.

Sound and Audio

The device supports a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing easy connection to headphones and external speakers. The loudspeaker output is sufficient for calls and media playback, with sound quality suitable for casual listening.

Communication Features

In terms of connectivity, the phone is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS for navigation, FM radio with RDS, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. However, it lacks NFC capabilities, which may limit its connectivity options for specific modern applications.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Galaxy Core I8260 features a suite of basic sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to its functionality for standard smartphone operations and navigation tasks.

Battery Life and Efficiency

The phone's power is supplied by a removable 1800 mAh Li-Ion battery, providing a reasonable battery life with a standby time of up to 500 hours on a 2G network and 300 hours on a 3G network. It supports up to 14 hours of talk time on 2G networks and up to 9 hours on 3G networks, which was standard for smartphones from that era.

Market Position and Availability

Initially released at a price of approximately 160 EUR, the Galaxy Core I8260 offered a balance of specifications and affordability. This made it a viable option for users looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with essential features. However, as of the latest updates, the device has been discontinued and is no longer in production. Nonetheless, it remains a noteworthy mention in the history of Samsung's smartphone lineup.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Core I8260 holds its place as an accessible and functional device during its time of release. Its features, although basic by today’s standards, provided a practical solution for users seeking a dependable smartphone experience at an affordable price. While technology has advanced significantly since its introduction, the Galaxy Core I8260 is a testament to the rapid evolution of the mobile industry.