Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 Complete Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Grand 2

The Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 is a smartphone that was first released in January 2014. It was announced in November 2013 and quickly garnered attention for its specifications that catered to the mid-range smartphone market at that time. The Grand 2 stands out for its large display, decent performance, and an attractive price point, making it an appealing choice for users who desired a device that balances price and functionality.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy Grand 2 supports multiple network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. This makes it capable of operating over a wide range of frequencies, providing enhanced connectivity options. Especially notable is its support for 4G LTE bands (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20), ensuring faster internet speeds where available. The device’s networking capabilities allow for HSPA speeds up to 42.2/21/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat3 speeds at 100/50 Mbps, albeit dependent on the region and carrier support.

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 showcases a blend of functionality and style within its design. It measures 146.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm and weighs 163 grams, making it relatively lightweight for its size. The build consists of a glass front, plastic back, and a plastic frame, which is characteristic of smartphones in its range, striking a balance between durability and cost-efficiency. Users have options for single SIM or dual SIM configurations, which makes it versatile for different user needs.

Display

Central to the Grand 2’s appeal is its 5.25-inch TFT display. The display offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, amounting to about 280 pixels per inch density. As such, it provides crisp and clear visuals suitable for various multimedia consumption, ranging from browsing the internet to streaming videos. The 68.7% screen-to-body ratio ensures that the display is sufficiently large while the device remains compact and manageable.

Platform and Performance

This device utilizes the Android operating system, initially launching with Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) and is upgradable to Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), allowing users access to various apps and functionalities offered by the Android ecosystem. At its core, the Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 chipset powers the Grand 2, supported by a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. This configuration, while modest by more recent standards, offers acceptable performance for everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and multimedia handling.

Memory and Storage

The Galaxy Grand 2 is equipped with 1.5GB of RAM, accompanying its 8GB of internal storage. For users requiring additional space, the device provides a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing storage expansion. This flexibility ensures that users can adapt the storage based on their needs, be it for more apps, photos, or media files.

Camera Features

In terms of photography, the Grand 2 is fitted with an 8 MP rear camera, featuring an aperture of f/2.4 and auto-focus capabilities, alongside an LED flash for better low-light performance. It is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps, with stereo sound recording, thus accommodating both still photography and video capture needs. On the front, the device sports a 1.9 MP camera for selfies and video calls.

Sound and Multimedia

Sound quality is another important aspect of the Galaxy Grand 2. It features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which are essential for users who prefer traditional wired headphones. This compatibility ensures that the device can be easily connected to various audio peripherals.

Communication and Connectivity

The device is well-equipped for wireless communication, supporting Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, and LE ensures robust wireless connectivity options for local data transfer and peripheral connections. It also supports GPS and GLONASS for precise positioning services but lacks NFC capability. There’s an FM radio function available for users who enjoy listening to traditional radio broadcasts, along with microUSB 2.0 for physical connectivity.

Sensors and Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the device includes accelerometer, proximity, and compass sensors, which enhance the functionality of various apps and features like auto-rotation, navigation apps, and gaming.

Battery Life

Powering the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 is a removable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery, providing it with a decent lifespan. On 3G networks, it offers up to 370 hours of standby time, and up to 17 hours of talk time, making it reliable for day-to-day usage without frequent charging requirements. Its removable nature is particularly advantageous for users who prefer the option to replace the battery rather than relying solely on charging via cable.

Pricing and Availability

Upon its release, the Galaxy Grand 2 was priced at approximately 180 Euros, a competitive rate given its feature set. It was available in various models and colors including Black, White, and Pink, catering to different stylistic preferences. Although the device has been discontinued, it paved the way for future models through its affordability and the features it offered during its prime.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 was an impressive device that served as a bridge between budget-friendly options and more premium alternatives. Its blend of a large display, acceptable performance, camera capabilities, and extensive connectivity options made it a versatile choice for many users at the time of its release. Even today, it can serve as an introduction to the Android ecosystem for those seeking simplicity without the bells and whistles of more modern alternatives.