Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080

The Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080, announced in December 2012 and released in April 2013, marked an interesting phase in smartphone evolution. Known for its mid-range specifications during its time, the device catered to users seeking a balance between performance and affordability. Although discontinued now, the Grand I9080 continues to remain a point of reference in discussions regarding early smartphone design and functionality.

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080 supports GSM and HSPA technology, offering 2G and 3G network bands. The device is compatible with GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, and HSDPA 850, 1900, and 2100 bands, facilitating a wide range of connectivity options for users. With a download speed of 21.1 Mbps and an upload speed of 5.76 Mbps through HSPA, the device ensured competent wireless communication for its users.

Design and Build

Weighing 162 grams and measuring 143.5 x 76.9 x 9.6 mm, the Galaxy Grand strikes a balance between durability and portability. The phone's mini-SIM slot is a reminder of the standard during its time of release. The device's form factor, while considered substantial by today’s standards, was quite acceptable for its time, offering a comfortable grip thanks to its rounded edges and solid build.

Display Features

Equipped with a 5.0-inch TFT display, the Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080 provides a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 64.5%. The display resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, with a density of about 187 pixels per inch, presented a decent visual quality at the time, supporting basic multimedia functions and general usage needs.

Platform and Performance

The phone originally runs on Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) and is upgradeable to Android 4.2.2. Accompanied by Samsung’s custom TouchWiz UI, it offers a recognizable user experience. Powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a Broadcom VideoCore IV GPU, the Grand I9080 handled essential tasks and light applications with ease, catering to basic multitasking needs of its users.

Memory and Storage

Featuring 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, the device supports a microSDXC card slot to expand its storage capacity. This ensured that users with moderate storage requirements were adequately serviced, although the RAM limitations could often bottleneck performance under heavier usage.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera

The main camera of the Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080 is an 8 MP sensor with autofocus and LED flash. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps with stereo sound recording. Although not groundbreaking, these features were satisfactory for capturing everyday moments with reasonable clarity at the time.

Selfie Camera

For selfies, the device sports a 2 MP front camera, which was considered reasonable when it first launched, supporting basic video calls and taking modest self-portraits.

Audio and Sound

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, a standard feature that remains valued for its compatibility with a multitude of audio devices. These ensured that users could enjoy music playback without wireless accessories.

Communication Features

The Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080’s connectivity suite includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (supporting dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA), Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, and LE, as well as GPS with GLONASS support. Despite lacking NFC, it included stereo FM radio with RDS and a microUSB 2.0 slot for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Additional Features

Incorporating sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, the device ensured essential functionalities for various applications in that era, from navigation to basic gaming and utility apps.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery, offering up to 440 hours on standby, 10 hours and 10 minutes of talk time, and up to 46 hours of music playback. These figures represent a considerable mileage for typical use cases, contributing to the device's allure among users who prioritized battery life.

Miscellaneous

Available in Black and White, the Galaxy Grand I9080 represented a typical aesthetic appeal of its time. With two model numbers, GT-I9080 and GT-I9080L, the phone had an initial price around 210 EUR, making it a viable option for mid-range buyers.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Grand I9080, while not revolutionary by today’s standards, offered a robust set of features for its time. It balanced performance with affordability, making it a popular choice during its release period. As with all technology, advances have rendered it outdated, but it remains an integral part of Samsung's legacy in smartphone development. Understanding its specifications and market impact provides insight into the rapid evolution of mobile technology.