Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy mini 2 S6500 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Samsung Galaxy mini 2 S6500

The Samsung Galaxy mini 2 S6500 is a compact smartphone that was announced in February 2012 and released in March of the same year. This device aimed at the budget-conscious segment of the market by offering fundamental smartphone features at an affordable price of about 90 EUR. The device has been discontinued, but it serves as a fascinating look into the smartphone technology available in the early 2010s.

Network Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy mini 2 S6500 supports both GSM and HSPA network technologies. It features 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900 / 2100). Its maximum network speeds reach up to HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps, which was a reasonably fast speed during its time.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy mini 2 S6500 sports a compact body with dimensions of 109.4 x 58.6 x 11.6 mm and a weight of 105.3 grams. The phone fits comfortably in hand and is easy to use with one hand, catering to those who prefer smaller devices. It is built to house a Mini-SIM card, and its external design is accentuated by its color options: Black/Orange.

Display

The phone comes with a 3.27 inches TFT display that supports 256K colors. While not large by today’s standards, the screen size was suitable for the phone's overall size, achieving an approximately 49.7% screen-to-body ratio. The screen resolution of 320 x 480 pixels provides a density of 176 ppi, which ensures that basic content is displayed clearly.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy mini 2 S6500 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM7227A Snapdragon S1 chipset. The device includes an 800 MHz Cortex-A5 CPU and an Adreno 200 GPU. Though these specifications may seem modest now, they were typical for entry-level smartphones at the time. The device operates on the Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread OS, providing a user-friendly interface that supports a variety of applications and functions.

Memory and Storage

The phone is equipped with 512MB of RAM and has an internal storage capacity of 4GB. This storage can be expanded thanks to a dedicated microSDHC card slot, a critical feature for users who require more space for apps, photos, and media. The 512MB RAM supports light multitasking, allowing users to switch between basic applications with relative ease.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy mini 2 S6500 features a single rear camera with a 3.15 MP sensor. This camera supports video recording at 480p@25fps. While basic by today's photography standards, the camera was adequate for taking quick snapshots and casual videos during its time.

Audio and Connectivities

For sound, the phone comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack for those who prefer wired headphones. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. The inclusion of Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP ensures wireless audio streaming, while GPS and A-GPS support location services. Users also have access to optional NFC for short-range wireless data exchange.

Other Features

The phone comes with several sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing user interaction. The built-in FM radio with RDS adds to its connectivity and entertainment features, allowing users to listen to stereo radio on the go. The USB connection is achieved through microUSB 2.0.

Battery Life

A removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery powers the device. Users experience standby on 2G for up to 540 hours and on 3G for up to 420 hours. Talk time is rated at up to 11 hours and 20 minutes on 2G, and up to 6 hours and 50 minutes on 3G, ensuring that moderate users can comfortably use the phone throughout a day without frequent recharging.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy mini 2 S6500 was designed as an entry-level smartphone, perfect for those who needed basic mobile connectivity and smartphone functionality without the frills of more expensive models. While technology has rapidly progressed since its release, the mini 2 serves as a notable example of the compact and functional smartphones from the early 2010s, offering solid value for its price point at the time.