Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy Pocket plus S5301 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus S5301

The Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus S5301 was launched by Samsung in 2012, with the smartphone being a successor to the Samsung Galaxy Pocket. It provided a compact and affordable option for consumers looking for basic smartphone functionality at the time. Although it has been discontinued, this device offers some interesting features worth exploring, particularly for those interested in technology history or those who have a nostalgic connection to early Android devices.

Design and Build

The Galaxy Pocket Plus S5301 features a compact and lightweight design, with dimensions of 104.9 x 57.9 x 12 mm and a weight of just 97.2 grams. This made it incredibly easy to carry around and use with one hand. The device utilizes a Mini-SIM card and is available in two color variants: Black and White. The compact design and color options provided an attractive minimalist style for users on a budget.

Display

Equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT display with 256K colors, the Galaxy Pocket Plus was designed to cater to basic smartphone needs. Its screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi, meant that it offered standard clarity for its class and time. While not suitable for high-definition video content, it sufficed for basic app usage and phone functions.

Performance

Under the hood, the Pocket Plus S5301 ran on an 850 MHz processor, which was capable of handling simple tasks and lightweight applications. The device came with 512MB of RAM, which, combined with the processing power, offered modest multitasking capabilities. Its internal storage was 4GB, which could be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to add up to additional storage as needed. This flexibility provided users with more room for media, apps, and other data.

Operating System and User Interface

The smartphone operated on Android OS version 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich. This version of Android came with significant improvements over its predecessor in terms of functionality and design. The interface included Samsung's custom TouchWiz UX, which enhanced user experience with additional features and visual elements. Although limited by modern standards, the software provided a friendly experience for users in its time.

Camera

The Pocket Plus S5301 was equipped with a single 2 MP rear camera capable of basic photography and video recording. Users could also enjoy a Panorama feature to capture wider scenes. Video recording capped at 320p at 30 frames per second, which was sufficient for basic video capturing. Unfortunately, the device lacked a front camera; thus, video calls and selfies were not supported features.

Battery Life

The device housed a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery. Its modest battery capacity might seem limited today but was adequate for the limited technological demands of the time. It formerly provided up to 520 hours of standby time on 2G networks and 320 hours on 3G networks. Talk time extended up to 14 hours and 10 minutes on 2G, while on 3G networks, it provided up to 5 hours and 40 minutes of talk time.

Connectivity and Network

The Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus supported GSM and HSPA technologies, facilitating 2G and 3G network connectivity. It featured HSDPA 900/2100 bands and supported internet speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps on HSPA networks. Connectivity options also included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities for wireless internet access. Additional communication technologies included Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS with GLONASS for navigation, and a stereo FM radio with RDS for listening to radio stations. The device, however, lacked NFC capabilities which would later become standard in subsequent models.

Audio and Multimedia

Multimedia options included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack offering reasonable sound output for music and calls. The loudspeaker facilitated hands-free use during calls or media play, while the headphone jack ensured the ability to connect with various audio peripherals.

Sensors

The smartphone included a basic accelerometer sensor, which was common in early smartphones to detect the orientation of the device. Although it was not packed with modern sensors, the accelerometer supported basic functionality for auto-rotate features and simple gaming experiences.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus S5301 is a representation of early Android smartphones, providing essential features at an affordable price. While it cannot compete with modern devices in terms of functionality or power, it holds a niche value for collectors, technology enthusiasts, and those interested in the evolution of smartphones. Its compact design, combined with basic yet adequate features, satisfied the needs of a segment of users during its time, showcasing how far smartphone technology has advanced in the following years.