Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 Full Specs Prices and Pros & Cons

Network Technology

The Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies. This provides a wide range of compatibility with 2G and 3G bands, ensuring users have reliable connectivity in different regions. The device supports 2G bands such as GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, which is common for both SIM 1 and SIM 2 slots, allowing users to take advantage of dual SIM capabilities. For 3G, it supports HSDPA 900 and 2100 bands, facilitating better speeds and connectivity for mobile data usage. The HSPA technology allows download speeds of up to 21.1 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps, ensuring a decent internet browsing experience for the time of its release.

Launch Information

Announced in August 2014, the Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 was released the same month. Despite its discontinuation in later years, the device garnered attention for offering dual SIM functionality and basic smartphone features at an affordable price point. It catered to users looking for a secondary phone or an entry-level smartphone experience. Its affordability and functionality made it a popular choice in regions where smartphone penetration was still growing.

Body and Design

The Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 is compact with dimensions of 121.4 x 62.9 x 10.8 mm, making it easy to handle with one hand. It weighs 124 grams, which is considered lightweight, ensuring comfort during prolonged use. The device features a dual SIM setup, using Micro-SIM cards with a dual stand-by feature. This allows users to maintain two separate numbers on the same phone, catering to business and personal use on a single device.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 4.0-inch TFT display, providing a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels with a 5:3 ratio. This results in a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi, sufficient for clear and readable text and graphics. Although not as advanced as modern AMOLED or IPS displays, the TFT technology was common during the phone’s release and offered satisfactory viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday tasks.

Platform and Performance

Operating on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 provides a user-friendly interface and access to Google Play services. Powering the device is a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, which, while modest by today’s standards, provided adequate performance for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and light gaming at its release. The combination of hardware and software aimed to deliver a simple yet functional smartphone experience for average users.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. The limited RAM may hinder running multiple applications simultaneously but is sufficient for basic tasks. For those needing additional storage, the phone includes a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand their storage capacity. This feature ensures users can store more photos, music, and apps without worrying about running out of space quickly.

Main and Selfie Camera

The primary camera of the Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 is a single 5 MP shooter with autofocus capabilities and an LED flash, enhancing photo quality in low-light conditions. It can record video at 720p@30fps, allowing users to capture moments with reasonable quality. The front-facing camera is a basic VGA sensor, primarily used for video calls, which might not meet the expectations of selfie enthusiasts but serves its purpose for basic usage.

Sound and Audio

The phone includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating users who prefer wired headphones or earphones. The presence of a 3.5mm jack is especially favorable for users in regions where wireless audio solutions are less prevalent. Additionally, the loudspeaker caters to hands-free usage, enhancing the device’s multifunctional appeal.

Communication and Connectivity

Connectivity features in the Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities, allowing users to share their mobile data connection. The Bluetooth 4.0 interface supports a range of audio devices and wireless accessories, ensuring seamless connectivity for audio and data transfer. Positioning features include GPS and GLONASS, which enhance location accuracy for maps and navigation apps. Despite its lack of NFC, it does include an FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sensors

The phone incorporates an accelerometer sensor. This sensor plays a crucial role in detecting the orientation of the phone and enables automatic screen rotation based on the device’s physical position. It is essential for applications and games that rely on motion controls.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. Given the phone's specifications, the battery capacity supports a full day's usage for basic tasks such as calling, texting, and light internet usage. The removable nature of the battery allows users to easily replace it, prolonging the phone’s lifespan.

Price and Availability

Upon release, the Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 was priced at approximately 100 EUR. Its competitive pricing aimed to attract budget-conscious consumers who required essential smartphone functionalities without the added cost of premium features. Available in colors such as black and gray, it provided standard aesthetic choices for users.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 represents a balanced offering for its time, combining basic smartphone features with affordability. Its dual SIM capability, expandable storage, and user-friendly Android experience reflected Samsung’s commitment to catering to diverse market needs, particularly in regions with growing smartphone adoption.