Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy Win I8550 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Win I8550

The Samsung Galaxy Win I8550 is a mid-range smartphone released by Samsung in 2013. Despite being discontinued, this device provides fundamental mobile capabilities with a reasonable cost. The phone is designed to appeal to users looking for a reliable but straightforward smartphone experience. Below is a comprehensive examination of the specifications and features of the Samsung Galaxy Win I8550.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy Win supports GSM and HSPA technologies, providing satisfactory mobile connectivity for its users. It facilitates 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900/2100), promising adequate communication speeds up to 7.2/5.76 Mbps. While it lacks LTE capabilities, the HSPA speed suffices for those needing basic connectivity.

Design and Build

The device showcases dimensions of 133.3 x 70.7 x 9.7 mm and weighs 143.9 grams, making it comfortably lightweight. The option for a Single or Dual SIM easily accommodates individuals who switch between networks. The phone maintains a standard design ethos featuring a removable back cover, allowing easy access to its removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery.

Display

The Galaxy Win features a 4.7-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio stands at roughly 66.7%, allowing a balanced viewing experience. Although the pixel density (~199 ppi) may not match higher-end models, it offers satisfactory visuals for daily activities like browsing and video playback.

Platform and Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8625Q Snapdragon 200 chipset and a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5 processor, the phone provides modest performance capabilities. The Adreno 203 GPU supports basic graphical needs. Operating on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, the device grants access to essential Android applications and functionalities, although it might not efficiently handle more demanding apps or updates.

Camera Specifications

The main camera comes with a 5 MP sensor equipped with autofocus and an LED flash, suitable for everyday photography. It captures video at 480p, meeting the basic requirements for video recording. The VGA front camera is mainly intended for video calls and low-resolution selfies.

Memory and Storage

Internal storage of 8 GB may seem limited by modern standards; however, the device includes a dedicated microSDHC slot permitting storage expansion. With 1GB of RAM, multitasking and performance are relatively restricted, fitting the device's mid-range theme and price point.

Sound and Audio

The device is furnished with a standard loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing classic audio output setups suitable for personal listening and hands-free operations. This combination ensures compatibility with various audio accessories.

Communication Features

In terms of wireless communication, the Galaxy Win features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and can function as a hotspot. It supports Bluetooth version 3.0 for connecting with other devices, and it includes GPS services for location tracking. The phone also contains a stereo FM radio with RDS capabilities, catering to users who favor live radio listening.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery offers decent usage time, with up to 210 hours standby and up to 11 hours talk time on 3G. Though the battery life is moderate, the removable feature allows for easy swapping with a spare battery, prolonging the device's usability across a day of normal usage.

Additional Features and Sensors

The Samsung Galaxy Win includes fundamental sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass. While not equipped with the vast array of sensors found in modern smartphones, these provide essential functionality to enhance user experience in handling and navigation.

Pricing and Availability

Introduced in two color variants, Ceramic White and Titan Gray, the Galaxy Win was initially priced at about 170 EUR. Categorized as discontinued, current availability would mostly be through second-hand markets. Its affordability and basic feature set made it an appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers or as a secondary device.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Win I8550 presents an accessible gateway to Android smartphone capabilities, albeit with modest performance and storage limitations by today's standards. Ideal for users seeking a basic smartphone with essential functionality, it exemplified Samsung's approach to delivering value within the mid-range market during its release.