Price and specifications of Samsung I5800 Galaxy 3 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction

The Samsung I5800 Galaxy 3 was unveiled in June 2010 and released shortly after in July 2010. As a mid-range smartphone for its time, it quickly caught the attention of users seeking a balance between modern capabilities and affordability. Though now discontinued, the device’s design and specifications painted a clear picture of Samsung's ambition in the competitive smartphone market.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy 3 supported both GSM and HSPA network technologies, providing comprehensive coverage and connectivity options for users. The device operated on various 2G bands, including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, along with 3G bands such as HSDPA 900 and 2100. This enabled effective communication and data speeds up to 3.6/0.384 Mbps, which were considered sufficient for casual browsing and social media applications at the time.

Design and Build

Samsung designed the Galaxy 3 with compact dimensions of 113.5 x 55 x 12.9 mm, making it a portable and easily handled device. Weighing in at just 109 grams, it was a lightweight phone that comfortably fit in the user's hand or pocket. The device featured a Mini-SIM slot, which was standard for most phones during that period.

Display

The smartphone was equipped with a 3.2-inch TFT display, offering an area of 29.1 cm² and a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 46.7%. Although not particularly large by today’s standards, it was adequate for text-based applications and simple games. With a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels and a density of around 146 ppi, the display provided basic visual clarity for navigation and media consumption.

Platform and Performance

The Galaxy 3 originally came with Android 2.1 (Eclair), upgradable to Android 2.2 (Froyo), providing key enhancements and additional features to improve user experience. It was powered by the Samsung S5P6422 CPU, clocked at 667 MHz. Though modest, this processing capability was aligned with the needs of casual smartphone users of that era.

Memory and Storage

The device offered 512 MB of internal storage with 256 MB of RAM, which limited the number of applications and data that could be stored directly on the phone. To mitigate this, Samsung included a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand memory capacity for additional media and applications. A 1 GB microSD card was included, offering a starting point for expanding the device’s storage capabilities.

Camera Features

The Samsung I5800 Galaxy 3 featured a single 3.15 MP rear camera with autofocus functionality, capable of capturing basic photos and video at 320p resolution at 15 frames per second. While it lacked advanced photography features and a front-facing camera for selfies, it was sufficient for capturing everyday moments in reasonable quality.

Audio and Sound

For audio, the Galaxy 3 included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a standard for mobile devices at the time, allowing users to connect standard headphones or external speakers for better sound quality. The measured loudspeaker performance marked a balance of 71dB for voice and ringtone audio, providing adequate sound for everyday notifications and calls.

Communication and Additional Features

The device supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and could act as a hotspot with the Android 2.2 update, allowing other devices to share its internet connection. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP support enabled wireless communication with compatible devices, and GPS with A-GPS provided location tracking capabilities. Additionally, the included stereo FM radio with RDS ensured versatile media consumption for users.

Sensors and Other Utilities

Among its utilitarian features, the Galaxy 3 was equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass that facilitated basic interactivity while using the device. The web browser supported HTML browsing, providing users access to the internet and online services effectively.

Battery Life

The device housed a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery, which provided users with up to 620 hours of standby time on a 2G network and up to 510 hours on a 3G network. Additionally, the Galaxy 3 could sustain up to 15 hours and 30 minutes of talk time on a 2G network and up to 7 hours and 15 minutes on a 3G network, ensuring full-day usage for most users.

Miscellaneous Details

The phone was available in classic black and white color options, catering to users with different aesthetic preferences. SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) for the EU was recorded at 0.57 W/kg, complying with required safety standards. During its release, the device was priced around 140 EUR, representing an affordable option for budget-conscious consumers.

Conclusion

The Samsung I5800 Galaxy 3 represented an attractive choice for users seeking a dependable device with a solid balance of features and performance for its price. It solidified Samsung's presence in the mid-range smartphone market and offered a glimpse into the evolving technology standards of the early 2010s. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a part of Samsung's legacy in providing phones that effectively met the needs of mainstream consumers.