Samsung Galaxy Apollo I5801 Comprehensive Review & Pricing

Introduction to Samsung I5801 Galaxy Apollo

The Samsung I5801 Galaxy Apollo, released in mid-2010, was a notable entrant into the smartphone market. It was positioned as a mid-range smartphone in Samsung's array of Android devices. As part of the wider Galaxy series, the Apollo sought to deliver a balanced blend of functionality, design, and affordability. In this detailed analysis, we delve into the specifications, performance, design, and overall functionality of the Samsung I5801 Galaxy Apollo.

Design and Build

The Galaxy Apollo measures 113.5 x 55 x 12.6 mm and weighs approximately 113 grams. Its compact size and lightweight build made it an easily pocketable device, suitable for one-handed operation. The phone features a minimalistic design typical of its era, with rounded edges and a physical home button on the front. It was available in classic black and white colors, giving it a versatile aesthetic appeal.

Display

The device sports a 3.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels, providing a pixel density of about 146 ppi. While the display size and resolution might seem modest by current standards, at the time, it provided a reasonable balance between readability and energy consumption. The screen’s size was particularly adequate for basic navigation, viewing media, and using applications comfortably.

Hardware and Performance

At the heart of the Galaxy Apollo lies a Samsung S5P6422 CPU, clocked at 667 MHz. While today's devices flaunt multi-core processors, the single-core offering in the Galaxy Apollo was fairly standard for its time. Coupled with 256MB of RAM, the device catered to functionality for basic operations and modest multitasking. The included internal storage of 512MB, expandable via a microSDHC slot, ensured users could carry essential files and applications without major limitations.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung I5801 Galaxy Apollo comes equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera, featuring autofocus capabilities. It supports video recording at 320p at 15fps. Although the camera setup lacks a front-facing or selfie camera, the rear camera performed sufficiently for casual photography and video recording, capturing decent images under well-lit conditions.

Battery Performance

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. Standby time is impressively rated at up to 620 hours on 2G and up to 480 hours on 3G networks, with a talk time of up to 15 hours 30 minutes on 2G and up to 7 hours 15 minutes on 3G. Such battery efficiency made it favorable for users requiring a reliable device without frequent recharging.

Software and User Interface

Originally shipping with Android 2.1 Eclair and upgradable to Android 2.2 Froyo, the Galaxy Apollo provided access to a broad landscape of applications via the Android Market. The user interface was straightforward, emphasizing accessibility and ease of use. Additionally, the presence of sensors such as accelerometer, proximity, and compass added layers of functionality for apps reliant on motion and orientation.

Networking and Connectivity

The Galaxy Apollo supports GSM / HSPA technology, with 2G bands covering GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and 3G bands for HSDPA 900 / 2100. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities available on Android 2.2, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS, and a stereo FM radio with RDS functionality. MicroUSB 2.0 facilitates data transfer and charging.

Audio and Multimedia

The device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting standard audio accessories. The loudspeaker delivers satisfactory audio levels for voice calls and media playback. Audio quality is relatively good, with noise and crosstalk levels measuring -91.0dB and -89.9dB respectively, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience.

Conclusion and Market Impact

At a price point of approximately 140 EUR, the Samsung I5801 Galaxy Apollo offered an attractive package for individuals seeking an affordable yet functional smartphone during its time. It targeted users looking to venture into the Android ecosystem without the premium price tag associated with high-end models. While it may no longer compete with modern devices in terms of specifications, its design and features encapsulated the essence and rapid development of smartphone technology during the early 2010s.