Samsung Galaxy Beam I8530 Unleashing Specs Prices and Performance Insights

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam supports GSM/HSPA technology, making it suitable for many mobile networks worldwide. With compatibility in 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100), users could enjoy stable connectivity. It offers HSPA support with speeds up to 14.4/5.76 Mbps, effectively meeting the internet browsing and multimedia streaming needs of its time.

Launch and Availability

Announced in February 2012 and released in July of the same year, the Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam was a notable device for its unique feature of including a built-in projector. However, as of now, the device is discontinued and no longer available in the market as a new product.

Design and Build

The Galaxy Beam exhibits dimensions of 124 x 64.2 x 12.5 mm, with a weight of 145.3g, encased in a body designed to incorporate a mini-SIM. With a texture-friendly black color, it stands at a crossroads between classic smartphone design and the forward-thinking inclusion of a projector.

Display

Featuring a 4.0-inch TFT screen, the Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam delivers a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, roughly translating to a pixel density of around 233 ppi. Despite not being an AMOLED or IPS panel, the display provides decent clarity and brightness levels suitable for daily use and media consumption.

Performance and Platform

Running on Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread, with the possibility of upgrading to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz UI 4, the Galaxy Beam is powered by a NovaThor U8500 chipset featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and Mali-400 GPU. This configuration was capable of handling basic apps and functions smoothly, albeit with limited multitasking capabilities due to the 768MB of RAM.

Storage and Memory

Internally, the device offers 8GB of storage that can be expanded via a microSDHC card. The ability to augment storage allowed for greater flexibility in managing media, apps, and documents, making it a versatile tool for on-the-go usage.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, the Galaxy Beam allowed for decent photography and 720p video recording capabilities at 30fps. Additionally, there is a front-facing 1.3 MP camera, facilitating basic video calling and selfies.

Audio and Sound

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, which is ideal for music lovers and those who appreciate personal listening through headphones. Its audio performance is backed by a speaker that offers voice quality at 65dB and noise levels at 64dB, ensuring clear and audible audio output for its era.

Communication and Features

In terms of wireless communication, the Galaxy Beam offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS capabilities, and a Stereo FM radio with RDS, complemented by a microUSB 2.0 port. These features provided comprehensive connectivity options suitable for a variety of user needs.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone includes sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enriching the user experience through various applications and functionality that leverage these capabilities to enhance interactivity.

Battery Life

One of the crucial features of the Galaxy Beam is its removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, delivering impressive endurance with standby times up to 760 hours on both 2G and 3G networks. Additionally, its talk time reaches up to 20 hours on 2G networks and approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes on 3G networks, making it a reliable companion for diverse user demands.

Conclusion

The Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam holds a unique place in mobile technology history due to its built-in projector, an innovation that set it apart at its release time. While it eventually was discontinued, its legacy lies in pioneering unconventional features that pushed the boundaries of what smartphones can offer, creating new pathways for integrating multimedia capabilities within mobile devices.