Samsung Galaxy S Plus I9001 Comprehensive Review and Insights

Introduction to Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus

Released in July 2011, the Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus was an enhanced version of its predecessor, the Galaxy S. It provided a balanced mix of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features designed to meet the needs of smartphone enthusiasts of its time. Let’s dive into the specifics that made this device a commendable contender in the competitive smartphone market of the early 2010s.

Design and Build

The Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus inherited the sleek and slim design that its predecessor, the Galaxy S, was known for. It measured 122.4 x 64.2 x 9.9 mm and weighed just 119 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use. Its compact and lightweight nature was supplemented by a minimalist design, featuring a durable build quality with Gorilla Glass protection on the front, ensuring resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Display Quality

The device boasted a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, which was renowned for its vibrant color reproduction and deep blacks. With a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 233 ppi, the screen provided sharp and clear visuals, making it a pleasure to interact with. The Super AMOLED technology also enhanced the device’s readability in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.

Performance

At the heart of the Galaxy S Plus was the Qualcomm MSM8255T Snapdragon S2 chipset. This was coupled with a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU, which together delivered a smooth and responsive performance. Running on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) with Samsung's TouchWiz UI 3, the device was adept at handling multitasking and moderate graphics-intensive applications, providing a seamless user experience.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone came in two storage options: 8GB and 16GB, both versions accompanied by 512MB of RAM. For users requiring additional storage, the Galaxy S Plus included a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing for memory expansion. This flexibility ensured that users could store a wealth of applications, media, and documents without constantly juggling their storage space.

Camera Features

Equipped with a 5 MP rear camera, the Galaxy S Plus allowed users to capture moments with reasonable clarity and detail. The autofocus feature ensured sharp images, and the camera was capable of recording 720p videos at 30fps. Although it lacked advanced imaging features present in contemporary smartphones, it was sufficient for casual photography. The front VGA camera was included mainly for video calls, offering basic functionality amidst an era before selfies dominated social media.

Connectivity and Network

The Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus supported GSM and HSPA networks. It offered 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G (HSDPA 900/1900/2100) bands, with HSPA speeds reaching up to 14.4/5.76 Mbps. This ensured reliable connectivity for voice calls and mobile data access. The device also supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capability, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and aptX, GPS with A-GPS, and stereo FM radio. A microUSB 2.0 port facilitated data transfer and charging.

Battery Life

Fueling the Galaxy S Plus was a removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery. The battery life was commendable for its time, with stand-by times of up to 480 hours on 2G and 430 hours on 3G networks. Users could enjoy up to 17 hours and 20 minutes of talk time on 2G, and up to 7 hours and 50 minutes on 3G. The removable nature of the battery was an advantage, allowing users to carry spares for uninterrupted usage on long trips.

Audio and Multimedia Capabilities

The Galaxy S Plus included a 3.5mm audio jack and a loudspeaker, providing users with flexible audio options. The device supported various audio formats, ensuring good playback quality. The loudspeaker output was adequate for personal use but not exceptional in public or noisy environments.

User Interface and Usability

The Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI provided a user-friendly interface, featuring customizable home screens, widgets, and an intuitive menu system. Despite the limited 512MB RAM, the software optimization allowed for smooth navigation and app access. Some users might have found the TouchWiz UI resource-heavy, but it provided additional features and functionality over stock Android experiences of that era.

Additional Sensors and Functionality

The device was equipped with a variety of sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhanced user interaction and enabled features such as auto-rotation and tilt-based gaming. The browser supported HTML and Adobe Flash, allowing users to access a wide range of web content, although the Flash support was soon to be deprecated in the broader technology landscape.

Pricing and Market Position

At launch, the Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus was priced at approximately 230 EUR. It was positioned as a mid-range device, aiming to appeal to consumers seeking a balance between performance, features, and cost. While it faced competition from other Android devices and the then-emerging Windows Phone devices, its brand recognition and feature set made it a popular choice for many users during its tenure.

Conclusion and Legacy

The Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus played a significant role in Samsung’s smartphone lineup during its active period. It offered meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, maintaining a competitive stance in the evolving mobile market. While it is now discontinued, the device showcases the rapid advancement of smartphone technology, reminding us of a time when the basics of what we now expect from a smartphone were still being defined and refined.