Samsung I9003 Galaxy SL Specs Pricing Features & Flaws Unveiled

Overview of Samsung I9003 Galaxy SL

The Samsung I9003 Galaxy SL, announced and released in February 2011, represented an important step in Samsung's mobile device lineup. This smartphone was designed to offer a well-rounded experience for its users with a focus on core functionality and practical features. Although it has been discontinued, the Galaxy SL still holds significance in the history of mobile technology due to its focus on essential features and dependable performance.

Design and Build

The Samsung I9003 Galaxy SL boasts a practical design with dimensions measuring 123.7 x 64.2 x 10.6 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use. Weighing in at 131 grams, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and portability. The device was available in both black and white color options, offering classic choices for users. It utilizes a Mini-SIM and maintains a sleek profile with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 57.3%.

Display Features

The device features a 4.0-inch SC-LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, delivering a pixel density of around 233 ppi. This setup ensures that users experience clear and vibrant visuals suitable for everyday media consumption and web browsing. Additionally, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, reinforcing durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Hardware

At the core of the Galaxy SL lies the TI OMAP 3630 chipset, paired with a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 CPU. This combination was formulated to offer steady performance for typical smartphone tasks available at the time. Graphics processing is handled by the PowerVR SGX530 GPU, which contributes to smooth visual rendering for mobile games and video playback.

Storage and Memory

The smartphone offers internal storage options of either 4GB or 16GB, complemented by 478MB of RAM. For users requiring additional storage, the device includes a dedicated microSDHC card slot, enabling an extension of storage for apps, media, and documents.

Camera Capabilities

Samsung equipped the I9003 Galaxy SL with a single 5MP rear camera, featuring autofocus to produce clearer and more defined images. The rear camera is capable of recording video at 720p resolution at 30fps, which was competitive for smartphones of its generation. For front-facing photography and video calls, it includes a VGA camera.

Operating System and User Interface

The Galaxy SL comes pre-installed with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and is upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). On top of the Android operating system, Samsung has integrated its TouchWiz UI 3, delivering a customized user experience with additional features and enhancements oriented towards the users’ convenience.

Connectivity Options

The device supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with capabilities for connectivity on 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900/1900/2100). It allows for HSPA speeds of 7.2/5.76 Mbps, facilitating relatively fast data download and upload experiences for its time. On the connectivity front, the Galaxy SL features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with capabilities for DLNA and hotspot, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, EDR, and aptX, and GPS with A-GPS support for enhanced location services.

Sound and Audio

The smartphone is equipped with a loudspeaker for audio playback and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to those who prefer wired listening setups. These audio features provide versatility for various audio experiences, from music playback to hands-free calling.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery. According to manufacturer information, it offers up to 610 hours of standby time on 2G networks and up to 550 hours on 3G networks. When it comes to talk time, users can expect up to 15 hours on 2G and up to 7 hours and 30 minutes on 3G, making it suitable for extended daily use without frequent recharging.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Galaxy SL includes a range of sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its ability to interact with various applications and features. The built-in browser supports HTML and Adobe Flash, which was particularly relevant for web experiences during the era of its release. Additionally, the device features an FM radio with RDS support, adding to the diversity of its media functionalities.

General Market Position and Legacy

Originally priced around 150 EUR, the Samsung I9003 Galaxy SL was marketed as an affordable smartphone option, delivering a balanced suite of features while emphasizing reliability and user-centric functionality. Despite its discontinuation, the Galaxy SL remains a noteworthy example of Samsung’s approach to building widely accessible and practical mobile devices during the early 2010s.