Samsung I9103 Galaxy R Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Samsung I9103 Galaxy R

The Samsung I9103 Galaxy R, released in August 2011, marked an impressive stride for Samsung in the competitive world of smartphones. Known for its combination of robust features and appealing design, the Galaxy R catered to tech enthusiasts who sought functionality without compromising on aesthetics. Though discontinued now, its legacy continues to be a topic of interest among technology aficionados and those preferring vintage gadgets.

Design and Build

Unveiling a sleek and modern design, the Samsung Galaxy R boasts dimensions of 125 x 66 x 9.5 mm and weighs approximately 135 grams. Its size and weight provided a balanced feel in the hand, making it easy for users to operate with one hand. The device is equipped with a Mini-SIM slot, housed in a durable body that complemented its ergonomic design.

Display Characteristics

The Galaxy R features a 4.2-inch SC-LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, translating to a pixel density of around 222 ppi. Although this might not compare to some modern displays, it delivered vibrant and sharp visuals in its time. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass, ensuring durability against everyday wear and tear. The contrast ratio of 858:1 (nominal) offered decent clarity and depth in colors.

Performance and Software

Talking about performance, the Samsung Galaxy R is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 AP20H chipset, which comprises a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU. Paired with the ULP GeForce GPU, it supported moderate graphics and gaming requirements prevalent at the time of its release. Initially launched with Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread), it was upgradeable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), allowing users to benefit from newer features and a refined user experience.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the Galaxy R was equipped with 1GB of RAM, adequate for handling everyday applications and multitasking. The device offered 8GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSDHC slot. This flexibility enabled users to store additional media, apps, and data as needed.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy R came with a 5 MP main camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash, supporting video recording at 720p@30fps. Although modest by today's standards, it delivered satisfactory performance for casual photography and video capture. On the front, the device sported a 1.3 MP selfie camera, which was a common feature in smartphones during that era.

Connectivity and Network

The device supported GSM and HSPA technologies, with 2G bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G bands comprising HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100. It provided data speeds at HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, which was regarded as fast and efficient at the time. Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, DLNA, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with A-GPS, and a stereo FM radio with RDS. Additionally, it featured a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

The Galaxy R housed a removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery, promising decent longevity. The battery provided up to 660 hours of standby time on a 2G network and up to 550 hours on a 3G network. For talk time, it supported up to 22 hours and 30 minutes on 2G and up to 9 hours on 3G, which was impressive for its era. Having a removable battery allowed users to carry spares and replace the battery easily when needed.

Audio and Multimedia

The device featured a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring versatility in audio output. The loudspeaker performance was measured at 65dB for voice and noise, and 71dB for ring. The overall audio quality was decent, with noise levels at -89.9dB and crosstalk at -90.0dB, making it satisfactory for listening to music or conducting phone calls.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Galaxy R was equipped with various sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhanced the user experience by enabling functionalities such as screen rotation, gaming experiences, and location-based services. The device's browser supported HTML and Adobe Flash, enhancing web-browsing capabilities.

Market Positioning and Price

At the time of its launch, the Samsung Galaxy R was priced at approximately 200 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option within the smartphone market. Its combination of reasonable pricing and robust specifications appealed particularly to the mid-range segment of smartphone users who required both performance and reliability.

Endurance and Legacy

The endurance rating for the battery life was about 36 hours, reflecting the device's capability to withstand moderate to high usage over a day. While newer technologies have surpassed the Samsung Galaxy R, its pioneering features and functionality remain a testament to Samsung's innovative approach in the early 2010s.

Conclusion

The Samsung I9103 Galaxy R, although discontinued, stands as a memorable piece of technology that blended performance with practicality. While many of its specifications may appear dated today, at the time of its release, it was a capable and reliable device. For enthusiasts and collectors, the Galaxy R remains a symbol of Samsung's commitment to pushing the boundaries in smartphone technology.