Mobilawy

Samsung S5230W Star WiFi Comprehensive Review and Insights

Release Date
2009, September
Camera
3MP
Battery
1000mAh
Screen
3.0"
Storage
50MB , microSDHC slot
Operating System
Feature phone

Design and Build

The Samsung S5230W Star WiFi offers a sleek and compact design, measuring 104 x 53 x 11.9 mm and weighing only 92 grams. The phone features a minimalistic design with a resistive TFT touchscreen providing 256K colors, offering a decent 3.0-inch display with a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 46.5%, which made it quite an attractive device during its release period. Available in Black, Silver, White, and Pink, the design of the phone was aimed at a younger demographic as well as those seeking an affordable yet stylish device.

Connectivity and Network

Equipped with GSM technology, the Samsung S5230W supports 2G bands across GSM 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies. It offers GPRS Class 12 and EDGE Class 12 for data connectivity. The inclusion of Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) enables wireless internet access, which was a significant feature for feature phones when it was released in September 2009. That feature made the device stand out among others in its category.

Camera

The Samsung S5230W Star WiFi is fitted with a 3.15 MP main camera capable of capturing photos and recording videos at 320p resolution at 15 frames per second. While this may not seem impressive by modern standards, it offered a reasonable performance for quick snapshots and short video clips at the time of its release. However, the phone lacks a front-facing camera, which was a common practice for phones during that period.

Performance and Storage

As a feature phone, the S5230W is powered by a modest processor typical for the phones of its class, offering essential functionalities for daily mobile tasks. The phone runs on a proprietary operating system designed for feature phones, facilitating a simple user interface. It comes with 50MB of internal storage, which can be expanded via the microSDHC card slot. The device also has essential tools such as photo contacts in its phonebook and the ability to save call records, making it suitable for everyday communication tasks.

Battery Life

The device houses a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of talk time and can last up to 700 hours on standby. This efficiency was a considerable advantage for users who valued long battery life, which was an essential criterion for feature phones of that era. The removable nature of the battery also allowed users to replace it easily if necessary.

Additional Features

The Samsung S5230W is equipped with several notable features. It includes an Accelerometer sensor, which enhances the gaming experience and screen orientation adjustments. Users can also enjoy SMS, MMS, and Email capabilities, offering comprehensive messaging solutions. The device comes with an HTML and WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, supporting basic internet browsing, albeit not as fast or functional as modern smartphones. The inclusion of a Stereo FM radio with RDS enables users to enjoy music and radio broadcasts. Moreover, it supports Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, allowing wireless connection to other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Miscellaneous

The Samsung S5230W Star WiFi was priced around 90 EUR at launch, making it an affordable choice for consumers. The device has a SAR rating of 0.75 W/kg for the head, 0.65 W/kg for the body, and a SAR EU rating of 0.59 W/kg for the head, adhering to safety standards regarding radiofrequency exposure.

Conclusion

The Samsung S5230W Star WiFi established itself as an attractive choice in the feature phone market due to its accessible price, reliable performance, and inclusion of Wi-Fi connectivity. While lacking the advanced functionalities and app ecosystems of smartphones, it served as a capable communication device that catered to basic multimedia needs, delivering value to users seeking simplicity and utility.

Main Features of Samsung S5230W Star WiFi

  • GSM Technology supporting 2G bands: 850/900/1800/1900
  • Compact dimensions and lightweight design (92 g)
  • 3.0-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with 256K colors
  • Expandable memory with microSDHC card slot
  • 3.15 MP main camera with video capabilities
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless internet connectivity
  • Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP support
  • Stereo FM radio with RDS
  • Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery with long standby time
  • Available in multiple colors: Black, Silver, White, Pink

Disadvantages of Samsung S5230W Star WiFi

  • Discontinued model, making it challenging to find new devices or replacement parts.
  • No 3G or 4G network support; limited to 2G technology.
  • Resistive touchscreen may not be as responsive as capacitive ones.
  • Low internal storage of only 50MB, requiring dependence on microSD cards for additional storage.
  • Lack of a front (selfie) camera.
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting audio accessory compatibility.
  • No GPS or any positioning feature.
  • Video recording capability is limited to 320p at 15 frames per second.
  • Low pixel density (~155 ppi) affecting display sharpness and clarity.
Network
Technology GSM
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS Class 12
EDGE Class 12
Launch
Announced 2009, September. Released 2009, September
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 104 x 53 x 11.9 mm (4.09 x 2.09 x 0.47 in)
Weight 92 g (3.25 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors
Size 3.0 inches, 25.6 cm2 (~46.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~155 ppi density)
Memory
Card slot microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Phonebook Yes, Photo Contact
Call records Yes
Internal 50MB
Main Camera
Single 3.15 MP
Video 320p@15fps
Selfie camera
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack No
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth 2.1, A2DP
Positioning No
Radio Stereo FM radio, RDS
USB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer
Messaging SMS, MMS, Email
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Games Yes + downloadable
Java Yes, MIDP 2.0
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery
Stand-by Up to 700 h
Talk time Up to 10 h
Misc
Colors Black, Silver, White, Pink
SAR 0.75 W/kg (head)     0.65 W/kg (body)
SAR EU 0.59 W/kg (head)
Price About 90 EUR

All Rights Reserved +13571 Phones © Mobilawy 2025