Samsung S5260 Star II All Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Network and Connectivity

The Samsung S5260 Star II is a feature phone that operated primarily on GSM networks. It supported 2G bands, specifically GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, which allowed it to function efficiently across various regions. The phone supported GPRS Class 12 for basic data services and also featured EDGE technology for slightly faster data transfer compared to GPRS. The absence of 3G or 4G capabilities is notable but typical for feature phones of its time.

Design and Build

Released in February 2011, the Samsung S5260 Star II was designed with a focus on simplicity and user-friendly aesthetics. It measured 107.5 x 54 x 12.4 mm and weighed 94 grams, making it lightweight and easy to carry. The phone sported a Mini-SIM slot and was designed with a TFT display supporting 256K colors. The 3.0-inch screen offered a resolution of 240 x 400 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 155 ppi, providing basic visual clarity sufficient for simple tasks and applications.

Display Specifications

The 3.0-inch display was compact, serving well within the context of a feature phone. Due to its small size, it achieved a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 44.1%, which was typical among its peers during that era. The display, utilising TFT technology, was capable of delivering basic visuals suitable for general use like navigating menus and viewing images captured with the phone's camera.

Memory and Storage

Onboard storage for the Samsung S5260 Star II was limited to 30MB, which was common for feature phones as they were not designed to handle large apps or files. However, the device compensated for this limitation by including a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand the storage for music, images, and other data, addressing the storage needs beyond the phone’s internal limits.

Camera Features

The device featured a single 3.15 MP main camera, which supported basic photography suitable for casual snapshots. In terms of video capabilities, the camera could record at 320p@15fps, aligning with the expectations of feature phones. While the lack of a selfie camera limited its appeal for users interested in front-facing photography, the main camera was adequate for capturing simple images.

Sound and Audio

Incorporating basic sound features, the S5260 Star II included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This enabled users to listen to music or FM radio, which the phone supported with stereo FM radio and RDS functionalities. The audio output managed a reasonable quality, maintaining clear voice calls and music playback.

Connectivity Options

For connectivity, the device supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, offering wireless internet access where available. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP was included, enabling short-range wireless communication with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The absence of advanced positioning services meant GPS was not available, but a stereo FM radio filled entertainment needs. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port provided basic data transfer capabilities and charging.

Additional Features

The Samsung S5260 Star II was designed with several additional features to enhance user experience. It included an accelerometer sensor which supported basic motion-based functionalities. Messaging options included SMS, MMS, Email, and IM, adhering to the standard communication needs of users. The phone’s browser was capable of WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, allowing basic internet browsing. Java support (MIDP 2.0) enabled the use of Java-based applications and downloadable games further expanded its entertainment options.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, the device offered substantial standby time of up to 900 hours and talk time of up to 8 hours and 20 minutes. This battery performance was beneficial for users seeking long-lasting usage without frequent recharges, a common expectation for feature phones.

Market Position and Legacy

At its launch, the Samsung S5260 Star II was priced around 70 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option for consumers seeking reliable functionality without the complexities of smartphones. Available primarily in black and white, it catered to users needing essential mobile features. The phone’s discontinuation marked the end of this era as smartphones gained prominence, but for a period, devices like the Star II played a crucial role in mobile communication.

Audio and Usability Tests

The audio test results for the Samsung S5260 Star II indicated a practical balance between clarity and volume. It registered voice, noise, and ring at measurements of 68dB, 66dB, and 70dB respectively. In terms of audio quality, the noise level was -85.6dB and crosstalk was -61.2dB, showing average performance expected from a feature phone during that period.