First Looks: Samsung GALAXY Y (Updated)

First Looks: Samsung GALAXY Y

Entry-Level Treat

Looking back, when it comes to electronic devices, more specifically smartphones, there is a stigma surrounding entry-level phones where people perceive it to be a device built around a sub-par design, mediocre hardware and cost-cutting features. However, with the introduction of the new GALAXY Y, Samsung is poised to change this preconception about entry-level smartphones.

Although the GALAXY Y represents an affordable alternative to the other flagship models, it still retains most of the design elements in the GALAXY lineup. This includes a full touch bar form factor coupled with the on/standby button and volume controls on either side of the phone. Furthermore, the iconic 'Back', 'More Option' and Home buttons are also available on this unit. In terms of aesthetics, we found the glossy front panel, along with a shiny chrome lining on the device, gives it a sort of elegant feel.

Works As Well As It Looks

Although the glossy panel may take up the entire front portion of the phone, the actual size of the TFT display measures in at only 3-inch with a resolution of 240 x 320. With a slightly smaller screen, those with slightly larger fingers might encounter some problems while trying to input text, while the 240 x 320 resolution is actually closer to the mobile phones of yore rather than the smartphones of today. However, having a lo-fi screen does have its advantages and we’ll tell you why in a bit.

So moving on, the GALAXY Y runs on a Google Android 2.3 OS and paired with the TouchWiz UI, we were quite satisfied to get the full suite of advantages that an Android platform offers along with the comfortable price of only RM499. **the price has been updated to RM419**

The one feature that we felt could do with some improvements was the integrated 2MP camera on the rear of the unit. We didn’t mind that there was no dedicated LED flash or the fact that 2-megapixel was the maximum shooting resolution. What we did mind though, was the absence of auto-focusing options. With only a single focus bracket in the middle, it was tough trying to figure out which point of the display the camera was focusing on.

At the heart of the Samsung GALAXY Y, you’ll find an incredibly powerful 832MHz processor and as every techie worth his salt will know, a combination of a potent processor along with a low resolution screen will result in a smooth, lag-free experience when swiping, tapping and pinching your way through the contents of the phone.

Satisfied with the processor, we also decided to push the RAM to see how far it’ll go, so we booted up a couple of applications, left it running in the background and attempted to play Angry Birds. We are pleased to report that even with more than six applications running in the background, the birds still flew fluidly in the air.

Where battery life is concerned, over the span of a few days of testing, the battery seemed to hold up just fine with normal everyday usage (calls, texting, running some less-intensive apps). But as usual, if you are running on 3G connectivity, the battery does drain rather rapidly and the same goes in the case of apps with high graphics requirement.

The Android Experience

All in all, with a price tag of only RM499, you’ll find that the GALAXY Y marks a very viable solution for those looking to get onto the Android platform without breaking the bank on say, a GALAXY S II or even GALAXY Ace. So those who wouldn’t mind forgoing some screen resolution will find a high-speed, stylish Android package in its wake.