Tag: galaxy

Samsung Galaxy S6

Into Droid 5 Comments

The Samsung Galaxy S6 marked a significant design shift for Samsung’s flagship lineup. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S6:

Overview:

Introduced in early 2015, the Samsung Galaxy S6 was a departure from the design language of its predecessors. Samsung aimed to address criticisms of the Galaxy S5’s plastic build by introducing a more premium design with the S6, featuring glass and metal.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI.
  2. Display: 5.1-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 7420 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB RAM with 32/64/128 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: 16 MP rear camera with OIS and f/1.9 aperture. A 5 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 2550 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging support.
  7. Other Features: Fingerprint scanner embedded in the home button, heart rate monitor, and Samsung Pay.

Pros:

  1. Design Overhaul: The combination of metal and glass gave the Galaxy S6 a premium look and feel, distinguishing it from previous Galaxy S models.
  2. Display Quality: The Quad HD Super AMOLED display was among the best in the market, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness levels.
  3. Camera Performance: The camera was a standout feature, delivering sharp, detailed photos, especially in well-lit conditions.
  4. Performance: The Exynos 7420 chipset, combined with 3 GB of RAM, ensured smooth performance and multitasking.
  5. Fast and Wireless Charging: The S6 introduced both fast wired charging and wireless charging, enhancing user convenience.

Cons:

  1. No Expandable Storage: Unlike its predecessors, the S6 did not feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
  2. Non-removable Battery: The shift to a sealed design meant users could no longer replace the battery.
  3. Battery Life: The 2550 mAh battery was considered average, with many users finding the need to charge before the day’s end, especially with heavy use.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the Galaxy S6 faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • LG G4: Known for its camera capabilities, removable battery, and leather back option.
  • iPhone 6: Apple’s flagship with its A8 chip, improved camera, and iOS ecosystem.
  • HTC One M9: Featuring a premium metal unibody design and BoomSound speakers.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 was announced in March 2015 and released in April 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Battery Degradation: Over time, some users reported a noticeable decline in battery life, which was exacerbated by the fact that the battery was non-removable.
  2. Software Bloat: While Samsung reduced some of the bloatware on the S6 compared to previous models, the device still came with a number of pre-installed apps that not all users found useful.
  3. Glass Durability: The glass back, while premium, was prone to cracks and breaks if dropped.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 represented a pivotal moment for Samsung in the smartphone market. With its revamped design and focus on premium materials, it addressed many criticisms of previous Galaxy models. While it made some controversial decisions, like removing the microSD slot and sealing the battery, the overall package was well-received. The S6 laid the foundation for the design language of future Galaxy devices and solidified Samsung’s position as a leader in the premium smartphone segment.

Samsung Galaxy M Pro B7800

Into Droid Leave a comment

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy M Pro B7800, released in late 2011, was a unique offering in the Galaxy lineup. It was designed for users who preferred physical QWERTY keyboards along with the Android experience. The phone was targeted towards business professionals and those who prioritized productivity.

Features:

  • Operating System: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
  • Display: 2.66-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels.
  • Processor: 1 GHz Cortex-A5
  • Memory: 1 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 32 GB.
  • Camera: 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, and a secondary VGA front camera.
  • Battery: 1350 mAh removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Physical QWERTY keyboard, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, and FM Radio.

Pros:

  • Physical QWERTY Keyboard: A standout feature for those who prefer tactile feedback when typing.
  • Compact Design: The phone’s smaller size made it easy to handle and carry.
  • Decent Camera: The 5 MP rear camera with LED flash was reasonably good for its time.
  • Front Camera: The inclusion of a VGA front camera was a plus for video calls.

Cons:

  • Smaller Screen: The 2.66-inch screen might feel cramped for some users, especially when browsing or viewing media.
  • Outdated OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread was becoming dated, with newer versions offering more features and improvements.
  • Limited Internal Storage: 1 GB of storage can be restrictive, especially for apps and media.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2011, the smartphone market was diverse, with various form factors and features. The Galaxy M Pro B7800 had its niche but faced competition from:

  • BlackBerry Bold 9900: A flagship device from BlackBerry with a physical keyboard, sharp display, and BlackBerry OS 7.
  • Motorola Droid Pro: Another Android device with a physical keyboard, targeting a similar audience.
  • Samsung Galaxy S II: Samsung’s flagship at the time, boasting superior specs and a large Super AMOLED Plus display.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M Pro B7800 was announced in August 2011 and released later that year.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional slowdowns, especially with multitasking.
  • Screen Size: The smaller screen was a trade-off for the physical keyboard, but it made certain tasks less enjoyable.
  • Software Stagnation: The device did not receive many significant updates, leaving users on an older Android version.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M Pro B7800 was a niche product catering to a specific audience. While it had its merits, especially with the physical keyboard, it faced stiff competition from other devices, both within the Android ecosystem and outside of it. For those who prioritized typing and productivity, it was a viable option, but others might have found it lacking in certain areas compared to more mainstream smartphones.