Samsung has a “grand” surprise lined up for smartphone buffs this New Year: The Samsung Grand. The South Korean technology major has just unveiled this new Jelly Bean-enabled device – let’s find out if the smartphone is indeed as “grand” as its moniker suggests:
Samsung Galaxy Grand Specs
- 1.2 GHz dual-core central processor, 1GB RAM
- 5-inch multi-touch capacitive touchscreen with 800×480 resolution
- Android Jelly Bean (version 4.1.2) operating system
- 8GB internal storage increasable to 64GB externally
- 2G and 3G high-speed networking capability
- GPRS, Edge, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and micro USB core connectivity
- 8-MP rear camera with LED flash, 3264 by 2448-pixel top resolution
- 143.5 by 76.9 by 9.6-millimeter dimensions
- 2100 mAh battery
- Single and dual SIM models
Appearance and Build
The Grand, going by the promotional material, looks very similar to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy SII and Galaxy SIII smartphones. And that’s ostensibly a good thing as you’ll get the same large-screen functionality, the polished finish, and the thoughtful Samsung layout – for definitely a lower price.
The smartphone’s dimensions (as outlined above) and 162-gram weight should make the device as comfortable to hold, carry, and operate as the next top-end competitor.
Display
This is where, regrettably, the Samsung Grand loses some of its sheens. While the screen area is indubitably commodious, the WVGA display is hampered by a relatively poor 800 by 480-pixel resolution with a 187-pixel per inch density meaning that displayed content may not be as vibrant as expected.
Thankfully, the other specifications are decent – support for 16 million colors, capacitive functionality, and multi-touch operations with TouchWiz know-how.
Hardware
The Grand has been equipped with a capable 1.2 GHz dual-core core processing unit whose exact architecture is unspecified. Still, these facets along with the inbuilt 1GB RAM ought to make the device fairly quick and adept at multitasking, especially when it comes to managing Samsung’s trademark multiple windows.
The included micro USB (version 2.0) slot supplies an additional 64GB of potential space in addition to the 8GB storage space already on board. The Grand also contains Wi-Fi (802.11) and Bluetooth (4.0 with A2DP) functionalities for improved connectivity. The device embeds 2100 mAh Li-Ion battery for power sustenance.
Software
Samsung has imbued the Grand with Android’s newest Jelly Bean (version 4.1.2) user interface thereby providing potential users with a fresh look, enhanced operating convenience, and updated Google compatibility.
Moreover, you can also partake in useful applications like Smart Alert and Direct Call as also social media integration.
Networking and Data Transfer
The Grand is armed with the ensuing networking and data facilitation features:
- 2G (quad-band) capability
- HSDPA (21 Mbps) and HSUPA (5.76 Mbps) 3G capabilities
- GPRS and Edge
- HTML 5-enabled browser
- Thread-view SMS, MMS, Push Mail, Email, and Instant Messaging
In addition, Samsung has announced dual-SIM phone models in different markets. Overall, these features should render good call clarity and speedy data correspondence.
Cameras
The Grand showcases an 8-megapixel rear camera with a commendable top resolution of 3264 by 2448 pixels. The camera boasts an LED flash as well as the following features:
- Autofocus
- Geographical Tagging
- Touch Focus
- Smile and Face Recognition
- Picture Stabilization
Besides, the entrenched video function can engender 1080-pixel clips at an expeditious 30-frame-per-second rate. The phone also sports a 2-megapixel front-facing camera to facilitate video exchange.
Other Features
The device is also slated to feature:
- Support for vibrational, MP3, and WAV sounds and rings
- A-GPS, SNS, Java, Accelerometer, and Gyroscope
- Inbuilt Document Viewer, Organizer, and Multimedia Editor
- A fully functional multi-format music player with radio and a physical 3.5-millimeter jack for earphones
The Samsung Grand should retail in early 2013 and be available in black and white hues. The price is undecided but it’s up to you to decide whether the smartphone merits the “grand” appellation.
