Android Gadget Review: A Closer Look At The Samsung Galaxy Y
Boasting of 830MHz of processing speed, 290MB of RAM and 180MB of user-available memory, this Android baby actually has better chops than upper mid-range models released a few months ago. Those models are still at the Php 8,000 to Php 12,000 price point, and their computing power is nowhere near this Php 5,990 Android.
Samsung Galaxy Y retails for a range of Php 4000 online and up to Php 5,990 for Smart-locked prepaid units. As we mentioned, you may avail of the Samsung Galaxy Y for only Php 4,990 using 1000 of your Smart Rewards points.
Some of those who have availed of their retention plans in their respective carriers sell the Samsung Galaxy Y for cheaper than market rates. Others are online sellers who opt to sell their units at rates that are closest to factory price. There are even users who sell their used units online. Some may even throw in awesome freebies like unlimited Open VPN access. All you need to do is to make a quick search through Sulit.com.ph, and even TipidCP.com and you'll be able to find a range of prices for this phone.
If you're not keen on buying online, there are mall shops that sell the Samsung Galaxy Y at lower rates. Previously, we spotted the Samsung Galaxy Y at Multicom in Robinsons Pioneer retailing for Php 5,880. Since that was back in the last weeks of October 2011, prices may have changed by now.
On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy Y's retail for only Php 5,500 at 5th Avenue in Trinoma. One of the better deals the metro has to offer so far.
The Samsung Galaxy Y Experience
Look and Feel
The Samsung Galaxy Y hardly feels like an Android that costs only Php 5,000 to Php 6,000. In fact, you may be able to say that it's like a miniature of a Samsung Galaxy SII. It doesn't feel cheap at all. The screen is crisp, clear, and has vivid colors.
It helps that it comes with a textured metal back cover. While other Androids may come in plastic back covers, the metal makes the Samsung Galaxy Y feel pretty luxurious.
The small size also comes as an attraction. Mid-range Android models are usually at 110cm up. The Samsung Galaxy Y comes at 104cm. On paper, this doesn't seem like a big difference. But when you hold a 110cm Android side by side with a Samsung Galaxy Y, you will note the difference. And if you're a girl, you may squeal in delight at this phone's cute form.
Navigation
The Samsung Galaxy Y is a multi-touch Android phone, so it works just like any other Android. One thing it has over the other models in the market is that it is powered by Android 2.3, Gingerbread. The Gingerbread UI is definitely an upgrade to the Froyo: with colors for the menus (Froyo is monochromatic black/gray, for the menus and settings only), better widgets, better Notifications area (there is a built-in power bar on the Notifications area in the Samsung Galaxy Y), the experience is degrees better than when you're on a Froyo-powered Android.
Navigation is just like any other touch-screen Android, so if you've been on an Android , whether Donut, Eclair, Froyo, or Gingerbread, most likely wouldn't have much of an adjustment.
Swiping through the apps is different from the Froyo, as the layout of the apps collection is oriented in a horizontal manner. But just like in Froyo, you will be able to drag and drop apps from the app collection and onto a dashboard.
As for physical buttons, there are two located on the phone: the Power button, which is a slim but long key on the top-left side of the phone, and the Navigation button, which is located on the bottom-center of the phone. Flanking the Navigation button are two soft keys: the Home softkey on the left and the Cancel softkey on the right.
The Navigation button allows the user to access his recent activities when he long-presses on the said button. The Navigation button also brings him back to the dashboard. Another function of this button is to activate the phone if it has gone to sleep, unlike in other phones that may make use of the Power button. The Cancel and Home button serve similar purposes as in other Androids: the Home button brings up the Settings menu and other administrative options, while the Cancel button either cancels actions or brings the user back to a previous menu or out of an app.
The keyboard is a distinct implementation by Samsung. Even big-fingered people may find it a pleasure to type on because of the excellent spacing and design of the keys.
The Verdict
An Android is an Android, whatever brand or model it is. There may be a few differences in the UI, the implementation, and the hardware, but the experience is similar across brands and models.
The Samsung Galaxy Y is no different. Given its specs and its make, it makes for a great Android experience, even in a small package. Because the Samsung Galaxy Y is powered by Gingerbread, those who are on Froyo may experience a bit of OS envy. The colors are attractive; the speed and data management are awesome.
On the other hand, we said that there is no perfect gadget. And I do have a couple of complaints. Truth be told, I wasn't particularly impressed with the Gingerbread's horizontal layout of the apps. I prefer that it be arranged vertically, as in Froyo (or the iOS). Was this an attempt at differentiating the Android from the iOS? We could only speculate.
According to friends who have more experience on the Gingerbread, the only way to change the orientation of how to navigate through the apps would be to install another launcher or even change the ROM (the OS, not ROM size) of your unit. A maneuver that most regular phone users wouldn't even think about doing. So if you're really antsy about the orientation of the apps, read up on how to install launchers or changing your Samsung Galaxy Y's ROM.
As for other dissatisfactions, I also noticed that the graphics of the icons in the application collection area tend to look and feel gaudy. Lastly, I don't like the fact that the Navigation key isn't a trackpad or even just a trackball. A static Navigation button just doesn't feel right on an Android.
These flaws are not dealbreakers for me, however. Take into consideration the fact that this Android can be had for anywhere from Php 4,000 to Php 5,990, at 800MHz/290MB RAM/180MB ROM, on Gingerbread, this is already a great deal, even a steal. And if you get your hands on this baby (for free!) either through Sun Cellular's Plan 350 or Smart Communications' Plan 349, guess how much sweeter that deal would be?
In short, there is no wonder why this phone keeps getting sold out in Smart Communications and Sun Cellular outlets nationwide: it delivers a phenomenal bang for your buck, all in a cute, compact, even mini package.
Tomorrow, we'll be discussing the Samsung Galaxy Y on Plan 499 on Globe. Watch out for that one!
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Related:Y for Young – A Review of the Galaxy Y Netphone
Photo Credits: Animetric's World
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