Samsung Galaxy W
| Company type | Android smartphone |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | October 2011 |
| Headquarters | Seoul , South Korea |
| Products | Smartphones |
Samsung Galaxy W Overview
Samsung Galaxy W (model i8150), also referred to as Samsung Wonder, is an Android smartphone designed as a more compact alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S II. This device offers a set of features and specifications that align closely with those found in the larger Galaxy R.
The Galaxy W is equipped with a 3.68-inch (9.34 cm) capacitive TFT LCD touchscreen featuring a WVGA resolution of 480×800 pixels. Photography capabilities include a 5-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 720p HD video, complemented by still image capture.
Distinguishing the Galaxy W from its counterparts are its single-core 1.4 GHz processor, developed by Qualcomm, along with a higher pixel density display relative to both the Galaxy S II and Galaxy R. Additionally, the handset presents a slightly altered physical design compared to these models.
Prior to the launch of the Galaxy S II, rumors circulated regarding Samsung’s intention to produce a smaller, less powerful variant—reminiscent of the relationship between the HTC HD Mini and its larger predecessor, the HTC HD2.
It is important to note that this particular device should not be mistaken for Samsung's recent reintroduction of the Samsung Galaxy W Series.
Launch
Initially revealed in August 2011, the Galaxy W became available to consumers by October 2011.
Processor
This model is equipped with a single-core 1.4 GHz Scorpion processor from Qualcomm's Snapdragon series, complemented by an Adreno 205 GPU for graphics processing.
Memory
The device offers 1.07 GB of system memory, 1.7 GB of USB storage space, and a dedicated RAM capacity of 351 MB.
Display
Featuring a 3.7-inch WVGA TFT LCD capacitive touchscreen measuring approximately 93.89 mm diagonally, the phone delivers a pixel density of 252 PPI, surpassing the pixel density of its premium counterpart, the Galaxy S2, which stands at 217 PPI.
Camera
On the rear, the smartphone houses a 5-megapixel camera equipped with a single LED flash capable of recording video in up to 720p HD resolution. Additionally, it includes a fixed-focus VGA front-facing camera suitable for video calls, photography, and general video capture.
Connectivity
The Galaxy W supports standard connectivity options such as Bluetooth 3.0, Assisted GPS (AGPS), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and micro-USB for data transfer and charging via PC connection. It also incorporates a stereo FM radio with Radio Data System (RDS) functionality and features a 3.5mm headphone jack positioned at the top edge of the device.
Android operating system
The handset comes preloaded with Android version 2.3.6.
User interface
Samsung’s latest proprietary TouchWiz interface version 4.0 is implemented on this device.
Bundled applications
Similar to the Galaxy S II, the Galaxy W includes Samsung's suite of 'Hub' applications designed for multimedia engagement:
- Social Hub
- Consolidates widely-used social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter into a unified interface rather than separate apps.
- Readers Hub
- Enables users to browse, read, and download newspapers, e-books, and magazines from an international catalog.
- Music Hub
- A dedicated marketplace for music downloads and purchases developed through Samsung’s partnership with 7digital.
- Game Hub
- An application store offering games for download and purchase, created in collaboration with partners including Gameloft.
- Additional software
- The package also contains Samsung Kies and Kies Air utilities alongside Google Maps featuring Latitude, Places, and Navigation services.
Media support
The Galaxy W is compatible with a wide range of audio file types such as MP3, OGG, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, WAV, MID, AC3, IMY, FLAC, and XMF. For video playback, it supports formats including MPEG4, H.264, H.263, WMV, DivX, Xvid, and VC-1. The device is capable of recording and playing videos in high-definition quality up to 720p resolution.
Other variants
The version of the Galaxy W available through T-Mobile USA is known as the Samsung Exhibit II 4G (SGH-T679). This model features some hardware distinctions such as a 3-megapixel rear camera and a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 MSM8255 processor. On May 30, 2012, a software update renamed the Samsung Exhibit II 4G to Samsung Galaxy Exhibit 4G.
In 2014, Walmart retailed an Exhibit variant (SGH-599) under T-Mobile's branding.
In select regions, another alternative is the Samsung Galaxy S2 Mini, which should not be mistaken for the Samsung Galaxy Mini 2.
Reception
Dan Sung from Pocket-lint.com pointed out several feature reductions in his review of the Galaxy W. Meanwhile, CNET UK described the handset as "chunky" in terms of its compact dimensions and considered it a "decent" budget-friendly substitute for the Galaxy S II.