The LG GT550 Encore and Samsung S5230 Star represent a pivotal moment in mobile technology – the transition from feature phones to early smartphones. Released around the same time, these devices aimed to bridge the gap, offering touchscreen interfaces and basic smartphone functionality at a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects their limited specifications to understand their strengths and weaknesses within the context of their era.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user today, neither phone is a practical daily driver. However, the Samsung S5230 Star edges out the LG GT550 Encore due to its documented camera functionality, even if limited. The LG Encore's complete lack of specified features makes it a less compelling option for collectors or those interested in retro tech.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 | - |
| EDGE | - | Class 12 |
| GPRS | - | Class 12 |
| Speed | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, October. Released 2010, October | 2009, March. Released 2009, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 106 x 53.3 x 12 mm (4.17 x 2.10 x 0.47 in) | 104 x 53 x 11.9 mm (4.09 x 2.09 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 104.9 g (3.67 oz) | 93.5 g (3.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~155 ppi density) | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~155 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.0 inches, 25.6 cm2 (~45.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.0 inches, 25.6 cm2 (~46.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors | TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors |
| | - | Handwriting recognition |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 50MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries | Yes, Photo Contact |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 320p | 320p@15fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | A-GPS only | No |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML |
| Games | Yes | Yes + downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS, MMS, Email |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | SNS integration
MP3/WAV/eAAC+
MP4/H.264 player
Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | MP3/WMA/AAC player
H.264/MP4 player
Organizer
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Shazam Find Music service |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 240 h | Up to 800 h |
| Talk time | Up to 3 h | Up to 10 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Pink |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.91 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.53 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -88.0dB / Crosstalk -82.3dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 77dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 82dB |
LG GT550 Encore
- Potential rarity as a lesser-known early Android device
- May appeal to dedicated collectors
- Simple operating system (assuming a basic Android build)
- Completely undocumented specifications
- No camera functionality
- Likely limited features and performance
Samsung S5230 Star
- Documented camera functionality
- More widely recognized model
- Basic smartphone features for its time
- Low-resolution camera
- Resistive touchscreen
- Limited processing power and RAM
Display Comparison
Given the lack of detailed specifications for the LG GT550 Encore, a direct display comparison is impossible. The Samsung S5230 Star likely featured a resistive touchscreen, common for the period, offering a less responsive experience than the capacitive touchscreens emerging on higher-end devices. Both displays would have been limited in resolution and color accuracy compared to modern standards, prioritizing battery life over visual fidelity. Bezels were substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within the constraints of the time.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung S5230 Star is the clear winner in this category, as it is documented to have a camera, capable of taking photos. The LG GT550 Encore has no camera specifications listed. While the S5230's camera would have been low-resolution and lacked features like autofocus or image stabilization, its presence provides a functional advantage over the LG Encore's complete absence of imaging capabilities. Image quality would have been heavily dependent on lighting conditions.
Performance
The LG GT550 Encore's processor and RAM remain unknown, making performance analysis speculative. The Samsung S5230 Star, while not a powerhouse, likely utilized a single-core processor and a modest amount of RAM (likely under 128MB) sufficient for basic tasks like calling, texting, and running simple applications. Neither device would be capable of handling modern multitasking or demanding applications. Thermal management was not a significant concern due to the low-power components.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is unknown. However, given their limited functionality and low-power components, both the LG GT550 Encore and Samsung S5230 Star likely offered reasonable battery life for their time – potentially a full day of moderate use. Charging times would have been significantly longer than modern smartphones, likely requiring several hours to fully charge via their respective proprietary connectors.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG GT550 Encore if you are a dedicated collector specifically seeking a rare and obscure early Android device, and are willing to accept a complete lack of documented features. Buy the Samsung S5230 Star if you prefer a device with a confirmed, albeit basic, camera and a slightly more established presence in the early smartphone market. Both are best suited for enthusiasts interested in mobile phone history.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung S5230 Star capable of running modern apps?
No. The Samsung S5230 Star runs an outdated operating system and has insufficient processing power and RAM to run modern Android applications. It is limited to the applications available at the time of its release.
❓ What kind of SIM card does the LG GT550 Encore use?
Due to the lack of available specifications, the SIM card type for the LG GT550 Encore is unknown. However, given its release date, it likely uses a standard SIM card.
❓ Can I find replacement batteries for either of these phones?
Finding replacement batteries for either the LG GT550 Encore or Samsung S5230 Star will be challenging. They are older models, and battery availability is limited. Third-party options may exist, but quality and compatibility cannot be guaranteed.
