The Nokia Asha 500 and Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus represent distinct approaches to the entry-level smartphone market. The Asha 500, likely a Series 40 feature phone, targets users prioritizing simplicity and battery life, while the Galaxy Star 2 Plus, running Android, aims to deliver a basic smartphone experience. This comparison dissects their differences, assuming the Asha 500 is a feature phone given the lack of detailed specs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing basic connectivity and extended battery life, the Nokia Asha 500 is a viable option. However, the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus, with its 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, provides a more versatile smartphone experience, making it the better choice for most users seeking app functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| EDGE | Up to 236.8 kbps | Yes |
| GPRS | Up to 42.8 kbps | Yes |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, October. Released 2013, December | 2014, July. Released 2014, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 100.3 x 58.1 x 12.8 mm, 70.9 cc (3.95 x 2.29 x 0.50 in) | 129.7 x 65.9 x 9.4 mm (5.11 x 2.59 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 101 g (3.56 oz) | 129 g (4.55 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~41.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~61.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| OS | Nokia Asha software platform 1.1.1, upgradable to 1.4 | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 320p@13fps | 320p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | SNS apps
MP4/H.263 player
MP3/WAV/AAC player
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 46 h | Up to 32 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 840 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h | Up to 17 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable (BL-4U) | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Bright Red, Bright Green, Cyan, Yellow, White and Black | Black, White |
| Models | - | SM-G350E, SM-G350 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.47 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.28 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) | 0.48 W/kg (head) 0.49 W/kg (body) |
Nokia Asha 500
- Exceptional battery life (likely)
- Simple and intuitive user interface
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Limited functionality
- No access to Android apps
- Low-resolution display (likely)
Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus
- Access to Android apps
- Mobile data connectivity
- Capacitive touchscreen for better usability
- Shorter battery life
- Limited processing power
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Given the Asha 500's likely feature phone status, its display is expected to be a low-resolution resistive touchscreen, prioritizing durability over visual fidelity. The Galaxy Star 2 Plus, while also entry-level, likely features a capacitive touchscreen, offering better responsiveness and viewing angles. The absence of detailed display specs for the Asha 500 makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Star 2 Plus will offer a superior interactive experience.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera details for the Asha 500, it's reasonable to assume a very basic camera focused on simple snapshots. The Galaxy Star 2 Plus likely features a low-resolution camera, but its Android operating system allows for basic image editing and sharing. The difference isn't about image quality, but about the ecosystem surrounding the camera – the Asha 500 is likely a point-and-shoot experience, while the Star 2 Plus offers some degree of post-processing and sharing options.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus's 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor represents a significant advantage over the Asha 500, which likely relies on a much less powerful chipset designed for basic feature phone functions. The Cortex-A7, while an older architecture, allows for running Android apps, albeit with limitations. The Asha 500 will be limited to pre-installed applications and basic tasks. The Star 2 Plus's processor enables web browsing, social media, and light app usage, making it a more functional device.
Battery Life
The Nokia Asha 500, being a likely feature phone, will almost certainly offer significantly longer battery life than the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus. The Android operating system and 1.2 GHz processor of the Star 2 Plus will consume more power. However, the Star 2 Plus's battery life is still adequate for a day of moderate use, while the Asha 500 could potentially last for several days on a single charge. This is a key trade-off: longevity versus functionality.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia Asha 500 if you need a durable, long-lasting device primarily for calls and texts, and prefer a simplified user interface. It's ideal for those upgrading from a traditional feature phone and wanting minimal complexity. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus if you prefer access to Android apps, even basic ones, and require features like mobile data for browsing and social media, accepting a trade-off in potential battery longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Galaxy Star 2 Plus, running Android, can run lightweight versions of Facebook and WhatsApp. However, performance may be sluggish, and multitasking with these apps may be limited due to the 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor and limited RAM.
❓ How durable is the Nokia Asha 500 compared to modern smartphones?
Nokia Asha series phones are known for their robust build quality. The Asha 500 is likely more resistant to drops and scratches than most modern smartphones with glass backs, though it lacks the water resistance found in higher-end devices.
❓ Can I expand the storage on the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus with a microSD card?
Most likely, yes. Samsung's entry-level smartphones typically include a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps. Check the product specifications to confirm the maximum supported microSD card capacity.
