The Orange San Francisco and Barcelona represent different ends of the information spectrum. The San Francisco, powered by the Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1, has documented specifications. The Barcelona, however, lacks publicly available details, forcing us to analyze it based on market positioning and brand history. This comparison aims to determine which device offers the best value, given the available data.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit basic, smartphone experience, the Orange San Francisco is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon S1 chipset provides a known level of performance, while the Barcelona remains a mystery. The San Francisco is ideal for those needing a reliable, if slow, device for calls, texts, and light web browsing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, Q2. Released 2011, Q2 | 2011, Q2. Released 2011, Q2 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 116 x 56.5 x 11.8 mm (4.57 x 2.22 x 0.46 in) | 115 x 63 x 9.9 mm (4.53 x 2.48 x 0.39 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 130 g (4.59 oz) | 115 g (4.06 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 34.9 cm2 (~53.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~28.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 600 MHz ARM 11 | - |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 | - |
| GPU | Adreno 200 | - |
| OS | Android 2.1 (Eclair), upgradable to 2.2 (Froyo) | Android 2.2 (Froyo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 512MB RAM, 512MB | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 216 h | Up to 288 h |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h | Up to 7 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1250 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion battery |
Orange San Francisco
- Known performance thanks to Snapdragon S1
- Likely more reliable due to documented specs
- Potentially lower price due to age
- Outdated chipset with limited performance
- Likely low-resolution display
- Limited camera capabilities
Orange Barcelona
- Potentially newer design
- Possible modern features (speculative)
- May be available at a similar price point
- Unknown performance and specifications
- Risk of incompatibility with modern apps
- Potential for poor build quality
Display Comparison
The Orange San Francisco's display specifications are unavailable, but given its market segment, it likely features a resistive touchscreen with a low resolution. The Orange Barcelona, lacking any published specs, could potentially have a more modern capacitive touchscreen, but this is purely speculative. The San Francisco's age suggests a lower peak brightness and narrower viewing angles compared to any modern display, even a budget one. Color accuracy is also expected to be significantly lower on the San Francisco.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for both devices are scarce. The San Francisco likely features a low-resolution camera, suitable for basic snapshots in good lighting conditions. The Barcelona's camera is a complete unknown. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, it's impossible to assess its capabilities. It's reasonable to assume both devices lack features like optical image stabilization (OIS) or advanced image processing algorithms.
Performance
The Orange San Francisco is powered by the Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1, featuring a 600 MHz ARM 11 CPU. This chipset is significantly outdated, offering limited multitasking capabilities and slow app loading times. The Orange Barcelona's performance is entirely unknown. However, given the San Francisco's age, it's unlikely the Barcelona offers a substantial performance leap without documented specifications. The Snapdragon S1's architecture is based on older process nodes, resulting in lower efficiency and potential thermal throttling during sustained use, even with basic tasks. The Barcelona, lacking any information, could be running on even older hardware.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is unknown. However, given the San Francisco's age and the Snapdragon S1's relatively low power consumption, it likely offers a reasonable battery life for basic usage. The Barcelona's battery life is entirely speculative. Charging times are also unknown for both devices, but are likely to be slow given the age of the San Francisco and the potential for limited charging technology in the Barcelona.
Buying Guide
Buy the Orange San Francisco if you need a predictably functioning smartphone with a known chipset for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light app usage. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Orange Barcelona if you prioritize a potentially newer design or features, but are willing to accept the risk of unknown performance and compatibility issues. It's best suited for users who are comfortable with a degree of uncertainty and potentially limited functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Orange San Francisco compatible with modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While the Snapdragon S1 can technically run older versions of Android, compatibility with modern apps is questionable. Many apps now require newer Android versions and more powerful processors. You may be able to find older APK versions of some apps, but functionality is not guaranteed.
❓ What kind of network connectivity does the Orange San Francisco support? (2G, 3G, 4G?)
The Qualcomm MSM7227 Snapdragon S1 primarily supports 2G and 3G networks. 4G support is highly unlikely. This means slower data speeds and potential limitations in areas with only 4G coverage.
❓ If I buy the Orange Barcelona, how can I find out its specifications?
Finding specifications for the Orange Barcelona will be challenging. You could try searching online forums, contacting Orange customer support (though they may not have information on older models), or looking for user reviews that might mention key features. However, there's no guarantee you'll find comprehensive details.
