The Philips S396 and Samsung Galaxy Pocket S5300 represent vastly different eras of mobile technology. The Pocket, released in 2012, embodies the final stages of feature phone transition, while the S396, arriving around 2015, signifies the rise of affordable smartphones with 3G connectivity. This comparison isn't about head-to-head competition, but understanding the dramatic shift in capabilities within a short timeframe.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Philips S396 is the clear winner. While both offer a similar 34-hour endurance rating, the S396’s Mediatek MT6735P processor delivers a significantly more responsive and versatile experience, enabling modern app usage that the Galaxy Pocket simply cannot handle.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, June. Released 2015, June | 2012, February. Released 2012, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141.9 x 73 x 9.7 mm (5.59 x 2.87 x 0.38 in) | 103.7 x 57.5 x 12 mm (4.08 x 2.26 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 151 g (5.33 oz) | 97 g (3.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~40.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | 832 MHz ARM 11 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6735P (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | - |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 3GB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 320p@15fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 800 h (2G) / Up to 500 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 17 h (2G) / Up to 5 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, removable | Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | GT-S5300 |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.38 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -87.6dB / Crosstalk -85.6dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 34h |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 753:1 (nominal) / 1.180:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 67dB |
Philips S396
- Significantly faster processor for modern apps
- Supports 3G data connectivity
- Likely larger and higher-resolution display
- May have limited storage space
- Camera quality likely still basic
Samsung Galaxy Pocket S5300
- Extremely long standby time
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Durable and reliable for basic tasks
- Extremely slow processor
- Limited app compatibility
- Poor web browsing experience
Display Comparison
Both devices share a contrast ratio of 753:1 (nominal) and 1.180:1 (sunlight), suggesting similar display quality in terms of visibility. However, the S396 likely benefits from a larger screen size and higher resolution, typical for smartphones of its era. The Pocket’s display, while adequate for its time, is limited by its smaller size and lower pixel density, making it less suitable for media consumption or detailed text reading. The shared contrast ratio indicates both utilize similar LCD technology, but the S396’s panel is likely more modern.
Camera Comparison
Context data doesn't provide camera specifications beyond the existence of cameras on both devices. Given the Pocket’s age, its camera is likely a very low-resolution sensor with limited functionality. The S396, while still an entry-level smartphone, likely features a more capable camera sensor, potentially with autofocus and basic image processing features. However, expecting high-quality photos from either device is unrealistic.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Samsung Galaxy Pocket’s 832 MHz ARM 11 processor is a relic of the past, designed for basic tasks. In contrast, the Philips S396’s Mediatek MT6735P, a quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53, represents a substantial architectural leap. The Cortex-A53 is far more efficient and capable, enabling multitasking, smoother app transitions, and support for more complex applications. The MT6735P’s 28nm manufacturing process also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the ARM 11. This translates to a vastly superior user experience on the S396.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 34 hours, indicating similar battery life under comparable usage scenarios. However, the S396’s more efficient processor and potentially larger battery capacity (spec not provided, but likely) allow it to achieve this endurance while supporting more demanding tasks. The Pocket’s endurance is achieved through limited functionality and a simpler operating system. The S396 likely supports faster charging, though specific wattage is unknown, while the Pocket likely relies on slower, older charging standards.
Buying Guide
Buy the Philips S396 if you need a device capable of running modern apps, browsing the web with reasonable speed, and utilizing basic 3G data connectivity. It’s a functional smartphone for essential tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Pocket S5300 if you prioritize extreme simplicity, long standby time, and only require basic calling and texting functionality – essentially a digital feature phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy Pocket S5300 run WhatsApp?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Pocket S5300’s operating system (likely Gingerbread) is too outdated to support modern versions of WhatsApp. The app requires a more recent Android version and a more powerful processor.
❓ Can the Philips S396 handle basic social media apps like Facebook?
Yes, the Philips S396’s Mediatek MT6735P processor and likely Android KitKat operating system are capable of running basic social media apps like Facebook, although performance may be slow and limited.
❓ Is the battery on the Samsung Galaxy Pocket S5300 still good after 12+ years?
Highly unlikely. Lithium-ion batteries degrade significantly over time. While the Pocket may still power on, its battery capacity will be substantially reduced, resulting in much shorter usage times.
❓ What kind of internet speeds can I expect on the Philips S396?
The Philips S396 supports 3G connectivity, offering speeds significantly faster than the Pocket’s lack of data capabilities. However, 3G is now considered a slow connection by modern standards, suitable for basic browsing and messaging.
